Q1 2025

COMMERCEINSIGHT Q1 2025

WHY FOREST HEALTH MATTERS FOR ALL OF PLACER COUNTY

PRESIDENT MESSAGE As I begin my journey as your 2025 Board President, I'm filled with both gratitude and optimism. Being a member of this incredible organization over the past 27 years, I've had the joy of watching our organization grow and adapt alongside our thriving and evolving community and region.

This year, as we launch our new three-year strategic plan, we're focusing on four key priorities: 1. Membership and Community Engagement - Retaining and growing our membership while actively engaging and promoting our community.

2. Advocacy and Political Action - Serving as the lead advocate as the voice of business at all levels of government and engaging in strategic partnerships that strengthen our community 3. Economic Development - Strengthening our local economy through workforce development and participating in business attraction and retention strategies.

4. Governance - Continually strengthening the governance of the Chamber through a strong Board and staff with forward-focused strategies to reflect best practices of Five-Star accreditation.

Our Chamber is here to serve you, our members. I’m always open to a conversation or cup of coffee to learn how we can serve you best today and into the future. Never hesitate to reach out and know that YOU are the reason this Chamber, its staff and volunteers are all working together to achieve our vision of advancing the Roseville Area to be the best region in California to live, work and do business. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

CHAMBER STAFF Chief Executive Officer

Director of Finance

Event & Sponsorship Coordinator

Membership Retention Representative

Marketing Coordinator

Workforce Development Coordinator

Rana Ghadban

Megan Wetzel

Maddi Zacher

Director of Membership

Monica Goodpaster

Office Manager

Carole Dittmer

Public Policy Coordinator Joey Tran

President Ann Bouchard

Bouchard Communications Group

President-Elect Adrian Guerrero

Union Pacific Railroad

Past President Vance Jones

Wood Rodgers, Inc.

Roseville Toyota

Dave Breninger

Breninger Consulting & Audio Archives

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

13 INSIDE THE CHAMBER 17 COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 20 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2

Commerce Insight

Syed Abbas

Administrative Assistant Lucy Alvarez

Programs Assistant

VP Membership Services Lora Anguay SMUD

VP Economic & Gov’t Affairs Stephen Clark

Sacramento International Airport

VP of Community Development Ryan O'Keefe

Westpark Communities

BOARD Tony Bernasconi

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Workforce Development Coordinator

OFFICERS

Ann Bouchard 2025 Roseville Area Chamber President

ECONOMIC & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Marlo Bourland

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kaiser Permanente, Roseville

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Scott Otsuka

Sarah Jagerhorn

Secretary/Treasurer Kim Menzel

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Amy Triplett

Chelsea Carbahal

The Raley's Company

Angelica Castro

Wise Villa Winery

Justin Curry

DJ Direct Entertainment Group

Joe Flores

Flores & Associates Insurance Services/eXp Realty

Charlie Harison

Sequoia Advisory Group

Kat Maudru

PRIDE Industries

Luke Noland

Fourscore Coffee Shop

Christopher Onstott

Tracie Denio-Kerby

Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard

Willy Duncan

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Denio’s Roseville Farmers Market & Swap Meet Sierra College

Tammy Powers

Angie Simmons

Dignity Health

roseville.ca.us/electric

Bosch, Roseville

UPDATES ON ROSEVILLE'S NEWEST DEVELOPMENTS

ECONOMIC & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

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he new soccer complex near Westpark High School is set to open later this year. It will feature 10 lighted artificial turf fields, Roseville’s largest universally accessible playground, concessions, a walking path, and ample parking. Naming rights were awarded to Placer Valley Tourism, with plazas named Roseville Automall North and Roseville Automall South.

The City invested in several improvements in 2024, including renovations at Weber Park, Johnson Pool, Maidu Skate Park, and the Duke Davis Water Feature. Three new parks opened in 2024: The Courts at Gibson Park for Pickleball, Campus Oaks Park, and Solaire Park. These efforts contributed to the Parks, Recreation & Libraries department being named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management for the third year.

In manufacturing, Bosch’s acquisition of TSI Semiconductors and a $1.5 billion investment in its Roseville site marked a milestone. This facility, employing 250 people, will produce 40% of the nation’s silicon carbide chips by 2026, becoming Bosch’s first chip manufacturing location outside Germany. In December, Bosch signed a preliminary agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce for up to $225 million in funding through the CHIPS Act, co-authored by Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Several businesses have expanded, opened, or are soon opening in Roseville, including Amazon Fresh, Trader Joe’s, Penumbra, Quick Quack, Nate’s Fine Foods, Alpine Rock Climbing, Electric Pickle, and Fieldwork Brewing. Additionally, Sutter and Kaiser hospitals have grown their facilities to serve the community better.

Road improvement projects are always underway in our growing city. Driving through Roseville, you’ve likely noticed the completion of the Washington/ All-American City Roundabout and the Roseville Parkway Extension, along with the current construction of the widening of Pleasant Grove Boulevard and the Blue Oaks and Westbrook Traffic Signals Project.

These developments highlight Roseville’s focus on supporting a vibrant, thriving community with improved infrastructure, expanded recreation, and robust economic growth.

-Krista Bernasconi, Mayor, City of Roseville

Commerce Insight

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BIZ CORNER

NAVIGATING 2025: KEY HR COMPLIANCE UPDATES FOR CA EMPLOYERS

As we move into 2025, California employers must stay informed about several key labor and employment law updates. While these changes may not significantly disrupt daily operations, they require updates to employee handbooks and compliance measures.

Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2025, California’s minimum wage will rise to $16.50 per hour, and the exempt salary threshold will increase to $68,640. Local ordinances may also increase. Action Item: Review employee compensation, including salaried exempt employees, to ensure compliance with wage and exemption requirements.

Victims of Crime Leave Expansion (AB 2499) This law expands leave for employees affected by crime, including time off for medical attention, legal services, and safety planning. Action Item: Update your employee handbook to include the expanded Victims of Crime Leave policy.

Expanded Protections & Protected Classes (SB 1137) This law strengthens discrimination protections by recognizing the concept of intersectionality, which addresses discrimination based on multiple combined characteristics. Action Item: Update your Anti-Discrimination and Harassment policies, and contact us for guidance on termination decisions.

Revisions to the CROWN Act (AB 1815) The definition of race now includes traits such as hair texture and protective hairstyles.

Action Item: Update your Anti-Discrimination and Harassment policies.

Paid Family Leave Changes (AB 2123) Employees can no longer be required to use vacation time before accessing Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits, and PFL wage replacement rates will increase. Action Item: Review your leave policies to ensure they align with these changes.

Employer Speech Limitations (SB 399) Employers must allow employees to opt out of mandatory meetings discussing religious or political matters.

Action Item: Provide employees the option to opt out of such meetings to avoid potential retaliation claims.

Driver’s License Requirement Discrimination (SB 1100) Employers can only require a driver’s license if it’s essential for the job.

Action Item: Review job descriptions to ensure driver's license requirements are necessary.

Independent Contractor Regulations (SB 988) Freelance contracts must be written and include payment terms, and workers cannot face retaliation for asserting their rights. Action Item: Ensure contracts with freelance workers meet the new requirements.

Worker’s Compensation Attorney Fees (AB 1870) Employers must notify employees of their right to consult an attorney regarding workers' compensation claims. Action Item: Update labor posters to reflect this change.

To ensure compliance with these updates, review and update handbooks, train employees, and stay informed about legislative changes. Stay ahead of these regulatory changes by reaching out to Blue Dream HR for a full compliance review, employee handbook updates, and guidance on implementation.

Let us help you navigate the evolving HR landscape in 2025!

Jenny Nguyen Chief HR Officer, Blue Dream HR BlueDreamHR.com Jenny@bluedreamhr.com 916-960-3493

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH THE ROSEVILLE CHAMBER

ECONOMIC & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

W

e have officially kicked off the year with our first Economic Development and Government Affairs Committee Meeting of 2025!

On Friday, January 24th, we held an election panel with distinguished speakers: Ryan Ronco, Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters, Brian Jensen, Regional Vice President at Northern and Central California Hospital Council and Mark Smith, Lobbyist at Smith Policy Group. The panelists examined civic engagement in Placer County, voter-turnout in the 2024 Election and analyzed legislative responses to combat misinformation, such as the creation of bills focused on mitigating the impacts of AI. Attendees asked critical questions and learned more about how Placer County has sustained a successful voter turnout rate, which was 82% in November’s Election, through County programs such as the Student Poll Worker Program and the High School Voter Outreach Program.

For our next meeting on February 28th, we will be holding a panel on Placer County Tourism. This panel will feature industry leaders: Jill Geller, Director of Parks, Recreation & Libraries, at the City of Roseville, Kim Summers, Chief Executive Officer at Placer County Tourism, and Rob Haswell, Chief Executive Officer at Visit Placer. At the meeting, the panelists will share an overview of the state of tourism in Placer County and highlight exciting, upcoming developments to look out for.

These meetings take place on the 4th Friday of every month at Randy Peters Catering & Event Center and are free to attend. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss and influence local policies, development, business, community, and economy. We look forward to seeing you there!

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-Joey Tran, Public Policy Coordinator

Contact us today to plan your perfect event!

(916) 726-2339 | randypeterscatering.com Commerce Insight

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American Society of University Women

Edward Jones - Jon Beneke

Impact Wealth Management

Symphoneo Consulting

Sequoia Grve Gracious Retirement Living

HomeSmiles Sacramento

Q1227

Delish Pizza

Designs With You In Mind Inc.

Beat the Room

Roseville Center for Interventional Psychiatry

One Balloon at a Time

Floor & Decor

To schedule a ribbon cutting, contact Membership via email at Support@RosevilleAreaChamber.com, or call 916-757-6883

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THOMAS CHIROPRACTIC

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

I

n 2005, Dr. Jared Thomas was ready to venture out on his own and start his brand new practice. He had spent the last two years learning from a good chiropractor in the small town of Marysville. He and his young but growing family consisting of his wife and three boys, the youngest being two months old, lived in Roseville, and the plan was always to practice in this businessfriendly community. He bought an existing practice that was struggling and had no active patients. Within a year, he was seeing over 100 patients per week. The Roseville Chamber of Commerce added to his success as joining was one of the first priorities on Dr. Thomas' list.

After five years, the practice moved two blocks down Sunrise Avenue. With a new location and some great success using social media, Dr. Thomas was able to double his practice. He also developed a style of practice that allows everyone to conveniently receive quality care that is affordable to all. With the increase in success, Dr. Thomas needed help. He had several associate doctors of chiropractic. In 2015, he was joined by Dr. Eric Wagnon. With Dr. Wagnon, the practice has reached new heights, helping one to two hundred patients a day improve spine and joint function and better nervous system communication.

Dr. Thomas feels it is important to not just serve his patients but also to give back to the community.

He has been a Chamber ambassador, including serving two years as the chairman, and was honored to be voted Ambassador of the Year. In addition, he served on the Chamber Board of Directors and was president in 2017. He continues to support the chamber and serves in the Rocklin Community as a planning commissioner. He and his wife, Michal, have six children. He is active in his church and serves in leadership and continues to enjoy serving the community as he has for the past 20 years.

-Dr. Jared Thomas D.C., Thomas Chiropractic

GARDEN OF EAT'N: THE POWER OF FRESH

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t Garden of Eat'n, we believe in the power of fresh, organic ingredients that nourish both body and soul. Our farm-to-fork fast-casual restaurant invites you to savor the extraordinary flavors of our crunchy, fresh organic vegetables, paired perfectly with responsibly sourced meats. Indulge in our Argentinian wild-caught red shrimp or enjoy the tenderness of our all-natural organic chicken.

But that’s just the beginning! Dive into our mouthwatering creamy mac and cheese varieties, or opt for our healthy wraps and salads that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Experience culinary creativity with our unique rice bowls and indulge in Italian Piadina recipes that will transport your taste buds.

Garden of Eat'n isn't just another salad shop. With 63 distinct house recipes to choose from, you can customize your meal to your heart's content. Feeling adventurous? Create your own dish from scratch, exploring vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that exceed all expectations.

Join us at Garden of Eat'n, where your meal is crafted with passion and served with a smile. Taste the difference that freshness makes!

-Ashkan Shahsavari, Owner, Garden of Eat'n Commerce Insight

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NEW MEMBERS OCT. - DEC. 2024 4 Heroes Grill Aegis Senior Residence Antelope Community Tennis Association Aqua-Tots Swim School Roseville Capitol Regions Consulting Dane Property Inspections, LLC Disc Wellness Chiropractic Erik's Delicafe Erkel Law, P.C. Eve Milan Designs EverBank Five Star Car Wash Detail & Gas Franco & Sons Construction, LLC Golden Rose Pharmacy Golden Stars Golden State Patient Care Good Life Inspections

Roseville Registration Services Schooley Mitchell Serenity Accounting Solutions Sierra Mental Wellness Group Smog Inspection Station LLC SOURCE Investments LLC Strategy & Innovation Institute The Blasting Lab The Hignell Companies The Tutoring Center, Roseville Unibella Aesthetics V.V.E. Consulting & Accounting Very Smooth Auto Glass Vicente's Web Design ZenBusiness Hot Sisters Yoga isolved HCM LLC Juice It Up! Linnsey's Cleaning Services LL Law firm Luz Era Aesthetics and Wellness McDonald's Medland Construction MISI Community Solutions Monolith Financial Group Moving Solutionz Peak Demand Inc Placer County Notary Services Precizion Recycling and Disposal Response Structural Engineers Inc. Robert Bosch Semiconductor LLC Roseville Center for Interventional Psychiatry

Roseville Public Cemetery District

Care and Understanding

Serving Roseville & Surrounding Areas Since 1861

RENEWING MEMBERS OCT. - DEC. 2024 1 YEAR PLUS 4Honor Advanced Business Roundtable Airco Mechanical Inc. Alger Coaching AppleOne Employment Services Automotive Service of Roseville Beauty Eclipse Studio Ben's Barketplace - West Roseville Blue Dream HR Blue Ribbon Professional Network (BPRN) California Closets Capital Wealth Planners, LLC Casa Ramos Compassion Planet Edible Arrangements Edward Jones - Greg Williams Edward Jones - Shawn Plunkett, AAMS® ,CRPC® eXp Realty - Joe Flores Farmers Ins - Elizabeth Guerrero Freedom Through Education

5 YEARS PLUS All Quality Graphics LLC Basin Street Properties Beautiful Smiles Dentistry Blue House Korean Restaurant Roseville, Inc. Bounty Hunters Grind & Grill Caporusso Communications Carlson Tax Consultants Cheryl Cobbin Business Solutions CID Consortium, LLC

10 YEARS PLUS Acorn Arboricultural Services Inc. Anthem United Homes Inc. Assistance League of Greater Placer Barnett & Linn, Attorneys at Law Capitol Public Finance Group, LLC Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling-Folsom Exchange Bank

20 YEARS PLUS A Touch of Understanding, Inc. AlphaGraphics Downtown Roseville Merchants, Inc. Eureka Union School District Five Star Bank Foothills Habitat For Humanity

30 YEARS PLUS Best Western / Roseville Inn Blue Oak Dental - Roseville Bright Beginnings Welcoming Services Bud's Dry Cleaning Consolidated Communications Corporate Design Group, Inc. Freddi Eberhart & Associates, Inc.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Healthbridge Global Heartland Payment Systems HomeAid Sacramento Inspired Real Estate Group Inc (DRE02151123) iStreet Solutions J Turner Events & Catering Jeremy Sookhoo JR Conkey & Associates K. Sawa Marketing Int'l Inc. KWA Safety & HazMat Consultants, Inc. Lakeside Beverages Landscape & Tree Company Liminal Consulting & Coaching Lincoln Potters Baseball Club, LLC. Mark IV Capital Martzen Holistic Good Matthew Maynard, Placer County Assessor McKenzie & Fujikawa LLP Medical Career College of Northern California Meraki Public Affairs

Merryhill School Merus Law, APC MIR Printing and Graphics Mission Courier, Inc. MoJoe's Roseville New York Life / Eagle Strategies, LLC Oak Valley Community Bank Oakmont of Westpark Panattoni Development Company Patriot Pest Management Pioneer Community Energy Placer Artists Tour Placer County Vintners Association Point Equity Porter's House of Draft Reynolds Law LLP Roots Real Estate Sacramento International Airport Sagent Sales Growth Today Sam's Club Scott and Baldwin CPAs Security Public Storage-Galleria

Blvd Sierra College Self Storage Sierra Health & Wellness Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness Striving For Achievement Foundation Sunrise Energy Solutions Sunshine Audiology, Inc. The Glass Guru The Joint Chiropractic The Oaks Outpatient Behavioral Health Center The Rising Zone Titan Property Management Triscapes Commercial Landscaping LLC VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa Western Placer Waste Management Authority Whitney Oaks Insurance Services Inc.

Daycation for Seniors Flour Dust Pizza Co LLC FUSE3 Gen XYZ Financial Services Goose Port Insperity Itemgrabber Jersey Mike's Subs - Thrive Dr. Laborers Local 185 (LiUNA) Latino Leadership Council Lighthouse Window Cleaning Inc.

Make A Wish Northeastern & Central CA and Northern NV Moksa Brewing Company Nick Sadek Sotheby's International Realty Olympus Park Apartments LLC Omni Structures & Management, Inc. Placer County Transportation Planning Agency Placer County Visitors Bureau

Recology ReNew Stores Rocklin City Councilmember Bill Halldin Roseville Executive Suites Roseville Urban Forest Foundation Starbucks Coffee Company WiZiX Technology Group

Exquisite Travel Group Folsom Ready Mix, Inc. Fuhrman Leamy Land Group Hospital Council of Northern & Central California Interwest Consulting Group Jensen Smith, CPAs Jonathan Chan, DDS - West Roseville Family Dental Law Offices of Maria E. Valdez Lilani Wealth Management

Mr. Transmission Oak Ridge Healthcare Center One Light Ahead Placer Land Trust Premier Graph-X Inc. Primerica Financial - Joann Caetano Quarry Ponds Town Center Red Dog Shredz Roseville Crime Stoppers Roseville Police Activities League

Roseville Roofing SAFE Credit Union Sierra College Foundation Sproul Trost LLP Treasurer-Tax Collector Placer County True North Consulting, LLC

GoodLeap, LLC Karen T. Peak CPA Laverty Chacon Commercial Real Estate Legends at Woodcreek Golfcourse Maidu Village Senior Apts. II Mojica Architecture Studio Molly Maid of Placer County

MUN CPAs Peterson Watts Law Group, LLP Placer Independent Resource Services, Inc. Placer Valley Tourism Psomas Sierra Central Credit Union State Farm Insurance - Julie

DeCarlo, Agent TRC Trading Corporation Union Pacific Railroad

CPAs Kee & Associates Kiwanis of Roseville Law Office of Marcus J. Lo Duca, P.C. Maidu Village Senior Apts. I Moore Messina Webb, LLP NG Alexander Real Estate Development LLC

North State Building Industry Association Pacific Gas & Electric Company PRIDE Industries Sierra View Country Club Sierra View General Contractor Sinclair, Wilson, Baldo & Chamberlain Attorneys at Law St. Albans Country Day School

St. Vincent De Paul Society Summit Roofing Company The Press-Tribune Williams + Paddon Architects + Planners, Inc.

Commerce Insight

11

INSTALLATION DINNER 2025

INSIDE THE CHAMBER

O

n January 16th, we gathered for a night of community celebrations and entertainment at our 2025 Installation Dinner. During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed champagne & arcade games at our 80s themed bar, sponsored by Randy Peters Catering & Event Center.

After dinner, we kicked off the awards ceremony, celebrating the community leaders who’ve helped shape our region. Among these leaders are our past Chamber Presidents, whose leadership have transformed the Chamber and the local business environment into what we enjoy today. The pinnacle of this leadership is embodied by our dear friend and Past President, Aldo Pineschi.

Aldo’s profound understanding of Placer County, coupled with his political expertise and dedication to our community, made him a trusted advisor, consultant, and true changemaker. With pride, we announced the new Aldo Pineschi Leadership Roseville Scholarship and the new Aldo Pineschi Civic Leadership Award in his memory. The inaugural award was presented to Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo, whose leadership has a lasting impact on our community, making him truly deserving of this honor.

It was an honor to recognize Sheriff Woo and ALL of our Award Winners: Ambassador of the Year: Dave Morrow - Mission Courier, Inc. Ryan Haney Referral Partner of the Year Award: Vincent Gonzales - Keller Williams Realty Roseville Volunteer of the Year: Anne Chacon - Kaiser Permanente Medical Center President’s Award: Darlene Cullivan - The Gathering Inn ATHENA Award: Lisa Peters - Randy Peters Catering & Event Center Edward M. Friedman Community Service Award: Renee Perez - DVS Appraisals, Inc. Milestone Award: Old Town Pizza 25 Years of Business We concluded the evening with Mayor Krista Bernasconi installing our 2025 President, Ann Bouchard, and our Board of Directors.

With their leadership, 2025 is sure to be one to remember!

-Maddi Zacher, Marketing Coordinator Commerce Insight

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UPCOMING EVENTS 2/19 Chamber Orientation 8:30a.m. - 10:00a.m.

2/26 Business Bootcamp 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m.

2/27 Chamber Breakfast 7:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.

2/28 Econ. Gov. Meeting 8:00a.m. - 9:15a.m.

3/04 EDG 8:45a.m. - 10:15a.m.

3/05 Happy Hour 4:30p.m. - 6:30p.m.

3/11 Chamber Luncheon 11:30a.m. - 1:00p.m.

3/14 Ignite Offsite 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

3/19 Chamber Orientation 8:30a.m. - 10:00a.m.

3/25 Event Planning Roundtable 8:30a.m. - 10:00a.m.

3/26 Business Bootcamp 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m.

3/27 Chamber Breakfast 7:30a.m. - 9:30a.m.

4/01 EDG 8:45a.m. - 10:15a.m.

4/02 Joint Econ. Gov. Meeting 8:00a.m. - 9:30a.m.

Scan for more events:

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Commerce Insight

FEATURED AMBASSADOR

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INSIDE THE CHAMBER

became an ambassador on the highest recommendation from my Boss Eric McIntosh who was an Ambassador 10 years ago. And as a young professional, it seemed like a great way to get involved with the business community of Roseville.

What I like about the Chamber is the fact that it brings the business community of Roseville together. We live in a world where we can communicate instantaneously but struggle to connect and the Chamber really helps people connect.

WiZiX Technology Group is a trusted provider of office technology solutions specializing in copiers, printers, digital document management, business phones systems, and EV Chargers, serving Northern California and Northern Nevada. Whether you're looking to upgrade your office equipment or explore advanced document management systems, WiZiX delivers reliable and innovative solutions.

-Ryan Huffman, WiZiX

IGNITE CORNER: NEW YEAR, NEW CHAIR! It’s my privilege to be Chair of the Ignite Young Professionals this year, carrying on an incredible legacy from leaders across Roseville and South Placer. In fact, at our first event of the year we had some Ignite “alumni” share what inspired them to get involved and take a leadership role within the Chamber. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Vincent Gonzales, for his time and dedication to helping Ignite grow and making it such a welcoming environment for all.

Looking ahead, Ignite has a great lineup of events including service opportunities, learning more about why our community is a safe place to live and do business, watch how wine is made in our region, and of course The Bash!

One of my goals this year is to place more emphasis on leadership development and mentorship programming. Ignite has long been known for its stellar networking events, but I think it’s time for us to take the next step and really “spark” the leadership potential I know our region’s young professionals have. I look forward to working with our incredible Leadership Council this year and I hope to see you at an Ignite event soon!

- Emily Hoffman, 2025 Ignite Chair, Western Placer Waste Management Authority

Commerce Insight

15

WHY FOREST HEALTH MATTERS FOR ALL OF PLACER COUNTY

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

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orests aren’t just for hikers and campers—they’re the heartbeat of Placer County. Whether you live in a busy urban neighborhood or run a business in town, the health of our forests impacts your everyday life in ways you might not realize. At Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), we’re working to protect these natural landscapes because their well-being is tied directly to yours. Here’s why forest health matters for everyone.

Protecting Our Water Supply Forests are nature’s water filter. The Sierra Nevada forests in Placer County collect, store, and filter the water that flows to cities like yours. When forests are healthy, they slow down snowmelt, allowing water to seep into the ground and flow steadily into our rivers and reservoirs. But if a wildfire scorches the landscape, ash and debris clog waterways, and the soil can no longer absorb and hold water. This affects both the quantity and quality of water available to homes and businesses.

Supporting Reliable Water Systems Healthy forests mean reliable water. Wildfires can damage the infrastructure that carries water to your city, leading to disruptions and costly repairs. By keeping forests healthy and reducing fire risks, we’re also helping ensure that your city’s water supply remains steady and dependable.

Better Air Quality for All If you’ve ever experienced wildfire smoke, you know how bad the air can get. Poor air quality isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous. Wildfires release massive amounts of smoke and harmful particles into the air.

During recent wildfires, Placer County experienced some of the worst air quality in North America, reaching the hazardous air quality index of 500, forcing residents to stay indoors and businesses to adjust operations.

PCWA’s proactive forest management reduces wildfire risks by managing vegetation, helping prevent catastrophic fires, keeping our air cleaner, and benefiting both the environment and public health.

Preserving Recreation and Economy Placer County’s forests are both a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a major economic driver. A recent El Dorado Water Agency study found that working landscapes in the Upper American River Watershed generate nearly $15 billion annually for the local economy. Hundreds of thousands visit each year for hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, and whitewater rafting—a major draw on the Middle Fork American River. The PCWA watershed alone has at least 14 designated campgrounds, with countless more in surrounding forests and foothills.

When wildfires devastate these landscapes, it’s not just trees that burn—local businesses, tourism, and outdoor opportunities take a hit, too. Protecting our forests keeps Placer County beautiful, vibrant, and a top destination for recreation. Learn more at MiddleForkFun.com.

Benefits Reach Far Beyond the Forest Forests don’t just benefit rural areas; they protect everyone in Placer County, including cities south of our service area. At PCWA, we’re investing in forest health projects that reduce wildfire risks, protect watersheds, and create a more sustainable future for everyone. You don’t need to live near a forest to care about one—because when forests thrive, so do we all.

-Brie Coleman, Communications Manager, PCWA Commerce Insight

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BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

t Feeding the Foothills (FTF), formerly Placer Food Bank, we believe addressing hunger is a shared responsibility. When families face food insecurity, stress increases, affecting their ability to perform at work and contribute to the local economy. Through our “Power of We” philosophy, we partner with businesses to alleviate food insecurity, stabilize families, and strengthen our local workforce.

Here’s how we do it: We invite local businesses to engage with our Corporate Volunteer Partnership Program, blending philanthropy with employee engagement. We know that employees involved in meaningful workplace giving and volunteering are 75% more likely to stay longer with their employers, with 87% reporting a better perception of their company. These sponsorship opportunities support hunger relief efforts and provide team-building experiences for your staff: $1,500: Two-hour volunteer shift for 10-15 participants $3,000: Adds newsletter recognition and social media highlight $4,500: Includes team-building activity and logo on Donor Wall With increased costs and declining funding, the need for food assistance and community partnerships has never been greater. In 2023, food insecurity in our region rose by 33%, while private donations dropped by more than 12%. Your support offsets these challenges, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential resources to families in need.

For more information, contact Heidi Knost, Outreach Coordinator, at volunteer@feedingthefoothills.org or (916) 783-0481 ext. 131. Visit feedingthefoothills.org to learn more!

-Dave Martinez, Executive Director, Feeding the Foothills

EPIC: WHERE BUSINESS MEETS CLASSROOM

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his year, the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce is launching the Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program, a new initiative from the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation aimed at connecting local students with businesses to tackle real-world problems. In partnership with educators and business leaders, the Chamber is working hard to create a program that gives students hands-on experience while helping local companies find fresh, innovative solutions.

Through the EPIC program, businesses in the Roseville area will present students with specific challenges— ranging from product development ideas to improving customer service or streamlining operations. Split into two teams, students will collaborate directly with employers, using their academic knowledge to come up with practical solutions that have a real impact, while competing with their peers. This type of workbased learning not only helps students apply what they've learned in the classroom but also gives them valuable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.

For local businesses, EPIC is an opportunity to tap into a pool of creative, tech-savvy students who can offer new perspectives on everyday challenges. It also provides companies with a chance to identify potential future employees and build stronger ties with the community. At the same time, students gain crucial realworld experience that helps prepare them for future careers.

We are excited to see how businesses and students collaborate on these challenges and the solutions that are identified!

-Marlo Bourland, Workforce Development Coordinator Commerce Insight

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Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce 650 Douglas Blvd.

Roseville, CA 95678 ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

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ADVERTISE WITH US! Learn more about cost effective advertising opportunities only available to Chamber Members.

Monica Goodpaster monica@rosevilleareachamber.com or 916-757-6881