The Power Partners 2013 Educational Series

Our Connection Clubs offer members opportunities to connect and grow their business through weekly meetings at the Chamber office.  The Power Partners will be offering an educational series in the first quarter of 2013 on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month.  The series is open to all members to attend, but RSVP’s are requested from non-members of The Power Partners as space is limited.  Topics for January and February are:

Jan . 23 – “Organize Your Business with Technology”:  Learn how to save time through useful technology applications!

Jan. 30 – “Balancing Work and a Healthy Lifestyle”:  Leading a healthier life does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Learn how!

Feb. 20 – “Overcoming Objections”:  The talk is designed to help recognize types of objections and how to handle them appropriately.

Feb. 27 – “Secrets of Closing the Sale”:  Have you ever counted the money on all of the sales you ALMOST closed? Come to this seminar and learn how to put more money in your pocket!

To RSVP, please register online for the date of the event you are interested in.  Go to our website at www.santaclarachamber.org/events and click on the date of the event to register.  Chamber members have first priority seating, but make sure to RSVP as we expect each event to be “sold out.”

For more info on our Connection Clubs, please visit our website at SantaClaraChamber.com/ chamber/connection_clubs.aspx.

Chamber Membership is a Smart Business Strategy

A new study commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Western Association of Chamber Executives shows that membership in a Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy.  The study findings are powerful since over 2,000 adults responded to the web-based survey that asked them if they really support businesses because they are a member of a chamber of commerce.

Here is a sampling of the findings:

 

• Being active in a chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy.  In fact, it is 23% more effective for communicating that a company uses good business practices than it is for making a general statement about the company.
• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber, they are 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.
• When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber, they are 36% more likely to think favorably about the company.
• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber, they are 40% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.
• When consumers know that a large business is a member of the chamber, they are likely to patronize the company more often, to express favorable opinions about the company, to know more about the company, and to buy the company’s products.

 

A similar study was also conducted in 2007 showing relatively the same results as the 2012 study except for the fact that today’s consumers see an even higher positive impact when the business they purchase from is a chamber member.

We hope you will keep these very measurable benefits in mind when you consider renewing with our chamber in 2013.  Thank you for your continued support and investment in our organization.

Santa Clara Hotel Occupancy Continues Strong 2012

The city of Santa Clara’s hotel occupancy continues to rise as 2012 winds down. In October, the hotels surrounding the Santa Clara Convention Center, California’s Great America, and future Santa Clara Stadium averaged 83% occupancy, four percent higher than previous year (79%).

Average Daily Rate (ADR) was also strong in October, 2012 at $158.00 which is $19.00 higher than October, 2011.  Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and Convention-Visitors Bureau President and CEO Steve Van Dorn says “The occupancy tax generated from increased occupancy and average rate contributes greatly to Santa Clara’s general fund. We’re cautiously optimistic that this positive trend will continue.”

The averages compiled by the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and Convention-Visitors Bureau include the Avatar Hotel, Biltmore Hotel & Suites, Embassy Suites, Hilton Santa Clara, Hyatt house, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, Marriott Santa Clara, and the Plaza Suites.

State Takeover Could Create a $13 Million per Year Hole in City Budget

In June of 2011, in an effort to balance the State’s budgetary woes, the State of California abolished local Redevelopment Agencies. Hundreds of redevelopment agencies throughout the State – including the City of Santa Clara – were required to shut down and liquidate their assets to fund State obligations or go to other government entities. The City of Santa Clara anticipates having to transfer tens of millions of dollars out of the City to meet the State’s requirements. These are funds that were to go towards local affordable housing projects, community economic development and job creation, and other projects to revitalize the local community.

Prior to the passage of the law abolishing Redevelopment Agencies, the Redevelopment Agency for Santa Clara legally transferred property to the City of Santa Clara that had been developed by the agency.  The estimated value of these assets and properties is $300 million.  The transfer of these assets and properties took place months before the new law took effect and the City of Santa Clara believes the State has no right to the properties.  Some of the properties that the State may force the City to transfer and/or liquidate include:

• Santa Clara Convention Center

• California’s Great America

• TechMart

• Hyatt Hotel

• Hilton Hotel

Rent and land leases from these assets total approximately $13 million per year.  This income goes directly to the City budget to pay for such services as Police, Fire, Libraries and Parks & Recreation.  If the State forces the City to transfer/liquidate the properties, the impact will be detrimental to services that are already on a severely limited budget.

The Chamber strongly opposes this takeover by the State and is asking our members to do the same.  The Mayor and Council for the City of Santa Clara have written an open letter to the citizens and businesses, it is available for review. We have also included links to this page in recent email blasts to our membership.  The Chamber encourages you to take a moment to let your local legislators know your feelings on this ill-advised attempt by the State to take over City assets.  The State Controller will soon be releasing a report that will detail what properties and assets the State will be requiring cities to hand over.  Let your legislators and the Governor know your feelings on this critical issue-the time to act is NOW before the report is released!

Alaska Airlines – Making Travel Easier

As the fastest growing airline at Mineta San Jose International Airport, Alaska Airlines now offers customers 22 daily flights to 12 destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, California, Hawaii and Mexico.

Best known for its strong commitment to customer service, which has earned Alaska “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers” in the J. D. Powers & Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study for five consecutive years, the airline makes travel easier for customers on the go. Customers with smart phones can access flight information, check-in, and get an electronic boarding pass on Alaska Airlines’ iPhone and Android mobile apps. Consumers can also purchase tickets easily on the carrier’s  mobile website. Alaska is powering up customer waiting areas at its major airports with additional electrical outlets, making travel hassle-free for customers traveling with electronic devices.

Whether you’re flying Alaska Airlines from San Jose to the Hawaiian Islands or taking advantage of our new service between Monterey and San Diego, Alaska looks forward to serving you and all the members of the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau soon. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at alaskaair.com.

Santa Clara Chamber Of Commerce Will Publish New Community Guide And Membership Directory

The Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that sales for its upcoming community guide and membership directory are now underway. The guides are on target to print next summer and will be distributed in and around the Chamber service area.

The forthcoming Santa Clara destination guide and membership directory is an ideal community reference guide and informational relocation publication. This customized publication will feature a refreshing writing style, coupled with eye-popping design and colorful pictures – grasping the distinct character of the community. The publication will also include a complete Chamber membership directory and comprehensive buyer’s guide (categorical listing).

Advertising in the Santa Clara community guide and membership directory has unrivaled advantages. The multi-platform advertising bundle goes beyond the traditional print publication to include: a community website and downloadable NewView eBook® which converts the publication’s editorial, pictures and design elements into a digital format; on-the-go wireless access via various web-enabled devices; and the searchable vpMobile.us® Business Directory Portal featuring the Chamber’s entire membership directory available wirelessly 24/7.

For publication and advertising information or to reserve ad space now, contact the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce or Sales Representative Tom Stroup at 408-244-8244.

Member of the Month: Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet sources product opportunistically. Meaning, Grocery Outlet buyers take advantage of manufacturer’s overstocks and packaging changes. When big companies need help selling through a product, they call us. For example, if the company that makes Lucerne yogurt for Safeway stores overproduces on a particular flavor, they call our buyers to help them out. Then, we get the Lucerne yogurt at our store but can sell it for 3 for $1.00! During the month of November we might get candy or cereal that has Halloween packaging. Conventional grocers don’t want Halloween packaging in their stores but the product is still good for six months to a year, so we’ll get it at Grocery Outlet for 40% to 60% off regular retail.

We have great deals on seasonal produce,  and we have a fresh meat department and we sell milk, eggs and juice.

We are a family owned and operated business. Three of our four children work right along side us. Scott has 30 + years in the conventional grocery business. Kelli worked 12 years on the Colorado River as a river guide. Working with Grocery Outlet is providing us with an opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to support our family and work towards a common goal.

“We love the Santa Clara community! People are so friendly and helpful. The members of the Chamber of Commerce are the most welcoming we have ever experienced. We are looking forward to growing our business and being able to help out in the community for years to come,” Kelli Wiggins, owner.

Member Referrals

We would like to recognize and acknowledge member referrals for the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce. The following new member was referred by an existing member of the Chamber and we would like to recognize and thank Bob for his support!

Bob Koch with Wells Fargo Bank referred Chellie Busch with Brandable Things.  If you are interested in some creative ways to promote your business, give Chellie a call at (408) 802-0804 and she will assist you with great products to brand and promote your business.  If you are in need of a business banking specialist, give Bob a call at (408) 236-3000 or stop by the Wells Fargo branch at 1995 El Camino Real, Santa Clara to find out more about their services.

Every month we will publish any new members who have joined and were referred by an existing member.   When a member has referred a total of three new members, they will receive a $100.00 advertising credit (good for newsletter inserts, newsletter advertising or eblast advertising) Want to see your name in the next newsletter?   Be sure to refer any potential new members to one of our Chamber staff and we will do the rest!