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Weekly News Update
Presented by the Oakland Metro Chamber

August 18, 2009

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In This Issue
Update Your Chamber Membership Information
News About Town
Upcoming Chamber Events
Change of Venue Notification
A Special Chamber Offer
Upcoming Chamber Events
Click here to see the complete list of interesting & informative Chamber events.
Joining the Chamber is a smart business decision!
Our team works for your business in the following ways:

Public Policy: Representing the Interests of Business to Government

Economic Development: Creating a Strong Economy

Membership Development: Providing Quality Networking

Events: Keeping you Connected and Informed

Leadership Oakland: Join for the networking, knowledge and know-how!

Letter from the President
Dear Chamber members,  

Chamber Staff sends it appreciation to all members for their support and assistance with our events and committees.  The strength of our organization and our ability to represent you is greatly enhanced by your participation and for that we thank you!
 
Many activities are scheduled for the coming weeks...read below for more details!
 
An again thank you for your support!

God Bless America!


Joseph Haraburda, President and CEO

Update Your Chamber Membership Information
Make sure your contact information is correct! The Chamber will soon produce the 2010 Membership Directory & Buyers Guide, and we want to publish the most up-to-date information on your company. Is there a new Chamber contact? Have you changed your email or mailing address? You will receive another email this week with a link to the information currently listed in the Chamber database. If you haven't already updated your information, please make any appropriate changes online by this Friday, Aug. 21. Thank you.

News About Town

Learn to bid on Caltrans and other public works contracts

Don't miss an opportunity to be part of building California's roads and highways. Attend the sixth in a series of seven free seminars on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 26 and 27 in the 2009 California Construction Contracting Program, "Developing and Using Business Connections." The series is for construction contractors and consulting professional services firms interested in learning about what it takes to bid on Caltrans and other public works contracts. The seminar will be held at the Cal State East Bay Training Center, 1000 Broadway, Suite 109. To register, visit www.acsbdc.org or call (510) 208-0410.

New Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

The East Bay Community Foundation and Ramsell Public Health are presenting a prescription drug discount card benefit program for nonprofit staff and clients, and employees of small businesses, on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the James Irvine Foundation Conference Center, 353 Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland. This discount drug program can be used by employees of small businesses who do not have a medical plan, or do not have a comprehensive medical plan, and also clients and employees of nonprofits who often have more restricted medical plans or who are uninsured.  It also allows online price comparisons for prescription and some nonprescription drugs. To register, or for more information, contact Luis Aguilar at laguilar@eastbaycf.org or at (510) 208-0845.

Workers' Compensation Action

Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed a package of bills aimed at addressing a $24 billion deficit in the California state budget. As part of this package, California employers are now responsible for paying all the operational costs for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) through new assessments on their workers' compensation costs. The Workers' Compensation Action Network says that these new and increased assessments total $67 million and come on top of the more than $311 million in annual workers' compensation assessment employers currently pay. Of note, the Workers' Compensation Rating Board came out with a recommended rate increase of 22.8 percent on Aug. 12. Stay tuned for updated news on this subject.

Make Plans Now for These Upcoming Chamber Events
Breakfast at the Chamber - The highly popular Breakfast at the Chamber will be held on Thursday morning, Aug. 20, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This month's sponsor is Myisha Pena of Pretty Much. Whether you're a new or a long-time member, this breakfast program is a must. Bring lots of business cards and get ready to meet fellow members - and at the same time hear about the many issues and programs that the Chamber is involved with on your behalf.RSVP.

Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum -
This Chamber of Commerce public policy program brings to our offices important speakers from the private and public sector to discuss issues that directly affect Oakland. It's free to Chamber members and runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. This week, on Friday, Aug. 21, the Chamber welcomes a "Focus on Public Safety: Practical Tips for Individuals and Businesses," featuring Oakland Police Department personnel who will offer practical suggestions for being aware, recognizing problems, and responding appropriately. OPD's Neighborhood Services Supervisor Paul Brekke-Miesner will discuss personal safety tips for individuals. Also, Eddie Simlin, Police Services Technician, will explain how to make your business or home more secure by reinforcing areas easily targeted by would-be criminals. RSVP.

Chamber's 2009 Golf Classic & Academy
- Monday, Aug. 31, Claremont Country Club. The tournament brings together some of the top business leaders in the city for lunch, a shot-gun start, and a subsequent awards reception.
Sign up now!
 
Chamber Day with the A's
- Monday, Sept. 21, Oakland Coliseum, when the Oakland A's face their division rivals, the Texas Rangers.For a ticket price of only $29, Chamber members can reserve a seat in the Coliseum's Home Run Plaza in left field and enjoy unlimited food and drink (water and soft drinks). Besides the opportunity to watch Major League baseball and cheer on the A's, the event will present an excellent opportunity to network with other local businesspeople in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Purchase tickets here!

Take a look at Bay Bridge construction - from the water - On Friday, Sept. 25, Chamber members are invited to join us for a cruise on the bay featuring a close-up look at Bay Bridge construction from Will Kempton, the director of Caltrans. Besides learning the latest information, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvre during the three-hour trip (5 to 8 p.m.). The cruise will cost $75 per person. RSVP by contacting Morgan Crow at mcrow@oaklandchamber.com or (510) 874-4800x319.

Change of Venue Notification
The Chamber's Coliseum Commerce Center Advisory Committee (CCCAC) will now meet on the fourth Thursday of every month from 8:30 to 10 a.m. free of charge at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites - Oakland Airport at 77 Hegenberger Road. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27. Please contact Karen Engel for more information at kengel@oaklandchamber.com or (510) 874-4800x320.

A Special Chamber Offer
Special A's Plaza Outfield offer (Two for one - any game) - Tickets for Plaza Level seats at ANY Oakland A's home game during the remainder of the season are now on sale at the Chamber, and at an extraordinary bargain. Although individual seat prices are normally $18 per person, the Chamber will sell two tickets for only $20, a tremendous savings.
 
For more information concerning the A's two-for-one offer and other Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce events and meetings, visit www.oaklandchamber.com or contact Morgan Crow at the Chamber at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at mcrow@oaklandchamber.com.
 
IMPORTANT LINKS
Oakland Chamber of Commerce Website
The Oakland Partnership
Small Business Resource Directory
City of Oakland Business
East Bay Women in Business Roundtable
Oakland Convention and Vistors Bureau
Oaklanders Assistance Center
California Public Utilities Commission: Small Business Program
New! Oakland Business Assistance Center
 
The Chamber of Commerce has a number of exceptional networking and informative events throughout the year. For sponsorship, volunteer and participation opportunities for these events, please contact Morgan Crow via telephone at (510) 874-4800x319 or via email at mcrow@oaklandchamber.com.
 
Sincerely,
 
Hank Masler
Communications Director & Oakland Business Review Publisher
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
hmasler@oaklandchamber.com
(510) 874-4808
 

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