Don Knauss, the chairman and chief executive officer of Clorox who has overall responsibility for directing the company's worldwide business, will be our keynote speaker.

For Clorox, it all began on May 3, 1913, when five entrepreneurs invested $100 each to start a business in Oakland and fulfill their American dream in a bottle of bleach. Today, the company is a thriving, multi-national business with 8,400 talented employees; $5.5 billion in sales; tens of millions of dollars in grants, product donations and support to nonprofit organizations; and hundreds of products that are household staples throughout the world. While many things have changed over the years, some remain the same -Clorox's dedication to delivering enduring value, and a mission to make everyday life better, every day.

Clorox, a long-time Chamber member, has also been a substantial contributor to the economic vitality of Oakland. Their Foundation has been a leader in supporting Education and educational programs to enhance the quality of life in Oakland.

In addition to helping celebrate with Clorox, the Annual Meeting will celebrate achievements in the business community. This year nominations are open for the following awards:

• "Oakland on the Map" - Presented to individuals or organizations that have exemplified a commitment to Oakland through a personal action or with a project that creates jobs and expands the local economy.
• "Oakland Advocate" - Awarded to an individual who consistently and unselfishly contributes to the economy of Oakland.
• "Small Business Innovator" - Presented to a growing business that extends its influence to encourage others to invest in Oakland. Success breeds success!

Sponsorships can be secured by contacting me at (510) 874-4810. Reserve your tables now to support the work of the Chamber as we represent business to government, promote the business community, and bring quality networking events to our city.

For more information, visit our site or contact Ivette Torres at the Chamber at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at itorres@oaklandchamber.com.

Join us for 'Remember Them' dedication May 31 -
Not to be missed!

Formal dedication of Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument will be held on Friday May 31st at 3 PM.  

The dedication is the culmination of 12 years of effort by a dedicated group of volunteers and a committed list of donors. Over the years no one gave up hope that we would complete the project. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to have been part from the very beginning promoting the value of enhancing the quality of life in our city through art!

Formal Program

Seating will be reserved for major sponsors and available on a limited basis as open seating. An area will be identified for wheelchair access.

The program will open with music provided by a local school choir, presentation of the colors by the Oakland Fire Department, introduction of guests followed by an original poem reading by students of the Oakland School for the Arts.

Speakers confirmed at this time include executives from Kaiser Permanente. Ruby Bridges, humanitarian, will be joined by a choir from her namesake school. Mayor Quan and Governor Brown have been invited. Plans are also in the works to have additional choir music.

The program will include Mario Chiodo acknowledging each of the Humanitarians with a historical brief and announcing the Local Heroes and Heroines on section #4 with their family members present. He will explain how the wall of humanitarians will reveal the facial characteristics and personal quotes, bringing each representative on the Monument to life for the visually impaired.

He will share the relevance of the Fire Fighter reaching for the bronze replica of steel and the history of the steel received from the World Trade Center and now buried in the foundation of section #4. The Oakland Fire Department and Oakland Police Department will participate in the recognition of those on the Monument.

Please join us.

God Bless America!