About The ChamberWhat is the Chamber of Commerce?
What is the chamber of commerce ?
Since our founding in 1949, the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the business community, an advocate for Millbrae residents, and a hub of commercial, social, and philanthropic activities. To Millbrae businesses, residents, and visitors, we are the primary resource for information, from maps and restaurant listings to business referrals and relocation packets.
The Millbrae Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit association of business people working to strengthen our local economy, promote the community, and advocate the interests of business. We rely exclusively on membership revenues and event funds. The organization, which has approximately 200 members, is comprised of small businesses, retailers, hotels, restaurants, non-profit organizations, educational and health institutions, corporations, professionals, and individuals.
Our goal is to provide our members with business support and education to help them grow, and more importantly, to continuously promote and invest in the community’s economic vitality and quality of life.
We invite businesses and community members to join the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce and become part of an organization that gives you access to the following:
•Promotion. The Chamber wants to help you expand your visibility and business opportunities. Whether it is a telephone referral, web site listing, business card advertisement, brochure display, or a listing in this Business Directory, we give you ways to reach new customers in our community. The Chamber only gives referrals and online listings to members.
• Assistance. The Chamber is a valuable resource for our local businesses. Through networking opportunities, advertising, seminars, or member-to-member discounts, we can help you grow your business and operate it more efficiently.
•Advocacy. The Chamber represents the interests of business to government by speaking out on local, regional, and state issues impacting our business community and local economy.
• Community. The Chamber is the primary sponsor of many community events including the Art & Wine Festival, Farmer’s Market, Excellence in Business Awards, State of the City, and the Student Ambassador program. By joining the Chamber, your business becomes associated with each of these special events.
•Networking. Build awareness of your business or organization and mingle with other Chamber members and community officials at our Business After Five mixers, Good Morning Millbrae seminars, Business Expo tradeshows, and other networking events.
• Committees. Once you become a member, we encourage you to get involved in the Chamber by serving on a committee. Pick the area that interests you – Policy Formation, Technology, Membership Services, or Community Involvement – and become part of the Chamber’s volunteer organization.
2008 Board of Directors
Lisa Charney
(Millbrae Jewelers)
Stephen Cheung
(SIS Insurance)
Judy Clarke
(Cashin Co. Realtors)
Gail DeAlba
(Best Western El Rancho Inn & Suites)
Janet Fogarty
(Fogarty & Zell, LLP)
Ron Frediani
(Associated Window Cleaning)
Wella Kuo
(Bank of the Orient)
Robert Lee
(Chapel of the Highlands)
Dr. Thomas Lightner
(Back to Motion Chiropractic)
Antonio Maramonte
(Civic Member)
Barry Ongerth
(San Francisco Airport South Travelodge)
George Venezia
(First National Bank of Northern California)
Ed Weinstein
(Millbrae Florist)
2008 Chamber Officers
Board Chair – George Venezia
(First National Bank of Northern California)
1st Vice Chair – Judy Clarke
(Cashin Co. Realtors)
2nd Vice Chair – Barry Ongerth
(San Francisco Airport South Travelodge)
Secretary – Wella Kuo
(Bank of the Orient)
2007-2008 Student Ambassadors
Karina Rivera
(Mills High School)
Eric Wong
(Mills High School)
Chamber Staff
John Ford – President/CEO
Lorianne Richardson – Executive Assistant
Frank Catania – Farmer’s Market Manager
Excellence in Business Awards
The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Excellence in Business Awards. Anyone in the community can nominate a Millbrae business in a variety of categories including Restaurant of the Year, Beautification Award, and Business of the Year. Nominations are accepted in November/December and the awards are presented in January. Nomination forms are available on millbrae.com or at the Chamber office.
If you are looking for a local business or want to find out what’s going on around town, your first stop on the internet should be millbrae.com. The Chamber’s web site gives you access to an online Community Calendar, a directory of member businesses and organizations, links to other community web sites and important information about Millbrae.
