Livermore Chamber of Commerce Press Releases - 2010

Report: Tri-Valley Region of California Rich in Crucial Assets for Innovation

Group of Local Businesses, Civic Leaders Launches Initiative to Interconnect Assets, Create Innovation Hub

Read Online at PRLog or download a PDF version

Livermore, CA - July 22, 2010 - The Tri-Valley region of California is rich in assets critical for creating an innovation hub, according to a research report released today at the second annual Innovation Forum put on by the Livermore Chamber of Commerce.

The report, titled "Innovation Potential in the Tri-Valley" identifies and analyzes Tri-Valley’s business, economic, demographic, and quality of life profile in the context of innovation potential. According to Dale Kaye, CEO of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce it forms a basis for the Innovation Tri-Valley initiative put forth by the group of local leaders with a vision to create an interconnected hub of innovation in the Tri-Valley to spur job growth and sustain a healthy economy and vibrant community.

Key findings of the report include:

• Tri-Valley has a significant presence of large corporations. Eleven of the East Bay’s top 50 companies, such as Chevron, Safeway, Ross Stores, and Sybase, are headquartered in Tri-Valley. Three of them, including the world’s 11th largest corporation Chevron, are among the Top 20 in the Bay Area.
• Research institutes play a pivotal role in innovation economies. Tri-Valley has easy access to world-class research universities such as UC-Berkeley, UC-San Francisco, and Stanford, and can tap two national laboratories - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.
• Tri-Valley is fast becoming a high-tech haven, with 765 technology companies operating in the region.
• Two industry clusters dominate the tech sector in Tri-Valley-software and cleantech. Biotech and communications have a respectable presence.
• The region possesses a healthy share of Gazelle (fast-growing) companies, recognized as a prime source of job creation. In 2007 seven Tri-Valley companies made the Inc. 500 list, while 30 made the composite Inc. 500/5000 list 2007-2008.
• Tri-Valley residents are more highly educated than the national average. Pleasanton and Danville are particularly impressive, with over 50 percent of residents holding a higher education degree.
• The region is served by four award-winning public school districts, two of which are comparable to those of Palo Alto. Tri-Valley schools exceed the average state scores on the Growth Academic Performance Index; California’s metric for measuring school performance.
• The region has a high quality of life with its Mediterranean climate, 40-plus wineries dotting the picturesque valley, and has a thriving art scene that grows bigger and more diverse each year.

"With all the right innovation ingredients at hand, there is a tremendous need to further nurture and interconnect these assets to foster a cluster of innovation," said Marty Beard, president of Sybase 365, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. "That is why key players in the local economy and society got together under the framework of ‘Innovation Tri-Valley’ to create an environment that attracts and sustains the next-generation of talented entrepreneurs and ultimately creates high value-added jobs."

Sybase, along with other major stakeholders such as the Livermore Chamber of Commerce, Chevron, Adept Technologies, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory and Las Positas College, unveiled the Innovation Tri-Valley initiative at the Second Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Forum hosted by the Livermore Chamber of Commerce today. A first-phase innovation plan aims to take an ecosystem approach with a three-pronged focus of business, cultural and public-private innovation.

"The Tri-Valley offers a unique blend of highly-educated and skilled people, technology and culture, enabling us to attract and retain the talent necessary to scale our business in intelligent robotic solutions and remain competitive globally," said John Dulchinos, President and CEO of Adept Technology. "Concerted, comprehensive efforts to help businesses set root and scale will in turn spur job growth and economic vitality of the region."

About Innovation Tri-Valley

Innovation Tri-Valley is a collaborative initiative among a diverse enterprise of businesses, research labs, educational institutions and civic leaders in the Tri-Valley region with a vision to interconnect the assets necessary for innovation. The group believes that with a united effort we can help our region’s businesses grow and scale, resulting in job growth and community vitality. For more information, visit www.innovationtrivalley.org.

Lanlogic Offers Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Seminar on April 22nd

Livermore, CA - On April 22nd, Lanlogic and the Livermore Chamber will co-host a Microsoft Windows 7 lunchtime seminar in the Livermore Chamber Conference Room.  Lanlogic has worked with dozens of clients that have successfully upgraded to the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system all over the San Francisco Bay Area.  Lanlogic wants to ensure the Livermore business community is able to seriously evaluate this new platform to understand the benefits and make it even easier to upgrade.
With all the publicity surrounding Windows 7 upgrade opportunities, Lanlogic believes a personal demonstration and small group discussion is the best way to determine real business value.  In addition to showing off real productivity features, there will be plenty of time for interactive discussion with Livermore Chamber member business owners and managers.

Questions that will be answered include:
• When to upgrade ?
• In-place upgrade, system rebuild, or computer replacement ?
• What to look out for before upgrading: other software applications, printers, anything else.

Attend this special event and discover how Windows 7 offers a powerful combination of innovation, improved performance, and productivity:
• Works the way you want – Windows 7 is fast , reliable, and compatible
• Helps you get more done – Windows 7 is easy to use and navigate
• Safeguards your work – Windows 7 offers comprehensive recovery and security options
Seating is limited to the first 25 registered attendees that qualify.
Qualified attendees will work in an office environment with 5 or more computers.
Lunch will be provided !

Please RSVP to Joe Foos

Livermore Chamber Launches nuAlerts Social Media Service to Help Members Generate Local Referrals and New Business.

The Livermore of Commerce announces that it has partnered with nuAlerts to bring the latest social media marketing tool to its members. NuAlerts is the ultimate tool for members to "get the word out" about their upcoming events, promotions, and discounts quickly and cost effectively. NuAlerts combines the best of search engine optimization, social network messaging, text messaging, widget and email marketing into a single easy to use tool. The Chamber invites all members to access their free account for posting their member to member offers, events and company news immediately to the new Chamber Virtual Mixer and Member to Member portal online.

Highlights of the Service:

1. Get Member Referrals: Post offers as ad Alerts to the Chamber website and to all Chamber members for instant exposure.
2. Virtual Mixer: Keep the community updated by posting your company news, information and events to the Virtual Mixer page
3. Get Found Online: Your posts are automatically search engine optimized for maximum online exposure.
4. Free Email Marketing: Built in email marketing using the same account.

NuAlerts is a social media marketing tool for organizations to get the word out via SMS, leading social networks, Email and Widgets. NuAlerts has been rapidly adopted by elected officials, small businesses and community organizations. Community Alerts offer members real-time posting of news, events and discounts to the virtual community dashboard online. Community Calendar delivers a single source of all community events nationwide. Customers sign-up to receive specific alerts via their preferred channel including SMS, email, widgets or social networks. The nuAlerts dashboard provides instant access to local, community-wide updates and can be added to any site with a few clicks. For more information, visit www.nualerts.com  

Livermore Chamber Announces Officers for 2010, New Board Members

Dale Kaye, President and CEO of the Livermore Chamber of Commerce announced that Ron Vyse, of Wells Fargo Commercial Bank will chair the board for 2010. Other officers include Christine Wente, with Wente Vineyards, Vice Chairman, Tim Tikalsiy of RINA Accoutancy, treasurer and Barbara Mertes, secretary. David Kent, The Wine Group will remain on the executive committee as Past Chairman of the board

Also announced were six new additions to the Chamber’s 2010 Board of Directors which include Roxanne Cruz of Pacific Gas & Electric, Susan Haughton of Safeway Inc. –No. California Division, Crystal Lu of Sybase, Inc., George Luther of Santa Maria & Co. Risk Ins. Services, Thomas Petty of WSI Smart Solutions and Timothy Tikalsky of RINA Accountancy to the Board. “The caliber of our board members has helped define this Chamber as an area leader, creating new and innovative programs to help businesses realize their full potential,’ said Kaye. Having strategic thinkers and top business people on the board has created powerful connections for the Chamber,” she added.

The Livermore Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the economic vitality of Livermore, providing high caliber leadership, innovative programs and a strong vision for the future.

Livermore, California Now Online At The Village Profile Community Profile Network Website

(Livermore, California) - The new community profile and membership directory published for the Livermore Chamber of Commerce is now online at www.villageprofile.com/california/livermore.

The publication was released in print, produced in cooperation with Village Profile(TM), the nation's leading Chamber publisher. The Village Profile(TM) Convergence Publishing Program(R) provides for thousands of print copies, along with high-tech digital delivery via the publication website at the Community Profile Network(R) website (a link to the site is also on the Chamber’s website). Here the publication can be downloaded in the form of a NewView eBook(R) to computer desktops and most wireless devices.

In addition, the searchable mobile business directory can be accessed on-the-go at www.vpmobile.us via smartphones, web-enabled cell phones and most mobile devices.

To take a virtual tour of Livermore and the surrounding area, along with more than 1,400 other communities throughout the U.S., visit the Community Profile Network(R) website at www.villageprofile.com -- the Internet’s largest, most comprehensive community website.

These technologically advanced publications are produced at NO COST to Chambers. As an added bonus, Chambers receive enhanced royalties to continue to develop and present programs to help member businesses succeed.

Village Profile(TM), which observed its 21st anniversary in 2009, was the first Chamber publisher to replicate its community profiles, membership directories and maps online. It introduced multi-platform convergence publishing to the Chamber industry in 2002, with traditional print augmented by publication websites, free NewView eBook(R) downloads, CDs, and mobile business directories accessible via wireless handhelds.

For publication information please call 800-600-0134 x220.

Mayor Kamena to present State of the City Address at Chamber Wine Country Luncheon - Scheduled For June 25th

The Livermore Chamber of Commerce will hold the first of their four Wine Country Summer Livermore Chamber Luncheons on Thursday, June 25th, featuring Mayor Marshall Kamena presenting the annual “State of the City” address. The luncheon will be held at The Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave.

The Livermore Chamber’s popular summer luncheons are set in different wineries and venues in Livermore’s exquisite Wine Country. Each of the luncheons, which are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, June through September, features distinguished speakers addressing topics of local and national interest. June 30th Assemblyperson Joan Buchanan will present “The State of the State Address” at Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd; a surprise guest will speak at the August 27th luncheon located at Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Rd and lastly County Supervisor Scott Haggerty will present the “State of the County Address” September 24th at the Martinelli Center, 3585 Greenville Ave.

The luncheons begin at 11:30 a.m. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. The fee is $35 for Chamber members and their guests, and $45 for non-members.

For further information or to make reservations call us at 447-1606.

Summer Luncheon Sponsors:
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel
The Garren Group