Constructing Connections, funded by First 5 Solano and administered by the Children's Network of Solano County, has since Fall 2005 provided technical assistance to individuals interested in opening child care centers that has resulted in just over 400 new child care slots. Unfortunately, the lingering economic downturn has hit child care very hard, most likely negating this increase in slots. In an effort to shed light on this situation and to educate the business and local government communities on the importance of supporting child care, the Constructing Connections Collaborative is setting aside its December 16 meeting to focus on the current status of child care in Solano County and its importance to economic activity and recovery. Vallejo business people are encouraged to attend!

The meeting will take place on Friday, December 16 from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Solano Family & Children's Services Conference Room, 420-F Executive Court North in Fairfield. For additional information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Gerry Raycraft, Child Care Facilities Development Coordinator at either 707-421-7229x107 or facilities@childnet.org.

As the owner or manager of a Vallejo business in this current economy, you could probably use a really good public relations firm right about now to help drum up business.

But, who can afford such a thing in the middle of a recession?

Well ... you can, as a matter of fact, with the help of a new partnership between the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce and the owners of Vallejo based business, R&M Marketing.

For a limited time, your Chamber membership entitles you to a consultation with an R&M Marketing professional and a press release based on "What's special about your business?" - all for a fraction of what this same service would ordinarily cost.

R&M will even make sure the various available local and industry publications get a copy of your press release, and a follow-up phone call, to boot.

To take advantage of this limited-time offer, call the Chamber at (707) 644-5551.

You are cordially invited to attend a workshop on November 8th to learn how your business is affected by the new health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act. The workshop will consist of a short presentation followed by an opportunity to ask specific questions to an expert in the field of health care and small businesses.

When: Tuesday, November 8th, 2011, 8:00am

Where: Concord City Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr., Concord, CA

Seating is limited! Please RSVP by Friday, November 4th to ensure your spot at the workshop.

A link to the flyer can be viewed here.

For further information, please contact:

(925) 602-1880

Our friends at BB&B Printing are proud to announce their official 1st annual "Local Happenings Awards". Award winners will be an­nounced in their February - March 2012 edition.

Local Happenings Magazine staff recently narrowed the nominations to a handful of businesses and local community leaders in 12 separate cat­egories. They are asking you to vote for your favorites or add to their list by nominating your favorites in those categories.
 

There are only 3 rules:

1. The businesses you nominate must be located in Napa, Solano or

Contra Costa Counties.

2. The businesses must have been in business since prior to January

1, 2008 (since many new businesses don't survive after their first

three years in business, Local Happenings wants to focus on

companies which have "withstood the test of time."

3. You may cast a single vote each day...so vote early and often!!

 You may cast your vote:

1. On line at: www.LocalHappeningsMagazine.com

2. Via E-mail to: info@LocalHappeningsMagazine.com

3. Via fax, by calling: 707-557-3166

4. Or through regular mail to:

Local Happenings Magazine,

207 Wallace Ave., Vallejo, CA 94590

If you fax, e-mail or mail your votes please include your name, address and e-mail address on your entry. Local Happening will post an official entry form on their web site but if you could download that you could also just vote online - so there is no "official" ballot for votes or nomi­nations.

Please include "Local Happenings Awards" in the subject line of e-mails and at the top of faxes or letters.

Remember, you can cast a single vote every day...so vote early and vote often!!

Click here for the flyer!

The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce is looking for members to host our Networking @ 5:30 events in 2012. If you are interested in being a host, here is your chance. Networking @ 5:30 is a great opportunity to showcase your place of business and to offer current and prospective members a fun evening meeting & mingling with Chamber members & community leaders.

Networking Prospective Host Letter

Networking Guidelines & Application

For further information, please contact:

Constance Howard (707) 644-5551

connie@vallejochamber.com