2019 Recap: Top Stories of the Past Year

The entire Metro Chamber team is committed to serving our members and improving our economy by providing tools and programs that support the development of your business and shared prosperity throughout our region.

Looking back over 2019, you saw many of the Chamber’s efforts come to fruition and the launch of several new initiatives. Here’s a recap of some highlights from 2019:

Leadership Learning Path launches as a free year-long series of seminars on topics critical to the development of leadership principles & best practices. Read more in the Jan 18 article Leadership Learning Path -- a No-Cost Series for Members.

MetroConnect offered as a lead generation and direct referral program to generate business opportunities through building and strengthening professional relationships in a mutually supportive environment. Read more in the Feb 12 article MetroConnect: a New Direct Referral Program.

State & Local Policy Platform developed to inform communication with elected leaders & members, and guide engagement on community efforts. Read more in the March 6 article Metro Chamber Releases Local and State Policy Platform.

Downtown Action Organization launches Santa Rosa Downtown District launches enhanced services in the Downtown Santa Rosa Community Benefit District. Read more in the March 13 article Downtown Ambassadors Hitting the Streets.

Employer Supported Child Care efforts introduced to actively support increased child care options in our community. Read more in the April 4 article Employer Supported Child Care: Good for Business, Good for Development.

Bringing IRONMAN to Santa Rosa results in a $20 million economic impact. Read more in the April 25 article IRONMAN Santa Rosa: Revving the Economic Engine.

Chamber Annual Magazine published with quintupled distribution—from 5,000 to 25,000 copies—with 20,000 reaching Sunday subscribers of The Press Democrat. Read more in the June 26 article A Fantastic Resource for Locals, Relocators and Visitors.

Sonoma County Housing Fund created through a partnership between the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and Housing Trust Silicon Valley—a $10 million initiative to accelerate the production of housing and improve affordability in our region. Read more in the July 16 article Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Create Sonoma County Housing Fund to Spur Critically Needed Affordable Housing.

Leadership Santa Rosa commences its 36th year of developing effective community leaders to collaborate in resolving community challenges. Read more in the Sep 9 article 36th Year of Developing Effective Community Leaders.

PSPS & Kincade Fire support by providing information on preparedness & recovery, convening businesses & volunteers for assistance efforts, and collaborating with partners to assemble resources. Read more in the Oct 23 article Emergency Preparedness for Business and the Nov 11 article Recovery & Resiliency.

Invitation to the White House and other meetings in Washington, DC on Employer Supported Child Care and supporting working families. Read more in the Dec 19 article Ms. Sweet Goes to Washington: The Chamber’s Work in Expanding Access to Child Care.