Posts Tagged ‘Alameda chamber of commerce’
President’s Message
Housing is a big issue on our Island. It’s how we attract quality employees, retain young people who grew up here, and court new business. Without affordable housing options, business growth is difficult. There are many discussions going on around the issue. How do we set aside affordable housing options without changing the Island feel?…
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The first week of May is National Small Business Week where the nation celebrates the contributions of small businesses to our communities. Here in Alameda, we are fortunate to have many unique and passionate small business owners and operators. And we added to those numbers of small businesses even through the pandemic. This year’s Small…
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Yesterday, the big news was Elon Musk buying Twitter. If you haven’t heard, not only did he buy it for $44 billion, he’s taking it private (again). There seem to be a lot of questions around what this means for the platform and freedom of speech. But what could it mean for your business? If…
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Last week, we hosted our largest in-person event since COVID, and it was a resounding success. The Honorable Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft gave an invigorating State of the City, and a panel of City leaders answered questions about the future of our wonderful area. The event filled me with such excitement about the future. I…
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Beware of the Ideas of March! No, that isn’t a mistake. It is the Ides of March (3/15) but it’s also a time when we have to protect ourselves from ideas that aren’t going to work in your business. Often, at the end of the first quarter, businesses reevaluate what is working and what isn’t.…
Read MoreLetter from the President
When I introduce myself to non-members of the chamber, I realize how many misconceptions there are about what Chambers do. Some people think we are a government agency. Others assume we are a philanthropic social group like a Rotary or Elks Club. While we work with all levels of government to help ensure the voice…
Read MorePresident’s Message 1/25
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about today’s Chamber versus “our parents’” chamber. Chambers used to be something every new business owner or professional joined. It was a right of passage, a step to being viewed as an upstanding member of the community. Membership provided a vehicle to get support and give back. Somewhere along…
Read MorePresident’s Message: Shop Small, Do Something Big (11/22)
I love this time of the year, don’t you? Alameda is so beautiful. People are more friendly than ever. The stores and restaurants are enchanting. We’re supporting small business this holiday season. It has been a rough two years for them and we’re hoping you will show them some love this holiday season. Every week,…
Read MoreChamber President’s Message: Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
Wednesday is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day. (And no, we didn’t make this up!) There are a lot of benefits to membership in the Chamber and we hope you are making the most of them. However, this year may be the most important time for you to examine your benefits and understand the…
Read MoreFree (or nearly so) Training for Your Employees
Brownie Wise (the saleswoman behind the success of Tupperware) said, “If you want to build a business, build the people.” This is incredibly important but now more than ever. With the hiring shortage going on, you must do something to make your business stand out and helping potential employees understand they can have a career…
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