Santa Rosa Chamber has been voted Best Chamber of Commerce in the 2011 NorthBay biz Readers Poll

When asked what its members say when giving feedback about the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, president/CEO Jonathan Coe says, “Awesome!” And while he says it a bit in jest, there must be something to that, since the chamber has been voted into the top spot in the NorthBay biz readers poll for the third consecutive year.

“We get a wide variety of feedback as to why members value our chamber,” he adds. “Some say the networking events really help connect them with the business community. Others appreciate the advertising we do for them on our website and at the California Welcome Center [which the chamber runs and which greets 50,000 visitors annually]. People come to [the businesses advertised] because we sent them.

“Larger companies appreciate things like the WHEEL program [Workplace Held Employee English Learning, which teaches local employees English as a second language, combined with lessons in parenting skills and financial literacy] because it results in better attendance rates, safety and employee interaction,” he says. “It’s very exciting to see it grow, with more companies taking advantage of it and more employees learning.”

He also mentions a positive response to the chamber’s involvement in legislative issues. “Last year, we worked with the city to implement its aggressive and consistent economic development program by modifying policies to make things easier for businesses to expand,” he says. “We need to look at the big picture: If we don’t invest in activities that will help businesses grow, we won’t get out of this recession. It’s the only way new businesses, tax revenue and better jobs will happen.”

Since Coe joined the chamber in 2009, its biggest challenge has been economic improvement and recovery from the recession. So the chamber has been focusing on three big areas in that regard. First, it worked with area hotels to coordinate with the city to create a hospitality business improvement effort. There’s now a 3 percent assessment tax on overnight stays, which generates $1 million annually. This funds efforts that will increase overnight stays in Santa Rosa. It promotes the city as a great place to visit and to hold a meeting or convention.

Next, it’s become more involved in the political arena. Last fall, the chamber endorsed three candidates for city council, two of whom were elected. “It’s a new departure for the chamber,” says Coe. “But the board feels, if we’re going to have an environment for businesses to thrive and have economic activity be sustainable, elected officials should be supportive of business needs and concerns.”

Third, it’s working to create an aggressive, five-year job creation program, called Sonoma County BEST (Building Economic Success Together). Modeled after successful programs around the country, it’s a private/public partnership that’s raising funds to affect job creation in three ways. First, it will work with existing businesses in Sonoma County to help them overcome expansion obstacles and/or take advantage of opportunities. Second, it will help people with bright ideas and connect them with the training, funding and support they need to succeed. Third, it will sell Sonoma County as a great place to do business and encourage businesses to move here and add to our economic vitality.

Today, the chamber is just shy of 900 members, a drop since the recession hit in 2008. “We continue to move forward and help members work through tough times,” says Coe. He mentions an annual membership drive each April, as well as a popular annual Business Expo where hundreds attend to visit business booths, sample food and wine and connect with the bigger community. Aside from that, the monthly Good Morning Santa Rosa meetings are well received, and the Young Professionals Network is an excellent resource for younger people looking to make connections in the business community.

“Thank you to all those who voted for your support,” says Coe. “We’re so appreciative of the recognition and will continue to work very hard to be worthy of this designation. I’m glad to know [after three years] it wasn’t a flash in the pan!” he laughs.