The Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Menlo Park Chamber is to create an atmosphere in which business prospers and the community thrives.

After 80 years of serving the community, the Chamber’s Articles of Incorporation remain applicable: promote cooperation of businesses, develop increased civic interest, create a higher standard in business, correct trade abuse, compile information for business ad-vancement and protect members within the scope of the business.

Since our founding in 1926, the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the business community, an advocate for Menlo Park residents, and the source of commercial, social and philanthropic activities.

The Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit, voluntary association of business people working to strengthen the local economy, promote the community and advocate the interests of business. We rely exclusively on membership revenues and event funds. The organization is comprised of small businesses, re-tailers, hotels, restaurants, non-profit organizations, educational and healthcare institutions, major corp-orations, professionals, individuals and many other types of businesses.

We invite all businesses and community members to join the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, working with us to foster awareness of issues and support solutions that affect the economic future of Menlo Park.

The Chairman's Message

The purpose of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce is to create an atmosphere in which business prospers and the community thrives. The language for this statement of purpose was adopted in 1999 and it is as relevant today...maybe more so...than it was in 1999. It forms the basis of our guiding principals and as your 2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce it is my honor to serve the members of the Chamber, the Chamber Board, and the Menlo Park community.

Businesses join the Menlo Park Chamber to build their business and their community. By working together we can improve business opportunities and create a better community in these very tough economic times. The Chamber, Board of Directors, Committee Members, and Staff are active in the community and working harder than ever to promote business and our community in ways that balance prosperity with quality of life. We do this in numerous ways including advertising, advocacy, networking, programs, referrals, events, and collaborative partnerships!

If you're not a member, join us. You'll find we have programs and services to meet your needs. If you are already a member, let us know how we are doing and what we can do to better serve you!

Robert Carter
2010 Chairman, Board of Directors

Commitees

Ambassadors

Our goodwill Ambassador Team acts as a liaison for the Chamber members. Performing as the public-relations arm of the Chamber, they officially greet new businesses, create goodwill and understanding among Chamber members and the business community, and act as hosts at special events. They also participate in grand re-openings and provide ribbon cuttings for new members.

Connoisseur’s Marketplace

Gourmets and gourmands gather for this upscale mid-summer festival of the arts with live jazz, r&b, soul and swing music, fine art and handmade crafts by 200 of the West Coast’s top artists, chef demonstrations, savory cuisine, premium wines and microbrews,
specialty foods, and a captivating kids’ zone. Join us annually on the 3rd weekend of July for Connoisseur’s Marketplace.

Community Affairs

The purpose of the Community Affairs Committee is to foster and maintain a strong liaison with local, state, and federal government. The committee works to keep our members and the community informed about issues that could impact our city. They are your source for up-to-date information regarding current issues.

Downtown Group

The Downtown Group provides a forum for those interested in the vitality of downtown, serving as a pathway for issues and concerns to be identified and channeled through the Chamber of Commerce to city staff, and/or our elected officials.

Golden Acorn Awards

This committee plans and executes our annual awards dinner. During this event we celebrate community achievement and honor community members and organizations in the categories of Educator, Public Service, and Business Excellence for their outstanding contributions.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee evaluates current programs & services, provides feedback to the Board of Directors and develops collateral materials which will position the Chamber to deliver superior value to its membership. The Ambassadors serve as the external outreach team for this committee.

Networking Group

The goal of the Networking Group members is to help grow business through lead generation, weekly bus-iness activities and support of their fellow members.

Summer Block Parties

Initiated in 2007, the Block Party team coordinates a downtown community celebration. The event highlights lo-cal business and non-profits as they showcase their products and services against an inviting backdrop of plaza dining, musical entertainment and children’s activities.

Transportation

Traffic and transportation are grow-ing concerns for our community. The committee maintains an active role in transportation issues at the City, County and Bay Region in all modes of transportation advocating for needed improvements. The committee focus is on a regional transportation plan which provides an easier commute while relieving the strains on the environment.