Committees
AMBASSADORS
The Ambassadors function as the "welcoming" arm of the Chamber. Ambassadors host chamber events and introduce new members and prospective members to chamber programs, promote good will and camaraderie and supporting the spirit and vitality of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors organize New Member Orientation Meetings and Ribbon Cutting Events for new businesses. Committee Chair is Lori Eaton. Please contact Lori if you would think you may have a future as an Ambassador, 415.381.3162 X112 or lori@calettijungsten.com
EVENTS
Each Chamber produced event is supported by a committee dedicated to event success. 2010 Chamber events include the Annual Awards Dinner, the Marin Green Business Forum, The Mill Valley Wine & Gourmet and the fall Business & ECOnomics Expo.
* ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
The Awards Committee oversees and organizes the Chamber's Annual Awards Dinner held in February at the Mill Valley Community Center which celebrates the partnership between The City of Mill Valley and the Mill Valley business community. The committee meets several times in a 3-month period, working closely with Chamber staff to produce this fun-filled event. Comittee chair for 2010 is Steve Bajor. Please contact Steve if you'd like to be involved; 415.383.3470 or email PROEvent@aol.com Committee Members include Jo Bryson, Judy Gilmore and Toni Hicks
* MARIN GREEN BUSINESS FORUM
The Marin Green Business Forum debuted in November 2006, a few short months after the premiere of the Academy Award winning film, “An Inconvenient Truth”. Dedicated to the business community, the objectives of the Forum are simple:
* Connect with like-minded business visionaries
* Learn how and why green businesses succeed
* Learn why sustainability is a successful long term business strategy
The 2010 Forum keynote speaker is California 6th District Assembly Member Jared Huffman whose priorities include protecting our environment; fighting global warming while creating jobs and building a “clean and green” 21st century economy; and promoting sustainable water, land use and transportation policies. A Green Business Leadership panel discussion of the environmental and bottom line benefits of green business initiatives, moderated by Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan will follow the keynote address. Select vendors will be on-hand to showcase their green products and services.
Tickets are $35 on or before March 29th, $50 thereafter. A selection of food and beverages will be available. Stan Gassman chairs the Marin Green Business Forum Committee. If you'd like to join the committee or discuss the program, contact Stan at 415.999.4089 or send an email to sgassman@bscsustainabilityservices.com
* WINE AND GOURMET FOOD TASTING
First held in 1981 to celebrate the new Depot Plaza, the annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting event has evolved from a small wine and cheese gathering to one of the finest events of its kind in the Bay Area. Co-hosted by the Mill Valley Market, a local source for wine and gourmet food dating back to 1929 and the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce, the festival features 70 or so small, limited-distribution domestic and international wineries, approximately 30 gourmet food vendors and many of the area's finest restaurants. Event popularity has increased each year to an extent that parking in or near downtown Mill Valley on this day becomes an event unto itself!
*BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS EXPO
The Business and ECOnomics Expo provides an outstanding marketing opportunity for Chamber member businesses. Held at the Mill Valley Community Center each October, this event features approximately 40 diverse, local exhibitors who showcase their products and services. With a focus on "green" businesses and environmentally friendly products and services, the Expo is attended by a large audience representing the public as well as members of the business community.
BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair: Stan Gassman
Vice-chair: Toni Hicks
Secretary: Judy Gilmore
Treasurer: Jessica Mott
Past chair: Elaine Cramer
CEO: Kathy Severson
FINANCE
The Finance committee is responsible for reviewing and providing guidance for the organization's financial matters. Specifically, the committee assures internal controls, independent audit, and financial analysis for the organization.The Finance Committee reviews all financial statements and reports on financial activity to the board.
Jessica Mott, Chamber Treasurer, chairs the Finance committee.
Committee members include Toni Hicks and Andya Reuterdahl.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
This committee, which promotes the Mill Valley Business Alliance, leads the Chamber's relationship with and is the focal point for communication and collaboration with city, county and state government. The Government Affairs Committee monitors business legislation at city, county and state levels and represents the business community with a strong, business-focused voice. The Committee actively participates in the formulation of public policy on issues affecting the local economy.
The Business Alliance is a coalition of Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce member businesses, Mill Valley city officials and the Mill Valley Chamber. The Alliance provides an opportunity for businesses to meet regularly with city officials, key city department personnel and the Chamber. One morning each month, participants meet to discuss current business issues, promote and support community events and programs, and encourage broad communication and cooperation. Invited guest speakers address Alliance members on important, topical subjects.
Elaine Cramer chairs the Government Affairs committee. Elaine can be reached at 415.526.6432 or email ecramer@tambank.com
Committee Members include Liana Orlandi and Peter Richmond
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Chamber provides opportunities for business growth through networking, referrals and government advocacy. The Membership Committee develops programs to attract new members and retain existing members. This committee is on the lookout for energetic individuals who want to have a voice in the growth of the Chamber.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
The Chamber website provides access to timely, accurate and useful information about Mill Valley and it's business community. Responsibilities of the Website Development Committee include:
* design, development and management of a publicly accessible website (www.millvalley.org) that includes information that is important and useful to Mill Valley citizens, businesses, workers, visitors and other interested parties
* identifying and recommending website enhancements for implementation in a timely but orderly fashion
* developing guidelines for website administration
* coordinating access and training for administrators.
* coordinating hosting of the website and maintaining the domain name
Committee Members:
Suzanne Agosta, MacKnowlogy, Plus
Hilary Andersen, Hilary Andersen Graphic Design
Maria Calanchini, Internet Marketing Genie
Suzi Katz, Sequoia Web Design
