Travis Credit Union has been rooted in the community since 1951. With $4 billion in assets and 24 branches, including several throughout Fair field, Vacaville and the rest of Solano County,we are here to change lives and lif t communities through financial wellness. In 2020, Forbes ranked Travis as a Top 10 Best-In-State Credit Union for our branch ser vice, 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 look ing for a new place to bank , selec t 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. Ever yone who lives, works, worships or attends school in our 12- county area is eligible to join. Cer tain membership eligibility requirements may apply Equal Housing Oppor tunity NMLS #643926.
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
Maria Alemany Business Development Manager
Maria@VacavilleChamber.com
Noelle Buckband
Digital Communications Manager
Noelle@VacavilleChamber.com
Rakelle Broadley Office Manager
Rakelle@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
Executive Committee
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
Genentech, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., The Reporter, Sutter Health, Valley Strong Credit Union
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
Directors
Jennifer House Business Development Professional
Todd Lowell Reynolds Law, LLP
Dan Negron Recology Vacaville Solano
Chris Rose Rose Auto Body
Lisa Smith Kaiser Permanente
Susan Snyder NorthBay Health
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As 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
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
OUR MISSION:
To provide influential leadership, relevant education, and diverse resources to businesses and our community to improve the economic prosperity of Vacaville.
Debbie Egidio President & CEO
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.
As always, please reach out with any questions or comments - I love to hear your ideas!
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.
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.
MEMBERSHIP & INCOME SNAPSHOTS
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
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.
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 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.
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
LEMONADE DAY VACAVILLE
JULY 2023 TO JUNE 2024
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.
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.
M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C T O R Y
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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
• The Northside Collective
• Blue House Restaurant Vacaville
• Villa Corona Catering, Inc.
• Befit Financial Federal Credit Union
• Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer
• Austin Jones, First Command Financial Services
• Pet Tooth Fairy
• Ludy’s Catering
• Country Estates Real Estate-Loney & Worley Team
• Balloon Brilliance by Veronica
• DKD Property Management Company
• Audi Napa Valley
CHAMBER EVENTS
CHAMBER EVENTS
A Healthy Balance
Expanded To Include Solano County Veterans Solano Mobility Call Center
GoGo Grandparent Medical Trip Concierge Service
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
Solano Mobility Call Center
Let Us Help You Get Around Solano County And Beyond!
Let Us Help You Get Around Solano County And Beyond!
