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December 5 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Yes SF Headquarters – 220 Montgomery Street

In partnership with , this panel marks the launch of a series of business safety meetings led by the , aimed at fostering a safer, more connected downtown.

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Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein, SF Chamber of Commerce, 415-305-8478

***PRESS RELEASE***

2024 Excellence in Business Awards Winners Announced��

San Francisco, CA – October 23, 2024 – Last night, hundreds of business and community leaders gathered for the 2024 Excellence in Business Awards, presented by The ��ѻ��ý, to celebrate the achievements of local leaders and innovators at the recently renovated . The event honored businesses and organizations making significant contributions to the community, with an evening of awards, inspiring speakers, and captivating entertainment.

“The Excellence in Business Awards are a time to come together and lift up those in our business community who are leading through positive impact. There is no other word to describe last night than joyous – I never cease to be proud to be a part of this inspiring city,” said CEO and President of the ��ѻ��ý.

Award Winners

The 2024 Excellence in Business Awards recognized outstanding achievements in several categories:

• • Excellence in Business Award: , presented by
  • Small Business of the Year Award: , presented by
  • Sustainability in Business Award: , presented by
  • Diversity & Inclusion Champion: , presented by
  • Non-Profit of the Year Award: , presented by
  • Honor Roll Award: Schools of , presented by and Unite SF

Event Highlights

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from , followed by Abigail’s introduction of , performing to “Paper Moon.” Guests were greeted by a stunning floral archway crafted by , creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. Inside the Regency Ballroom, displayed his interactive Infinity Mirrors, offering a captivating art experience that guests could engage with throughout the night. Variety acts like Kirk Marsh, Toni Cannon’s strongman display, and contortionist Elise Hing entertained between awards, complemented by finalist videos that highlighted each nominee’s achievements.

Speeches from Alfredo Pedroza, SF Chamber Board Chair and , and Chamber CEO Rodney Fong underscored the value of partnership and community support, thanking sponsors and attendees for their dedication to San Francisco’s growth. The night concluded with a sing-along of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” led by Circus Bella.��

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Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work. www.sfchamber.com

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We will break down the results and provide insights into how the election will impact the business community, policy landscape, and future of San Francisco.

This forum will offer a comprehensive look at key races, ballot measures, and the implications for San Francisco’s economic growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the election’s potential effects on San Francisco. .

Download the November 2024 Voter Guide

Questions? Contact our Public Policy Team here.

The post November 2024 Voter Guide + Election Recap | November 7 appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Tuesday, October 22 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

The post Excellence in Business Awards: Prism of Excellence appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Wednesday, October 9 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

The post Spark Conference: Ignite Your Power to Lead | October 9 appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Monday, September 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | FREE

Cambodia Investment Opportunities Roundtable and Seminar��led by Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

The mission will aim at conveying stakeholders the opportunities of investing in Cambodia as well as the new investment policy framework. The mission will also target to facilitate contacts between U.S, Canada and Cambodian companies in order to identify potential partners. This is a great Opportunity to meet Cambodian Businesses!

The goal of the roundtable is to highlight Cambodia’s pro-business approach, strategic location in the heart of ASEAN, and readiness to serve investors on time that is consistent with the moto “Time is Money, Efficiency is Life”. They deliver FAST (Facilitate in Authority to Serve on Time).

Key Sectors:

• Electronics and electrical appliances

• Automotive

• Agriculture, and agri-food processing

• Tourism

• Pharmaceuticals

• Renewable energy

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Media Contact: Emily Abraham, SF Chamber of Commerce, 916-294-5029

***PRESS RELEASE***

Yes SF Expands Support for Sustainable Innovators with Grand Opening of Downtown Community Hub and Announcement of Second Sustainability Challenge

Yes SF Headquarters officially opened to the public on September 12; Applications for second Yes SF Challenge are now open

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 12, 2024 – Today, the announced two new offerings to support sustainable innovation and help revitalize San Francisco: the opening of Yes SF headquarters, a ground-floor community space and innovation hub for sustainable entrepreneurs, and the launch of a second Yes SF challenge to support an additional cohort of green innovators.

Launched in 2023 in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, Deloitte, Salesforce, Citi, and the ��ѻ��ý, Yes SF was created in direct response to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 of making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. It has since grown to involve more than 35 local organizations. Today, the opening of the Yes SF Headquarters and second challenge will further the expected impact and support of sustainable innovation in the city.

Yes SF headquarters: A visionary community space

, a ground-floor community event hub, coffee shop, and co-working space for sustainable startups, is now open to the public as of Thursday, September 12. Yes SF headquarters is operated by the ��ѻ��ý and is the first space to take advantage of legislation passed last year that allows for office space on the ground floor in downtown San Francisco, as long as it is paired with a retail, food and beverage, or entertainment use. This first-of-its-kind space, located in The Swig Company’s Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street, is illustrative of a new downtown that is a diverse destination to live, work, and visit.

“This new location is all about saying Yes to SF – saying yes to being a part of Downtown and yes to taking advantage of new laws that make it easier to open up a new location where people can come be a part of our present and our future. I’m proud that we passed laws to make it easier for places like this to exist, and I’m thrilled that doors are opening today because of those changes. These new Yes SF Headquarters will surely lead to even more great things happening and I cannot wait to see what’s next,” said Mayor London N. Breed.

As a co-working space, Yes SF headquarters aims to build a community of support that enables startups to share learnings and expertise with each other—ultimately building on the success of the ecosystem already in place to help entrepreneurs like the Yes SF Top Innovators as they deploy their solutions in San Francisco. were selected by UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s open innovation platform, for their potential to help make San Francisco a more sustainable place to live and work and, in effect, provide economic and social benefits like job creation, increased connectivity, and investment opportunities.��Yes SF will host regular community gatherings and events to support the revitalization of San Francisco, and programming for sustainability-focused startups.

“The Yes SF Headquarters will serve as a central hub, a welcoming ‘living room’ for downtown, where residents from all neighborhoods can gather, collaborate, and participate in shaping San Francisco’s future. Our long-term goal is to contribute to the city’s resurgence by providing a dynamic environment that fosters sustainable innovation, economic growth, and community connection,” said President and CEO of the ��ѻ��ý, Rodney Fong.

Coinciding with the opening of the headquarters space, Yes SF is thrilled to announce , calling on additional entrepreneurs to submit solutions that have the potential to help to drive innovation on sustainability and climate issues in San Francisco.��Applications will be accepted through Monday, November 4. Entrepreneurs are asked to submit solutions that serve the local community and display innovative use of technology in one of several key focus areas: renewable energy and energy efficiency; sustainable transportation and mobility; resource management; sustainable construction and materials; and other solutions aimed at advancing San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan.

“Yes SF Challenge sets a bold vision for creating greener, more equitable, and resilient communities and the energy surrounding this type of place-based change continues to grow,” said Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte Chief Purpose & DEI Officer. “Now with the launch of the second challenge and the opening of the new headquarters, San Francisco is shaping a blueprint for urban revitalization and transformative impact—one that cities around the globe are excited to learn alongside.”

If selected, Top Innovators in the second Challenge cohort will receive access to two tracks of support: a joint program led by the World Economic Forum and the ��ѻ��ý Foundation that will provide a suite of resources to help innovators deploy their solutions in San Francisco, such as introductions to key local stakeholders and advisory services; and UpLink’s global innovation network, which will offer visibility, connections, and targeted resources to help Top Innovators grow and scale their solutions.

For more information on applying to the second Yes SF challenge and upcoming events visit:

Notable Quotes

“The opening of the Yes SF Headquarters marks an important milestone in San Francisco’s development as one of the world’s leading hubs for climate innovation and urban sustainability,” said Jeff Merritt, Head of Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum. “This community space is more than a showcase; it’s a forum for new ideas, inspiration and shaping the next generation of innovative companies, products and solutions.”

“At Salesforce, we believe business can be the greatest platform for change, and our long-standing support for ecopreneurs—those focused on climate solutions—reflects that commitment. We’re proud to see these innovators leading the charge toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for San Francisco through initiatives like the Yes SF. The new Yes SF Headquarters will help these innovators scale and amplify their impact, driving meaningful change across San Francisco and beyond,said” Hydra Mendoza, VP and Chief of Strategic Relationships in the Office of the Chair and CEO at Salesforce.

“Designing Yes SF’s headquarters not only aligned with our goals as a firm to help support and revitalize the City, but also our sustainability initiatives,” said Daniel Pamperin, Principal at Gensler. “Our approach to reactivating the corner of Montgomery and Bush considered the mission of Yes SF; a place to welcome, activate, and inspire everyone who enters the space, while carefully considering the life cycle of materials.�� We focused on reuse and refurbishing materials and finishes to keep the project’s carbon footprint to a minimum. As Yes SF’s upstairs neighbor, we are thrilled to welcome them to the area.”

��“Yes SF is a key part of the exciting renaissance now underway in the city of San Francisco. Their Urban Sustainability Challenge closely aligns with our company’s goals of supporting the revitalization of downtown San Francisco and pursuing sustainability throughout the Built Environment, so we are absolutely delighted to support Yes SF and welcome them to the Mills Building, an iconic, LEED Platinum certified building offering a unique blend of historical character and modern infrastructure in the heart of the city,”�� said Stacia Keisner, Vice President of Asset Management, The Swig Company.����������

“Our continued partnership with the ��ѻ��ý is part of our constant work here in San Francisco, in which we’re striving to advance digital equity and workforce readiness in communities across the city,” said Alan Goldsmith, Vice President of Comcast Business. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with the SF Chamber in providing broadband connectivity solutions at the Yes SF cafe and coworking space, to help not only support our collective work in revitalizing downtown San Francisco, but providing the tools and resources needed to support small businesses, students, families and seniors to get connected and achieve their goals.”

“IKEA San Francisco is proud to announce its donation of office furniture to Yes SF. Yes SF is dedicated to fostering community growth and sustainability development within San Francisco city. This contribution is part of IKEA’s ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By equipping Yes SF with sustainable office solutions, IKEA aims to enhance the organization’s capacity to serve the San Francisco community and drive impactful, eco-conscious programs. This partnership underscores IKEA’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting difference in the cities it serves,” said Scott Jackon, Market Manager IKEA San Francisco store.

��ѻ��ý Yes SF Headquarters

The Yes SF Headquarters’ mission is to spark a renaissance in San Francisco by empowering the city’s visionaries, innovators, and communities. We provide a dynamic space where small businesses and local organizations can thrive, drawing strength from collaboration and shared resources. Through tailored support, from workforce development to creative community programming, we aim to shape a future where opportunity and sustainability go hand in hand. Our work is about more than economic growth—it’s about cultivating the spirit of San Francisco.

Yes SF Headquarters is now open to the public five days per week, Monday through Friday from 7am through 5pm with daily coffee.

San Francisco companies came together to support the Yes SF Initiative and its Headquarters. This includes the building owner, Swig Company, who has supported the vision of Yes SF. The space was designed by locally headquartered architecture firm Gensler and was built out by local construction company Principal Builders. All of the furniture in the co-working office was donated by IKEA, which also recently opened up a location downtown. Café-goers and co-workers will have access to high-speed internet from Comcast.

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September 12 | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | 220 Montgomery Street

We are thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the����Headquarters. Come celebrate with us on September 12th!

This marks a significant milestone in our journey to cultivate a downtown hub for sustainable innovation right here in the heart of San Francisco. As a community dedicated to driving positive change, our new headquarters will serve as a convening space for collaboration, creativity, and action.

What is at the Yes SF Headquarters?

• Programs and Events��focused on workforce development, community building, and green urban transformation
• Coworking Space��for sustainable innovators in San Francisco
• Red Bay Coffee��open Monday – Friday

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Mission Statement
Yes SF’s mission is to spark a renaissance in San Francisco by empowering the city’s visionaries, innovators, and communities. We provide a dynamic space where small businesses and local organizations can thrive, drawing strength from collaboration and shared resources. Through tailored support, from workforce development to creative community programming, we aim to shape a future where opportunity and sustainability go hand in hand. Our work is about more than economic growth—it’s about cultivating the spirit of San Francisco. In our new headquarters located downtown, our goal is to cultivate an accessible gathering space where art, culture, and commerce intersect in ways that benefit all residents. Yes SF is committed to fostering connections that breathe new life into our neighborhoods, making San Francisco a place where diverse voices and ideas come together to build a resilient, equitable, and prosperous city.

At Yes SF, our mission is to ignite San Francisco’s revitalization by creating a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space where innovation, community, and culture converge. The Yes SF Headquarters will serve as a central hub, a welcoming “living room” for the city, where residents from all neighborhoods can gather, collaborate, and participate in shaping San Francisco’s future. Our long-term goal is to contribute to the city’s resurgence and provide a dynamic environment that fosters economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and community connection.

Long-Term Goals
Yes SF is dedicated to positioning San Francisco as a global leader in urban sustainability and economic innovation. Over the next several years, we plan to expand the Yes SF model into a network of “Yes Cities” worldwide, each serving as a beacon of sustainable practices, inclusive growth, and community-driven revitalization. By working with global partners like the World Economic Forum, we’re making sure San Francisco stays a key player in the global conversation about urban resilience. In the next 1-2 years, our top priority is making Yes SF Headquarters a key player in the city’s recovery. We aim to create a space where innovation flourishes, diverse communities feel empowered, and the city’s cultural fabric is strengthened. Achieving success locally will help us lay the groundwork for replicating our model in other cities facing similar challenges.

Program Goals and Vision
To drive San Francisco’s recovery, Yes SF Headquarters will focus on three key areas:

1. Workforce Development:��We will offer internship opportunities and skills-based workshops tailored to local residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, our aim is to equip residents with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, especially upskilling to meet the demands and opportunities in the new green economy. This focus on workforce development ensures that residents can participate in and benefit from the city’s economic resurgence.
2. Support for Local Sustainable Startups:��Our monthly workshops will address the specific needs of local entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. We are investing in the city’s economic future, particularly in sectors that contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience. These emerging businesses have the potential to transform the city into a hub of green innovation, with Yes SF supporting their journey.
3. Resident Engagement and Local Revitalization:��We are committed to creating platforms where our partners can showcase their programs, allowing residents and small businesses to actively engage with the Yes SF movement. Through community events and initiatives, we aim to foster pride and ownership in the city’s recovery, ensuring that the benefits extend across all neighborhoods.

Media Contact: Jenny Feinberg, Yes SF Program Manager, SF Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 415-352-8834

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Robert Ronald, an immigrant to the USA ��who became a successful citizen and business leader, started The Job Forum as a civic good. He wanted to help those starting careers or businesses, who he knew would need a network of people to advise them and contribute to their success.

It was July 24th, 1952.��

The ��ѻ��ý was his backer back then and The Chamber of Commerce is still the fiscal sponsor of The Job Forum today.

The Job Forum’s mission and method of people helping people is needed more than ever since job hunting is more challenging than ever.

There are so many The Job Forum wants to thank:

• Perhaps you have volunteered or volunteer now to advise job hunters?
• Perhaps you have attended The Job Forum and gotten some good advice to use in your job search and went on to donate or volunteer yourself?
• Perhaps you are one of the members of the Job Forum or on the board or you are one of the experts that form our Job Forum panels and volunteer by 1 to 1 advising?
• Perhaps you have offered your expertise and shared your career lessons learned?
• Perhaps your company, or you, personally, have donated to the organization to cover some organization costs and allow us to communicate and reach job hunters and operate the organization?.
• Perhaps you have sponsored The Job Forum newsletter or sponsored an event?
• Perhaps ��you have helped and written communications or looked into sources for much needed fundraising?
• Perhaps you have referred job hunters to The Job Forum or helped to get the word out by your posting of our flyers and events?

For all you have done and all you will plan to keep doing now ….THANK YOU!

There is so much to be done.

continues today as a non-profit 501C3 and has become a unique and well-respected Bay Area community resource. is still sponsored by The ��ѻ��ý, helping job hunters find their next job by assisting them in conducting a successful job search.

The idea of is to connect local business managers to the many job hunters who live in the Bay Area or who land in The Bay Area with no support network and are urgently seeking work.�� Robert Ronald’s insight was that people in Bay Area companies are going to be the best source for helping advise job hunters (young and older) on how to join a company or an organization here.

For the last 70 years, has helped thousands upon thousands of job hunters succeed and get their next jobs.�� The program is unique to this area. ��Job Forum managers volunteer in their free time and many work at local companies that are also members of The SF Chamber of Commerce. Linkedin, SalesForce, Cisco, Meta, Google, Doordash, Octa, JPMorgan Chase, Northwestern Mutual, UCSF, Vir, and Kaiser are examples.

helps new younger job hunters and older experienced job hunters who have fallen on hard times (via layoffs, hiring freezes) by providing a resource for those who must learn, or relearn, how to conduct a modern job search to find new work or switch to a different career here in the Bay Area.

�� ��

program still offers weekly virtual sessions open to all, helping those desiring work here in the Bay Area, because of the generosity and commitment of local business volunteers who advise job hunters. Yet The Job Forum organization must search for and find funding in order to cover normal operating costs for a non-profit and to reach job hunters to invite them to attend the virtual job search sessions they organize with local business people, which are open to all job hunters from 15 to mid-70s.

Please or text “thejobforum” to 41444.

You can also send a check for The Job Forum to:

• Janet Beach, Executive Director of The Job Forum,
• 101 Lombard Street, 704
• San Francisco, CA 94111

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Wednesday, July 24 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | FREE

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who live, work, and visit the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

The post City Hall Check-In with Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres | July 24 appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

***PRESS RELEASE***

EverCharge Unveils New EV Chargers Near Oracle Park in San Francisco

The EV chargers at 153 Townsend St. in San Francisco are unveiled as part of EverCharge’s strategic partnership with the San Francisco Giants

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 26, 2024 – , a leading provider of large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and part of , today announced the unveiling of the new EV chargers at 153 Townsend St. in San Francisco.

The unveiling of EverCharge’s new chargers at Oracle Park marks a pivotal moment in our City’s journey towards electrification,” said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed. “With a goal of achieving 1,700 public chargers in the City by 2030, this partnership between EverCharge and the San Francisco Giants to install 150 total chargers is a significant step forward. After all, it’s going to take everyone doing their part to help San Francisco meet its bold carbon-neutral goals, and this is precisely the kind of collaboration we need to see across all industries. By expanding access to electric vehicle charging, we are making it easier for residents and visitors to switch to cleaner transportation, helping us create a more resilient, fossil-free future for all.

“At the Chamber, we’re proud to support initiatives that propel the city towards positive change,” said Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the ��ѻ��ý. “We’re seeing a rapid increase of electric vehicles, so this project is coming in at the right time to support the city’s sustainability goals and initiatives.”

As part of a strategic partnership with the San Francisco Giants , EverCharge is working to install hundreds of EV charging stations around Oracle Park. The chargers are intended to provide the local community – including Giants fans and Oracle Park event go-ers – with a reliable and eco-friendly transportation solution. With the unveiling of the first 50 charging stations, EverCharge is thrilled to support the transition to clean energy for the San Francisco community and beyond, and help establish the venue as a reliable EV charging hub.

“The installation of EverCharge’s EV charging stations near Oracle Park is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for San Francisco,” said Tyrone Jue, Director at San Francisco’s Environment Department. “By expanding access to EV charging, we make it easier for residents and visitors to switch to electric vehicles, which is critical to achieving our Climate Action Plan’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.”

“At the Giants, we are actively listening to our fans and remain dedicated to providing unmatched experiences,” said Jason Pearl, Chief Revenue Officer at the San Francisco Giants. “With this groundbreaking installation of EverCharge EV chargers, we are responding directly to the needs of our fans and Oracle Park event-goers who are increasingly using electric vehicles when traveling to and from our ballpark.”

“We’re proud to unveil these chargers, and can’t wait for the community to start using them”, said John Lin, SVP of Global Sales at EverCharge. “Our strategic partnership with the Giants brings EverCharge’s unmatched technology to where people want it most, and allows us to remain dedicated to our shared commitment to electrification.”

EverCharge’s patented SmartPower technology maximizes the number of charging stations on limited electrical infrastructure, enabling organizations to install up to 10 times more stations, while minimizing the need for costly electrical upgrades.

��ѻ��ý EverCharge

EverCharge is a manufacturer and provider of turnkey hardware and software EV charging solutions for fleets, workplaces, multi-unit, and single-family homes. The company’s offerings are designed to use existing infrastructure to efficiently scale EV charging at the lowest cost. EverCharge’s patented SmartPower technology maximizes the number of EVs that can charge at once and eliminates barriers, such as data connectivity. EverCharge was founded in 2013, and acquired in 2022 by SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate that operates leading businesses across the semiconductor, energy and pharmaceutical industries. With a commitment to providing the most seamless charging solution, EverCharge is paving the way for a cleaner future for all.

��ѻ��ý ��ѻ��ý

Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work. www.sfchamber.com

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Thursday, October 31 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | FREE

The Morning Buzz, at its heart, is a simple gathering of Chamber members and non-members to have the spotlight in a room of people looking to build relationships and increase their business here in San Francisco.

Attendees will have the stage to share what opportunities or challenges they are seeing within their industry, what products/service their business is providing to remedy the challenges … and also share a cup of coffee with others to create some positive “buzz” for the coming workday.

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who live, work, and visit the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

The post [NEW] The Morning Buzz: Community Platform Event | October 31 appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Make Your Voice Heard

San Francisco Business Leaders,

Your input is invaluable for shaping our initiatives and better serving the local business community.

That’s why we’re requesting your participation in a����to gather your valuable insights on our brand and communication efforts.

Your feedback will guide our advocacy efforts, policy recommendations, and member programs over the next year.

• Anonymity:��You may choose to remain anonymous by omitting your email address.

• Opportunity Drawing:��As a token of our appreciation for your time, providing your name and email will enter you into a drawing for a��FREE round-trip ticket��on��.

Together, we can drive positive change and keep San Francisco’s business environment thriving. We appreciate your partnership and participation.

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who live, work, and visit the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

The post ��ѻ��ý Member Survey appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2024

Media Contact: Emily Abraham, SF Chamber of Commerce, 916-294-5029

***PRESS RELEASE***

��The Yes SF Initiative Will Open its Headquarters in Downtown San Francisco Fall of 2024

San Francisco, CA – The ��ѻ��ý signed a lease to open a ground-floor coworking, event space, and coffee shop as the headquarters for the . The Yes SF Headquarters is the first space to take advantage of legislation passed last year by Mayor Breed that allows for office space on the ground floor in downtown, as long as it is paired with a retail, food and beverage, or entertainment use. This first of its kind space will be an illustration of a new downtown that is a dynamic mixed-use destination to live, work, and visit.

Mayor Breed’s downtown recovery zoning legislation passed in June of last year. In addition to the new “flexible workspace” use that the Yes SF headquarters will be utilizing, the legislation also waived regulatory barriers for office-to-housing conversions, expanded allowable areas for life science, light manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and formula retail, and allowed for a wide variety of uses on upper floors in the Union Square area which had previously only allowed for large single-tenant retail tenants.

“Downtown San Francisco offers unparalleled access to regional transit, cultural institutions and entertainment venues, and one of the most highly-skilled workforces in the world,” said Mayor London N. Breed. “The future of downtown isn’t going to look the same as it did before the pandemic, and that is why I passed this forward-looking legislation to allow for the widest possible variety of uses, including housing, academics, and creative new flexible spaces. I’m glad to see the Chamber putting these reforms to great use already, and I hope more will follow to bring more energy to Downtown.”

“The ��ѻ��ý was a champion for this legislation in the Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future, and I am proud to bring not only new activation downtown with it, but a place where innovation and community can grow and thrive,” said ��ѻ��ý President and CEO, Rodney Fong.

“It is an honor for Red Bay Coffee to be the cafe partner for a project that is at the intersection of the thought leadership revitalizing downtown San Francisco. This cafe represents the best of what SF strives for –creative solutions, cutting edge sustainable technology and beautiful coffee,” said founder and owner of Red Bay Coffee, Keba Konte.

“As a San Francisco native I am thrilled to be setting the ‘coffee table’ for this exciting Yes SF Collaboration. Red Bay Coffee will show up with green jobs, delicious coffee and great design,” said Konte.

Announced in 2023, Yes SF is a collaboration among Deloitte, Salesforce, the World Economic Forum, Citi and the ��ѻ��ý, in collaboration with the City and County of San Francisco, and more than 20 other organizations to harness the spirit of entrepreneurship and to help drive innovation for more sustainable and equitable living in cities around the world, starting in San Francisco. Last Fall, 14 Top Innovators were selected by UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s open innovation platform, for their breakthrough ideas to bring new life to buildings, infrastructure, and outdoor areas in downtown San Francisco. The Yes SF brick and mortar location will house co-working space for sustainable startups, including the 14 Top Innovators of the Yes SF, Urban Sustainability Challenge.

“Yes SF uniquely brings private and public sectors together to push a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient city. San Francisco is already a global leader in sustainability, and I believe that through this collaborative effort, we can reach our goal of a revitalized and greener downtown,” said Rodney Fong.

“The ability for Top Innovators to have a physical space in San Francisco as they grow and scale their solutions is a critical milestone for the Yes SF Challenge,” said Alison Hagan, Managing Principal for Deloitte’s San Francisco practice. “This space will help to foster collaboration and innovation as they continue to rethink what urban transformation looks like and shape the impact they hope to bring to the city.”

“Salesforce is proud to support the Yes SF initiative, which represents a bold step towards creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient San Francisco. By leveraging the power of collaboration between private and public sectors, we can drive innovation and meaningful change in urban sustainability. The establishment of the Yes SF headquarters underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where ecopreneurs, community events, and sustainable solutions converge to shape a brighter future for our city,” said Hydra Mendoza, VP, Chief of Strategic Relationships, Salesforce Office of the CEO.

Supporting Sustainable Startups in San Francisco

Yes SF is the first location-based UpLink Challenge created to help catalyze a new model of place-based change. The Challenge called for entrepreneurs to submit sustainable solutions that contribute to the significant needs of San Francisco through scalable improvements to urban spaces in its downtown area. From green roofs to curbside EV chargers to energy storage, the Yes SF Top Innovators are helping drive urban sustainability efforts that can help San Francisco become a role model for green cities.

“The establishment of a Yes SF headquarters downtown is an important step towards reimagining the city’s central business district as a world-leading hub for inclusive economic opportunity where innovative ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and new sustainability solutions are born. Through our growing coalition of government, business and community partners, we are fostering a dynamic ecosystem that we hope will serve a model for cities across the globe,” said Jeff Merritt, Head of Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum.

Community Event Space

Yes SF will host regular community gatherings, events focused on the revitalization of San Francisco, and programming for startups in the sustainability space.

To date, Yes SF has hosted over 20 events focused on showcasing sustainable innovators and highlighting their mission of sustainable urban transformation. The Yes SF headquarters, which are being designed by Gensler, plans to open in Fall 2024. There will be activations throughout the week at the headquarters, located in the heart of downtown, at the cross streets of Montgomery and Bush Streets.

For more information visit:

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For Immediate Release: February 14, 2024

Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein, SF Chamber of Commerce, 415-305-8478

***PRESS RELEASE***

��ѻ��ý releases poll results at the Annual CityBeat Breakfast.

San Francisco, CA – New polling released by the ��ѻ��ý shows voters support financial incentives and tax breaks for downtown businesses to support filling empty office space and adding diverse new uses. The poll found that 88% of voters agree that a thriving downtown San Francisco is critical to the region’s economy. View 2024 CityBeat Poll Results presented by United Airlines here.

“Our Citybeat poll shows that San Franciscans are frustrated but ready to take real action on solving our most challenging issues by supporting policies that make it easier to do business and increase public safety,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the ��ѻ��ý, “From reducing burdensome taxes to supporting common sense public safety reforms, San Franciscans spoke loudly that they want real policy solutions from City Hall.”

Voters are clear on the core challenges downtown faces, and a majority are supportive of solutions that provide relief to businesses.

• 84% support San Francisco offering financial incentives for small businesses to stay or move downtown.
• 81% support San Francisco offering tax incentives to help businesses move into vacant ground floor spaces downtown.
• 71% support San Francisco offering incentives for large businesses to stay or move downtown.

The Citybeat Poll also showed that San Franciscans are ready to see new housing in downtown including converting offices to homes:

• 78% responded that there should be more housing in downtown.
• 85% of voters said unused office spaces in downtown should be converted for other uses.

When asked specifically about Proposition C on the March 2024 Ballot, which would waive the city transfer tax on office to residential conversions, 53% of likely March voters supported the idea with 42% in opposition.

Public Safety:

Half of voters named crime as a major issue facing the city, and while the percentage of voters who think that crime has gotten better in San Francisco has increased from last year’s poll, 69% still think that crime has gotten worse. When asked 61% of voters reported that they feel safe visiting downtown during the day. Those who visit downtown feel safer in the area than those who visit less frequently. The share of voters citing crime and drugs as what comes to mind when they think of downtown fell from 23% to 15%.

Voters indicated their support of March ballot initiatives that address public safety concerns and illegal drug use.

Propositions E and F saw majority support of likely March voters indicating that they would vote yes on both measures. Proposition E, which would update the San Francisco Police Department’s policies on technology, vehicle pursuits, and community input, had 61% in support and 37% opposed. Proposition F, which would require drug screening and substance abuse treatment for single adults receiving cash assistance from the City, had 61% support and 36% opposed.

Each year, the ��ѻ��ý releases the CityBeat Poll, presented by United Airlines, which offers a glimpse into San Francisco voter sentiments. The poll surveyed 500 voters between January 17-24, 2024, and was conducted by .

Speakers included:

• ,��
• ,����(2x) World Champion, (4x)����All-Star &��,
• ,��President & CEO,��SF Chamber of Commerce
• ,��Outgoing Board Chair, SF Chamber of Commerce, CEO of��
• , Incoming Board Chair, Senior Vice President, Local Government Relations & Public Policy at��
• ,��Board Member, SF Chamber of Commerce; Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs, Western Region at��
• Emcee:��,��

��ѻ��ý ��ѻ��ý

Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work. www.sfchamber.com

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Revealing San Francisco Voter attitudes and opinions on issues including quality of life, housing and affordability, transportation, education, crime, city services, and more.

����

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

��ѻ��ý | info@sfchamber.com | (415) 392 – 4520

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city.

The post 2024 CityBeat Poll Results presented by United Airlines appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Download the SFCC Voter Guide March 2024

Questions? Contact our Public Policy Team here.

The post March 2024 Voter Guide + Election Recap appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Discover San Francisco Magic: Support Local Small Businesses this Holiday Season

Celebrate the holidays by embracing the magic of local shopping. Discover unique gifts, enjoy personalized service, and contribute to our community’s vibrancy.

🎁 ��Why Choose Local?

1️⃣ Craftsmanship: Find handcrafted treasures from local artisans.
2️⃣ Service: Experience personalized, attentive service.
3️⃣ Community: Contribute to local prosperity.

🎄 Make a Difference in San Francisco:

1️⃣ Shop Early: Support local businesses for festive needs.
2️⃣ Spread the Word: Share your local finds using #SupportLocalHoliday.
3️⃣ Attend Events: Explore local markets for a festive experience.
4️⃣ Gift Cards: Give the gift of choice with local business gift cards.

🌟 Together, Let’s Illuminate San Francisco!

Join us in supporting local businesses and making this holiday season truly special!

Interested in joining the ��ѻ��ý? Learn more here.

Additional Resources:

• • The City Hall Pop-up, in partnership with Square, the ��ѻ��ý, and the San Francisco Arts Commission, showcases 45 small and unique San Francisco makers.

• • Shop Dine SF is a campaign to support businesses in San Francisco. Visit shops, eat at restaurants, and get services and experiences from the small businesses that make San Francisco special.

• • A creative & entrepreneurial marketplace for Black community empowerment, wealth building, & prosperity based in the Fillmore District.

• • The Legacy Business Program is a groundbreaking initiative established in 2015 by the City and County of San Francisco that recognizes and preserves longstanding, community-serving businesses. Through the Legacy Business Registry, the Program certifies businesses that have operated in San Francisco for 30 years or longer and have contributed to San Francisco’s history and identity.

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SAN FRANCISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

& THE APEC INNOVATION ZONE AT CITY HALL

During the week of APEC, the ��ѻ��ý, in partnership with San Francisco Mayor London Breed, hosted over a thousand global media for an immersive and innovative arts experience. Blending the enchanting with the groundbreaking, the ��ѻ��ý proudly accepted the Mayor’s invitation to join the Media Reception at City Hall. Aligning with the Mayor’s “City of Firsts” theme, during the Media Reception, the Chamber and presenting sponsor unveiled the Innovation Zone – a space designed to celebrate and highlight San Francisco’s vibrant culture of pioneering innovations and sustainable solutions. .

Rodney Fong, President & CEO, of the ��ѻ��ý, stated, “APEC gives San Francisco a unique opportunity to showcase the best of our city on the world stage, including our culture of innovation, groundbreaking strides in sustainability, and natural beauty. The Innovation Zone has curated an experience that goes beyond words, inviting the world to witness firsthand the ingenuity that San Francisco has to offer.”

“We’re pleased to spotlight the in the Innovation Zone and their efforts to help revitalize downtown San Francisco, helping transform it into a more sustainable and vibrant place to live and work,” said Kirsten Rhodes, San Francisco managing principal, Deloitte LLP. “The mission of the UpLink Challenge aligns with Deloitte’s commitment to building more equitable futures and we look forward to the impact this can have in San Francisco and other cities that replicate this approach to urban sustainability.”

The Chamber’s deliberate partnership with the local non-profit supports and showcases the ambitious work of diverse artists and creative communities. This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to elevate the innovative voices of the Bay Area – those at the forefront of blending technology and creativity to solve complex challenges.

“The Chamber has found a unique and creative way to present and highlight, for a global audience, the entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem of San Francisco that has been advising and supporting for over 100 years,” said David Kaufman, Director of Global Strategies, Nixon Peabody LLP.��

As part of this visionary endeavor, the Innovation Zone presented an immersive art installation that guided viewers through a narrative of San Francisco’s storied past, its dynamic present, and a forward-looking vision of sustainability. Featured innovations included carbon removal technology from and , water recycling solutions by , advancements in electric vehicle charging software from , satellite technology from , and groundbreaking initiatives from sustainable innovators as part of the .

The Innovation Zone was presented by , , , , , , and .

��

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking, and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop, and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work.

��

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Media Contact: Emily Abraham, eabraham@sfchamber.com

235 Montgomery St., Ste. 760, San Francisco, CA 94104

tel: 415.392.4520 • fax: 415.392.0485

sfchamber.com •

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How long has Alaska Airlines been serving the San Francisco market?

is proud to have served the San Francisco market since 1979. ��Some interesting facts about our SFO operation:

• • We have over 1,700 employees based in SFO
  • On a daily basis, we serve over 11,000 guests
  • We offer 80-90 daily departures
  • Our top daily destinations are: Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX) and New York City (JFK/EWR)
  • In addition to SFO, we also proudly serve San Jose (SJC) and Oakland (OAK) within the Bay Area

We are excited that is preparing to move to the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in Summer of 2024.��This will allow us to be near flights for American Airlines and our other oneworld member airlines, which is convenient for guests who have connecting flights, including to international destinations. Plus, the new gates will give us shorter taxi times and faster access to the runways – saving time and burning less fuel.

Why is sustainability a priority for Alaska Airlines?��

At , we are all about care – and that includes care for the over 120 places where we live and fly, and the planet we share. We have been around for over 90 years and know that being here for the long haul requires managing our business thoughtfully – including our environmental impact.

To do so, we have prioritized immediate actions and long-term investments to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to protect local ecosystems. We know that we can’t make this journey alone – that’s why we are working closely with innovative partners across the globe to inform our work and enable new solutions for the future.

What has Alaska Airlines done historically to support sustainability?

has long been a leader in inflight sustainability – in fact, we developed the standard for onboard recycling in the 1980s, an effort started by our employees at Horizon Air.

Here are some other accomplishments:

• • 2018 – Alaska took a big step forward in being the first U.S. airline to eliminating plastic straws and plastic stir sticks from our aircraft.����
  • 2021- As part of our 2025 goals, we embarked on a path to eliminate one of the most common plastic products in flight, water bottles. We started in May, by replacing individual water bottles on regional flights and in the first-class cabin with Boxed Water. In November, we took another step forward by becoming the first U.S. airline to eliminate plastic bottles from our water service by expanding Boxed Water to all flights and all cabins.����
  • 2022 – Alaska became the first U.S. airline to pioneer an innovative electronic bag tag program, modernizing the check-in process and enabling us to reduce waste from bag tags in the future as this program grows.����
  • 2023 – In January, we reached another significant milestone by completing our elimination of plastic cups from our flights, another industry first. We are now serving all beverages inflight using FSC-certified paper cups or reusable glassware in the First Class cabin.

Additionally, we encourage guests to #FillBeforeYouFly by traveling with an empty water bottle and refilling it before boarding. We also require guests to pre-order their meals on our mobile app, which reduces food waste. In fact, in 2022, our guests helped reduce food waste by approximately 50%, or a total of 350K meals by using pre-ordering their meals. We also encourage guest to download our app to cut down on the need for paper tickets.

What are some of Alaska Airlines’ sustainability goals that are driving its work moving forward?

We have prioritized immediate actions and long-term investments to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to protect local ecosystems. In order to reach our ambitious goal of being carbon net zero by 2040, we have set more immediate 2025 goals, which include

What are some new technologies Alaska Airlines is investing in?��

We’ve always been pioneers and we can’t wait for these technologies to come to us. That’s why we founded Alaska Star Ventures, an investment arm focused on identifying and enabling new technologies that can accelerate our path to net zero. Initial investments have been made with ZeroAvia, The Westly Group and UP.Partners.

.

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San Francisco Board of Supervisors��

San Francisco City Hall

1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

��

November 6, 2023

Re: Amendments to San Francisco Police Department Full Staffing Act

��

Dear San Francisco Rules Committee,

��

On behalf of the ��ѻ��ý, I share our opposition to the San Francisco Police Department Full Staffing Act (File No. 230985). Our Board of Directors supports the initial charter amendment’s intent, which aimed to fund crucial SFPD recruitment and retention efforts from the city’s general fund. The amended version currently under consideration implies that San Franciscans must agree to pay extra for a fully staffed police department.

The city faces a generational staffing challenge of more than 30% less officers than the independently recommended staffing level of 2,182, with further reductions on the horizon due to near-term retirements, resulting in a dangerously low 52% of the necessary officers needed for full staffing. The current inability to meet sufficient staffing levels hampers the SFPD’s ability to carry out proactive policing strategies for our businesses and residents. More than ever we need the resources to address the open air drug markets crisis and address property crimes that disproportionately affect our small businesses, residents, and tourists.

It is critical for our city to demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety, and linking that message to a new tax diminishes its impact. While we acknowledge the concerns about the city’s projected budget deficit, we urge you to consider the potential negative consequences of significant police department understaffing. Companies are basing their decisions to locate in San Francisco, host conferences, and bring workers back to the office based on public safety perceptions. The lack of proactive policing deeply impacts small businesses, who are too often victims of crime. These issues have tangible consequences for the city’s tax revenue, and overall vibrancy.��

Based on these concerns, we do not support this amendment that forces a choice between adequate police staffing and additional taxes. Public safety is a critical function of public service and should be funded from the current general fund.��

Thank you for your time and consideration.

��

Respectfully,��

Rodney Fong

President & CEO

The ��ѻ��ý

235 Montgomery St., Ste. 760, San Francisco, CA 94104

tel: 415.392.4520 • fax: 415.392.0485

sfchamber.com •

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October 24, 2023

Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein | (415) 305-8478 | dherzstein@sfchamber.com

For Immediate Release

The ��ѻ��ý Announces Winners of 2023 Excellence in Business Awards

This year’s Excellence in Business Awards (Ebbies) attendees danced the night away to the rhythm of local samba dance group & while celebrating our community’s business leaders.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Hundreds of business and community leaders gathered last week to celebrate the ��ѻ��ý’s annual Excellence in Business (Ebbies) Awards. The Ebbies are San Francisco’s celebration and recognition of the Bay Area’s visionary entrepreneurs, business leaders, and exemplary corporate citizens. Awards include Small Business of the Year, Sustainability, and overall Excellence in Business. .

Winners of this year’s Ebbies Awards include:

• Small Business of the Year presented by WINNER:
• Sustainability Award presented by ,�� WINNER:
• Non-Profit of the Year presented by WINNER:
• Excellence in Business Award presented by & WINNER:

The Ebbies Awards were made possible with generous sponsorship from Bank of America, Gensler, Kaiser Permanente, Alaska Airlines, Recology, and Blue Shield of California.

“The Ebbies are not just awards; they’re stories of excellence, stories of businesses that have scaled heights, and stories that inspire all of us,” said Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the ��ѻ��ý, “We honor these remarkable businesses, remember that each one is a reflection of our city’s spirit. From small businesses to sustainable initiatives, non-profits to trailblazing enterprises, each nominee and winner showcases the best of San Francisco.”

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý is the largest and most influential business membership organization in San Francisco. The Chamber represents businesses of every size��and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives,��works��and visits the city. More information about the Chamber is available at��SFChamber.com.

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This year’s event was held at the iconic with the unmatched energy of host, .

Excellence in Business Award�� • This award recognizes a Bay Area company that demonstrates leadership and success in all aspects of business. This includes giving back to the community and fostering a culture that emphasizes the importance of people.

Award Finalists:

2023 Award Sponsors: ��

����

Sustainability Award •�� A San Francisco business that stands as exemplary in their commitment to our City’s overall sustainability goals that include energy, water, waste, reduction, best practices, efficiency, and a focused sustainability culture within their company.

Award Finalists:

2023 Award Sponsors:��

Small Business of the Year Award •�� A small San Francisco business that exemplifies the diversity of products and services that are uniquely San Francisco.

Award Finalists:

2023 Award Sponsors:

Non-Profit of the Year Award •�� A San Francisco-based non-profit innovative organization that builds relationships with the San Francisco business community, and is a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Award Finalists:

2023 Award Sponsors:

��ѻ��ý the Excellence in Business Awards

The Excellence in Business Awards serve as San Francisco’s esteemed platform to honor and celebrate visionary entrepreneurs, business trailblazers, and outstanding corporate contributors from the Bay Area.

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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in San Francisco

November 11 – 17, 2023

In less than two months, San Francisco is going to be front and center on the world’s stage. The��will draw leaders from 21 member economies, SF’s biggest international event in decades.

APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to promote economic integration. As a grouping, it makes up 38% of the global population, 50% of GDP and 48% of trade, serving as a significant driver of economic growth.��.

As many as 30,000 visitors are expected – including two dozen heads of state, a thousand CEOs, and hundreds of foreign journalists; with an anticipated “$50 million of direct economic impact to the city,” – Rodney Fong, SF Chamber President & CEO.

We’re thrilled to announce our participation in the upcoming��APEC –����in��San Francisco��this November.

��ѻ��ý the APEC Innovation Zone:

During the week of��APEC, the ��ѻ��ý, in partnership with San Francisco Mayor London Breed, hosted over a thousand global media for an immersive and innovative arts experience. Blending the enchanting with the groundbreaking, the ��ѻ��ý proudly accepted the Mayor’s invitation to join the Media Reception at City Hall. Aligning with the Mayor’s “City of Firsts” theme, during the Media Reception, the Chamber and presenting sponsor�� unveiled the Innovation Zone – a space designed to celebrate and highlight San Francisco’s vibrant culture of pioneering innovations and sustainable solutions. Read more here.

��ѻ��ý APEC 2023:

is not just an event; it is an invitation for San Francisco to take its rightful place as an innovative visionary that shapes the future for decades to come. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bay Area Corporate titans to influence international dynamics, drive unprecedented global growth, and showcase the newest products to a gathering of influential minds, trendsetters, and decision-makers from 21 countries around the Pacific Rim.

Media Coverage:

• How APEC Will Affect Public Transportation | SFMTA

The ‘s�� is coming to San Francisco, November 14-16, at the Moscone Center West. This event will bring together CEOs, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and other stakeholders with the most senior political leaders from the Asia-Pacific region for two days of robust dialogue on the global opportunities and challenges that are shaping economic, environmental, and societal trends in the region.

Come and share in the discussion, and network with those who have the leadership, ideas, and resources to help address key issues like climate change and equitable growth, mobility of workers and talent scarcity, global health, and supply chains.

Please contact��ahuang@sfchamber.com��for more information on how you can participate specifically at the CEO summit.��.

Established in 1989��in Canberra, Australia, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an intergovernmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim.

Together, their shared vision is for an “open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.”��They plan to achieve this through three drivers of economic growth: trade and investment; innovation and digitalization; and strong, balanced, secure, sustainable, and inclusive growth. .

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The ��ѻ��ý Announces the 6th Annual WELL Conference��

This year’s theme “Woven Together” explores the diverse threads in San Francisco in support of gender equality in the workplace and in the community.

For Immediate Release

SAN FRANCISCO, CA; October��4, 2023 – The ��ѻ��ý, the largest and most influential business membership organization in San Francisco, will host its sixth annual Women Empowering Leadership & Learning (WELL) Conference on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.��

This year’s conference theme, “Woven Together,”��highlights the diverse threads in the community that support women’s empowerment, leadership, and education.��

“In San Francisco, every unique voice adds a chapter to our city’s ongoing story of progress and innovation,” shares ��ѻ��ý President & CEO Rodney Fong. “When I think about this year’s ‘Woven Together’ theme for the WELLConference, I see it as more than just a symbol of our unity. It’s a vivid reminder of the invaluable roles women take on in steering leadership and advancing education. Every contribution, every thread, builds towards a future that’s both harmonious and thriving.”

“At Accenture, we know that a culture and workplace where all our people feel respected and empowered is a key driver of our progress and success,” said John Gingrich, office managing director of Northern California at Accenture and board member of the ��ѻ��ý. “Different backgrounds, different perspectives, and different lived experiences enable businesses to thrive, and we are proud to celebrate a vibrant, diverse workforce in the Bay Area and beyond.”����

The WELL Conference will be hosted by����anchor and reporter Gia Vang. The keynote speech will be given by��, Corporate Vice President of Enterprise Sales, Software and Digital Platforms at��.��

Among the many notable speakers at WELL:��

• , office managing director of Northern California,����and board member,��San Francisco Chamber of Commerce��
• , president & CEO,����ѻ��ý
• , vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,��
• , west Inclusion & Diversity lead,��and a mental wellness advocate
• , vice president and head of talent,��
• , executive director of regulatory strategy and execution,��
• , Head of People,����
• , managing director,��

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for (2) round-trip tickets to any destination, courtesy of��.��

��is a Title Sponsor of the WELL Conference. Additional support for the event was provided by Leaders Sponsors, including��,��,��and��.����is the Media Sponsor.��

For more information on the WELL program and registration,��please visit:��/event/well-conference-2023.

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý is the largest and most influential business membership organization in San Francisco. The Chamber represents businesses of every size��and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives,��works��and visits the city. More information about the Chamber is available at��SFChamber.com.

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In Memory of Senator Dianne Feinstein

June 22, 1933 – September 28, 2023

Senator Feinstein was a hero who led in times of tragedy and fought tirelessly for San Francisco. As the first woman to lead San Francisco and the longest-serving female Senator, she has inspired generations of women and girls to step into their power.

She got results for our City, our state, and our country––and she never let you forget how much she cared. We will miss her tremendously, and we’ll never stop fighting for San Francisco in her honor. .

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Maui Relief Effort Coordinated by:
��������•����������ѻ��ý

Donations go to

Shoutouts and calls for donations being made today from concerts in Union Square and “Outside Lands”

“As Californians, and San Franciscans, we understand the suddenness with which disaster can strike. Today, forgo a lunch, a drink or a cup of coffee and give what you can. The ties between our two states are longterm and close. Now is the time to help in the spirit of aloha.”

— Rodney Fong, President & CEO ��ѻ��ý

��

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

• David Perry, | (415) 676-7007 | news@davidperry.com
• ��ѻ��ý | info@sfchamber.com | (415) 392 – 4520

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city.

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“The ��ѻ��ý Board of Directors supports a return to in-person work for three, four, or five days a week for the vast majority of companies. ��

An overwhelming majority of the member companies represented on the Board of Directors have pledged to work towards or continue implementing policies to promote in-person work, either through mandates or by incentivizing employees to work in person in their offices three, four, or five days a week.”

Learn more about our Board of Directors here.

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For Immediate Release: May 23, 2023

Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein, SF Chamber of Commerce, 415-305-8478

***PRESS RELEASE***

NEW POLLING SHOWS THAT 91% OF RESIDENTS AGREE THAT A THRIVING DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO IS CRITICAL TO REGION’S ECONOMY

��ѻ��ý will release full poll results at the 173rd Annual CityBeat Breakfast on May 23rd.

San Francisco, CA – New polling released by the ��ѻ��ý shows that 91% of residents agree that a thriving downtown San Francisco is critical to the region’s economy. The results were consistent across gender, age, ethnicity, party affiliation, and neighborhood, and homeownership status.��

San Francisco voters are pessimistic both about the current direction of the city, where three in four say San Francisco is on the wrong track with nearly half expecting economic conditions to be worse a year from now.

Much of this has to do with concerns around crime, drugs, and the conditions of the streets. For the fourth year in a row, 75% of residents agree that the overall cleanliness of our streets has gotten worse, and about 70% believe that quality of life in San Francisco has also gotten worse.

While homelessness remains a top of mind concern, mentions of crime have more than doubled since 2020, and are now statistically tied with homelessness – with 83% saying that crime has gotten worse.��

Of residents polled, 64% feel safe visiting downtown San Francisco during the day with few feeling safe visiting at night. A key element of enhancing perception of safety downtown is increased foot traffic, and while San Francisco downtown is seeing some pick up, only 26% of residents say they go downtown three days or more a week, with 14% going at least one day a week.

San Franciscans are overwhelmingly supportive of the solutions to these issues that were proposed in . The greater San Francisco business community has come together to support and advocate for initiatives that will rebuild the economic core into its own livable, programmable, resilient neighborhood that supports innovation.

Voters are widely supportive of a variety of proposals relating to downtown. Over 75% of residents support more housing, events, restaurants and bars, and more entertainment downtown. There is also strong support for offering financial incentives for small and large businesses to stay or move downtown – with 68% supporting incentives for large businesses.��

��ѻ��ý President and CEO, Rodney Fong, said, “The theme of this year’s CityBeat Breakfast is ‘Reimagine San Francisco.’ We have a once in a generation opportunity to build a San Francisco that is more vibrant, more diverse, and more sustainable. And to do that, we have to come together. The Chamber is a place to convene our city’s thought leaders, and I am proud of our business community for putting our differences aside and joining in supporting, generating, and advocating for solutions to reimagine our still, very great city.”��

This year, CityBeat shines a light on how the business community has come together to advocate for a more vibrant downtown. View a video of San Francisco business groups leaders and their thoughts on the city .��

Each year, the ��ѻ��ý releases the CityBeat Poll, this year presented by United Airlines, which offers a glimpse into San Francisco voter sentiments. This poll reveals San Francisco voter attitudes and opinions on issues including quality of life, housing and affordability, transportation, education, crime, city services, and more. This year’s theme is “Re:Imagine San Francisco,” and will highlight local artists, youth poets, the collaboration of the business community, and hope for a future San Francisco downtown.��

Speakers include:

• Mayor London N. Breed, 45th Mayor of The City and County of San Francisco
• President Aaron Peskin, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 3
• Rodney Fong, President & CEO, ��ѻ��ý
• Scott Dunlap, Managing Principal, Gensler
• Kathryn Cahill Thompson, CEO, Cahill Contractors LLC
• Jeff Korzenik, Managing Director, Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank
• Peter Gruebele, Northern California Market Executive, Fifth Third Bank
• Papia Gambelin, Managing Director State and Local Government Affairs, United Airlines
• Brandon Gagante, Youth Speaks Poet

��ѻ��ý ��ѻ��ý

Founded in 1850, the ��ѻ��ý is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors and a great place to live and work. www.sfchamber.com

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Revealing San Francisco Voter attitudes and opinions on issues including quality of life, housing and affordability, transportation, education, crime, city services, and more.

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FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

��ѻ��ý | info@sfchamber.com | (415) 392 – 4520

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city.

The post 2023 CityBeat Poll Results presented by United Airlines appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

March 20, 2023

CONTACT:

Evette Davis (415) 385-4863

Rufus Jeffris (415) 606-2337

Emily Abraham (916) 294-5029

MAKE YOUR FUTURE IN SAN FRANCISCO

��COALITION OF BUSINESS GROUPS AND CITY UNVEIL NEW FILM AND WEBSITE

90-Second Film Narrated by Jon Miller Debuts at Future of Cities 3.0

(SAN FRANCISCO) – On Monday, the City of San Francisco, Mayor London Breed, and a coalition of business groups comprised of Advance SF, The Bay Area Council, and the ��ѻ��ý, unveiled a , , and logo for business retention and recruitment efforts. The film debuted at the Business Journal’s , a virtual forum featuring noted Urbanist Richard Florida. San Francisco was the keynote sponsor of the event, which was broadcast in 40 major US business markets.

“Over the last century, San Francisco has demonstrated time and time again that we’re a city that can remake itself. Our history hasn’t defined us; it has shaped our social and economic fabric, which we are proud of. As we look toward our future, we are excited to be a part of this narrative and to tell our amazing story,” said Kate Sofis, the Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “We’re home to dreamers, thinkers, builders, creators, inventors, makers, and doers. And we’ll continue to harness our entrepreneurial spirit to build on a future that is welcoming, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”

features iconic images of San Francisco, emphasizing the City as a place where the future is made. San Francisco Giants hall-of-fame baseball announcer Jon Miller generously donated his time to be the voice behind the video. The City of San Francisco was one of the contributors to the sponsorship and the film, along with an extraordinary coalition of businesses and organizations. ��Other financial support came from Bank of America, First Republic Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Shorenstein Companies, UC San Francisco, and United Airlines.

“We believe San Francisco is ready for the future and the next generation of businesses and innovation that will ultimately change the world,” said Advance SF President Wade Rose.

“This is only possible because of the unprecedented partnership between the public and private sectors to renew our Economic Core. As Richard Florida said during the event, ‘there are people in San Francisco who care deeply about its remaking,’ and reminding us that no matter the hardship, ‘San Francisco has come back thriving every time.’”

“San Francisco is not defined by its challenges; it’s defined by how it rises to its challenges,” added Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “Over many generations and by leveraging its collective power, ingenuity, and creativity, this great city has reinvented itself repeatedly, each time emerging stronger, better, and more resilient. That’s because we’ve always remained true to the audacious ideal that the future is made in San Francisco.”

Noted branding consultancy oversaw the creation of the new logo and production of the film, which would not have been possible without the unprecedented collaboration of numerous organizations, City departments, and iconic SF businesses, including , the , , , , the , , , ��/��, the , , the , , , , , , , , , , and .

“San Francisco is a City that never stops innovating and advancing,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the ��ѻ��ý. “As we recover from the pandemic and revitalize our City, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our future. I’m excited to join forces with our partners to showcase San Francisco as a destination that attracts and engages residents, visitors, and workers alike.”

The film, website, and logo are the first phase of a more extended business retention and recruitment program the�� Office of Economic and Workforce Development will be undertaking in the weeks and months ahead in conjunction with to revitalize downtown. This initiative builds on Mayor London N. Breed’s , a comprehensive plan that��responds to��emerging��economic trends and capitalizes��on the��City’s��strengths��to keep Downtown��vibrant, focusing��on key priorities such as offering a clean and safe environment,��fostering a resilient��workforce,��and��attracting new��industries.��

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����

��ѻ��ý the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD)

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development advances equitable and shared prosperity for San Franciscans by growing sustainable jobs, supporting businesses of all sizes, creating great places to live and work, and helping everyone achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit .

��ѻ��ý Advance SF

Advance SF is an organization made up of San Francisco’s leading employers dedicated to supporting an equitable, resilient, and vibrant economy shared by all people working and living in San Francisco. Through education, advocacy, and research, the organization is a meaningful partner in efforts to transform San Francisco into an affordable, thriving city with a good quality of life for all. For more information, visit

��ѻ��ý the Bay Area Council

The Bay Area Council is a business-sponsored, public-policy advocacy organization for the nine-county Bay Area. The Council proactively advocates for a strong economy, a vital business environment, and a better quality of life for everyone who lives here. Founded in 1945, the Bay Area Council is widely respected by elected officials, policymakers, and other civic leaders as the voice of Bay Area business. Today, more than 300 of the largest employers in the region support the Bay Area Council and offer their CEO or top executive as a member. Our members employ more than 4.43 million workers and have revenues of $1.94 trillion worldwide. Learn more at .

��ѻ��ý the ��ѻ��ý

The ��ѻ��ý represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

The post Make Your Future in San Francisco appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

The business and housing community realize that this is a crucial moment in time – where we must work collaboratively on solutions to support our existing businesses, attract new industries, and build our downtown core into its own resilient neighborhood. Built on layers of history, culture, and reinvention, San Francisco’s downtown is prime to welcome a new era of innovation.��

Our economic core fuels a significant portion of the city budget and with the dramatic changes that remote work has brought, is at serious risk of long term failure and decreasing revenues for the city. Since quarter one of 2019, office vacancy in San Francisco has increased by over 19% for a total of a 25.1% commercial office vacancy rate. BART ridership is only 39% recovered compared to pre-pandemic levels, and its trends mirror those of in-office traffic. As of December 2022, we estimate downtown in-person employees remain just over 41% of their pre-pandemic attendance.��

San Francisco is a world-class city – and these challenges present a great opportunity for us to reimagine downtown. San Francisco has the highest amount of venture capital funding of all North American markets and has long-drawn in entrepreneurs and new businesses with its diverse environment, rich entertainment and culinary scene, and investment opportunities. For a long time, this was enough to attract companies and workers to our beautiful city by the bay.��

As we face the challenges that the pandemic has both highlighted and exacerbated, we come together with a shared goal to renew the economic core and deliver real change. The business groups and housing advocates represented here support initiatives that will rebuild the economic core into its own livable, programmable, resilient neighborhood that supports innovation.��

These initiatives are clearly reflected in the Mayor’s recently announced , and we look forward to supporting the goals laid out in this ongoing effort. Together, we are dedicated to being partners in building a future that supports, nourishes, and attracts diverse San Francisco businesses and workers for years to come.

		�� �� ��

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This Valentine’s Day, show your love for the environment and join the ��ѻ��ý for a Sustainability in Business Forum on the San Francisco Climate Action Plan. The ��(The Plan) charts a pathway to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and works toward addressing racial and social equity, public health, economic recovery, resilience, and providing safe and affordable housing to all. Hear Interim Director of the Department of the Environment,��Tyrone Jue, speak to the goals of the Climate Action Plan and how it impacts your business.

Tyrone Jue has more than 20 years of experience leading teams and advancing environmental policies and programs focused on climate mitigation and adaptation, toxins, biodiversity, zero waste, water, and air pollution, racial equity, clean transportation, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. He is currently the Acting Director of the San Francisco Environment Department. Tyrone is also the Mayoral representative to the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) – the regional regulatory agency responsible for addressing air and climate pollution throughout the Bay Area.

The post How Does the San Francisco Climate Action Plan Impact Your Business? – Feb. 14 appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

has been a powerhouse regional bank for over 160 years, with a very strong presence throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States. ��ѻ��ý four years ago, Cincinnati, Ohio-based Fifth Third set its sights on expanding to two of the largest U.S. markets: California and Texas. Shortly before the pandemic hit, Fifth Third expanded into the San Francisco/Northern California market.

, provides insight on Fifth Third’s expansion into northern California over the past three years:

How have the first three years of business in northern California been for Fifth Third Bank? We’ve had a great three-plus years of growth, and have had tremendous success throughout the California footprint. We do feel that there’s ongoing opportunity to continue growing outside of San Francisco and further into northern California.

What has your approach been as you’ve entered the Northern California market? Our biggest goal as we grow our office is knowing that clients may not be moving to Fifth Third right away. But, two years from now when they may be considering a move, we want to be top-of-mind for their new banking partner. We are working hard on establishing relationships and building confidence.

Another key way that we’ve approached our entrance to this market is by hiring local talent. My relationship team has, on average, 25 years of experience in the Bay area. Fifth Third leadership was very thoughtful on bringing in local talent, which demonstrates their commitment and focus on community. Fifth Third has hired people who know the region and its people and then we grow them within the Bank—instead of bringing in outside people.

How is Fifth Third uniquely positioned to provide superior banking products and services? The Bank has grown to be a really strong regional player; we’re a top 10 bank from a balance sheet standpoint. We have all the products and capabilities of the large money center banks, with the personal touch of a regional bank. Ultimately, it’s our goal to “out-local” those money center banks and, at the same time, “out-regionalize” and show our strength against smaller institutions in the marketplace.

What was Fifth Third’s approach to pandemic-related challenges in Northern California? We focused on helping everyone in the community during those tough times—not just our current clients. For example, we feel really good about the fact that we even helped out businesses that were not our clients but were having trouble securing PPP funding through their current banking institution. Some of these businesses even became Fifth Third clients down the road.

Now in late 2022, we are in an endemic phase. We aren’t as worried about the pandemic on a daily basis, but everyone is facing lingering challenges. These include inflation and supply chain concerns. These discussions have hit the dinner table, and our clients and prospects are facing the same challenges that we see.��

What corporate initiatives is Fifth Third focused on right now? Fifth Third continually rates top-tier for best places to work. We strive to “walk the talk” when it comes to improving our global footprint. We’re a top-rated company with our regard to leaving the world a little bit better every single day. When we are considering client relationships and funding opportunities, we have a growth mindset and focus on green energy initiatives.

How would you describe Fifth Third’s approach to commercial banking? Our core focus always begins with the client and making sure we’re doing right by them every day. Everything we do and how we approach our business model is to improve our clients’ businesses, make their jobs easier, improve their overall cash flow and support their finance needs and day-to-day operational support. We work with our clients to ensure we’re providing best-in-class service and all the capabilities we offer that could enhance their business, including automating receivables and improving cash flow. We support our clients from a financial standpoint, providing them needed liquidity and credit when needed to grow and sustain their business.

What’s your approach to supporting your clients into 2023 and beyond? Our goal is to provide clients with financial and industry information from a broader scale. Whether it be from our Chief Investment Officer/economist or others from the Bank, we are committed to providing our clients with industry information from partners that are very in tune with what’s going on across a myriad of industries. We are opening up these discussion channels so we can help our clients see what’s coming down the road—and to help them be proactive and find workable solutions for challenges that come their way.

As an institution, is in a position to support our Northern California clients if we do head toward a recessionary trend. Fifth Third Bank is here, strong, and able to work with clients during that time and help them continue to achieve their goals.

The post Partner Spotlight: Fifth Third Bank appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

For Immediate Release: January 10, 2023

Media Contact: Daniel Herzstein, SF Chamber of Commerce, (415) 305-8478

SAN FRANCISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVESTS IN DOWNTOWN WITH LAUNCH OF NEW DATA DASHBOARD AND URBAN PLANNING INITIATIVE

The post Downtown San Francisco Economic Indicators Data Dashboard appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Dear Chamber of Commerce Members, New Years’ Greetings to all our Chamber members!�� As we enter 2023, I am honored to be taking on the role of Board Chair.�� I am taking the reins from Scott Dunlap, whose thoughtful leadership has led the Chamber back into the world of live events, face-to-face networking opportunities, and in-person idea sharing.�� Thanks to Scott, Rodney, and the amazing Chamber staff and Board, the Chamber enters 2023 financially strong and poised for immediate impact.���� We all know that there are challenges ahead as we enter 2023.�� San Francisco’s homelessness and street conditions continue to negatively impact businesses large and small, the quality of life for our residents and employees, and the experience of visitors to our beautiful city.�� Our downtown is struggling with the slow return of workers and the changed nature of the office.�� And the city budget is likely to be drastically impacted due to the confluence of these factors.���� In the face of these challenges, I am buoyed by an emerging undercurrent of energy that is rising within the city to collaborate toward solving these problems.�� From the ballot box to the media, we have seen San Francisco citizens and businesses begin to find their voice and demand solutions and accountability.�� This was evident at the Chamber Board’s November Planning Conference, where a stellar group of Board members gathered with energy, ideas, and a clear desire to lift up this city we all love.�� With the continued support of you and our member community, I am confident that we will be able to uncover the beauty, vitality, financial strength, and innovative spirit that we know is at the heart of San Francisco.����

Sincerely, Kathryn Cahill Thompson CEO, Board Chair, ��ѻ��ý

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��	President and��CEO ��ѻ��ý

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The post A New Year’s Message from Our President and CEO, Rodney Fong appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Special guests , Principal at��, and��, Executive Director,����will discuss the winning candidates and measures passed by voters, as well as what the results mean for the city’s businesses, residents and visitors.

Download the SFCC Voter Guide November 2022

Questions? Contact our Public Policy Team here.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Hundreds of business and community leaders gathered last night to celebrate the ��ѻ��ý’s annual Excellence in Business (Ebbies) Awards. The Ebbies are San Francisco’s celebration and recognition of the Bay Area’s visionary entrepreneurs, business leaders, and exemplary corporate citizens. Awards include Small Business of the Year, Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, Nonprofit of the Year, and overall Excellence in Business. This year, we Reset The Stage, as we showcased our vibrant performing arts community. Special performances included Disney’s Frozen, A.C.T, Club Fugazi, and a special appearance by Circus Center. The Ebbies were hosted by the one and only, Franco Finn.

“Tonight the San Francisco Chamber reminds us why San Francisco is still one of the greatest cities in the world – showcasing businesses large and small and our world-class art and entertainment,” said Scott Dunlap, Managing Principal at Gensler and Board Chair of the ��ѻ��ý. “It’s no secret that over the last year we have faced continued challenges as a city…I am proud to share that the SF Chamber of Commerce has not only been a resource for many businesses during these difficult times, but also an active leader.”

Winners of this year’s Ebbies Awards include:

Diversity and Inclusion sponsored by –

Small Business of the Year sponsored by –

Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by –

Sustainability sponsored by and –

Excellence in Business sponsored by –

This year’s theme was Resetting The Stage – showcasing San Francisco’s Performing Arts Community and looking forward to what is next for our City. ��ѻ��ý CEO and President, Rodney Fong, said, “It is easy to get bogged down by all the challenges we face. But tonight’s theme is ‘Resetting the Stage’ and to me, that speaks to the unique opportunity we have to reimagine a stronger, more inclusive, San Francisco.”

The performing arts community was highlighted at the Ebbies, and there were performances by , , and .

The Ebbies were made possible with generous sponsorships from , , , , , , , , and .

��ѻ��ý ��ѻ��ý:

The ��ѻ��ý is the largest and most influential business membership organization in San Francisco. The Chamber represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

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The����has been created to honor Robert Ronald, the founder of��, and to establish continuity of support for the good work it does for the Bay Area. Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the SF Chamber calls the local business volunteers who help job hunters “angels” and describes the “wealth of knowledge and practical advice The Job Forum volunteers pass along to help others to succeed and get a job here in the Bay Area as impressive and valuable.”

continues today as a non-profit 501C3 and has become a unique and well-respected Bay Area community resource. is still sponsored by The ��ѻ��ý, helping job hunters find their next job by assisting them in conducting a successful job search.

The idea of is to connect local business managers to the many job hunters who live in the Bay Area or who land in The Bay Area with no support network and are urgently seeking work.�� Robert Ronald’s insight was that people in Bay Area companies are going to be the best source for helping advise job hunters (young and older) on how to join a company or an organization here.

Robert Ronald, a longtime Bay Area resident, escaped Germany and the coming Holocaust at age 7. His family later fled to Cuba to escape more Nazi persecution in France, and Robert ultimately arrived in San Francisco. In 1952, at the age of 26, he started a company and in July 1952, he began a Bay Area jobs program, called . ��The first meeting of The Job Forum was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce (under the Jr. Chamber program for young managers).

Mr. Ronald had a successful career in the insurance industry on the San Francisco peninsula. ��He recently passed away at age 96.�� His long business career was motivated by the lessons of his youth, experiencing difficult challenges, and he appreciated the dynamic opportunities for work in the United States and worked to advocate for others to experience the value of a decent job and career. Mr. Ronald was committed throughout his professional career to helping others achieve professional success.

Especially during the last 15 years of his remarkable life (1926-2022), Robert Ronald reconnected with The Job Forum and often referred proudly to as his second proudest legacy (His family being the first). At Robert Ronald’s well-attended memorial, held recently, his friends, business colleagues, and family were united in their admiration for a man who used his personal and intellectual talents to overcome early frightening hardships, escape the Nazis, immigrate to and personally flourish in other countries and focus his intellect and organizational prowess on creating opportunity for others.

Robert Ronald often exhorted the volunteers at to�� “Keep up the good work” and said, “ Job search is more complicated and requires more steps now than ever, so job hunters need more help from knowledgeable individuals to figure out the next steps in their job search and succeed.”

����

For the last 70 years, has helped thousands upon thousands of job hunters succeed and get their next jobs.�� The program is unique to this area. ��Job Forum managers volunteer in their free time and many work at local companies that are also members of The SF Chamber of Commerce. Linkedin, SalesForce, Cisco, Meta, Google, Doordash, Octa, JPMorgan Chase, Northwestern Mutual, UCSF, Vir, and Kaiser are examples.

helps new younger job hunters and older experienced job hunters who have fallen on hard times (via layoffs, hiring freezes) by providing a resource for those who must learn, or relearn, how to conduct a modern job search to find new work or switch to a different career here in the Bay Area.

�� ��

program still offers weekly virtual sessions open to all, helping those desiring work here in the Bay Area, because of the generosity and commitment of local business volunteers who advise job hunters. Yet The Job Forum organization must search for and find funding in order to cover normal operating costs for a non-profit and to reach job hunters to invite them to attend the virtual job search sessions they organize with local business people, which are open to all job hunters from 15 to mid-70s.

You can contribute to keeping this unique Bay Area community service available to job hunters – especially as enter a new phase of layoffs and hiring freezes- and you will be honoring an innovative immigrant who started The Job Forum at age 26 as an immigrant to the USA.

Please or text “thejobforum” to 41444.

You can also send a check for The Job Forum to:

• Janet Beach, Executive Director of The Job Forum,
• 101 Lombard Street, 704w
• San Francisco, CA 94111

The Bay Area is fortunate to have this legacy of community service which now welcomes immigrants from around the country and around the world as well as helps Bay Area job hunters.

The post Robert Ronald, Longtime Bay Area Citizen and Holocaust Survivor, Honored for Bay Area Job Forum Program appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

Dignity Health’s Saint Francis Memorial Hospital has been caring and advocating for LGBTQ patients and their families for decades—and has been recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for its commitment to LGBTQ health equity. That commitment shines brightly within the Gender Institute at Saint Francis.

At the heart of the Gender Institute is a council of transgender health experts and community members dedicated to continuously assessing and addressing the needs of transgender patients. Guided by this council, the Institute has become home to a group of dedicated, highly experienced clinicians who offer a wide range of transgender medical services, bridging gaps in care within San Francisco and beyond. The Institute has also committed itself to transgender health education, training Saint Francis staff, and partnering with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to hold a groundbreaking conference in 2019.

The Gender Institute officially, named and formed in 2016, is led by Medical Director Dr. Heidi Wittenberg. In this interview, Dr. Wittenberg shares what attracted her to Saint Francis Memorial Hospital and the Institute, what makes it unique and why she’s inspired by her patients.����

Can you describe the Gender Institute?

The Gender Institute has the goal of taking care of transgender and gender-expansive patients who don’t have a dedicated place to go. We have created and want to further create a safe space to provide the best care for these patients. We have a long history of taking care of this population, which is very vulnerable and often does not seek out help. We’re right there at the forefront of medicine in providing care to these patients.

What inspires you about the transgender community and the patients you work with?

There are so many obstacles these patients have to go through, and when I started doing gender-affirming surgeries in 2015, we weren’t seeing the younger generation that had supportive parents. We were seeing older patients that were experiencing the pain of coming out and not being supported by families, friends, and loved ones.

So, the inspiring stories for me are people staying true to themselves and working through their journeys. And I just loved when I saw someone with their significant other or family member that loved them for them. That partner loved them and supported them through the process. I find that so inspiring when I see it. Unfortunately, most patients have not had love and support. They have been left by family, partners; they have been ostracized, even abused and assaulted. So to see our patients persevere through these struggles and hurtles, survive, and then thrive, is also inspiring.

What’s your background, Dr. Wittenberg?

I started practicing in San Francisco in 1999 as an OB-GYN, and I delivered babies for over a decade. But really my specialty was and is female pelvic medicine or reconstructive surgery. I was recruited by a local transgender-only surgical practice because of my history. People ask me why would I take on additional training and expertise… and I thought, “Why �ɴdzܱ����’t I help?!”

I trained with that practice for a year, did a fellowship with them, and decided to concentrate on gender-affirming surgery. This was so in line with my background, training, and expertise that it just made sense. I’m now 100% focused on transgender, gender diverse, and gender-expansive surgery. I feel like I have come full circle and I’m delivering babies into the world as they should have been born.

How did you come to work at the Gender Institute?

I’d been working at Saint Francis since 2005 as a gynecological surgeon, but over time decided to do more of my surgeries there, because of how well my patients were treated. I am honored to be the medical director of the Gender Institute which became formalized in 2016.

Nicky Calma, San Francisco Community Health Clinic (Left); Dr. Heidi Wittenburg, Medical Director of Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Gender Institute (Center); and Dr. Lin Fraser, former President of WPATH (Right)

What makes the Gender Institute unique?

San Francisco has—though there are not many of us—the most transgender and gender-expansive surgeons, who offer the whole gamut of gender-affirming surgeries. We’re really fortunate. I think other areas of the country are going to grow their practices, but we have the largest number of experienced surgeons, to the point that surgeons come to train with us here and our patients are national and international.

The Gender Institute also has received philanthropic support from the Saint Francis Foundation and associated partners like Merck Foundation, Cigna Foundation, and Sierra Health Foundation. Saint Francis Foundation has helped ensure funding for health navigation, substance use referral programs, and essential technology and equipment that help ensure high-quality care to attract patients and care providers.

Some of the forefathers of transgender and gender-expansive surgery came from San Francisco, so that’s part of our heritage and history. And a lot of our surgeons at Saint Francis were with those early practices or evolved from those practices, and practice at the Gender Institute today. There are 15 highly experienced surgeons that are part of the Gender Institute—in this field, that’s a large number.

How do patients get referred to you?

The biggest referral driver to Saint Francis, because of the level of experience of our surgeons, is the patients themselves—word of mouth. We don’t advertise. Our patients talk, and the more you do for the patient population, the better the reputation gets. Our patients aren’t just from California; they’re from all over the country and international.

How does Saint Francis approach transgender and gender-expansive patients?

Saint Francis has done a lot of intentional work to train staff on transgender and gender-expansive patients—for example, using appropriate names and preferred pronouns. It’s been working with everyone from registration to nurses to dietary and beyond. It was and is a concerted effort.

I have worked in multiple different hospitals over the years. I would have to do damage control often at these other places because someone got misgendered or called by a deadname. At Saint Francis, it’s so rare for things like that to happen. It’s been a joy to feel that my patients are safe here.

Saint Francis gets it, and I don’t have to stomp out fires, do damage control or educate people again and again about things that should really be, in this day and age, common knowledge. Saint Francis has the heart, it has the training, it was in the forefront—it really knows how to take care of our patients.

What would the general public be surprised to know about Saint Francis or the Gender Institute?

Saint Francis and Dignity Health have been portrayed by some as being not LGBTQ-friendly or not women-friendly. Not only did St. Francis & St. Mary’s Medical Center rise to the occasion to take care of AIDS patients during the 1980s, but it was also among the for this population. And there’s actually a long and rich history of Saint Francis doing transgender and gender-expansive surgeries and supporting the community. Dr. Edward Falces performed pro-bono surgeries here for transgender patients in the 1960’s, followed by Dr. Lesley Hovey, Dr. James Kauth, and Dr. Doug Ousterhout. The Gender Institute evolved because there was a crew and legacy of surgeons already doing these procedures at Saint Francis. It was a natural evolution to elevate the work, do more teaching, and provide more services for our patients.

We’ve been teaching residents, students, and attending physicians. They come over to observe and learn about surgery. They watch us in our clinics. We’ve established a long history of supportive services. We’re developing more. We want to continue helping not just local but other institutions and health professionals—providers, nurses, and students—to continue to grow in this field and make sure we are all providing the best care for our patients.

The post Partner Spotlight: Dignity Health – Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Gender Institute appeared first on ��ѻ��ý.

BB Events is a purpose-driven events company, creating experiences built to spark meaningful connections and drive social change. At the head of it all is Becca Bloom – an event planner with over 10 years of experience in event planning and many of those years in the non-profit sector. From educational events to fundraising galas and everything in between, she’s worked with clients such as the International Rescue Committee, Playworks, Project Open Hand, the ACLU of Northern California, and us, here, at the ��ѻ��ý. We sat down with Becca to learn how she combines show-stopping events with her strong values of inclusivity, sustainability, and impact.

What is the secret to your longevity?

I believe the secret to long-term success comes down to creating meaningful, lasting relationships built on trust. Though we’ve run lots of one-off events in the past, I love that we have clients who return to us each event season. When I first meet a new organization, I take time to get to know their story, what makes them unique and how we can share their purpose in the best possible way. I don’t want to just run an event, I want to bring their cause to life!

My background has helped to get me where I am today at BB Events. My Brazilian heritage, world travels, service experience in AmeriCorps, and event planning experience have built a passion for working with non-profit community organizations and socially conscious companies. In doing so, we’re able to authentically connect with the organizations that we work with and understand the audience they’re trying to engage with.��

Why was it important to be located in San Francisco?��

Without a doubt, for me, it’s the diverse, inspiring community that makes up the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m constantly in awe of the people I meet – both vendors and clients – and the stories they have to tell. We each bring something different to the table and there’s a sense of championing one another. A great example would be our food community. The cultural diversity in the area means we can offer a range of international options while supporting small, local businesses in the process.��

Another thing that drew me to San Francisco is the range of events that happen here all of the time. It’s a real hub for creative expression not only through content but also within the beautiful, unique event spaces across the City.

What are some projects that your organization has been a part of here in San Francisco?

It’s important for me to give back to a community like San Francisco that has given us so much. I enjoy volunteering my time with the SF-Marin Food Bank delivering groceries around the City. I’ve been doing it for a year now.

I’ve had the pleasure of producing San Francisco Small Business Week for many years now both in virtual and in-person formats. It’s been a wonderful experience celebrating, educating, and elevating small businesses across the Bay.��

What makes you different in terms of your culture, products, services, inception, etc.?

BB Events is all about inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity. We help to create events with purpose that bring people together and show the meaningful impact they can have in our communities. These pillars are fueled by my year serving in AmeriCorps and my career in the nonprofit sector. Giving back to the community is important to us.

I like to think of myself as a bit of an environmental warrior. I like to bring sustainability into every part of the event planning process. It might sound a bit cliché to say “we’re all in this together” but it’s true! Every decision we make can reduce our carbon footprint. While I’m no expert, I seek out resources and knowledge to help me better understand how to produce more eco-friendly events. The Society For Sustainable Events (SFSE) has been a great leader in this sector in the Bay Area.

None of this is possible without our extraordinary attention to detail. We’re able to incorporate these important practices into our work because we pay attention to every aspect of the planning process. We leave no stone unturned. We ask the questions that people don’t even know need to be asked which allows us to produce such seamless events.��

How can your business help other businesses as well as people in their everyday lives?

Our events are designed to create positive change whether that’s through storytelling, raising money, or educating people. We hope that our events spark something positive every time a guest walks into that space and takes their experience far beyond just that one-day event.��

To get in touch with Becca and the BB Events Team, visit:

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, The ��ѻ��ý released the results of the Dignity Health Citybeat poll. The poll showed that San Francisco voters are frustrated with the state of the city, especially when it comes to crime.

In this year’s poll, 55 percent said crime was a major issue up from 46 percent in 2021, and more than double the 26 percent in 2020. Overall, 83 percent of respondents told us they felt that crime has gotten worse over the last few years.

Recognizing that San Francisco has major challenges, San Franciscans are also supportive of a number of solutions – especially when it comes to public safety. Voters said that a number of suggested��policies were high priorities for them:

• • 78 percent said that enforcing existing laws that prohibit open-air drug dealing, should be a priority.
  • 80 percent said that increasing the number of police officers in high-crime areas should be a priority, and 75 percent called for adding officers in busy areas. 77 percent said that expanding community-based police work in neighborhoods is a priority.
  • 80 percent prioritized expanding conservatorship and providing court-ordered treatment for those who are unable to care for themselves due to severe mental illness.
  • 81 percent said the same for putting more caseworkers on the streets to help people with behavioral health and substance abuse problems
  • 85 percent said that opening new mental and behavioral health centers for services for those dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues was a priority.

The Citybeat breakfast where the Dignity Health poll results were announced, was sponsored by United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Fifth Third Bank, Sutter Health, Wells Fargo, and Gensler.

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The ��ѻ��ý is the largest and most influential business membership organization in San Francisco. The Chamber represents businesses of every size and industry in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. Acting on our mission to attract, support, and grow business through advocacy, economic development, and business development in San Francisco, the Chamber delivers many programs and events each year and advocates for a prosperous economy and high quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits the city. More information about the Chamber is available at SFChamber.com.

Click to Download the Citybeat 2022 Press Release

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What is the story behind its creation?

10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day and our world is facing an impending caregiver crisis as life expectancy increases and the birth rate decreases. While it may not be the trendiest application of technology, the aging, and senior care industry is ripe for innovation – and universally relevant because we all have older people in our lives that we care about (and we’re all aging ourselves every day!). 90% of the population would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, but as families grow farther apart geographically, it can be difficult for older adults to safely and confidently remain independent. There is also the issue of social isolation and loneliness, which becomes more prevalent if seniors remain homebound due to mobility constraints, cognitive impairment, stigma from society, or any number of other reasons.

ElliQ was created to address these challenges. Designed for individuals living alone, it is a voice-first device that proactively suggests exercises, games, and health tips. Keeping in touch with family and friends has never been easier since there is no app to download or software to navigate. Reminders about medication, hydration, and important appointments give peace of mind to users and their loved ones. ElliQ is a friendly presence that helps older adults remain engaged and active throughout the day.

What makes you different in terms of your culture, products, services, inception, etc.?

One of the first questions we typically get is: “How is ElliQ different from other voice assistants?”

At its core, ElliQ was built to support our elders. Every aspect of functionality, approach, and design has been thoughtfully tested to provide maximum impact on its users. There are a host of custom features, but the most important differentiator is our philosophy. ElliQ is proactive, personalized, goal-driven, and empathetic.

Proactive: The user doesn’t need to remember the wake word and continuously thinks of questions to ask or commands to give. In contrast, ElliQ finds times that the user is available to initiate conversion or suggest activities. ElliQ can be woken up by name or touch at any point, but it doesn’t collect dust waiting for the user to initiate an interaction.

Personalized: As the user spends more time with the device, ElliQ uses artificial intelligence to customize the approach based on daily routines, preferences, and needs.

Goal-Driven: ElliQ’s engagement is intentional. Suggestions have a purpose behind them, starting with wellness coaching upfront to set health-related goals.

Empathetic: Perhaps most importantly, ElliQ uses warmth, humor, and personality to build a genuine relationship with the user. While other home assistants answer a single question, ElliQ will build context and conversation. For example, if you ask about the weather, ElliQ will not only tell you the forecast – but she might follow up with a question about your plans for the day and remind you to bring an umbrella if it’s going to rain.

How can your business help other businesses as well as people in their everyday lives?

Our mission is to help older adults in their everyday lives – empowering their independence and motivating them to take control of their health. Through proactive engagement, ElliQ offers entertainment, assistance with daily activities, connection to loved ones, and a host of wellness features.

In addition to helping individuals in their homes, ElliQ connects seniors to the outside world. Thanks to collaborations with organizations like Uber Health and Silver Sneakers, users can leverage their service offerings in a frictionless way via ElliQ. Since older adults represent nearly 20% of the population, it also provides other businesses access to an important demographic that may be difficult for them to reach otherwise.

What are some of the best experiences you’ve had owning/working with your business?

Without a doubt, the best experiences are when we get to hear directly from ElliQ users to hear how the device impacts their lives. We have had some users tell us stories about how socializing with ElliQ had brought them out of a depressive state and another user turned to ElliQ after her son passed. These stories reinforce the fact that we’re not just providing another device for the home. We’re creating a resource – and in some cases, a lifeline – for our elders to live more fulfilling, engaged lives.

To learn more about and the ElliQ Assistant, please .

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We were originally just looking to expand our catering business in November 2019, so with an offering of delicious banana bread, we approached the managers of the DocuSign Building on Main Street to see if there were any upcoming events we could help them with. You can imagine our surprise when they asked if we had any interest in opening a restaurant on the ground floor which had been unexpectedly vacated by a delicatessen before the end of its lease. While we were foodservice veterans, neither of us had run a retail restaurant before, but we agreed and the roller coaster adventure began!

What were the biggest challenges you faced in starting your business?

There were multiple challenges. First, what to call it? Based on the size of the space and its two-story glass front, our branding expert came up with , which was also a good fit with the mesmerizing lightshow on the ceiling of the patio walkway outside the unit. The logo and the tagline, For Enlightened Food Lovers, quickly followed.

Second, the space itself was a mess. Demolition and a complete build-out were required with all-new kitchen equipment. We also wanted to create a truly unique space, so we had interior tables custom-made from just three Marin redwood trees, and commissioned unique art and props inspired by the lightbox theme.

Third, and the biggest challenge of all, was – and continues to be – the pandemic. We opened in August 2020 with the focus on outdoor dining, event catering, pick-up & delivery due to the need for masks & social distancing. But just as we were starting to grow, the wildfires began bringing smoke & misery to our fair city, which forced us to go on hiatus in October that year. But quitting is not in our DNA: we re-opened mid-June 2021 and are grateful for all the support we are getting from local businesses and residents both in the restaurant and with off-site catering deliveries and events.

What makes you different in terms of culture, product & service?

We are a tightly-knit team with a “whatever it takes” approach and a fun disposition. We always go above and beyond for our restaurant & catering customers, from cookie decorating parties to a late order of 300 boxed meals. We’re also dog friendly: we have a jar of dog cookies on the counter with a sign that says, “Why your dog has brought you here.”

Our mouthwatering menu is American Casual with Verve Coffee, breakfast & lunch favorites, salads, sandwiches, beer & wine, grain bowls, pizza & taqueria items. We also have a lot of delicious vegetarian & vegan dishes.

What are some challenges you see facing your industry?

The pandemic has hit our industry very hard indeed and it’s sad to see so many restaurants closing in San Francisco. It’s also been hard finding the right staff as so many restaurant workers seem to have left the industry. So we feel blessed to have found our talented team and very grateful to be serving the local businesses and residents in the area.�� We are also very excited to be expanding our kitchen space in April when will be open on the weekends for Brunch!

What are some projects that your organization has been a part of here in San Francisco?

Since June of 2021 we have become a regular & growing catering service for multiple companies in the surrounding neighborhood.�� From DocuSign HQ and Schwab to Salesforce and Indeed, we are now serving over 30 companies in the East Cut Community.�� We have also been honored to provide many custom-styled private parties at and other beautiful venues such as Bix and Bimbo’s 365 Club.

How can your business help other businesses as well as people in their everyday lives?

We are already helping other businesses by purchasing all our food locally and by responding to local business’s needs in terms of high-quality catering and on-time deliveries. We are part of this local community, and we will continue to play our part in every opportunity that comes along.

To learn more about the San Francisco Chamber Member Lightbox Cafe please .

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San Francisco, CA��– Today, Mayor London N. Breed and business leaders announced plans to commit to returning to in-person work in San Francisco throughout the month of March. Mayor Breed has worked with the ��ѻ��ý and business leaders on implementing return to in-person work policies through the “Welcome Back to SF” pledge as the Omicron surge subsides.

As one of the highest vaccinated cities in the country, San Francisco is poised to welcome workers back to the office. The Omicron surge tested and proved the efficacy of vaccines-despite a peak case rate 6.5 times the peak of the largest previous surge in January 2021, San Francisco’s COVID mortality rate during the same period was less than half what it was in January 2021 and even lower amongst vaccinated individuals. After two years of primarily remote work policies by office-based industries, San Francisco’s office core, comprised of the Financial District, East Cut, Union Square, Yerba Buena, Civic Center, and Mission Bay neighborhoods, has not shown the same degree of economic recovery as that of other City neighborhoods. The decrease in the number of workers has had significant repercussions for the small businesses that cater to offices and their employees.

City and County of San Francisco workers, many of whom have been telecommuting since the start of the Omicron surge, are scheduled to return to the office in varied capacities beginning Monday, March 7. Joining the City in this commitment to implement policies to bring employees back to offices are companies including Bank of America, Blackrock, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, FibroGen, Gap, the Golden State Warriors, Google, HOK, Invitae, JP Morgan Chase, Kilroy, Mastercard, Meta, Microsoft, Orrick, Salesforce, the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco Symphony, SPUR, Uber, United Airlines, University of California San Francisco, Visa, and Wells Fargo.

By pledging to Welcome Back to SF, each of these companies is committed to implementing return to in-person work policies in March. However, in the wake of widespread telecommute policies adopted during the pandemic, return to office policies may vary across companies. Regardless, the Welcome Back to SF pledge signifies a critical milestone in the resumption of economic activity and progression towards adopting long-term operating models that respond to the needs and considerations of individual businesses and their employees.

“By committing to San Francisco, these businesses and many more are investing in this City and what makes it special – the people who live and work here,” said Mayor Breed. “We are excited to welcome people back to downtown to work, to dine, and to experience the arts and culture that make this City special. This March is the start of a new beginning for this City, and I want to thank all the businesses and workers who are committed to supporting our city and our small businesses.”

“We cannot overstate how important workers returning to their offices is to our survival and ultimately to the richness of San Francisco,” said Denise Tran from Bun Mee. “We have been tightening our belts and doing the best we can over the last two years, but without workers filling our downtown, it has been difficult. We’ve missed the bustle, the laughter, and the energy of having a full house each day. We depend on each other and can’t wait to welcome the return of employees downtown.”

The City has also partnered with several downtown stakeholders, including Boston Properties at Embarcadero Center, East Cut Community Benefits District, the Ferry Building, Union Square Alliance, Transbay Joint Powers Authority, Westfield San Francisco Centre, and the Crossing at East Cut to curate a series of events spanning the last week of March as part of efforts to welcome workers back downtown. More details on programming will be announced soon.

Additionally, through a $12.2 million investment by the City, Welcome Ambassadors are stationed throughout San Francisco’s office core, including transit hubs and popular congregation points, to provide a welcoming atmosphere for returning office workers, residents, and tourists. Welcome Ambassadors also assist with street cleanliness, and maintenance. These Ambassadors supplement similar existing programs within each of the four Community Benefits Districts that serve San Francisco’s office core.

Support from the Business Community on Returning to SF

Sonia Syngal, CEO of Gap Inc:��“Our culture is fueled by teams connecting meaningfully with each other to create and innovate for our customers. With that as our north star, we have spent the last year and a half completely redesigning our 2 Folsom San Francisco office with more agile workspaces, supported by technology that enables new ways of working. As we welcome more employees back to the office, there’s a palpable energy with teams working together in a new, beautiful environment where they are inspired to do their best work. And we look forward to contributing to the revival of downtown San Francisco through the opening of four new retail stores – Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta – on the ground floor of our 2 Folsom building later this year.”

Enrique Conterno, Chief Executive Officer of FibroGen:��“We are proud to be part of the vibrant Mission Bay community, which is a factor in our attraction and retention of great talent. We have remained open throughout the pandemic, and we’re delighted that more of our employees feel safe returning to the office, which we believe helps to deepen connection, foster collaboration, progress our science and invest in the local community in which we operate.”

Dara Khosrowshahi,��Uber CEO:��“One thing that the pandemic has taught us is that the benefits of in-person collaboration and camaraderie cannot be replaced. While we have not yet mandated in-person work, more and more colleagues have been returning voluntarily to our Mission Bay offices recently, and it has been reinvigorating to be with them in person again. As this trend continues, the city of San Francisco will benefit as well. Employees heading back to the office – and the coffee they may grab along the way – directly impacts small businesses and services, only strengthening the backbone of our economy. Alongside other company leaders, I have been working regularly from the office each week, and will be encouraging my team to do so. While we’ve made things work virtually the last two years, better days are ahead for the Bay Area.”

Brandon Schneider, Warriors President & Chief Operating Officer:��“In the live entertainment industry, it is no secret that nothing tops in-person interactions and experiences. I am so proud of how the Warriors organization has responded throughout the pandemic in a virtual setting, offering resources for all different facets of our community in need. However, our return to the office has elevated our ability to impact the community’s ongoing needs, offer world-class events and games at Chase Center, and foster a more inclusive, engaging and exciting future for Dub Nation, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area community. We applaud Mayor Breed’s leadership throughout the pandemic in keeping San Franciscans safe, and are excited for this next phase of welcoming our employees back to the office!”

Brent Hyder, Salesforce President and Chief People Officer:��“Our employees are looking for ways to safely connect in person, and we’re proud to welcome hundreds and soon-to-be thousands of employees to Salesforce Tower daily. As the largest private employer in San Francisco, we are deeply committed to the city and are excited our offices are buzzing again.”

Thomas Li, Meta’s San Francisco Community Engagement Lead:��“Bringing the world closer together and connecting people – is our mission and our business. It’s about more than just working remotely; the future of work has community-building at its heart. We look forward to continuing to build that community right here in San Francisco both in and out of the office. We’ve always taken pride in creating vibrant office communities for employees, clients, and partners. We’re committed to San Francisco – as are many of our employees who live here, raise families here and put down roots here. We can’t wait to welcome our teams back to the office as well as this new chapter of the future of work.”

Andrew Livingston, Orrick’s San Francisco Office Leader:��“We are excited to make our offices more accessible this month and expect to transition to the next phase of our hybrid working model in April. While our approach to the workplace will change, we will always have a strong presence in this great community to which we trace our roots. Our team is greatly looking forward to reconnecting in person.”

Ed McLaughlin, Mastercard’s President of Operations and Technology:��“As much as technology has helped us collaborate throughout the pandemic, there’s no replacing human connections. They help reinforce who we are and what defines our culture. We look forward to our teams continuing to come together in our San Francisco office to maximize all the city, its small businesses and the broader Bay Area have to offer.”

Shawn Villaron, Microsoft Bay Area Regional Site Leader and Vice President for PowerPoint:��“At Microsoft, we understand there is a deep connection between the community and the work we are doing to achieve our mission. We are excited to join other businesses and fully open our facilities in San Francisco to employees, visitors, and guests, as we value the ability to bring people together. With flexibility and inclusion at the core of our workplace approach, we look forward to this next chapter of our hybrid journey.”

Joshua Adler, MD, Chief Clinical Officer of UCSF Health:��“Since the pandemic began two years ago, thousands of our care providers, researchers, and frontline workers have continued to come on site every day to our hospitals, clinics and laboratories to serve our public mission. With all that we have learned about preventing transmission in the workplace, we feel very confident about bringing more of our workers back on site.”

Rob Tibbets, Marketing Principle for HOK:��“HOK is thrilled to welcome its entire staff back to San Francisco – the city we all love. We look forward to the regeneration of our small business neighbors.”

Dave Graham, head of Google’s San Francisco office:��“We’ve long believed in the power that comes from having people come together in person to build community, drive innovation, support creativity and solve complex problems — it’s why our campus will play an important role in supporting a flexible hybrid future. Many of our employees in San Francisco have already been coming into the office voluntarily to work and connect with colleagues, and we’re excited that our local Google community will grow even more vibrant as we soon embark on our new hybrid work week journey in the city.”

Jason Strle, CIO Enterprise Functions Technology and San Francisco Bay Area Site Leader for Wells Fargo:��“The health and safety of our employees is our top priority and we have prepared for a safe return into the office after two years. We believe in individual and collective benefits from in-person interactions and human connections, including networking, career development, team building, and key business collaboration. We also believe that we benefit from flexibility and will offer flexible schedules to many of our employees. Our customers, clients and company benefit from employees who are empowered to work in a way that fits, including balancing personal schedules, caring for their wellbeing, and pursuing their passions.”

Matthew Spivey, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Symphony:��“Ever since the San Francisco Symphony returned to giving in-person performances at Davies Symphony Hall last spring, our musicians have been sharing the joy and energy of live music making with our community again. We see firsthand the vibrancy and liveliness that the arts and our audiences bring to our neighborhood and our city as a whole. This month, the rest of the Symphony staff will also be returning to our offices, joining many of our neighbors in collaborating safely in person again in the heart of San Francisco.”

Alicia John-Baptiste, SPUR President and CEO:��“At SPUR, we believe that part of what makes cities so important is the way they bring people together. During the pandemic, we’ve seen many neighborhoods pull together as people started living much more local lives, and that community cohesion has been a real benefit to many. But there is something special about downtowns – where hundreds of thousands of people can come together in community, for arts and culture, for work, to make their voices heard, to explore and learn – and that’s been missing for so much of the past two years. I’m looking forward to seeing our downtowns return, with all their vitality.”

Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the ��ѻ��ý:��“San Francisco’s business districts are the economic core of our city and their vibrance is key to the economic recovery. The Chamber of Commerce is back in the office in a hybrid model. We are eager to work with our member businesses and Mayor Breed to bring San Franciscans and Bay Area residents back to the office to reinvigorate neighborhoods that have suffered during the pandemic.”

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With the turn of the new year, Melinda Yee Franklin completed her extended 2-year term as Board Chair, and after a vote by the board, she graciously transitioned that responsibility to me for the year ahead. Amid a global pandemic, Melinda’s exceptional leadership was stabilizing and effective. It is with enormous respect and gratitude that I follow in Melinda Yee Franklin’s formidable footsteps.

I am honored and energized by the robust leadership team that surrounds me at the Chamber. Inspiring leaders from a cross-section of industries and businesses of all sizes make up our powerful 56-person board. Our executive committee, which includes the board committee chairs, is comprised of both veteran and new leaders this year. And, of course, there is the incredibly hardworking and resilient Chamber staff, led by our incomparable President and CEO, Rodney Fong. With a team roster like this, the Chamber is built to remain a premier advocate for San Francisco businesses and their workforce, for city residents and visitors alike.

There is much to be done in the year ahead. My personal optimism about all that is possible this year is tempered by our stark civic reality and the profound impact the pandemic has had on all of us – our families, our businesses, and the urban fabric of the city. As an architect, I believe in the essential importance of cities to shape culture, enable personal connections, and create inclusive, meaningful, and memorable experiences for all people. This is the lens through which I will view my work for all of you as the new Board Chair. Resilience and prosperity are the great traditions of San Francisco. It’s time to rebuild and show the world we are still The City that Knows How.

To all of you, the valued members of the ��ѻ��ý, I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year. Hopefully in person, to meet, hear, and learn from each other about what is important in this special city that we all love. There is enormous strength in our combined experience, shared interests, and our broad diversity. Thank you for being part of our community of over 1,000 members. With your continued support, we will do great things for San Francisco.

Respectfully,

Board Chair of the ��ѻ��ý

Managing Principal,

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