The Antioch Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will temporarily be closing its offices while the chamber goes through some restructuring. Staff were let go last week after months of financial struggles.

Sean Wright, the Chamber’s current Chairman indicated that though Chamber membership remains strong, the non-member activities – events like the Annual Gala, State of the City, Economic Summit and other revenue-producing activities like selling city maps and advertising opportunities – that typically bring in sponsorship dollars and involve the community-at-large have steadily declined in revenue.

“Businesses are feeling the effects of the recession and that has finally trickled down to the Chamber activities,” said Wright. “This was obviously our last resort after trying for months to reduce costs in other ways. We have every intention of continuing to serve our members with networking opportunities, ribbon cuttings and the resources that our Chamber has typically provided but may have to do so with the help of volunteers in the short term.”

Alternatives are being reviewed to make sure the office is manned part-time so that members’ calls are answered, new businesses are able to get the resources they need, and the Chamber continues to be an active part of the Antioch community.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has served the community continuously since 1938.

(more…)

Power Plant Company Responds to Supervisor Glover’s Request

In a time of need, Calpine donates $10,000 to Food Bank Calpine acted on Supervisor Federal Glover’s appeal for donations to the Contra Costa Food Bank during these tough economic times.

“Calpine, as a member of the East County community is always generous when it comes to helping our residents,” said Glover. “Calpine is a prime example of a responsible business giving back to the community it serves.”

He points out that the energy producer, which has a plant in Pittsburg, also pays for the supervisor’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Last year, the supervisor was able to give away 600 free turkeys through the courtesy of Calpine.

Calpine officials will hand over the $10,000 check to Supervisor Glover at the food bank headquarters in Concord on Wednesday (Jan. 5) at 1 p.m.

Supervisor Glover wrote in an oped last month in another newspaper about the food drive and competition between Contra Costa and Solano county employees to raise funds for the food bank. In the column, he wrote: “Our Food Bank has clearly seen the impact of the recession …Over 89,000 Contra Costa residents a month must now use the Food Bank — an increase of 63 percent in 3 years, and 28 percent of those being helped are children.”

Several years ago, Solano and Contra Costa counties entered into an annual competition called, “County Cares Food Fight” in which each county’s workers try to outdo each other by raising money for the food bank. The supervisor’s office and other departments also compete among themselves to see which office can raise the most funds.

“In the end, the competition benefits the food bank so they can continue to distribute groceries to the needy,” said Glover. “We’re grateful to Calpine for stepping up to the plate once again.”

For more information, contact Supervisor Glover’s office at 925-427-8138 or  Lisa Sherrill of the Food Bank at 925-676-7543.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce presents the Chairman’s Mixer and Trade Show on Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way (next to the Prewett Water Park).

The free event is open to the public and will include tours of the Antioch Community Center, trade show vendors, the Summerset Big Band, fun, food and giveaway prizes. Bring your business cards and prepare to network. Feel free to bring a giveaway gift and further promote your business.

Trade show tables include two chairs (first come, first serve basis) and cost $100 each; $50 for nonprofit groups (four tables only). Call now to secure your table with payment: 925 757-1800.