The Chamber wishes all our members a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. In observance of the holidays, the Chamber offices will be closed Thursday, December 24 at 1 pm – Friday, January 1. Our offices will reopen on Monday January 4. We thank all our members for their continued support in the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning January 7, the Chamber will re-launch the Monday Report as San Francisco Business This Week. Now delivered on Thursdays, our re-energized weekly e-newsletter will include timely updates on the actions of the Chamber, key upcoming events, and critical public policy developments impacting San Francisco business. As Monday Report subscribers, you will automatically receive San Francisco Business This Week. Please add the SF Chamber of Commerce to your safe sender list and share San Francisco Business This Week with your colleagues. For more information, contact Gwen Oldham at goldham@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8839

The Chamber Health Advantage Membership Plan (CHAMP) brings Chamber members – particularly medium to small businesses – trusted expertise, access to providers and individualized service helping to add savings to the bottom line. New in 2009, members receive discounted rates with added dental and vision offerings. CHAMP makes it easier for Chamber members to negotiate the often-bewildering health plan marketplace and find the best option for your business at the best price. Enrolled members have access to free, premium-only Section 125 plans, custom employee enrollment and education materials and an exclusive Web site. CHAMP plans include fully-insured PPO, HMO, high-deductible and self-funded medical, dental and vision plans offered by California’s major carriers. For more information, click here or call (415) 273-2212.

Wednesday, January 6
12 – 1:30 pm
Chamber Bay Room

The Small Business Issues Forum provides a monthly venue for small business owners to meet, share information and educate one another in an informal environment. The central focus of this program is on issues pertinent to operating, maintaining and growing a small business in San Francisco. This noon meeting is a brown bag lunch session held at the Chamber. Attendees must be Chamber members.

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Tuesday, January 12
4:30 – 7:30 pm
Moscone Center South (Howard Street)

The Chamber is proud to support the Volunteer Center in promoting The Board Match, a job-fair style event featuring over 100 Bay Area nonprofits, whose leadership will be on hand to talk to interested candidates about serving on their organization’s board of directors. The Volunteer Center will also host board service information sessions through January 19. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Volunteer Center at (415) 982-8999 or info@thevolunteercenter.net.

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Wednesday, January 13
3:30 – 5 pm
Chamber Boardroom

Current, new and prospective members are encouraged to attend this program to learn how to get involved and make the most of Chamber membership. Fruit provided by The FruitGuys.

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Monday, February 4
5–7 pm
Google Office, 4th Floor Lobby (345 Spear Street)

Join local business owners at Google’s San Francisco office to learn to use simple, yet effective online tools to accelerate your business and generate a greater return for less. Google Team Members and Product Specialists, who work with small and medium sized businesses, will be present to share their knowledge and expertise. A one hour presentation will be followed by a networking reception with light appetizers and cocktails provided by Google.

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The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Business Alliance is a structured leads-exchange program designed for networking, professional and personal development. Members of Business Alliance develop skills and tools to grow their businesses, dramatically expand their network of contacts and exchange leads, which turns into increased revenue. The 2010 Business Alliance has three groups that will meet twice a month on a five month basis with twenty-five members in each group. The cost is $150 per semester to participate. Interested in learning more? Contact Maya Lewis at mlewis@sfchamber.com or (415) 352-8840 or click here for more information.

Wednesdays
6:30-8:30 pm

A free service at the Chamber to provide ideas, advice, counsel and encouragement to those seeking a job or career change in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact Janet Beach at (415) 433-3565.

There will be no Job Forum on:
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009

From left: Maureen McEvoy, Chamber Sr. Account Executive; Steve Falk, Chamber President & CEO; Peter Goetze, GGBA Immediate Past President; and Tony Moraga, GGBA General Manager.

The Chamber was honored Tuesday with the Business Advocate of the Year Award presented by the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), the first LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrating 35 years of service this year. As the first business organization to file an amicus brief in the marriage equality case, the Chamber was praised for its advocacy efforts benefiting the city’s LGBT businesses, particularly small businesses. The Chamber has also partnered with the GGBA in an ongoing effort to unify all business in San Francisco and present a collective and powerful voice at City Hall. Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk accepted the Pride Business Award on behalf of the Chamber.

The Chamber Board of Directors heard from newly-appointed San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon Thursday during its December meeting. Chief Gascon shared his vision for the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and highlighted the need for improved data gathering citywide and finding solutions for escalating crime hot spots like Haight-Ashbury. Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk told the San Francisco Chronicle that the Chamber will work with Chief Gascon and other business associations to introduce “sit/lie”-type legislation in the year ahead. Contact, Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8810.

SF Weekly ran a cover story Wednesday calling San Francisco “The Worst-Run Big City in the U.S.” While sensational, the article describes the decline of the city from the 1980’s, when it won “Nation’s Best-Run City” awards, to one whose every decision is now wrapped in special interest politics. The 2010 June and November elections will give voters numerous chances to either make critically important changes to how our municipal government is managed or just continue in the persistent decline in the quality and value of city services. In the coming year, the Chamber will continue to advocate for policies and reforms to make the city more effective and accountable. Contact, Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or (415) 352-8810.

The Chamber testified in support of the Candlestick Point/Hunters Point Shipyard project Thursday at the Planning Commission. Estimated to create 10,730 permanent and 1,519 constructions jobs, the 702-acre project will provide $27 million in net revenue to the city each year. “The shipyard can again be the economic genesis of Bayview-Hunters Point,” Lennar Urban President, Kofi Bonner, told chamber members at a Public Policy Forum Wednesday. The Chamber-supported project is one of the nation’s largest ongoing development projects including: 11,641 housing units; 2.5 million square feet of office/R&D space; 885,000 square feet of retail and commercial space; and 336 acres of open space – all built to achieve among the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Read more. Contact, Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8810.

Tuesday, December 22
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (99 Grove Street)

The San Francisco Department of Public Health is seeking volunteers to help facilitate its upcoming mass vaccination clinic. Volunteers will serve in positions including clinic managers, greeters, vaccinators and in other roles. Volunteers are asked to serve in one of two shifts: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm; or 1:30 – 8:30 pm. Volunteers fluent in languages other than English and licensed healthcare providers are encouraged to participate. Must be 18 or older. Sign up and complete your application before December 15 at www.sfcdcp.org/volunteerflu.html.

Tuesday, January 12
12-1 pm
Chamber Boardroom

Join the Chamber for this informative session about the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury – a “watch dog” of the city’s fiscal management – what it means for your business and how you can get involved. The San Francisco Civil Grand Jury exercises investigative powers (including subpoena) and provides visibility and accountability to the actions of city government. Recently shedding light on the city’s pension crisis, risk management strategies and more, the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury reports are available online. Light lunch provided by Safeway.

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Tuesday, January 12
6 – 8 pm
Fort Mason Center

The Office of Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and local business and merchant associations are pleased to present the District 2 Neighborhood Merchants Summit. This event will bring merchants together with their Supervisor and other city officials to discuss local business issues.

The Neighborhood Merchants Summit is an excellent opportunity to meet elected and city officials, network with other merchants in District 2 and strengthen neighborhood business ties.

Support San Francisco small businesses by attending the Neighborhood Merchants Summit in District 2! There is no fee to attend. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Merchants not located in District 2 are welcome.

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Wednesday, January 20
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chamber Boardroom

Join in this conversation with District 3 Supervisor David Chiu. Elected in November 2008, Chiu was elected President of the Board of Supervisors in January 2009. He serves as Chair, Public Safety Committee; Member, Land Use & Economic Development Committee; and Member, Transportation Authority. Chiu is also a representative on the Committee on Information Technology (COIT), the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), and the Disaster Council. Participation if free, but registration is required. Soup is provided by San Francisco Soup Company.

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