2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t Year in Reflection In 1909, the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce was first formed by a “group of men who came together and paid various sums to create a brochure advertising this beautiful place.” Fast forward to an ever evolving world and a changed Sonoma Valley. Most communities in the US and abroad have a Chamber of Commerce; the first Chamber originated in New York State in 1768 – older than the Declaration of Independence. The original primary function of these local Chambers was protecting and encouraging commerce – after all, how does a town survive without commerce? Today the role of a Chamber has expanded greatly to address socioeconomic and social needs – far beyond the original intent of several centuries ago. Last year, I had the pleasure of entering a warm and lively community with a sound economy, understanding that that wasn’t the case 6-7 years ago. Business people I talk to seem optimistic –a few somewhat cautious—about the future of the economy in Sonoma. It’s our job to figure out how to best support a vibrant economy and work to ensure long-term sustainability, recognizing the ever growing challenges of running a business. Check out our business survey in this report and see just what issues Sonoma business owners are facing. As we tell the story of 2015 here, you will find several themes – the areas we have focused our energies. They include: • Membership: 72 new members, individual assistance/referrals, grand openings, and many new ways to get engaged. • Online & Media: our LOCAL Mission, a new look for the Chamber brand, a new inclusive website, many new on-line resources, expanded social media outreach and a very well-read weekly e-newsletter. • New Economies: research on existing, emerging, and under-supported economies resulted in convening our Innovation Alliance and Creative Alliance, as well as refining our Young Professionals. • Youth: The Chamber has actively convened SVHS and the youth-serving NPOs, working on ways to collaborate and support our future workforce. Historically and to this day Chambers of Commerce remain the most trusted source of information on local businesses & services, and the most dependable ally in supporting strong local economies. Thank you, members, for being part of the LOCAL Mission!

72 New members

23 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Sonoma Named One of the Best Places To Start A Business in Northern CA -Nerdwallet 2015

• New Ways to Engage through our Innovation Alliance, Creative Alliance, Sonoma Young Professionals, Chamber Ambassadors

• New Monthly Membership Meeting: Table Talk • New Business Showcase: LOCAL-FEST • Business Education & One-on-One Assistance Through the Economic Vitality Program Partnership

• Over 80 prospective, new & existing businesses were assisted • 12 new & existing businesses received business improvement loans • Local Spoken Here/Aqui Hablamos Local Program • SBDC workshops on: Social Media Starter Kit, Parts I &II Hands-on Linked In Business Start Up

“What Employers Want” Panel

Speed Networking with Teens

Ribbon Cuttings

Speed Networking

Alliances: Innovation, Creative, Sonoma Young Professionals

Supporting our Members and Community

New LOCAL Brand

Table Talk Monthly Meeting

After Hours Business Networking

64%75% 67%

20% 18% 23%11% 7% %5%

020406080

100

2015 2014 2013

How’s Business Compared to Last Year?

better same worse n/a

71% 75% 82%

26% 25% 18%2%

020406080

100

2015 2014 2013

Do you think your business will improve in next 12 months?

Improve Stay Same Worsen

Your Business: A Temperature Read

What are the biggest issues facing your business?

What are the new challenges you are facing compared to 5 years ago? (2015) • Marketing and developing customer/client base • Workforce issues (recruiting/retaining qualified employees) • Housing availability/affordability • Staying profitable in changing economy, increased regulations and/or rising cost of doing business • Changes in consumer trends and/or competition

2015 Cost of living Cost of doing business Ability to hire qualified staff

2014 Cost of living Ability to hire qualified staff Regulations, taxes, fees

2013 Cost of living Employee housing Employee work ethic

Workforce & Hiring

32% 30% 36%

020406080

100

2015 2014 2013

Yes, we added staff this year

69%50%

31%

020406080

100

2015 2014 2013

Yes, it’s hard to find qualified applicants

What positions are hardest to fill? (2015) • Sales, marketing, business development • Customer service • Cooks and culinary staff • Skilled workers in specialty areas • General entry level employees

Where do the majority of your workforce live?

57% - Sonoma Valley

25% - outside SV

18% - didn’t know or don’t have employees

77%

20%

0%20%40%60%80%

100%

yes no

Do you (business owner) live in Sonoma Valley? (2015)

Results from our annual survey of Sonoma businesses

Sonoma, the Community

What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the Sonoma business community?

2015: Rising costs & hiring qualified employees 2014: Quality of workforce & lack of higher education/training

2013: Cost of employee benefits/general cost of living

Do you think the following aspects of our community are getter better, worse, or staying about the same? (X = not asked) 2015 2014 2013

Affordability of housing for people who work here X

Availability of housing for people who work here

Attractiveness to visitors X

Local schools

City services (in general) X

Crime affecting local businesses

County road conditions

What would make Sonoma Valley a better place to do business? (asked in 2015)

More affordable housing for employees Better business collaboration, B2B support, professionalism

Continued improvement of the Springs corridor Reduced regulations for business or development

More business diversity Improved roads and/or expanded transit

95%70%

65%

020406080

100

2015 2014 2013

Yes, I am generally satisfied with Sonoma Valley as a place to do business.

36%

26%

38% yes

no

unsure

From a business perspective, would you say that Sonoma Valley is headed in the right direction? (2015)

About our Respondents Which best describes your Sonoma Valley

business location: (2015) 49% Lease space 29% Own Space

19% Home-based

37% = under $500k

38% = $500k - $5M

17% = over $5M

What were the gross annual revenues for your business? (2015)

How many responses did we get to the surveys? 2015 = 65 2014 = 40 2013 = 62

2015 Sponsors

Platinum: Exchange Bank, Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Sonoma Raceway

Gold: Union Bank Small Business Supporter: Bank of Marin, North Bay Insurance, WestAmerica Bank. Williams-Sonoma

2015 Board of Directors

Neil Colwell, President,

Well Design Casey Mazzoni, Vice President,

Mazzoni & Assoc. Sion Edwards, Treasurer,

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Directors: Mike Dunevent, Sonoma Raceway John Burns, Sonoma Index-Tribune

Becky Elster, Exchange Bank Eric Gullotta, Gullotta Law Group

Megan Moll, The Red Grape David Wells, Corner 103

50%

36%

9%

4% 1%

Funding Sources

Membership dues

Gov. contracts & grants

Sponsorship support

Office sublease

Events/other

Total Revenue: $298,500

65%

19%

10%

6%

Where Your Support Goes

Program costs, includingsalaries/related expenses

General businessexpenses

Office lease

Professional services(CPA/payroll/website,etc.)

Total Expenses: $230,870

2015 financial highlights include a fiscally conservative approach to doing business, with an emphasis on cutting operational costs. At the same time, the Chamber ramped up programming, contracted with the City to implement the Economic Vitality Program, and realigned staff to better serve membership needs. This year also proved to be the first in recent history that the Chamber added operational reserves, a key indicator of a businesses health and longevity.