Accomplishments

Flood & Disaster Related Assistance

  • Issued flood alert to all merchants (member or not) by phone and email on 12/29/2005.

  • Gathered emergency contact information for inclusion in the town’s Telephone Emergency Network System (TENS) to notify businesses in case of natural disaster.

  • Worked with the police, fire and Town to compile, “Merchant Emergency Preparedness Guide” and hand-delivered to every business in flood zone (member or not).

  • Developed advertising campaign “How Can You Help-Shop San Anselmo”, and subsidized newspaper ads, cab signs, and banners.

  • Collaborated with chamber board member, Joe Ranno of Flash Photo, who donated “status signs” (open for business) to all flood-zone businesses (member or not).

  • Compiled and hand-delivered to all flood zone businesses a six-page list of professionals offering services, including: pro bono legal help, licensed contractors, electricians, architects, plumbers, volunteer help, discounted services/goods, etc.

  • Hand-delivered to every business in flood zone two-page flyer on SBA Disaster loan info, consolidated from 24 pages of FEMA web info by two chamber attorneys.

  • Secured the Local Disaster Assistance Center (LAC–FEMA/SBA) in San Anselmo rather than Napa or Santa Rosa by working with Governor's office, Marin Office of Emergency Services, Sheriff's Office, and Marin Recovery Operations Center.

  • Created web page with flood assistance information within 36 hours of flood.

  • Set up a San Anselmo Disaster Relief Fund at Wells Fargo Bank in San Anselmo.

  • Awarded Congressional Medal of Honor due to the Chamber’s recovery efforts.

Information Source and Education

  • Produced the Town’s first Restaurant Guide.

  • Produced the Town’s only street map.

  • Contributed, produced and distributed Disaster Preparedness materials to all businesses.

  • Provided free business services, counseling and information via the chamber’s sponsorship of the Small Business Development Center.

Pro-Business Government Advocacy & Representation

  • Worked at the State level on several bills that would positively impact small businesses.

  • Served on the Ross Valley School District Strategic Planning Task Force, Disaster Preparedness Committee and Flood Mitigation Committee.

  • Served as a liaison between members and Town to serve and protect the San Anselmo business community, including retailers, home businesses, and corporations.

  • Attended every City Council meeting and Planning Commission meetings to monitor issues that could affect the business community (such as sign ordinances).

  • Represented local business community by demanding more answers on Measure B and  how the tax would financially impact small businesses.

  • Worked to fill vacant stores/offices in town with businesses that would complement the community and actively referred interested businesses to landlords/realtors.

  • Worked with the Town and the listing realty agent to prevent the opening of an adult store.

Other Activities

  • Organized and sponsored “Marin Women in Business” conference, San Anselmo Art & Design Festival, Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Window Decorating Contest.

  • Helped locate business interns for members thru Drake High’s “School to Career” program.

  • Left a “Passport to San Anselmo” gift bag (filled with San Anselmo info, business coupons, Destination San Anselmo and gifts) in every registered guest's room at the San Anselmo Inn from the Miss California & Miss Teen California pageants.