San Rafael Chamber Directory

2020

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SAN RAFAEL CHAMBER DIRECTORY & MEMBERSHIP GUIDE | 2020 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! By Diane Glischinski, DMH Land Use Planning, 2020 Chair of the Board The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 100th birthday this year, and because of all of you, we have reason to celebrate. Founded in 1920 as a businessmen's association to "promote the best interests" of San Rafael, the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce was initially organized as more of a social group, with a half dozen members meeting informally once or twice a month. The Chamber quickly recognized the need to do more than socialize. Members changed their focus to support business growth, organizing leaders who made things happen and created a stronger community. And they succeeded: in its early years, the Chamber helped secure $100,000 in federal money for the construction of a post office; fought to bring Hamilton Field to Marin and rallied for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 101 and the widening of Fourth Street. The only constant is change, and change there has been. Today, San Rafael and Marin County look very different than they did in 1920, but the work of the now-century old Chamber is still guided by the vision of its forefathers: eagerly promoting the best interests of the San Rafael community. Last year, the Chamber continued its role as a champion for a healthy community and catalyst for business growth, supporting Bio Marin's expansion and a new AC Marriott Hotel downtown. The Chamber worked with the City Council and successfully advocated for the City's approval of workforce housing that will include more than 130 new housing units in North San Rafael and a transit-oriented development project with more than 120 housing units to be built downtown near SMART. In 2019 the Chamber continued organizing leaders who make things happen, producing an Annual Business Showcase that attracted more than 100 companies, connecting hundreds of job seekers with local employers at our annual Job Fair, and coordinating business leaders in Focus Groups as an implementing partner of the countywide business retention and expansion project. And we didn't stop there. We expanded member opportunities to make relevant connections by adding Power Lunches, Referral Networking Groups, and Meet-ups to our already busy calendar. Recognizing the critical importance education plays in building a vital community, in 2019 the Chamber worked closely to support local educators and programs. We celebrated over 100 new San Rafael School District teachers, honored seven educators for their Excellence in Outstanding Education and helped prepare Dominican University students to enter the workforce. Last year we graduated nearly 30 professionals from the San Rafael Leadership Institute, giving individuals who are passionate about their community the opportunity to develop leadership and team building skills while also learning about current issues impacting Marin. And the Class of 2019 is already stepping up to be involved, creating the Utility Box Art Project that brings beauty and San Rafael-style vibrancy to our now- decorated utility boxes. Expect more ahead from this engaged group. This is just a quick review of our past and present, but the takeaway is clear: Yep, we've come a long way, baby! And here we are, still promoting the best interests of San Rafael, just as our founding members did 100 years ago. It truly takes a village, and we are thankful for ours — those who came before us, and all of you who continue to make the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce the success that we are today. That is reason to celebrate—let's keep this party going! srchamber.com | 415-454-4163

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