Livermore, CA – March was a busy month at the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce as it welcomed three new businesses to the community. Increased levels of vaccination and decreased cases of COVID-19, and the lifting of mask mandates allowed LVCC to transition towards the return of in-person events, including its Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.

“It’s clear that business owners are relishing the opportunity to open their new businesses and welcome new customers all the while operating in a safe and healthy environment, sans the heavy restrictions necessitated by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dawn Argula, LVCC CEO. “The joy and excitement on their faces as they welcomed the Chamber team and their visitors, was unmistakable. We look forward to continuing to support the success of all our businesses as the economy stabilizes and we resume our regular, new, and hybrid programs and services,” said Argula.

Khivi Care Assisted Living – March 17

Sharan Kaur and Rani Dhillon are the co-owners of Khivi Care, the newest addition to Livermore’s residential care facilities for the elderly. Each brings their respective backgrounds and experiences – medicine and technology – as well as having cared for aging parents and grandparents, to their new venture. Neither woman wanted to return to their former professions, instead of using their education and skills to follow their passions, providing care to seniors. Purchasing a spacious home located in a South Livermore neighborhood, Kaur and Dhillon redesigned its interior, meeting the State’s strict regulations and guidelines for such facilities, but also with thoughtful intention to create a restful, comfortable and hospitable environment, large enough to accommodate 6 residents. With a generously sized outdoor area and a lush, mature garden, residents and visitors will enjoy the quiet and beauty when they step outside or when viewed indoors through an expanse of windows. The duo is in the final stages of screening qualified healthcare professionals to staff the residence 24/7 and look forward to welcoming their first resident soon. For more information visit khivicare.com.

AJ’s Bike Service – March 18

A.J. Wright is one of Livermore’s newest Next Generation business owners. A.J. opened his bike repair shop in one of the garage bays of the historic Flying A Gas Station located on Portola Avenue. Formerly operating out of his home garage, A.J. started his business out of necessity during the pandemic when the economy was shut down and he was laid off from his job at a local bicycle shop. He spread the word on social media, taking appointments from customers and managing bike drop off and pick-ups, taking precautions to avoid direct contact with customers, and operating in a way that would impress any public health official. Nevertheless, the constant flow of visitors to A.J.’s driveway caught the attention of neighbors who filed complaints with the City of Livermore. This resulted in A.J.’s case, first getting overwhelming support on social media, before eventually coming before the City Council and being resolved when the City amended its requirements for this type of home-based business. In spite of this, A.J. realized that his booming business deserved its own commercial space. A.J.s parents and grandparents were instrumental in helping prepare the new space at the Flying A. All were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony enjoying A.J.’s accomplishments. While A.J.’s business is focused on covering expenses and producing a profit, he is also deeply involved in employing his skills to support the local community through numerous activities. A.J.’s Bike Service is the first recipient of the new LVCC Membership Pilot Program for emerging micro and small businesses funded by the City of Livermore. For more on A.J.’s Bike Service visit ajsbikeservice.org.

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Livermore-Springtown – March 21 Bava Madan is the owner and Center Director of Livermore’s newest Kumon Math and Reading Center. The excitement of opening this new business was palpable as Madan was surrounded by many members of her family and friends for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located on Larkspur Drive in Springtown, Kumon is an after-school academic enrichment program for students as young as 3 years and older through high school age. Its structured tutoring approach provides the skills that assist a student in improved learning that can be applied to their school work and eventually into adulthood. Madan is a trained and certified professional instructor. Her previous experience includes being director of a pre-school and teaching college students in India. She’s owned and operated a Lego Robotics school and hosted the first Lego League as Tournament Director. Madan’s instructor team also assist in the program. The Livermore-Springtown Kumon Center is designed for maximum efficiency and learning effectiveness, observing all health and safety protocols for its students. For more information on Kumon Math & Reading Center of Livermore-Springtown visit kumon.com/livermore-springtown.

About the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce: incorporated May 1937 as the Livermore Chamber of Commerce, and rebranded in 2011 to include “Valley” in its name, LVCC represents more than 350 member businesses and organizations. Its core mission is to support a healthy economy and a strong community.