This year, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce celebrates more than 80 years of supporting local businesses and the Pleasanton community. It works to advance the economic vitality of the City of Pleasanton by helping local businesses start, grow, and thrive. Some people may be surprised by how much happens at the Chamber every day.

“We’re here to support local businesses in every way we can, from helping them market their services and build their brand to creating networking opportunities to connecting them with valuable business resources to offering guidance on challenges, and linking them with community partners who can help them grow.” says Yianna Theodorou, President and CEO, who has been with the Pleasanton Chamber for nearly 14 years.

Recently, for example, the owners of a new business visited the Chamber for guidance on how to get started and make the most of local resources. “We regularly meet with new and existing businesses to understand their goals and connect them with the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed here in Pleasanton,” Theodorou notes. “One of the most rewarding parts of our work is helping businesses feel connected and supported because when our local businesses succeed, our entire community benefits. Our Leadership Pleasanton program is a perfect example of this legacy in action. It honors our history by educating our local community and inspiring people to get involved in shaping Pleasanton’s future.”

The Leadership Pleasanton program was created to develop community leaders. Each class contains individual students who attend educational, day-long sessions once each month between the start of the program in autumn and its finish in May. Pleasanton residents as well as individuals from local businesses, government offices, and service organizations are eligible to apply.

“Participants have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with current leaders in the community to learn what makes Pleasanton work,” according to Chamber officials. “Topics of the sessions include Pleasanton history, local government, health and human services, business and economics, education, public safety, infrastructure, and recreation. Each session is designed to be interactive, educational, and challenging and features presenters representing a cross-section of the community. Each member of the class is expected to attend all sessions in their entirety in order to realize the maximum benefits of the program.”

A variety of other programs exist as well. The Pleasanton Chamber's Ambassador group is a committee of roughly 35 chamber members who serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber. Pleasanton Young Professionals, for Chamber members aged 21 to 40, is a networking group for emerging and established young professionals. The Chamber's Economic Development and Government Relations Committee meets monthly to research topics that are vital to Pleasanton's economy, while its Health & Wellness Alliance champions community health and wellness by education, connecting, and empowering individuals and organizations through trusted resources and collaboration.

The Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its anniversary over the course of the year in a variety of ways. Regular events include networking mixers held the second Wednesday of each month that are hosted by various Chamber members at their business from 5 to 7 pm. The Chamber’s Spring Tradeshow & Mixer will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds between 5 and 7 pm. The Chamber’s annual Golf Outing at Callippe Preserve combines networking with a fun day on the course. Throughout the year, the group also hosts workshops and other programs that bring businesses, community leaders, and residents together.

For more information about the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.pleasanton.org, www.facebook.com/pleasantonchamber, www.linkedin.com/company/pleasanton-chamber-of-commerce, www.instagram.com/pleasantonchamber, or www.youtube.com/user/pleasantonchamber.