Mission Bay Selected as State Innovation Hub – Mission Bay won designation as an official California Innovation Hub (iHub) Monday by the State Business Transportation and Housing Agency. Chamber partner, the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) worked in collaboration with the Mayor's office to designate the site as an iHub, which will provide incubator space for early-state biotech companies, business assistance and networking supporting the growth and success of the biotech industry in South San Francisco. “This designation is another major step in San Francisco's ability to remain a world leader in biotechnology,” said SFCED executive director Dennis Conaghan. Contact, Dennis Conaghan at dconaghan@sfced.org. 415.839.8819.
Supervisor Campos Discusses Need for Muni Audit – Supervisor David Campos dialogued with Chamber members on jobs, Muni and more Wednesday at SUPES for Lunch. Held just one day after Muni operators rejected labor concessions to help prevent service cuts and fare increases, the session discussion centered on the challenges with the city's labor agreements with Muni, fire, police and other departments. “We need holistic reform of the entire Muni system,” said Supervisor Campos, who recently requested a performance audit on the efficiency, effectiveness and management of Muni. Like a business, he said, “Muni needs to be accountable to ridership” and “make the most prudent and efficient use of the very limited resources we have.” Contact, Patricia Aleman at paleman@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8841.
Voice Your Support for Economic Stimulus Proposals – The city's Budget and Finance Committee will hear Mayor Gavin Newsom's economic stimulus measures to promote jobs and business growth next Wed., Feb. 24 at 11:00 a.m. at City Hall. The Chamber-supported measures will waive the payroll tax on all new hires for two years and give a $2,000 annual tax credit to small businesses that are required by law to provide health coverage for their employees. Members are encouraged to attend the hearing or contact Supervisors Avalos, Mirkarimi and Elsbernd to voice your support for the measures. Contact Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8844.
Fortune Ranks Chamber Members among ‘100 Best Companies to Work For' List – Fourteen Chamber members have been ranked among the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” by Fortune Magazine. The Chamber congratulates member companies including: Google, Genentech, Adobe Systems, Salesforce.com, Microsoft, Paychex, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, American Express, Marriott International, Accenture, KPMG, FedEx, Starbucks Coffee and Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. Read more 
Chamber Thanks Shop SF. Get More Participants – The Chamber thanks Hotel Whitcomb, City CarShare, Beach Blanket Babylon and more than a dozen member companies who participated in the Shop SF. Get More campaign over the holiday season. “Designed to encourage Bay Area residents to shop, dine, play and stay in San Francisco during the holiday shopping season, Shop SF. Get More was a welcome stimulus for many businesses,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. Participating companies are encouraged to complete a brief survey helping to shape this year's program. Click here to take the survey.
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Save on Search Engine Optimization |
The Chamber has partnered with WSpider to help members save money on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for their Web sites. WSpider the most cost effective and comprehensive SEO services on the web, with no upfront fees or long-term contracts and easy to read monthly tracking reports. Monthly packages for Chamber members start as low as $79.99 per month. Contact 888.704.4447. Read more and sign up today. 
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Become an Expert Speaker for the Small Business Administration |
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting topic ideas and outlines for their ongoing training programs. SBA presenters are community experts who volunteer their time. Interested speakers should contact Gary Marshall at gary.marshall@sba.gov.
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