MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO - SUMMER 2011

Rick Wells, CEO

Our Community-minded Board Chairs:

Bertolli Steps in as Phillips Runs for Mayor

I would like to start this column by extending our sincere thanks to Gary Phillips. At our June meeting of the Board of Directors, Gary stepped down as Chairman of the Board in order to focus on his upcoming campaign for Mayor of San Rafael. During Gary's six months as Chairman of the Board, the Chamber had several significant accomplishments toward our mission of increased economic vitality for San Rafael. During this time, your organization welcomed nearly 100 new Chamber members, hosted a sell-out networking event at the State of the City Dinner, promoted our community and strengthened our economy by providing nearly 2,000 direct and indirect business referrals, represented the interests of business to government by supporting the retention and creation of new jobs in San Rafael, and initiated the process of the Chamber office applying for Green Business Certification through the County of Marin. Thank you, Gary.

As Gary steps down, we extend a warm welcome to Laura Bertolli who has stepped in as Board Chair. See press release. Laura is a dynamic and capable community leader. She serves as the corporate president of Bertolli's Auto Body and manages the family business located in San Rafael.  She's been active in the chamber since 1998,  was named to the board in 2000 and served on it through 2006. When her term was complete, she served on several other committees before being reappointed to the board in 2009 when she became Board Secretary and has held that position since. Bertolli's Auto Body Repair, Inc. has been a Chamber member since 1996. Congratulations, Laura.

Finally, we would also like to officially welcome the San Rafael Downtown Business Improvement District to the Chamber office. The BID office recently relocated to inside the Chamber offices at 817 Mission Avenue. We welcome this stronger cooperative partnership with the BID, Board President Stan Gibbs (Art Works Downtown) and Director Joanne Webster. Welcome!

One final note. Please check your inbox for a membership survey from the Chamber that was emailed on July 12. If you've already completed the survey, THANK YOU! If not, please take about 10 minutes to help your chamber become a better organization. We greatly appreciate your feedback.

Wishing you a safe and fun summer!

Rick Wells

 

 

WINTER 2010/2011 MESSAGE

Don't Risk a Fine - Cooperation Equals Success - Chamber Supports Target Store - Welcome New Officers

Don't Risk a Fine - Pre-Order your Mandatory 2011 Federal and State Labor Posters Today

Federal and State Law requires all employers to display 2011 Federal and State Labor Law Employment Notices in a conspicuous location. Potential fines for not posting these notices are over $8,000. You can pre-order your poster (English or Spanish) for $25 (a substantial discount for Chamber members) from the Chamber office at (415) 454-4163 x102 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Other products for sale from the chamber can be seen here.

Chamber Supports Addition of Target Store to San Rafael

The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on October 29 at a special meeting to support the proposed development of the Target store in San Rafael on Shoreline Parkway. The Chamber's mission is to support overall economic vitality for San Rafael. This project will contribute to the overall economic health of the area, provide jobs for local workers, options for consumers, and generate significant tax revenue for San Rafael. The proposal is scheduled to be heard by the San Rafael Planning Commission on November 9. Read more.

Planning Conference Welcomes New Chamber Officers
Welcome to the Chamber leadership team for 2011:

• Board Chairman - Gary Phillips from DZH Phillips, LLC
• Chair Elect - Lorraine Gauthier from Nelson Staffing
• Past Chairman - Michael Kadel from Bank of Marin
• Secretary - Laura Bertolli from Bertolli's Auto Body Repair Inc.
• Treasurer - Richard Kalish from Kalish, Nexon & Birnbaum LLP

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber!

Rick Wells
President and CEO
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - September 2010

Are you ready to Rock n’ Roll? Tomorrow’s 2010 Business Showcase promises to be the best thing since poodle skirts and leather jackets. Show up at the Embassy Suites San Rafael between 3:30 and 7:30 with a business card or $5 to enter. You’ll experience some of San Rafael best businesses in a fun setting. You can check out the brief video here.

Remember to bring a few dollars for the extensive prize raffle that includes an IPAD and many other great prizes. See you there!

Past Chairs Link the Present to the Past

On August 25, 19 past board chairs from the San Rafael Chamber gathered at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael. The chairs shared the trials, tribulations and triumphs experienced during their terms. Special guest Elissa Giambastiani was presented with a gift for her long-standing connection to the organization. Special thanks to Brigitte Moran (Marin Agricultural Institute), Trevor Henley (Henley Photography), Richard Berkvam (Berkvam Productions) and Pat Sorber (Embassy Suites) for making the event a success. View photos of the event. 

Spirit of Marin Will Honor Chamber Members

The 17th Annual Spirit of Marin Awards Luncheon is rapidly approaching. The event will take place on Friday, September 24, at St. Vincent’s School for Boys, beginning at 11:30 a.m. For more information about the event, please click here. This year Melissa Prandi from Prandi Property Management and Patty Garbarino from Marin Sanitary Service are being honored by the San Rafael Chamber. In addition, our very own Past Board Chair Will Rigney from AT&T is being honored by the Hispanic Chamber of Marin.

New Office Hours Start in September

Due to staff restructuring, beginning September 1, 2010 the Chamber office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-Th and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every first and third Friday. The office will be open by appointment only on the second and fourth Fridays. Please feel free to stop in and visit with us if you’re in the neighborhood during business hours!

Membership Benefits Continue to Expand

Over the past several months the chamber has expanded its offerings of membership benefits. New benefits include discounts on office products at Office Depot, reduced rates on business health programs from the BEN-E-LECT, discounts on products at Chamber events and promotional opportunities, inclusion in our all-new printed Business Directory and an all-new online headquarters with new connections to social media.

As we close out the summer and head into the fall we again thank you for your continued support of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.

Rick Wells
President and CEO
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT - SUMMER 2010

The San Rafael Chamber is here to help your business 24/7. Our new online headquarters provides more benefit and value than ever before. Did you know you can now post your event to the comprehensive community calendar?