June 2024

A Word From our CEO

James Cooper
President/CEO
Pleasanton
Chamber of Commerce

When They Say, “Business-Friendly City” …

For the last 15 years, my work has focused on growing the economic impact of our local businesses. That is the essence of a Chamber of Commerce – to encourage and support commerce activities in our community. Therefore, it’s no surprise that I have some opinions about what constitutes a “business-friendly” city. We hear this term used all the time by public officials, who say these words in the hope those listening will believe them. But is it true?


First, let’s start with the term itself. When I think about a “business-friendly” city, I imagine a place that fosters a favorable environment for businesses to start, grow, and thrive. This town prioritizes policies, regulations, and infrastructure that supports economic development, job creation and investment. There is a positive entrepreneurial ecosystem that is characterized by attributes such as low taxes, regulatory efficiency, a skilled workforce, economic diversity, financial incentives, networking opportunities, a good quality of life, and a safe and secure environment.


A business-friendly city is intentional in its efforts to retain and grow businesses. It uses the tools at its disposal – policies, incentives, outreach – to attract and support businesses knowing these organizations will contribute to economic growth and community prosperity that enhances our quality of life. This town has a healthy and positive relationship with its business community, which encourages organizations from other locations to consider moving their business here.


It also has a healthy environment for the entrepreneurs who change the world for good, the risk-takers who are willing to fail many times while working toward success...


Continue reading A Word From our CEO here.

Checking in with our Chair

Shawn Henley

2024 Board Chair

Pleasanton

Chamber of Commerce

Email Shawn


One Huge Fan of "WorkAbility"


“Educate, Employ & Empower”-- that’s the motto! Think back to your teenage years and your very first job. Do you remember the feelings running through your body when you showed up for work on that first day? Excitement, nervousness, eagerness or maybe even a little self-doubt? We all had different past experiences in the workplace, but what we all have in common is that we had to start somewhere. Recall your first job and how an employer took a chance on you. How excited you felt and couldn’t wait to tell your family and friends. However, let’s not forget that we all needed that “someone” to give us an opportunity to work and prove ourselves. Now back to the present- wouldn’t it feel good if you could give a young person that opportunity?


Did you know that one in five young adults entering the workforce today will have some form of disability? In fact, I have a special needs sister who lives with me and my wife. She gets up every day at 7:00 a.m. to get herself ready for work. She only works 4 hours a day, but I know it is the most exciting part of her day. Her carpool picks her up every morning around 9:00 a.m. I realize how excited she is because she’s sitting by the front door every morning at 8:00 a.m. looking out the window for the van that won’t pick her up for another hour!


WorkAbility is an amazing program that helps 16- to 22-year-old’s with disabilities transition from high school special education and into the workplace. They provide the pre-employment skills-training, the placement, and the follow up for a successful transition. Their staff trains and teaches these students the necessary job skills to ensure success.


Continue reading Checking in with our Chair here.


Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce

Value Proposition Statement:

"We are the community that offers you visibility and resources to help you be successful and grow revenue!"

A Glimpse into the PYPs

David Wong

Board Chair

Pleasanton Young Professionals

Email David

The Pleasanton Young Professionals Continue to Host Networking Events & Development Workshops


We are having a great time with our monthly networking mixers and professional development workshops! This year, we are collaborating with the Assistance League of Amador Valley, a non-profit organization who does hands-on volunteerism serving children, teens, and seniors, as well as aiding in education for low-income students through books, clothing, school supplies, and tutoring services all throughout the Tri-Valley area, and much more. We will be accepting donations for books, school supplies, and backpacks throughout our events.


A couple weeks ago, we held a Social Media Marketing Workshop with Jennifer Warren of D-Kode Technology for one of our Professional Development series. This evening was a joint event with the Pleasanton Chamber, open to all ages, and we were offered a complimentary wine tasting, and we ended the night with a very informative presentation. A special thanks to Total Wine and More Pleasanton for their contributions for a successful event.


Mark your calendars! We will have our next networking mixers at McKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden on June 4th and July 11th from 5-7pm. Both events are free for chamber members!

June 5th and July 11th

5-7 pm

McKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden

Jennifer Warren of D-Kode Technology

Delta Water Conveyance

Understanding Costs, Benefits, Funding and Financing for the Delta Conveyance Project


The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Delta Conveyance Project will soon reach an important milestone with the release of an updated cost estimate and a benefit-cost analysis. The following FAQ covers common questions on how the project will be funded and how costs and benefits will be assessed.


FAQs on how the project will be funded

Zone 7 Response to Delta Water Conveyance

Zone 7 Water Agency Response to Delta Conveyance Project Release of State Benefit Cost Analysis


The Zone 7 Water Agency welcomes the news that the independent benefit cost analysis shows that the Delta Conveyance Project will bring substantial benefits to Zone 7 and California as a whole. The benefits include more reliable water supplies, increased seismic reliability and enhanced water quality.


Read Press Release here

California Chamber's Analysis of Delta Water Conveyance

Analysis Shows Delta Conveyance Project Benefits for Water Reliability, Economy Far Outweigh Cost


The state’s cost-benefit analysis of the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) shows the project is a net benefit for Californians.


In a recent report, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) estimates the DCP will provide $2.20 in benefits for every $1 spent. While the cost of the project is estimated at $20.1 billion “doing nothing” will cost California billions of dollars and jeopardizes the water source for millions of state residents and more than 750,000 acres of farmland, the report stated.


Read article here

Stanford Medicine Event

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Medicine & Health Care is Here


Join Stanford Medicine for a discussion on the transformative effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on medicine and health care, and to hear how we are using AI responsibly for the benefit of our Tri-Valley community and beyond.

 

Date and Time

June 25, 2024

9:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.


Location

Dublin Ranch Golf Course

5900 Signal Hill Drive

Dublin, CA 94568

For More Information and to Register

WorkAbility Program

Visit the WorkAbility Website

Empowering Futures: PUSD WorkAbility Program Connects High School Students with Local Businesses


The mission of WorkAbility is to provide high school students receiving special education services with instruction and experiences that lead to gainful employment, as well as facilitate a successful transition to post-secondary opportunities through counseling and guidance. This is a grant funded program, with grants from the California Department of Education and the Department of Rehabilitation.


We place high school students in jobs at local businesses, with a job coach, and during the school day. PUSD supplies the Workers' Comp insurance as well as pays the students' wages, which are reimbursed by one of our two grants. 


WorkAbility is:

  • An opportunity for high school students to bridge the gap between school and the adult working world
  • A concerted effort on the part of Pleasanton Unified School District to help students with special needs to become employable
  • Seeking employers in the business community who will give students with disabilities the chance to prove themselves


WorkAbility Provides for Students:

  • Job search assistance
  • Job application assistance
  • Resume writing techniques
  • Job interview coaching
  • Career interest assessments
  • Career exploration and preparation
  • Self-advocacy tips
  • Worksite coaching/supervision
  • Transition resources


WorkAbility Provides to Local Businesses:

  • Student workers that are excited and ready to work
  • Job coaches act as liaison between student workers and employers
  • Employee wages are paid by grants from the CDE and the DOR
  • Employers consistently report that their employees and customers love our WorkAbility students workers
  • Marketing that your business is supporting the PUSD WorkAbility Program


Project administered by the California Department of Education


Special thanks to the following partners for supporting the WorkAbility program!

Bay Club Pleasanton - Callippe Preserve Golf Course - City of Pleasanton - Gay Nineties Pizza - Grocery Outlet - JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts - Meadowlark Dairy - Pet Supplies Plus - Pleasanton Golf Center - Porky's Pizza Palace - Safeway - SideTrack Bar + Grill - Stoneridge Creek Senior Living - Sunflower Hill Garden - Walgreens


For more information, email Janeen Rubino-Brumm

WorkAbility Specialist, Special Education

Pleasanton Unified School District

Celebrating Longevity: Highlighting Chamber Members

In the world of business, long-term membership in a chamber of commerce signifies dedication, stability, and commitment to the community's economic growth. This article highlights a few of our members who have been part of our chamber for over sixty years, contributing to its success and exemplifying the values we uphold.


The Pleasanton Chamber takes immense pride in and is deeply thankful for our many longstanding, active members. We want to recognize these members and express our gratitude for their dedication to our community.

The Club at Castlewood


The Club at Castlewood's roots go back to the historic Hacienda del Pozo de Verona estate created by George and Phoebe Hearst, parents of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Phoebe Hearst's Hacienda, designed by Julia Morgan, was her home and oasis from 1891 until 1919. Hosting parties and gatherings for 300+ guests was commonplace at "the house of hospitality." The estate was purchased in 1924 by local businessmen, and the mansion served as the clubhouse for the original Castlewood Country Club. The name was selected because it reflected the wooded hills and castle-like appearance of Phoebe's home. The new club was immediately known for a superior private golf experience. They became The Club at Castlewood in 2020, to more accurately reflect a more relevant value proposition – an active, family-forward lifestyle characterized by quality experiences, engaging activities, and the modern amenities our members will enjoy. The Club at Castlewood has been a member since May 1961. www.castlewoodcc.org.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company


Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest utility companies in the United States. Based in Oakland, the company is part of PG&E Corporation. There are approximately 23,000 employees who carry out Pacific Gas and Electric Company's primary business—the transmission and delivery of energy. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California. Pacific Gas and Electric Company and other energy companies in the state are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. The CPUC was created by the state Legislature in 1911. PG&E has been a Pleasanton Chamber member since 1961. www.pge.com

Pleasanton Garbage Service


When Tony Macchiano and Bob Molinaro set up shop in 1969, they never dreamed that the small town of 12,000 would grow to over 83,000 in less than fifty years. They knew immediately, however, that this was the community in which they wanted to raise their kids and earn their living. In the beginning, you could see Tony on a tractor bulldozing garbage 7 days a week. Bob would be on a truck, hauling away the garbage. They would work on the trucks themselves before there was a shop. Their kids remember picnicking at the landfill, so they could have dinner with dad. Pleasanton Garbage Service has been through many challenges over the years. Tony and Bob knew they would run out of landfill space and that they needed to provide a place for residential garbage. In 1976, the transfer station was built. It was the first one in Alameda County. In 1984, an automated collection service was introduced to decrease job-related injuries as well as the time needed to serve the ever-growing population. 1991 saw the implementation of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Pleasanton Garbage Service is committed to growing with the community. PGS is still a locally owned and operated business that considers the community part of our expanding family. The issues and concerns that affect you, affect us. Pleasanton Garbage Service, Inc has been a long-standing member of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and has received the Community Development Award. PGS has been a Chamber member since 1961. https://pleasantongarbageservice.com

Is Your Business at Risk?

CBT Helps Reduce Cybersecurity Risk


Computer security, cybersecurity, digital security, or information technology security (IT security) is the protection of computer systems and networks from attacks by malicious actors that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft of, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.


As a small business, safeguarding your digital assets is paramount. California Business Technology® Inc. (CBT) recommends the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as a valuable source of information to help you stay informed and vigilant against evolving threats. Their expertise and guidance are invaluable in understanding and mitigating risks. Implement robust security measures such as encryption, regular software updates, and employee training on recognizing phishing attempts. Utilize CISA's insights to conduct thorough risk assessments and develop comprehensive incident response plans. By integrating CISA's recommendations into your cybersecurity strategy, you can proactively protect your business from cyber attacks and ensure continuity in operations. CBT can help guide organizations through this seemingly abstract technology.



Welcome to the Chamber's New Members
Studies show consumers prefer to do business with chamber members by a margin of 2-to-1 over non-members. We recommend that you look to chamber members for your business and consumer needs. You can access our online member directory here. Congratulations to the following new members that have recently joined the chamber.

Accurate Firestop, Inc.


AireServ of Pleasanton - HVAC


Bay Area Fencing Club


Buzura Aizezi - JPAR Iron Horse Real Estate


City National Bank


Cowbell Cyber


Elia


"emby"


Gameday Men's Health Pleasanton


Mantra India


PBX Pizza


P.F. Chang's China Bistro


Right at Home


RoofLine Builders Inc.


The Olive Market


Uncle Yu's at Pleasanton


Yanamy Photography by Yana Mostitsky


Yasmeen Shihabi, J.D.-Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty


ZenBusiness

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Ribbon cuttings increase the visibility of a grand opening, new location, ground breaking or special anniversary. The chamber brings the giant scissors and the red ribbon, invites our ambassadors and publicizes the event in various publications. To schedule a ribbon cutting, email Dawn.

The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the following businesses on their recent ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Koffee Time Cafe & Bakery

We celebrated the grand opening of Koffee Time Bakery and Cafe, where we were introduced a tantalizing array of Mexican coffees alongside standard coffee favorites. But that's not all – their menu boasts breakfast sandwiches and pastries, lunchtime favorites like sandwiches and salads, and specialty items like decadent burrata toast and creamy avocado toast. Come experience the perfect blend of flavors and ambiance at Koffee Time Bakery and Cafe – where every moment is a sip of perfection! At the time of printing the hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 8am – 3pm. Extended hours are expected soon. 618 Main Street, Ste. A, Pleasanton • (925) 980-3522.

Sunol Creek Memory Care

Since its inception in 2014, Sunol Creek Memory Care has been committed to enhancing the quality of life for seniors facing Alzheimer’s and dementia-related challenges. Located in the heart of Pleasanton, CA, this standalone memory care community continues to be one of the most sought after and trusted resources for families seeking compassionate and personalized care for their loved ones. Innovative holistic lifestyle programs and comprehensive care that invigorate residents with individualized purpose and joy to awaken their souls is what makes this community incredibly special and the community’s preferred choice for the past decade.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Congratulations to TownePlace Suites upon their grand opening. TownePlace offers suites with full kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and more. Whether you're staying with us for the night, weekend, month or longer, TownePlace Suites by Marriott is designed to provide everything you need to live life uninterrupted.

AireServ of Pleasanton - HVAC

Congratulations to AireServ of Pleasanton upon their grand opening. Your Pleasanton Air Conditioning & Heating Experts. Look no further than Aire Serv® when you need high-quality heating and air conditioning services. We have been providing top-tier HVAC services throughout North America since 1992. At Aire Serv of Pleasanton & Dublin, our HVAC experts pride themselves on consistently delivering outstanding service to all our commercial and residential customers.

PBX Pizza

Experience the Perfect Indian Fusion Pizza at PBX Pizza! Blend the rich flavors or India with classic Italian pizza. PBX Pizza's menu features innovative dishes like Butter Chicken Pizza with creamy spiced chicken and Paneer Tikka Pizza with marinated paneer and vibrant veggies. We use the freshest ingredients, traditional Indian spices and authentic Italian techniques to create unique, mouth-watering pizzas.

Thank you to our mixer host

Adams Pool Solutions

The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Ray Langford of Adams Pool Solutions for hosting our April Networking Mixer.


Attendees spent the evening networking amidst the refreshing sound of waterfalls in their beautiful showroom.

Quality, Innovation & Elegance

 

True to our name, we provide comprehensive solutions for all your swimming pool construction and remodeling needs. Whether it is our design specialists, our in-house construction crews or our project coordinators, everyone at Adams Pool Solutions is invested in making your experience with us as straightforward and effortless as possible. Combining innovation with artistry, and experience with capability, there is simply no better choice than Adams Pool Solutions.

The E-Business Connection is a bi-monthly electronic newsletter produced by the
Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.

PLEASANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.pleasanton.org

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