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Programs and Events

Network Alliance Groups

Join one of the Chambers' lively networking "leads generating" groups! Besides a Great Time with Great People, benefits include:
  • Generating Quality Referrals
  • Developing your Business Strategies
  • Establishing Powerful Business Relationships
  • Presentation of YOUR business and/or service to fellow members

    WHEN
  • Two (2) Ongoing Sessions per Year
    • January - June (6 month commitment)
    • July - December (6 month commitment)
      BREAKFAST Networking Alliance: Every Other Wednesday from 7:30 - 9:00AM
      LUNCHEON Networking Alliance: Every other Thursday from 11:30 - 1:00 PM
    WHERE
  • BREAKFAST Networking Alliance: Golden Egg Omelet House, 807 Grant Avenue, Novato
  • LUNCHEON Networking Alliance: Orsi's Ristorante, 340 Ignacio Blvd., Novato

    COST
  • BREAKFAST Networking Alliance: $ 140 per 6 month Session
  • LUNCHEON Networking Alliance: $ 170 per 6 month Session
    Includes Only One Company per Business Category in each session

    CONTACT US for more information on becoming a Network Alliance Member.

    Networking Chamber Mixers

    Chamber Mixers are the perfect "business to business" networking opportunity to help YOU establish new relationships and business contacts.

    Novato's Chamber Networking Mixers are held twice a month, the FIRST TUESDAY and THIRD THURSDAY of each month MIXERS THIS MONTH. They are hosted by a Chamber Member, who will open their business for other Chamber members and invited guests to socialize, "eat, drink and be merry" while getting a first-hand view of their facilities and products or services. Mixers are free to Chamber Members and their invited guests.

    BECOME A CHAMBER MEMBER or CONTACT US for more information or sponsoring an upcoming mixer.

    B2B Economic Breakfast
    Presented by the Business Education Committee

    A gathering of a broad range of entrepreneurs, business people, civic leaders and community advocates for the purpose of forwarding the interaction of business and government. This is an exciting opportunity to highlight your company and have an active voice in growing the relationship between business and community leaders. It meets the last Friday of every other month.
    TIME: 7:30AM-9:00AM
    LOCATION: Lot 36 Restaurant, At 7th & Grant Streets, Novato
    COST: $25 Members • $35 Non-Members • $10 additional at door
    Reservations Required
    MENU: Gourmet Breakfast Buffet including coffee, tea and juices.

    REGISTER HERE for the upcoming B2B Economic Breakfast or CONTACT US for more information or being a B2B Sponsor.

    Women In Business - WIB Luncheon
    A Team of the Business Education Committee

    The mission of Women in Business is to encourage, support and create opportunities for the business building, networking, education and leadership efforts of the members of the Novato Chamber of Commerce.
    • NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
    • INTRODUCE YOURSELF & YOUR BUSINESS
    • BRING YOUR MARKETING LITERATURE & LOTS OF BUSINESS CARDS!
    The meetings are a community gathering of small and large businesses that are represented primarily by women (although we do have men attending as well). Our goal is to provide "the best" in knowledge, learning and leadership skills that are transferable and actionable to each respective business. Our meetings are held bi-monthly with approximately 65-80 attendees of many diverse careers throughout Marin and Sonoma counties.

    The Novato Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Meeting produces:
    • Learning for women in business and leadership!
    • Community and Relationships - Women are known to generate a lot of return for the community …-and for the Chamber
    • Future alliances in Business and amplifies Business Opportunities!
    • A Lot of Fun!
    TIME: 11:30am-1:00pm, Early Networking 11:15
    LOCATION: Inn Marin, 250 Entrada Drive, Novato CA
    COST: $30 Members • $35 Non-Members • $10 additional at door
    Reservations Required
    CATERED LUNCHEON BUFFET

    REGISTER HERE for the upcoming WIB Luncheon or CONTACT US for more information on being a WIB Sponsor!

    Celebrate YOUR BUSINESS with a CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
    Presented by the Ambassador Committee

    If you are a Novato Chamber of Commerce Member, your business is eligible for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. If your Company has:
    • Opened its doors in the last 12 months
    • Changed ownership or is under new management
    • Moved to a new location, or has been expanded or remodeled
    The Novato Chamber of Commerce would enjoy assisting you in planning a successful event for your company. Having participated in hundreds of Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, we know how to get optimum exposure for your company!

    WHAT IS A RIBBON CUTTING?
    A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is an important part of your overall marketing and advertising plan, and is a great way to celebrate the grand opening, or re-opening of your business.

    The Ceremony itself is conducted by the Chamber's Ambassador Committee and features a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony complete with a large pair of scissors, photos, and a plaque commemorating the event.

    The Ambassadors begin with a Welcome Speech before the Ribbon Cutting and photos are taken to appear in the following month's Chamber Newspaper and Event Photo Gallery of the Chamber website. The event also offers an opportunity to meet key leaders in the Novato Business Community.

    HOW DO WE SCHEDULE A CEREMONY?
    Ribbon Cuttings are scheduled a month or more in advance and usually take place from 5:30-6:15pm on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings. Eight to twelve members of the Chamber's Board of Directors, Ambassadors Committee, and dignitaries from the City of Novato are invited to attend the celebration.

    Hor d/oeurves and beverages are usually served, but the choice is yours. Plans can be elaborate or as simple as you like, whatever fits your budget!

    Once you've decided that a Ribbon Cutting is for you, CONTACT US and we'll make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

    HOW CAN THE CHAMBER ASSIST?
    • We'll notify the Chamber's Board of Directors, City Dignitaries, Chamber Members and Ambassadors of your Ribbon Cutting and encourage their attendance.
    • We'll put you in touch with other Chamber businesses that can provide catering, dele and beverage services, publicity and even invitations.
    • We'll attend with our famous "Giant Scissors" for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and photo session at the appointed time.
    • We'll include a photo and acknowledgment of your Ribbon Cutting in the upcoming issue of the Chamber Newspaper. Your picture will also be included in the Event Photo Gallery of the Chamber Website.
    HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
    Of course there is no charge for the Chamber's involvement - it's another value-added benefit of being a member. How much you spend depends on how elaborate you would like to make the event. Remember, people are anticipating spending approximately ½ hour at the Ceremony, so be prepared with collateral materials such as brochures and business cards.

    HOW TO MAKE YOUR RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY A GRAND SUCCESS?
    Who should I invite?
  • Neighboring Businesses
  • Existing Customers
  • Suppliers to YOUR trade
  • Prospects
  • Personal Friends & Family

    What should I serve?
  • The choice is YOURS:
  • Prepare your own or Cater
  • Hor d'oeurves
  • Champagne, Wine and/or other beverages

    How can I promote MY BUSINESS to attendees?
  • Drawing or Door Prizes
  • Certificates or Coupons
  • Collateral materials eg. Business cards, brochures, flyers

    Where do I want to "stage" the Official Photo?
  • Choose a location / props
  • Who will be in the picture?
  • Should we take other auxillary pictures for other marketing materials?
  • Should we video the event?

    CONTACT US for more information on a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for your Business!

    Leadership Novato Program

    Leadership Novato is a Community Affairs based Training Program to develop effective Community Leaders to serve North Marin.

    The Leadership mission is to identify and nurture existing and potential Community Leaders, to increase their knowledge of the Community, and to develop and enhance individual leadership skills. The need for this type of training program in Novato is endorsed by graduates from the Chamber of Commerce, City of Novato, the Novato School District, Civic Organizations, the Novato City Council, Corporations and the Business Community.

    PURPOSE
    Leadership Novato provides an opportunity for present and emerging Community Leaders to meet and exchange views on issues affecting Novato's future. Participants will learn firsthand about the inner workings of the community from current leaders and issues experts. Through presentations and discussions the Program will:
  • Inform participants about local needs and concerns fo they can become more effective leaders
  • Provide a forum for exchanging ideas among current and emerging leaders representing diverse interests and backgrounds.
  • Broaden participant's understanding of issues and trends.

    WHO SHOULD ATTEND AND WHY?
    Community leaders, business and professional people, executives and Board Members of local non-profit organizations and service clubs who are interested in:
  • UNDERSTANDING the issues firsthand from people directly involved with them so you can become a more confident and knowledgable leader.
  • IMPROVING your business or professional practice in Novato by increasing your awareness and understanding of local community institutions and their leaders.
  • LEARNING how to work effectively with local government and community agencies and special-interest groups.
  • DEVELOPING personal contacts useful in civic, business or professional life. Graduates become members of the Leadership Novato Alumni Association.
  • LEARNING THE SYSTEM, how to get things done in Novato and meet the key people important to business, professional and civic success!
    Business and professional people new to the area will particularly benefit from the valuable insights and experiences gained about the Novato community.

    TESTIMONIALS
    "Leadership is the art of combining individual development and the common good into a life practice. Students learn to observe and practice new ways of first helping themselves, and then the community at large, forever thereafter."
    Clark A. Blasdell
    President / CEO, Northbay Family Homes
    1993 Novato Leadership Graduate

    "To meet the challenge of the community we must recognize changes and what our community needs are. Leadership Novato helped me lay that foundation of understanding. Leadership Novato brings together professional people to help prepare people like me who care about the future of their community. Change is healthy and that is why I enrolled in Leadership Novato."
    Brad Beedle
    Fire District Director
    1997 Novato Leadership Graduate

    THE PROGRAM
    The Leadership Novato Program consists of full day sessions that are held on the second Wednesday of each month from September to June. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch are provided. Class members commence the year with a two-day retreat and later work on a class project. Both activities are designed to encourage team building and develop leadership skills.

    This comprehensive program consists of discussions, lectures and tours facilitated by top local officials, civic leaders and experts. They will cover the structure, operation and financing of local government as well as current issues related to the economy, transportation, recreation, culture, health, human services, and education.

    TUITION
    Completed applications must include a $100 Deposit, with checks payable to the Novato Chamber of Commerce. Once accepted, applicants must pay the full non-refundable tuition of $825 ($925 for non-members) by September 1. Additional contributions for support of this Program are welcome and may be sent to
    The Leadership Novato Program
    c/o Novato Chamber of Commerce
    807 DeLong Avenue, Novato CA 94945

    PARTICIPANT SELECTION
    To optimize personal interaction, only a limited number of applicants will be selected to participate in each years session. A confidential committee will review applications and select qualified individuals who represent Novato's economic, occupational, ethnic and geographic diversity.

    Leadership Novato APPLICATION FORM
    Applicants will be selected based on the following qualifications:
    • A strong personal desire for community involvement
    • Demonstrated interest in community leadership such as service on Boards, Commissions, and other Civic Volunteer activities
    • Ability to attend all monthly scheduled class sessions
    • Residence in Novato is highly desirable, but not mandatory.
    APPLICATION DEADLINE
    To provide adequate time for Committee evaluation, Leadership Novato Program APPLICATIONS must be received no later than July 15th.

    CONTACT US for more information.

  • ©2008 Novato Chamber of Commerce