Livermore Chamber of Commerce Press Releases

Report: Tri-Valley Region of California Rich in Crucial Assets for Innovation

Group of Local Businesses, Civic Leaders Launches Initiative to Interconnect Assets, Create Innovation Hub

Read Online at PRLog or download a PDF version

Livermore, CA - July 22, 2010 - The Tri-Valley region of California is rich in assets critical for creating an innovation hub, according to a research report released today at the second annual Innovation Forum put on by the Livermore Chamber of Commerce.

The report, titled "Innovation Potential in the Tri-Valley" identifies and analyzes Tri-Valley’s business, economic, demographic, and quality of life profile in the context of innovation potential. According to Dale Kaye, CEO of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce it forms a basis for the Innovation Tri-Valley initiative put forth by the group of local leaders with a vision to create an interconnected hub of innovation in the Tri-Valley to spur job growth and sustain a healthy economy and vibrant community.

Key findings of the report include:

• Tri-Valley has a significant presence of large corporations. Eleven of the East Bay’s top 50 companies, such as Chevron, Safeway, Ross Stores, and Sybase, are headquartered in Tri-Valley. Three of them, including the world’s 11th largest corporation Chevron, are among the Top 20 in the Bay Area.
• Research institutes play a pivotal role in innovation economies. Tri-Valley has easy access to world-class research universities such as UC-Berkeley, UC-San Francisco, and Stanford, and can tap two national laboratories - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.
• Tri-Valley is fast becoming a high-tech haven, with 765 technology companies operating in the region.
• Two industry clusters dominate the tech sector in Tri-Valley-software and cleantech. Biotech and communications have a respectable presence.
• The region possesses a healthy share of Gazelle (fast-growing) companies, recognized as a prime source of job creation. In 2007 seven Tri-Valley companies made the Inc. 500 list, while 30 made the composite Inc. 500/5000 list 2007-2008.
• Tri-Valley residents are more highly educated than the national average. Pleasanton and Danville are particularly impressive, with over 50 percent of residents holding a higher education degree.
• The region is served by four award-winning public school districts, two of which are comparable to those of Palo Alto. Tri-Valley schools exceed the average state scores on the Growth Academic Performance Index; California’s metric for measuring school performance.
• The region has a high quality of life with its Mediterranean climate, 40-plus wineries dotting the picturesque valley, and has a thriving art scene that grows bigger and more diverse each year.

"With all the right innovation ingredients at hand, there is a tremendous need to further nurture and interconnect these assets to foster a cluster of innovation," said Marty Beard, president of Sybase 365, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. "That is why key players in the local economy and society got together under the framework of ‘Innovation Tri-Valley’ to create an environment that attracts and sustains the next-generation of talented entrepreneurs and ultimately creates high value-added jobs."

Sybase, along with other major stakeholders such as the Livermore Chamber of Commerce, Chevron, Adept Technologies, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory and Las Positas College, unveiled the Innovation Tri-Valley initiative at the Second Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Forum hosted by the Livermore Chamber of Commerce today. A first-phase innovation plan aims to take an ecosystem approach with a three-pronged focus of business, cultural and public-private innovation.

"The Tri-Valley offers a unique blend of highly-educated and skilled people, technology and culture, enabling us to attract and retain the talent necessary to scale our business in intelligent robotic solutions and remain competitive globally," said John Dulchinos, President and CEO of Adept Technology. "Concerted, comprehensive efforts to help businesses set root and scale will in turn spur job growth and economic vitality of the region."

About Innovation Tri-Valley

Innovation Tri-Valley is a collaborative initiative among a diverse enterprise of businesses, research labs, educational institutions and civic leaders in the Tri-Valley region with a vision to interconnect the assets necessary for innovation. The group believes that with a united effort we can help our region’s businesses grow and scale, resulting in job growth and community vitality. For more information, visit www.innovationtrivalley.org.

Lanlogic Offers Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Seminar on April 22nd

Livermore, CA - On April 22nd, Lanlogic and the Livermore Chamber will co-host a Microsoft Windows 7 lunchtime seminar in the Livermore Chamber Conference Room.  Lanlogic has worked with dozens of clients that have successfully upgraded to the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system all over the San Francisco Bay Area.  Lanlogic wants to ensure the Livermore business community is able to seriously evaluate this new platform to understand the benefits and make it even easier to upgrade.
With all the publicity surrounding Windows 7 upgrade opportunities, Lanlogic believes a personal demonstration and small group discussion is the best way to determine real business value.  In addition to showing off real productivity features, there will be plenty of time for interactive discussion with Livermore Chamber member business owners and managers.

Questions that will be answered include:
• When to upgrade ?
• In-place upgrade, system rebuild, or computer replacement ?
• What to look out for before upgrading: other software applications, printers, anything else.

Attend this special event and discover how Windows 7 offers a powerful combination of innovation, improved performance, and productivity:
• Works the way you want – Windows 7 is fast , reliable, and compatible
• Helps you get more done – Windows 7 is easy to use and navigate
• Safeguards your work – Windows 7 offers comprehensive recovery and security options
Seating is limited to the first 25 registered attendees that qualify.
Qualified attendees will work in an office environment with 5 or more computers.
Lunch will be provided !

Please RSVP to Joe Foos

Livermore Chamber Launches nuAlerts Social Media Service to Help Members Generate Local Referrals and New Business.

The Livermore of Commerce announces that it has partnered with nuAlerts to bring the latest social media marketing tool to its members. NuAlerts is the ultimate tool for members to "get the word out" about their upcoming events, promotions, and discounts quickly and cost effectively. NuAlerts combines the best of search engine optimization, social network messaging, text messaging, widget and email marketing into a single easy to use tool. The Chamber invites all members to access their free account for posting their member to member offers, events and company news immediately to the new Chamber Virtual Mixer and Member to Member portal online.

Highlights of the Service:

1. Get Member Referrals: Post offers as ad Alerts to the Chamber website and to all Chamber members for instant exposure.
2. Virtual Mixer: Keep the community updated by posting your company news, information and events to the Virtual Mixer page
3. Get Found Online: Your posts are automatically search engine optimized for maximum online exposure.
4. Free Email Marketing: Built in email marketing using the same account.

NuAlerts is a social media marketing tool for organizations to get the word out via SMS, leading social networks, Email and Widgets. NuAlerts has been rapidly adopted by elected officials, small businesses and community organizations. Community Alerts offer members real-time posting of news, events and discounts to the virtual community dashboard online. Community Calendar delivers a single source of all community events nationwide. Customers sign-up to receive specific alerts via their preferred channel including SMS, email, widgets or social networks. The nuAlerts dashboard provides instant access to local, community-wide updates and can be added to any site with a few clicks. For more information, visit www.nualerts.com  

Livermore Chamber Announces Officers for 2010, New Board Members

Dale Kaye, President and CEO of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce announced that Ron Vyse, of Wells Fargo Commercial Bank will chair the board for 2010. Other officers include Christine Wente, with Wente Vineyards, Vice Chairman, Tim Tikalsiy of RINA Accoutancy, treasurer and Barbara Mertes, secretary. David Kent, The Wine Group will remain on the executive committee as Past Chairman of the board

Also announced were six new additions to the Chamber’s 2010 Board of Directors which include Roxanne Cruz of Pacific Gas & Electric, Susan Haughton of Safeway Inc. –No. California Division, Crystal Lu of Sybase, Inc., George Luther of Santa Maria & Co. Risk Ins. Services, Thomas Petty of WSI Smart Solutions and Timothy Tikalsky of RINA Accountancy to the Board. “The caliber of our board members has helped define this Chamber as an area leader, creating new and innovative programs to help businesses realize their full potential,’ said Kaye. Having strategic thinkers and top business people on the board has created powerful connections for the Chamber,” she added.

The Livermore Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic vitality of Livermore, providing high caliber leadership, innovative programs and a strong vision for the future.

Livermore, California Now Online At The Village Profile Community Profile Network Website

(Livermore, California) - The new community profile and membership directory published for the Livermore Chamber of Commerce is now online at www.villageprofile.com/california/livermore.

The publication was released in print, produced in cooperation with Village Profile(TM), the nation's leading Chamber publisher. The Village Profile(TM) Convergence Publishing Program(R) provides for thousands of print copies, along with high-tech digital delivery via the publication website at the Community Profile Network(R) website (a link to the site is also on the Chamber’s website). Here the publication can be downloaded in the form of a NewView eBook(R) to computer desktops and most wireless devices.

In addition, the searchable mobile business directory can be accessed on-the-go at www.vpmobile.us via smartphones, web-enabled cell phones and most mobile devices.

To take a virtual tour of Livermore and the surrounding area, along with more than 1,400 other communities throughout the U.S., visit the Community Profile Network(R) website at www.villageprofile.com -- the Internet’s largest, most comprehensive community website.

These technologically advanced publications are produced at NO COST to Chambers. As an added bonus, Chambers receive enhanced royalties to continue to develop and present programs to help member businesses succeed.

Village Profile(TM), which observed its 21st anniversary in 2009, was the first Chamber publisher to replicate its community profiles, membership directories and maps online. It introduced multi-platform convergence publishing to the Chamber industry in 2002, with traditional print augmented by publication websites, free NewView eBook(R) downloads, CDs, and mobile business directories accessible via wireless handhelds.

For publication information please call 800-600-0134 x220.

Mayor Kamena to present State of the City Address at Chamber Wine Country Luncheon - Scheduled For June 25th

The Livermore Chamber of Commerce will hold the first of their four Wine Country Summer Livermore Chamber Luncheons on Thursday, June 25th, featuring Mayor Marshall Kamena presenting the annual “State of the City” address. The luncheon will be held at The Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave.

The Livermore Chamber’s popular summer luncheons are set in different wineries and venues in Livermore’s exquisite Wine Country. Each of the luncheons, which are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, June through September, features distinguished speakers addressing topics of local and national interest. June 30th Assemblyperson Joan Buchanan will present “The State of the State Address” at Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd; a surprise guest will speak at the August 27th luncheon located at Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Rd and lastly County Supervisor Scott Haggerty will present the “State of the County Address” September 24th at the Martinelli Center, 3585 Greenville Ave.

The luncheons begin at 11:30 a.m. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. The fee is $35 for Chamber members and their guests, and $45 for non-members.

For further information or to make reservations call us at 447-1606.

Summer Luncheon Sponsors:
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel
The Garren Group

Livermore Chamber Prospers in 2008, Focuses on Members' Prosperity in 2009

Online Press Release, Print Version

LIVERMORE, Calif. - January 20, 2009 - The Livermore Chamber of Commerce has become the fifth largest chamber in the Bay Area in 2008. CEO Dale Kaye points to the Chamber's ability to be "forward¬looking" and envisions exciting possibilities, rejecting cookie-cutter thinking as a major reason for the Chamber's success. Also Livermore's growth, its vibrant new downtown and growing wine country all contribute to the Chamber's success. Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena says, "David Kent, board chairman, CEO Dale Kaye, and the board of directors have worked hand in hand with the city to position our town as the premier destination spot in the county. The synergy between the city and the Chamber has catapulted our vitality enormously."

The Livermore Chamber's growth spurt has made it an ever more effective referral and networking service for its members. Cynthia Walters, Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn reports that with the support of the Livermore Chamber, they have successfully developed a positive relation with a large business account in the area that has already brought over $22,000.

The Chamber's Livermore Valley Film Commission markets the area for film and television production and has brought in over 300 days of production. The Cities of Pleasanton and Dublin officially joined the commission this year, broadening the area's appeal to production. Producers are discovering the large variety of filming sites in the area from ranches to ultra modern office complexes, from wineries to the VA Hospital. The film office now has a library of over 1,000 photos and is continually working with Discover, PBS and on national commercial for products like Sutter Health Care, PG&E, Chevron, Toyota, Dodge and Wii's Samba de Amigo. According to Wilson Wu, an award winning location manager who has shot for years in Northern California, "The Livermore Valley Film Commission is one of the best, if not the very best, film commission in Northern California. It has friendly, helpful, resourceful people who move on a moment's notice" Livermore Mayor Kamena has not only been a great asset as a member of the Chamber's Board of Director but had the vision to immediately become a key advocate for a film commission in the area.

The Livermore Chamber's Hispanic Business Council was formed to give a voice to Hispanic business owners and to teach the non-Hispanic how to market to the growing Hispanic community. Jose Madriz, owner of El Charro Taqueria a member of the Hispanic Council said, "I am so happy the Chamber started this council. I need to market more to Hispanics and this will help me develop the tools I need. Whatever your business is, you need to discover your target audiences. Hispanics are a huge part of the Livermore area."

2008 also saw the redesign and optimization of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce's Web site (www.livermorechamber.org). The design of the Web site drew praise from top advertising executives, but more importantly site visits increased 100 percent and the number of pages views increased a whopping 400 percent due to the new easy-to-use structure and search engine optimization. With more advertising done on the Web than any other medium, the redesign gives chamber members the advantage of a cutting-edge marking tool. Lou DiGuisto, Senior Partner of Louws Management, a consulting company for top ad agencies around the world, praised the site as well as the Chamber's quick use of social networking. "A blog, MySpace and Facebook are a particularly effective way to market members' businesses and a path advocated for all businesses around the world." In 2009, Livermore Chamber members who have had the resources to build their own Web site will have a remarkable new benefit. For a small fee, members can have a Chamber web page added and search engine optimized by Thomas Petty from WSI (www.wsismartsolutions.com).

The Chamber's Wine Country Luncheons held in Livermore Valley's beautiful wine country were sellouts. Their popularity is attributed to the impressive speakers as well as the beautiful venues. Each year, the Chamber has been able to raise the bar by featuring impressive speakers and holding the events in wineries around Livermore Valley's beautiful wine country.

During their annual planning retreat the Chamber board determined that the Chamber will work diligently to partner even more with the City. The objective will be to bring in developers and to sell the story of doing business in Livermore, and why it is a good choice. "The city council priorities complement well those of the chamber board. It takes two: the chamber and you," says Mayor Kamena. "Partnerships are the backbones of our success." Additionally, the board has decided to work closely with destination partners to find the resources to have a 24/7 Visitors Center to showcase Livermore's wineries, downtown and other businesses.

"There are businesses that thrive, and there are businesses that wilt in every recession. The health of a community's businesses has a direct impact upon the well-being our schools, our services and infrastructure and our citizens. In 2009, the Livermore Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a positive force that facilitates and ensures the success of our area businesses," said David Kent, chief executive of The Wine Group and chairman-elect of the Chamber.

The Livermore Chamber will work with the two Livermore national Labs, the city's technology companies and our education partners as well as the US Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Commerce on an International Forum in 2009. Chamber leaders believe that many Bay Area businesses depend on international relationships. Most of our business leaders for small and large companies feel that we need to embrace a world perspective as part of our regional economic strategy. It should include the infrastructure that comes with it. Because of this the Chamber will play an important role in advocating for free trade agreements and zones and the loosening of restrictions on visas for foreign talent.

Livermore Chamber of Commerce Search Engine Optimizes New Web Site

Online Press Release

October 3, 2008, Livermore, CA - The Livermore Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Web site (www.livermorechamber.org) which has already drawn praise from top advertising executives for its design, easy navigation and interactive elements. The Web site was designed by Anjin Jaymes of Kodiak Arts, LLC, and built and search engine optimized by Thomas Petty of WSI Internet Consulting & Education (www.wsismartsolutions.com), both from Livermore, California.

Livermore Chamber CEO, Dale Eldridge Kaye said, "In the first month since the site went live, site visits have increased 100% and the number of pages viewed has increased a whopping 400%, due to the new, easy-to-use structure and search engine optimization."

Lou DiGuisto, Senior Partner of Louws Management, a consulting company for the top ad agencies around the world said he "was very impressed with the Web site's look and feel, easy navigation and relevance."

The Web site was designed to help brand Livermore as a destination, promote the Livermore Valley Film Commission, assist in the Chamber’s effort to go green by cutting down on paper and most importantly, to give Livermore Chamber members the ability to effectively promote their business.

According to Kaye, the most beneficial feature of the Web site is the optimization done by Petty, who is an Internet Marketing Consultant. "When your average rate of time on the site goes up 60 percent, your members benefit. When the number of pages viewed goes up 400 percent, your members benefit. When new visitors who have never been to site before goes up significantly, your members benefit."

She added that during economic downturns, it is essential for the Chamber to be creative in the ways they can promote their members' businesses without additional costs. "With more advertising being done on the Web than any other medium, it made sense for us to redesign our Web site to give our members the advantage of a cutting edge marketing tool."

The site also offers members interactive photo albums for ribbon cuttings, member events, and an interactive calendar with search, list and the ability to export to desktop calendars. The Chamber has had a blog for member input (www.livermorechamberblog.com) and has been on MySpace.com (www.myspace.com/livermorechamber) for the last year.

Livermore Valley Film Commission Succeeds in Bringing Productions To Area

On-line Press Release, Print Version

October 1, 2008, Livermore, CA - The Livermore Valley Film Commission, formed three years ago to promote filming in Livermore, has added Pleasanton and Dublin to its scope, according to Dale Eldridge Kaye, Film Office Director. The Film Commission works with production companies and location scouts to bring commercials, corporate videos, and feature film production to the area to foster economic development.

Offering a wide range of desirable locations, plus expertise in production, the Film Commission has been very successful in marketing the Livermore Valley. Hosting several productions a month, and using locations from ranches to offices to private homes, the Commission is gaining a following of production companies anxious to film here. The addition of Dublin and Pleasanton offers the opportunity to promote a wide range of locations. Having all the locations a production company may need in close proximity to each other helps them save money and time with minimal travel between sets. The commission already has earned a great reputation and veteran location scout Wilson Wu calls it one of the most effective film offices in Northern California.

Embraced by Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena and Alameda County Supervisor early on the film commission was made possible by a grant from Chevron. Considered a "green" business in many ways, filming comes to an area quickly, purchases supplies, uses lodging, pays location fees, and leaves the area better than when they arrived. Their small footprint plus the amount of money dropped while here make them a desirable business to attract.

The cooperation the three cities' government has been vital to the growth of the Film Commission's influence with film companies. Knowing that with the assistance of the Commission, a production on a short turn-around can get the permits and permissions needed from the three cities and the county quickly and efficiently often is the decisive factor in choosing a location. Residents and the business community have also been very supportive, and not only reap the financial benefits of a production in the area, but enjoy the excitement it brings.

The Film Commission, as part of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce, is also represented on the Chamber's newly designed Web site (www.livermorechamber.org). The locations library will be instrumental in piquing the interest of location scouts. Showing a broad representation of the variety of locations available, the site will show those making the proposals regarding where they will film that they can find whatever they need, all in the Tri-Valley. The Commission is in constant contact with the decision makers, and works closely with them to make sure all their production needs are met. The commission is staffed by veteran film commissioner Dale Eldridge Kaye who worked previously for both Florida and Tennessee State Film offices and also produced movies in Los Angeles as well as Jeanie Haigh, a noted photographer with a firm grasp of what the area has to offer.

For more information on the Livermore Valley Film Commission, visit the Livermore Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.livermorechamber.org, or call 925-447-1606.