The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber offers ribbon cuttings (giant scissors and all) to businesses who are looking to commemorate their success.
When a new business moves into town getting the word out can be difficult—which is why local chambers of commerce are a great resource for networking among members, as well as the wider local community. The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce has continually proven to be an essential resource to the city.
Headquartered in downtown Santa Rosa, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber was established during the rebuilding of Santa Rosa after the 1906 earthquake. At the time, there was a need for an organization to take the lead and help recreate and elevate the economy for the city. Today, with approximately 24 employees and just under 800 members, the chamber continues to help elevate its community and members by promoting, supporting and advocating for businesses so they can thrive for years to come.
According to chamber CEO Peter Rumble, a recent survey of chamber members to gauge what local issues are important to them showed housing as a primary concern, along with education, childcare, downtown revitalization, government advocacy and support for small businesses. He adds that beyond just knowing what is important to members, the chamber wants to take direct action in those domains.
“For housing development, as an example, we’re the only chamber [he knows of] that invests in affordable housing, so we’ve invested in seven projects throughout the county that are providing homes for teachers and first responders, retail workers, farm workers, construction workers,” says Rumble. “[Those are] the people who serve in roles in our community, who are fundamental to the well-being of our community—we’re very proud about networking and housing.”
Santa Rosa Metro also hosts an Advocacy Council composed of chamber members who meet bi-weekly to discuss pressing local issues and solicit feedback from community leaders.
As for supporting small businesses in Santa Rosa, Rumble says the Metro Chamber serves the downtown business district and hosts events—from concerts and cultural activities to movies in Old Courthouse Square and an ice rink during the winter months.
As one of only 15 businesses being inducted as part of the inaugural Best of the North Bay Hall of Fame, Rumble says he, his colleagues and staff are honored to be put on that level. “I think it’s sort of an indication of our history as an organization that’s always been really community minded,” says Rumble. “From the time of helping to get the Golden Gate Bridge built, to getting the [Santa Rosa] Junior College its land, to getting the community hospital built, to today.”
Given Santa Rosa Metro’s history of support for the community, it comes as little surprise the chamber has won the NBb Best Chamber of Commerce award over 15 times. Rumble credits the Metro Chamber’s ample membership for giving it the ability to engage in many different areas in meaningful ways.
“We are actively working on things that matter most to our economy and to our members,” says Rumble. “It’s a reflection of our team’s dedication and our work every day—showing up and trying to get things done.”
santarosametrochamber.com
