It comes as no surprise, I'm sure, to hear that as the voice of business we juggle between 30-50 issues a day, including everything from general business climate concerns like the local permitting process to challenges caused by the state regulatory environment.

At our meeting with Assemblyman Dan Logue last month, it was clear we agree on the fact that many challenges originate with our state agencies, but we wanted to know: how and where does a local Chamber press for the right solutions? Oftentimes, advocacy generates more questions than answers which is why we're expanding our efforts to address as many issues as possible with as many members as possible, as I mentioned in my article last month.

You may have heard me say that advocacy doesn't end with a letter of opinion; it ends when an issue is resolved. To get there, we need to be part of the solution and we need to maintain strong relationships. We rely on the legislative analysts at CalChamber to parse through hundreds of bills and to formulate recommendations on behalf of businesses in the state. We rely on our City Council to hear the concerns of the local business community and to make proactive decisions on our behalf. We rely on our City administration to keep the lines of communication open between city staff and the private sector so that processes can be made more efficient. We rely on our Board and our Legislative Action committee to tackle even the trickiest of issues so we know where to apply pressure and where to send resources. And we rely on our members to use the amazing capabilities of this organization, led by their peers, to enact great change.

I'm ready to spend my time and energy picking solutions rather than battles. If you have a solution you're ready to take on, please give me a call. Or, if you are experiencing a challenge and need the support of your peers, share your thoughts here.

Switching gears, I'd like to welcome Emma Jessee to the Chamber staff. She comes to us with years of marketing and creative experience that we're plugging in to our social media channels and elsewhere. With deep family roots in the Chico area, Emma is thrilled to join an organization with nearly 100 years of community-building under its belt. Please stop by and say hello to Emma, or welcome her at emma@chicochamber.com.

I spent much of last year trying to figure out how to be in at least three places at once -- not an easy task! Given the fact that we continue to participate in so many community initiatives and discussions, I am pleased to share one of our greatest successes of the year thus far: the complete reconfiguration of our Legislative Action committee to include one liaison for each issue. Lisa Johnson with Transfer Flow, Chair of the Legislative Action committee, has taken on the role of airport liaison and Tom Lando is our liaison with higher education. Jolene Francis is representing the Chamber on the Mayor's Task Force on Community Services, and Angela Casler is our liaison on sustainable business. Kym Campbell will serve on the Fire Department Advisory Committee on our behalf, and we are setting up meetings to address ongoing City permitting concerns with multiple liaisons. Beau McSwain, our Chairman, will continue to lead our Board and Business Spotlight program, and Anastacia Snyder and Rick Anderson will lead our Membership committee. With each day that passes, we are connecting members of our business community with critical issues thereby increasing our ability to strengthen our local economy and grow jobs. We are now incredibly organized around what is most meaningful to the business community. We are also following up on the feedback we received through our 2014 Business Survey circulated at the Summit & State of the City Address last week. Share your thoughts here.  Want to get involved? Our Legislative Action committee meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30am, and our Membership committee meets the first Thursday of the month at noon. Both meetings are held at the Chamber. There's a spot for everyone at the table.

We've got great new programs lined up for 2014 including our annual Business Summit & State of the City Address co-hosted with the City of Chico on January 30th from 3-5pm at the CARD Center (free - but RSVP now as seats will fill up!), and a first-time seminar from noon - 1pm on February 6th focused on hiring Chico State students for internships and part time and full time jobs.  Ken Naas with the Career Center on the CSUC campus will share tools and tips for engaging students in Chico area businesses and for retaining our talented workforce with local employment.  If you've ever thought about hiring a Chico State student or recent grad, this workshop is for you.

We're now taking RSVPs for our Lunch Hour with Council member Sean Morgan on February 20th from noon - 1pm at the Old Municipal Building and we're planning a seminar with the State Board of Equalization to provide tax help to local restaurants.  More details soon!

And, of course, what would the new year be without our Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony?  I'm positively thrilled to acknowledge the work of so many business and community advocates on January 16th from 6-9pm in the Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.  We'll induct our new Chairman (welcome, Beau!) as well as recognize our outgoing and incoming Directors.  It'll be a night to remember and I hope to see you there!

Call 530.891.5556 to RSVP for these programs or visit www.chicochamber.com for more information.

I don't know about you, but I've already got one foot planted firmly in 2014. This year was amazing, no doubt, and I'm pleased with the exciting growth and team work we see all around us. Since it appears we're headed in the right direction, let's rev up our engines and aim for even more progress in 2014.

We'll kick off the year with our 76th Annual Dinner & Business Awards Ceremony on January 16th. We're still accepting nominations for our business and community awards so send us your ideas! We live in a community of givers, many of whom are deserving of top honors this year. Let's recognize them.

On January 30th, we'll host our 3rd annual Business Summit. Since we don't rest on our laurels around here, we're changing the format this year and shortening the program to get you in and out quickly. The program will include the State of the City Address by our Mayor as well as brief updates on our successes, lessons, and outlook.

You may have noticed that your last Chamber mailing included a full calendar of 2014 events ranging from Q&A sessions with elected officials, power lunches on hot topics, networking opportunities, YPO events, and more. It's going to be another big year thanks to you - our members - who make everything possible.
Happy holidays!

On October 22nd, more than 300 citizens packed City Council Chambers to voice concerns about safety in our community, particularly in our downtown area.  To gain input, Mayor Gruendl created two focus groups:  enforcement, and social services.  Most attendees crammed into the enforcement groups and asked the City Council for the following immediately:  (1) more police officers, (2) the enforcement of existing laws, and (3) the addition of a city-wide ordinance that will make it illegal to block the sidewalk.  Click here for a recap of the meeting.

On November 5th, our City Council will make decisions on each of these requests - click here for the agenda.  If you are concerned about crime in and around your business, home, and/or our parks, please attend the meeting on November 5th at 6:30p.m. (421 Main Street).  The City Council needs to hear from you.

Last month, Tri Counties Bank launched the Chico Retail Market Analysis in conjunction with the Chamber, DCBA, and the City of Chico.  This study was conducted to help local retailers increase their sales.  Click here for results.

And next month, December 4th from 10a.m.-noon, we are pleased to co-present a free seminar on "The Affordable Care Act and What it Means for Small Businesses" (Oroville City Council Chambers, 1735 Montgomery Street, Oroville).  Joe McClure, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will discuss tax credits, employer options, the rollout timeline, and resources available now.

~Katie

After more than a year of research, the Chico Retail Market Analysis sponsored by Tri Counties Bank is ready for release.  Along with Tri Counties Bank, the DCBA, and the City, we're hosting a 2-day launch series on October 15th-16th featuring 3 informational sessions for businesses (increase your sales!), a presentation to our City Council, and a press event at the new Tri Counties Bank training facility at the airport.  Find out how our retail market is doing, what's happening with our secondary market, and where (and how!) local consumers are shopping.  Click here for event details.

On October 22nd, from 6:30-8:30p.m. in Council Chambers, the City Council is hosting a special study session on downtown concerns with specific intent to address policy gaps, economic development opportunities, and potential infrastructure investment.  As a business owner, if you attend just one Council meeting this year, make it this one.  Our Council members need to hear directly from you.

On October 23rd, the County will host a special community planning workshop Council Chambers from 9a.m.-11a.m. focused on alcohol concerns.  And, on October 24th from noon - 1p.m. we're hosting our City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Administrative Services Director for a free Lunch Hour event in the Old Municipal Building.  RSVP for both of these free events by calling our office at 891.5556 or emailing info@chicochamber.com.

The Chico Chamber has done a lot of heavy lifting this year to bring attention to the many issues impacting business. Let's continue to work as a team toward solutions -- we're not going to see improvement until we do.  And check out cleanandsafechico.com for details on the many volunteer programs now up and running in downtown and south campus.

Pulling back the lens, it's October 1st which means the health care exchanges are now open.  Refer to our Health Care Reform Toolkit for information you need to stay compliant with changing regulations.

~Katie

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." - William Arthur Ward

Katie Simmons  President/CEO

Like many of you, I am still a bit mystified by the Affordable Care Act and feel uncertain about the waves of change rapidly heading toward businesses in California.  Luckily, many local experts are working non-stop to explain the nuances and obligations of health care reform and we're working closely with them to give you the information you need.   

I'd like to introduce you to the Small Business Toolkit we put together with our partners at Butte County, Butte College, and the Alliance for Workforce Development.  Our Toolkit walks you through approaching deadlines, training opportunities, and webinars that will help you understand what the new health care law means for your business.   

We recommend that you check out Covered California and their Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), too.  Covered California offers information specifically designed for small businesses such as new options for health coverage and the tax credit fact sheet.

Keep in mind that if you own a small business, you may be required by the Department of Labor to inform your employees about health care coverage by October 1, 2013.  The notice to employees about coverage options is a Department of Labor (DOL) requirement and businesses can use the DOL tool online to determine if they must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  The Butte County call center will open on October 1st, too, and will serve as a resource to you and your employees:  877.410.8803.

If you need more information, there are several educational opportunities for small businesses regarding the Affordable Care Act and the Department of Labor (DOL) notice of coverage options requirement.  Please refer to our Toolkit for dates and times and let us know if you have any questions.

It's time to adjust our sails.

~ Katie 

katie@chicochamber.com