More than 700 Chamber members came out to celebrate the grand opening of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s new location at 895 Monterey Street on April 17.
The event, which included honoring nearly 100 member businesses that directly assisted in the successful move, included a block party on Morro Street between Higuera and Monterey streets and an open house of the Chamber facilities.
“We were honored to welcome our members to tour their new Chamber home,” SLO Chamber President and CEO Ermina Karim said. “We are proud to have a home that is intended to reflect the local community, drive more businesses to our members and operate more efficiently to deliver better service.”
The event kicked off with a reception to recognize all of the members associated with the design, construction and interior work done in the facility as well as the capital campaign contributors.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the new administrative offices and Visitor Center, and was followed by SLO Chamber staff and members of the board of directors leading guided tours of the new facility that is striving for LEED certification.
“We all recognize that the way we do business must change,” said 2013 Board Chair Kris Yetter, president of Promega Biosciences. “To be sustainable we must elevate our game to help you be successful in order to live, work and do business in San Luis Obispo… This move by the Chamber is a key reinvestment in the future of our community.”
The Chamber’s mixer—which was the first in its history—had the highest attendance of any mixer event to date and provided ample networking opportunities . Twenty-one food, beer, wine, dessert and coffee vendors participated in the mixer along with raffle prizes provided by five members.
“When I think of how important the Chamber has been to us for those 108 years I think of two of our core values at Morris & Garritano, building collaborative relationships and leading by example,” said Brendan Morris, chief executive officer of Morris & Garritano, a charter member of the Chamber.“ That coincides with the mission of the Chamber… We’re strong because of our membership.”
To view a short time-lapse video of the setup and start of the Grand Opening Membership Mixer click here. For a photo gallery of the event visit the SLO Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.