Business Comments- Fall 2024

Visit our website or scan to find out more about the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce!

WE’VE BEEN HELPING PEOPLE FOR 70 YEARS

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Travis Credit Union has been rooted in the community since 1951. With $4 billion in assets and 24 branches, including several throughout Fairfield, Vacaville and the rest of Solano County,we are here to change lives and lift communities through financial wellness.

In 2020, Forbes ranked Travis as a Top 10 Best-In-State Credit Union for our branch service, digital technology and trust, among other things. We were also awarded the 2020 U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year, for the second consecutive year.

If you’re looking for a new place to bank, select a local financial institution with roots that have run deep in the valley for the past 70 years. Switch to Travis today.

Join us at traviscu.org, call 800-877-8328 or visit a local branch.

Thank you for your membership.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Everyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in our 12-county area is eligible to join. Certain membership eligibility requirements may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #643926.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

2024-25 Board of Directors Executive Committee Healthy Business. Healthy Community.

411 Davis Street, Suite 101 Vacaville CA 95688 Tel 707.448.6424 | Fax 707.448.0424 www.vacavillechamber.com

Debbie Egidio President/CEO Debbie@VacavilleChamber.com

Noelle Buckband Digital Communications Manager Noelle@VacavilleChamber.com

Maria Alemany Rakelle Broadley Business Development Office Manager Manager Rakelle@VacavilleChamber.com Maria@VacavilleChamber.com

Chamber Comments is a publication of The Reporter.

To advertise in future issues, call 707-448-6401.

Cover photo courtesy of Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE SPONSORS Titanium

Stephanie Tarter, Chairman Kaiser Permanente Toni Parkhurst, Chairman-Elect Budget Blinds of Solano County Vicki Barros-Ortiz, Immediate Past Chairman State Farm Insurance Ivan Jones, Treasurer Travis Credit Union Jason Case, Vice Chairman – Business Issues & Advocacy Case Electric Teri Johnson, Vice Chairman – Business Resources Bookkeeping & More Rosa Gracida, Vice Chairman – Membership Pacifica Senior Living Directors Jennifer House Business Development Professional Todd Lowell Reynolds Law, LLP Dan Negron Recology Vacaville Solano

Platinum Genentech, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., The Reporter, Sutter Health, Valley Strong Credit Union Gold Budget Blinds of Solano County, First Northern Bank, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, NorthBay Health, Placer Title Company, Reynolds Law, LLP, Sunrise Banquet Hall & Event Center, Western Health Advantage

Chris Rose Rose Auto Body Lisa Smith Kaiser Permanente Susan Snyder NorthBay Health

Business Comments Fall 2024

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

A

s the new Chairman of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce, it’s time to vault into the future like an Olympic gymnast flipping towards 2024-2025 – with grace, precision, and a tiny bit of chalk dust. The closing days of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris offered a moment of reflection and inspiration, particularly the exemplary discipline of Australian high jumper Nicola Lyslagers. Her meticulous post-jump routine – recording her feelings and technical ratings in a journal – demonstrates the power of self-assessment and incremental improvement, principles that resonate deeply with me and our mission at the Chamber.

In the business arena, our “high jumps” are the challenges and opportunities we encounter – each demanding growth and heralding success. Emulating Nicola’s approach, we too can benefit from introspection after each endeavor, using it as a tool to refine our techniques, set goals, and enhance our business performance. This practice is not just about achieving immediate results; it’s about cultivating resilience, leadership, and experiencing joy in the professional journey while applying those insights to future situations.

Just as athletes prepare for the Olympics, our businesses can prepare for the economic challenges ahead with determination and strategic foresight. Our Chamber’s mission to provide influential leadership, relevant education, and diverse resources to our members aligns perfectly with the Olympic attitude of striving for greatness. By offering robust support and resources, we can empower our members to reach new heights of success. Networking events, advocacy, and professional development programs will be the torch that lights the way for our business community, illuminating paths to innovation and collaboration in our ever-evolving business landscape.

Reflecting on the past year, I am proud of the strides we’ve made under the strategic plan laid out during my tenure as Chairman Elect. Our collective achievements are a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of our Chamber Board. As we bid farewell to several of our esteemed Board of Directors, who’ve left an indelible mark on our organization, we usher 4

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

in an enthusiastic new Board ready to continue making improvements in our community.

In the spirit of collaboration, we will strengthen our partnerships with local organizations and government entities to champion policies that support a healthy business environment. Our advocacy will be guided by the needs and feedback of our members, ensuring that their interests are represented at every level.

The Chamber is also committed to embracing technology and innovation to provide our members with a competitive edge. We will explore new platforms and services that streamline operations, enhance communication, and open new avenues for business development.

Paris 2024 has passed the torch, and what a spectacle it was! With the United States topping the medal podium, it’s clear that when we come together, focus on our strengths, and push through adversity, victory is within reach.

I urge each member of the Chamber to embrace self-reflection as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. As we leap towards our goals, let us remember that it is through thoughtful evaluation and persistent effort that we will achieve greatness.

May the year ahead be marked by innovative strategies, strengthened partnerships, and a thriving business community in Vacaville. Together, we will soar to new successes, inspired by the Olympic spirit of determination and excellence. On your marks, get set, grow!

Stephanie Tarter Chairman of the Board Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

2023-24

ANNUAL REPORT to the city of vacaville OUR MISSION: To provide influential leadership, relevant education, and diverse resources to businesses and our community to improve the economic prosperity of Vacaville.

Last month, I presented an annual report to our City Council providing an overview of the Chamber, our activities in the last fiscal year in performance of our service agreement with the City, and a look forward at some of the programs planned for 2024-25. I wanted to share that report here as I think it provides a pretty comprehensive look at all that we do, not just for our members but for our local businesses and our community as a whole.

As a business, the Chamber experiences the same ups and downs as the businesses around us. Our role is to do all we can to help be a community resource and to perform essential services for the support and growth of our city and for economic development. I feel we are doing a good job in that role and I hope you do too.

Debbie Egidio President & CEO

As always, please reach out with any questions or comments - I love to hear your ideas!

Business Comments Fall 2024

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BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce has valued a strong relationship with the City of Vacaville for many years, working together to build and strengthen our local economy. This important Strategic Plan Goal is at the core of all the Chamber's activities and drives its business decisions, priorities, and programs.

The Vacaville Chamber is a 501c6 membership-based organization governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The Chamber currently represents 480+ member businesses including independent associates, home-based entrepreneurs, non-profits, and small businesses, along with some of the largest employers in the city. The reasons that compel businesses to join the Chamber are as varied as the businesses themselves but primarily revolve around opportunities for marketing, networking, education, leadership development, and business advocacy.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

COMMITTEES

Committees help us get the work done! Dedicated volunteers assist with a wide range of program areas and bring a collective expertise to our organization's activities. Committees also engage members in their areas of special interest and foster leadership.

AMBASSADORS Ambassadors serve as the goodwill arm of the Chamber, attending and assisting with events to help increase membership and members' knowledge of the Chamber's programs, services, and benefits.

BUSINESS ISSUES & ADVOCACY Brings together a broad base of business interests to monitor, evaluate, and act upon proposed city, county, and state issues which could affect the Vacaville business community.

BUSINESS RESOURCES Promotes interaction with educational partners and provides resources for businesses including assistance with workforce development, learning opportunities, grants, and leadership development.

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS Supports the Chamber's outreach and networking activities in order to increase community awareness and raise funds to diversify income sources and ensure financial sustainability.

MEMBERSHIP Provides input on recruitment and retention programs for Chamber members, assists in member outreach, and helps the Chamber maintain a robust membership.

POLITICAL ACTION COMM. (PAC) Encourages active involvement in governmental affairs, keeping the public informed, and supporting issues and candidates that align with the Chamber's Business Advocacy Guidelines.

TRAFC The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC) supports the men, women, and mission of Travis Air Force Base through engagement with over 150 local businesses and civic leaders, including elected officials from throughout Solano County, state, and federal governments.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF SOLANO YPS draws individuals from throughout the county to work together to empower the next generation of business leaders through professional development, networking, and community involvement.

Business Comments Fall 2024

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MEMBERSHIP & INCOME SNAPSHOTS 600 483

Membership Growth

539

504

489

500

412 368

400 300 200 100

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-2

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3 -2 20

22

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-2

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-2

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Membership with the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce had been holding steady at roughly 500 members from June of 2015 through June of 2018. Following that, membership experienced a steady decline for various reasons, including COVID impacts, and reached a recent low of 368 in June 2021. Since then, the Vacaville Chamber has seen a remarkable turn around in membership growth, ending the 2023-24 fiscal year at 489 members. Today, membership mirrors the fluctuations in the overall business climate, but continues to be strong.

2023-24 Income 57%

Membership

The Chamber's primary source of income is membership dues followed by fundraising through events and programs. The Service Agreement with the City also contributes significantly to income, and a small source of revenue is derived through miscellaneous administrative services during the year. ARPA reimbursement funding contributed 7% to the past year's income and it is anticipated that this amount will be greater in the next fiscal year due to greater activities attributable to these funds.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

22%

Events & Programs

12%

City Services Agreement

ARPA

7%

Administration

2% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

BUSINESS SERVICES The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce prides itself on being a resource for all businesses, not just members - although membership does have its perks! As an organization that relies on the successes of other businesses in order to realize our own success, we continue to be impacted by the ongoing ups and downs of the economy. Despite this challenge, the Chamber continues to achieve positive growth in membership and financial health while staying steadfast to our goal of being a vital community resource and preforming essential services for the support and growth of our members, our city's businesses, and economic recovery.

Outlined below are highlights of the Chamber's activities and programs over the last year in support of the five work plan categories listed in our service agreement with the City of Vacaville.

PROMTING & SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS Partnered with Genentech to distribute $17,000 in grants to small, local businesses.

Engaged the community with creative digital and social media communications that promoted local businesses.

Published the Chamber's quarterly magazine, Comments, celebrating local business activities and featuring noteworthy business news.

Held several ribbon cuttings for businesses to celebrate grand openings and member milestones.

Advertised in local and regional publications to promote member businesses.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING & CONNECTING Managed the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee (TRAFC) which meets monthly to engage with Travis AFB leadership.

Convened the Vacaville Restaurant Alliance to bring together the food and beverage community to share resources, issues, and solutions.

Young Professionals of Solano held multiple networking and professional development events specifically targeted at emerging leaders.

Partnered with Chamber members to host monthly mixers for networking and showcasing of business partners.

Held the Night of Champions annual gala celebrating the Business, Public Servant, Young Professional, and Ambassador of the Year.

Business Comments Fall 2024

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BUSINESS SERVICES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Partnered with the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) on multiple programs to connect students and businesses including the Work Ready Certification Program and the Career & Technical Education (CTE) committee.

Awarded a growing number of Vacaville Chamber Educational Foundation (VCEF) scholarships.

VCEF is a 501c3 nonprofit of the Chamber of Commerce.

Partnered with Solano-Napa Business Development Center (SBDC) to share programming and promote business and entrepreneur roundtables.

Held the second Close-ups & Coffee, a mini-event which provided an opportunity for local business professionals to add to their portfolio with a professional headshot.

Continued to provide an online platform for job postings which is free to Chamber members.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Meetings with the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to provide input on potential city programs to positively impact businesses.

Participated in efforts with the "Big 4" (Chamber, Downtown, City and Visit Vacaville) on promotional activities including support for Small Business Week.

Conducted small business retention interviews to understand business needs.

Managed the growth, site improvements and ongoing marketing of Shop Local Vacaville.

Maintained a robust "Resources" web page to assist businesses with implementation of new employment laws, finding business development information, and discovering business grants.

Held the inaugural Launchpad event to promote and develop entrepreneurship.

INFORMATION & OUTREACH SERVICES Held the annual Movers & Shakers Breakfast Summit which included the presentation of the State of the City address.

Held multiple Business Issues Forums featuring speakers on both local and broad reaching business topics.

Supported the the City by sharing important announcements regarding development, infrastructure improvement, and community activities.

Stayed up to date on state-wide issues that could have local impacts for businesses through participation in CalChamber monthly legislative calls and attendance at the annual Capitol Summit.

Utilized the Chamber's impact as the collective voice for business by weighing in on issues from local to state level that align with the Chamber's Advocacy Guidelines.

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

LOOKING FORWARD SHOP LOCAL VACAVILLE The Chamber took over management of the Shop Local Vacaville (SLV) online marketplace in November 2022 and, thanks to ARPA funding, will continue ongoing operation and marketing of the program. SLV provides small businesses with a platform to sell their goods and services, providing a means to grow their business that they might not be able to accomplish on their own. The Chamber works with businesses to fully utilize the platform including product uploads, profile edits, and program optimization. Additionally, the Chamber helps ensure that the marketplace remains dynamic for shoppers through an active social media marketing campaign, curated pages, advertising, and promotion of special sales events.

JULY 2023 TO JUNE 2024 New Businesses 76%

New Products 137%

Page Views 341%

New Site Users 331%

LEMONADE DAY VACAVILLE The Chamber held its second annual Lemonade Day Vacaville on May 18, 2024, fostering entrepreneurship in some of our youngest citizens - grades K through 8.

This year’s event engaged 85 registered learners resulting in 28 stands located throughout the city on one special day and generating an average of $283 profit per stand. There were 12 “Sweet Spot” businesses offering their location for stands, 6 event sponsors, and 7 local celebrity judges who helped choose the Best Tasting Lemonade, the Best Stand, and the Entrepreneur of the Year.

Vacaville was one of only six cities in California to hold this nationally recognized event in 2024 and it was an incredible success that we hope to grow each year.

LAUNCHPAD - AN ENTREPRENEURS EVENT Plans are underway for the second annual Launchpad event focused on nurturing entrepreneurship for both new and existing businesses. The event is a partnership between the Chamber, City of Vacaville, and Solano-Napa SBDC and will feature a series of workshops, vendor expos, and educational seminars focused on three key elements for entrepreneurs: inspiration, investment and innovation.

LEADERSHIP VACAVILLE After a four year hiatus, Leadership Vacaville restarted again last year and was embraced by the business community. Designed for all career levels, applications are now being accepted for this nine-month program which starts in October.

Business Comments Fall 2024

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AMBASSADOR PROFILE Name: Jeff Hamilton Business: EH LearnMedia, LLC Job Title: Founder and CEO Where did you grow up and/or go to school? I grew up in Sacramento, CA and graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering What are your hobbies? Photography/videography, family history, and hiking.

How long have you been an Ambassador? Since I joined the Chamber in July of 2023.

Why do you volunteer? I always enjoy meeting new people and finding out about their business. We moved to Vacaville at the beginning of the pandemic, and I started my business in January of 2023 and felt the Chamber was a great place to get involved and get to know our new home town.

What’s your favorite Ambassador memory? I always enjoy meeting folks at a mixer that are there for the first time especially if they are early on in starting their own business locally. Having built several businesses over my career, it’s always interesting finding out about their ideas and hopefully offering them some encouragement.

What would others be surprised to learn about you? My new career in videography is my “never going to retire career.”

Having spent 20 plus years as an engineer in Silicon Valley and an equal amount of time as a consultant in emergency response and business continuity, I’ve combined my passion for business and my hobby of photography and videography into my “dream job” I often tell my kids, “I’ve finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up.”

What are some of your favorite things about Vacaville? Early on in my career in Silicon Valley we lived in Livermore, CA and we often jokingly called it Mayberry. We were impressed with being in a small town where people were friendly and we lived there for over 30 years. We decided to move to Vacaville just before the pandemic to be closer to family. We instantly fell in love with Vacaville as it had all the small town charm and the friendly community that we were seeking. We knew we found our forever home.

Discover the soul of Vacaville through local businesses. www.shoplocalvacaville.com

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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Details coming soon at VacavilleChamber.com Business Comments Fall 2024

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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

We are so very thankful for the more than 480 businesses that are members of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce!

From independent members, to home-based entrepreneurs, to small businesses, and to our large employers - members of the Vacaville Chamber touch the lives of our entire community!

Our membership is constantly growing and we hope that you will support our local businesses when making your buying choices.

USE THIS QR CODE TO JUMP TO THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR SEARCHABLE MEMBERSHIP DATABASE THANK YOU TO OUR CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE TITANIUM SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

3 - Chamber Mixer Oktoberfest at KMG-Kappel Mortgage Group 10 - YPS Lunch Mob 15 - Ribbon Cutting at Lainey’s Furniture 17 - Leadership Vacaville Kick-off

7 - Chamber Mixer at Budget Blinds of Solano County 14 - YPS Friendsgiving 13 - Business Issues Forum 19-20 - Launchpad Entrepreneurs Event

DECEMBER 5 - Chamber Mixer & VCEF Scholarship Awards at Travis Credit Union 23-31 - Chamber Office Closed

Details & Event Updates at VacavilleChamber.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS •

The Northside Collective

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Blue House Restaurant Vacaville

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Villa Corona Catering, Inc.

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Befit Financial Federal Credit Union

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Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer

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Austin Jones, First Command Financial Services

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Pet Tooth Fairy

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Ludy’s Catering

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Country Estates Real Estate-Loney & Worley Team

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Balloon Brilliance by Veronica

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DKD Property Management Company

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Audi Napa Valley

Business Comments Fall 2024

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CHAMBER EVENTS

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER EVENTS

Business Comments Fall 2024

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Newly Expanded Showroom Featuring over 25,000 sq. ft, of Quality Product at Competitive Prices

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395-A E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville 707.449.6385 • LaineysFurniture.com 18

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

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Business Comments Fall 2024

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Medical Trip Concierge Service Now Expanded To Include Solano County Veterans

GoGo Grandparent Medical trips within Solano County are subsidized* by 60% for residents who are age 60 & older or are Veterans.**

Expanded program now includes: •Trips to Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinez & 2 other Contra Costa locations • Up to 20 rides per individual, per month •Pharmacy & other Essential Trips

Call the Solano Mobility Call Center to register and for the latest program information

* Subsidized by 80% for low income individuals ** All riders must be able to enter and exit vehicle independently

SolanoMobility Mobility Call Call Center Center Solano

Let HelpYou YouGet GetAround AroundSolano Solano County County Let UsUsHelp And Beyond!

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Vacaville Chamber of Commerce