May 2016 E-Brief 
Chamber Leadership Institute Project 'Cleans Up' Myths About Homelessness



On April 29, the San Rafael Leadership Institute class project provided the opportunity for the business community to connect with homeless job seekers in hopes of creating meaningful employment experiences - all while cleaning up the streets of East San Rafael.

With 1,309 homeless individuals in Marin County, the San Rafael Chamber understands the societal importance of homelessness on the landscape of our community. It is the number one concern of San Rafael residents and a growing concern for business owners in San Rafael.

Chamber Board Chair and Leadership Institute participant Bob Herbst noted, "We can't tolerate bad behavior that negatively impacts our homes and businesses. But, for those individuals who seek help, like the Downtown Streets Team members, our Chamber businesses stand ready to help them find permanent jobs so that they may become housed again."

Message from President & CEO
Joanne Webster
Celebrating Small Business Week
For nearly 25 years, my husband and I owned a small business in downtown San Rafael. It was the business with which we raised our two daughters and through which we learned the rewarding lessons that only serving your community can bring. Now, in honor of Small Business Week, I am writing to reflect on how small businesses are an intricate part of building community, and how the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent over 600 businesses with 26,000 employees.

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Chamber News
endorseChamber Announces Supervisor Endorsements

The Chamber Board has endorsed the following candidates whom they feel are most supportive of the concerns and needs of the business community in Marin County:

District 2: Katie Rice
District 3: Kate Sears
District 4: Dominic Grossi

Click here to learn more and to find out how you can support these candidates' campaigns.


Chamber Endorses College of Marin Bond Measure B

The Chamber has a strong and long policy of supporting programs and legislation to improve educational services, modernization of educational facilities and programs that create a qualified and capable workforce. The Chamber leadership believes that the bond measure is needed to upgrade the facilities in order to meet the growing demands of 21st century job training in technology, computers and engineering so that our local workforce is properly trained and career ready.

Read Chamber letter of support
Learn how to support Measure B


Chamber Endorses San Rafael Public Library Parcel Tax Measure D 
 
This year's ballot measure will continue the financial support the Library needs to deliver high quality services and programs. This support is needed now more than ever as the Library meets the challenges of changing technologies and demographics in our richly diverse community.

Read Chamber letter of support 
Learn how to support Measure D
small

Small Business Week, May 1-7 

The City of San Rafael designated May 1-7 Small Business Week. The Chamber and several small business members were proud to accept a resolution expressing the City's appreciation for the important contributions of small business and small business advocacy to the San Rafael community.
Chamber Recognizes May Educator of the Month

Josh Cardenas is IT Director and 'Fab Lab' instructor at The Marin School. Josh and the six other 2015-2016 Excellence in Education honorees will be recognized at the Chamber's monthly mixer at the Smith Rafael Film Center on Wednesday, May 11. Thank you to Redwood Credit Union for sponsoring this event, and to Fusion Academy for donating the evening's food.

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Business Resources
breHelp the Chamber Collect Important Data to Improve Our Local Economy!

The Chamber is in our third year of conducting Business Retention and Expansion interviews, whose data helps us identify any obstacles or common themes for businesses operating in San Rafael.

To participate, please fill out this quick survey. We truly value your help with this important project.
City and County News
Downtown News
Promoting and Connecting our Community
Team won't wash uniforms to conserve water

New book published featuring chapters from Sonoma State University faculty members

Free Seminars Offered by Sutter Health
Solutions for Knee and Hip Pain on June 6, and Solutions for Shoulder Pain on June 15 
Chamber Members
New Members April 2016

4parts Design - Graphic Designers
The Copy Shop and Printing Co. - Printing, Copying  & Duplicating
Epple Service - Home Improvements
Ray Morgan Company, Kerri Schultze - Office Equipment, Supplies & Furniture
San Rafael Host Lions Club - Social Service Organizations/ Non- Profit
Member Milestones April 2016

34 Year Member
Law Office of David Hellman

21-30 Year Members
Drake Terrace
Keegan & Coppin
Law Offices of Woodford G. Rowland

11-20 Year Members
Putney Financial Group-RIA
Wine Merchant of Showplace Square

4-10 Year Members
Gainer Financial & Insurance Services, Inc.
McGuire and Sons Construction
San Rafael Santa Cop
Trope Group

1-3 Year Members
1050 Northgate Property Owner, LLC
Eden Housing
EO Products
Linda M Jackson AICP CTP
Max Muscle Marin
Miller Hauser Law Group
Shamrock Materials, Inc.
Taylor Maid Farms Organic Coffee
Yerba Buena Financial Partners, LLC

Thank you to 32Ten Studios for hosting our April mixer!







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May Leaders Circle Spotlight Members:

Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. More

 

Eckhoff and Company (EAC) has been offering consulting, tax, and accounting services in the Bay Area since 1955. More 



Construction on the Marin General Hospital campus is well underway and MGH 2.0 (our new hospital replacement project) is beginning to take shape! More 

 
Get to know the Chamber's new Office Manager, Kim Lofrano!




Business Savings

Member2Member Deal of the Month:
 
 
 
Comcast is offering Chamber members discounts on internet packages and voice services. Please contact Chamber staff member Evan Williams to learn more and sign up: ewilliams@srchamber.com


Office Depot Deal:

Click here to save up to 55% on technology, cleaning, breakroom and copy & print services! 

 

About Us
 
Chamber Staff
  
Main Office Number:
415-454-4163

Joanne Webster
President & CEO
x101 		Leonard Weingarten
Director for Business Development
x108 		Emily Maloney
Marketing & Program Manager
x104 
Evan Williams
Management Strategy Analyst
x107 		Kim Lofrano
Office Manager
x102 		 

 
Our Core Values
 
Strengthening the Local Economy

Promoting and Connecting the Community

Providing Quality Networking Opportunities

Representing Business to Government

San Rafael Chamber of Commerce | (415) 454-4163 | srchamber.com
817 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901

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