Networking

Speak with the most successful Chamber of Commerce members and they’ll all tell you the same thing: they all network. They attend committee meetings, breakfasts, luncheons and a variety of other events and come away with an assortment of business cards and the understanding that they’ve done their best to make new contacts.

Here are some of the best networking opportunities at the Chamber:

Monthly

BREAKFAST AT THE CHAMBER This monthly event is free for Chamber members and non-members alike. Provides updates of Chamber activities for prospective, new and long-time members. Held the third Thursday of every month from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Chamber offices.

INSIDE OAKLAND BREAKFASTS This monthly event is free of charge for Chamber members and only $10.00 for prospective members. Every month features new civic and business leaders who impact life and work in our city. Held the third Friday of every month from 8:30 to 10:00 am at the Chamber Offices.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MIXERS This monthly event is free of charge for Chamber members and only $10.00 for prospective members. A great opportunity to mix, mingle, and meet – hosted at a new Oakland location every month. Held the fourth Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Bimonthly

EAST BAY WOMEN IN BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE EBWIBR aims to accelerate the success of women in business within the Chamber and the greater East Bay area though: building alliance and fostering collaboration; sharing knowledge through high-impact programs; developing leadership; creating networks. Bimonthly breakfasts feature excellent networking opportunities with guest speakers. Held on bimonthly first Fridays from 7:30 to 9:00 am.

Wednesday, March 5th

CARNAVAL PRIME TIME BUSINESS SHOWCASE Back by popular demand, this business showcase brings the Carnaval spirit to Oakland. Features festive music, door prizes, a full buffet, along with a no host bar and the presence of some of the best East Bay businesses. Don’t miss this excellent promotional, networking, and advertising opportunity!

April 5th, 6th, or 7th

BUSINESS LEADERS TOUR OF CHINA The Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Citslinc International, invites all members to participate in this nine-day trip to China. This outstanding opportunity includes roundtrip airfare, 4- or 5-star hotel stays, three full meals each day, and deluxe tour buses to a number of

China

’s most
exciting cities.

Friday, May 2nd

OAKLAND PARTNERSHIP ECONOMIC SUMMIT This Second Annual Summit will present the results of the Oakland Partnership's economic development strategy planning efforts of the previous 12 months. Mayor Dellums and participants in the Oakland Partnership from education, labor, the business community and special guests will present economic priorities, strategies, and action initiatives as we move our economic development efforts into the implementation phase.

Wednesday, June 25th

ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS LUNCHEON Some 500 local business leaders celebrate Chamber accomplishments and recognize Chamber member businesses at this popular luncheon. The 2008 event will be the 103rd annual.

Monday, September 15th

GOLF TOURNAMENT A fun day to play golf and do some quality networking. Includes a clinic for beginners. Held at Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland.

November 11th, 12th and 13th

MEMBERSHIP EVENT The Chamber’s annual membership event brings together some 70 volunteers from the business community working to recruit members on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

December

OAKLAND HOLIDAY PARADE Already the largest holiday parade in California, the Comcast Oakland Holiday Parade – America’s Children’s Parade attracted over 100,000 children of all ages to the streets of Oakland in 2007. Look out for even more Christmas spirit this year when the parade kicks off at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 6^th, 2008.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY MIXER Come celebrate the Holidays with the Chamber staff and members. Held the first week of December.

Miscellaneous

Other Chamber events, including workshops, seminars, and various other activities, also offer excellent networking opportunities. For more information on these and other events, visit www.oaklandchamber.com or call the Chamber at (510) 874-4800.