Business with Altitude winter 2020 Vol. 3 issue 1

tAhoe ChAmBer 2020 initiAtiVes

2020 loCAl eleCtion BreAkdown

BlAzing A new CulinAry trAil in tAhoe

tAhoe ChildCAre Crisis

ABoVe 6000’

There’s no doubt that 2020 will be a political turning point throughout the United States, with major impacts, positive or negative, for business. On behalf of our members, Tahoe Chamber is fully engaged. Your membership investment helps us to do this.

California is attracting a lot of attention, having moved up its primary election date to March 3rd in an effort to have more influence on the Presidential primary. Nevada’s Democratic presidential caucuses are set for Saturday, February 22nd, early for the same reason.

California Ballot MeasuresThere is a school and college facilities bond on the state’s March 3rd ballot, numbered as Proposition 13. It was placed on the ballot by the State Legislature with the adoption of Assembly Bill 48. If passed, it would authorize $15 billion in bond revenue for school and college facilities, including $9 billion for pre-school and K-12 schools, $4 billion for universities, and $2 billion for community colleges.

As of this writing, three initiatives have qualified to be on California’s November General Election ballot, with a dozen more looking to secure the required number of signatures. Of these, one of the most significant we’re tracking at Tahoe Chamber is the proposed tax on commercial (business) and industrial properties, known as the

“Split Roll” initiative. See more about this potential new tax targeting businesses on page 11.

For information on local races and ballot measures, see page 12.

the yeAr 2020 - A key PolitiCAl turning Point

tAhoe ChAmBer stAFFS t e v e t e S h a ra Chief Executive Officer775.588.1728 x301, Steve@TahoeChamber.org

e M i ly a B e r n at h yDirector of Operations 775.588.1728 x303, Emily@TahoeChamber.org

Z a C h F i o r eMembership Services Director775.588.1728 x305, Zach@TahoeChamber.org

a n n i e h a n d r i C kCommunications & Marketing Coordinator775.588.1728 x312, Annie@TahoeChamber.org

k at h a r i n e M C C o M BAccounting Manager775.588.1728 x304, Accounting@ltva.org

J e n n y S k e l ly Executive Assistant775.588.1728 x300, Jenny@tahoechamber.org

r u t h Z a M a r r i paLayout & DesignNevada News Group

meet the BoArdThe Tahoe Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of 19 business leaders who are dedicated to driving a vibrant economy and supporting the South Shore’s diverse business community.

B o B a n d e r S o n Chair-Elect, Fromarc Insurance Agency

h e l l e n B a r C lay Chase Bank

a l l e g ra B oy d Servicemaster 1st Response

ly n d S ay B rya n t Chair, Lake Tahoe Boat Rides

C h r i S C h a n d l e r Coldwell Banker McKinney & Associates

B ra d d e e d S Lake Tahoe Community College

a n d r e a d r e w Treasurer, Drew Consulting Inc.

S C ot t F a i r NAI Tahoe Sierra

r o B g a l lo way Tahoe Daily Tribune

F ra n k g e r d e M a n ADVANCE

J a M e S g ra n t Heavenly Mountain Resort

d a r i n h aw o rt h Summit to Shore Chiropractic

l u Ca S h u F F Bently Heritage Distillery

k e n J i l l S o n Alling & Jillson Attorneys

J o h n pa C k e r Past Chair, Harrah’s/Harveys

M i k e p e r o n FNCTN

n ata S h a S C h u e Barton Health

J u d e w o o d Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

t i F F a n y Z a B a g lo Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel

by Steve Teshara, Tahoe Chamber CEO

Thank you to our Chairman’s Circle Platinum Members for making Above 6000’ possible:

Contents 3 go local & win holiday Campaign recap

3 thrive on #tahoetuesdays

7 investing in your employees

8 tahoe Chamber 2019 recap

9 tahoe Chamber 2020 initiatives

11 Commercial properties and Businesses are a tax target

12 2020 local election Breakdown

13 Blazing a new Culinary trail in tahoe

14 tahoe Childcare Crisis

Cov e r p h oto B y © va i l r e S o rt S

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go local & win holiday CampaignNov. 30, 2019 to Jan. 1 2020

The GO Local Tahoe Holiday Campaign promotes and rewards the value of shopping and dining locally, with a chance to win gift certificates and a shot at three grand prizes. For business owners and operators, it provides an opportunity to promote and expand their base of customers or clientele.

The GO Local Loyalty Program promotes and rewards the value of consumers choosing local first throughout the year. Locals and visitors can purchase a GO Local Loyalty Card and receive deals and discounts from all participating businesses on #TahoeTuesdays. Join the GO Local Movement as a participating business and help encourage local spending by offering a promotion for #TahoeTuesdays.

26 Completed Passports

61 4,569 32

WHAT’S NExT FOR GO LOCAL…

tahoe tuesdaysGO Local Loyalty Program

Feb. 14, 2020 to Feb. 13, 2021

when: Kicking off this February and continuing all yearlong on #TahoeTuesdays

why: To drive midweek business, increase exposure and customerloyalty, and expand the relationshipsbetween locals and businesses

how: Sign up to participate for FREE as a Chamber Member. Visit TahoeChamber.org to submit a deal for #TahoeTuesdayswhere: Over 25 participating

businesses and growing

tahoe tuesday

Participating Businesses

GO Local Facebook Engagement

GO Local Giveaway Winners

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’ VISIT TAHOECHAMBER.ORGAND NOMINATE FOR 40 UNDER 40 TODAY!

Tahoe Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 40 under40 program which will highlight and honor the South Shore’sbrightest young community leaders and business professionals’accomplishments, community involvement, and leadership.

Do you know an outstanding young professional that checks allthese boxes? Visit TahoeChamber.org and submit a nomination for

program today!

Volunteer Leader Advocate Professional Innovator

the Tahoe Chamber’s 40 Under 40

Charity MixerJoin the Tahoe Chamber for a nightof generosity and networking at theConnect for a Cause Charity Mixer tobenefit CASA El Dorado on Thursday,April 16, 2020.

The Child Advocates of El DoradoCounty advocate for and empower theabused, neglected, and at-risk youth inour community by providing them courtappointed volunteers who speak up forthe needs of children. This fun fundraisingopportunity will include drinks, appetiz-ers, raffle prizes, and more! Proceedsfrom event will benefit CASA EL Dorado.

Early bird tickets will be available untilApril 15 for $20 for Chamber membersand $30 for non-members.

For more information and tickets,visit TahoeChamber.org

WhatConnect for a Cause Charity Mixer to

benefit CASA El Dorado

WhenThursday, April 16, 2020

5:30-7:30 p.m.

WhereThe Idle Hour Wine & Bubbly Bar

3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd, SLT, CA 96150

GOLOCAL

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we’re BaCk at harrah’S!The annual GO Local Tahoe Business ExPO is Tahoe’s largest and liveliest B2B event. Showcase your business and connect with over 1,200 attendees, while also interacting with South Shore's diverse business community.

when: March 27, 2020, 4:30 to 8:30 pMwhere: harrah’s lake tahoe hotel and CasinoRegister your booth before February 7to attend the Tradeshow 101 Workshop for FREE.

Booth registration deadline is February 27th unless previously sold out. Register your booth now at tahoeChamber.org

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3.81 x 4.81

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Smart planningsparks successLet’s get started. Visit your local branch or finda time that works for you at wellsfargo.com/appointments.

Roundhill212 Elks Point Dr.775-339-2000

©2019Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-24773

Your one-stop hub for collegeand career exploration

Explore different careers, salaries, responsibilities,qualifications, and job postings withinthe Lake Tahoe region. Take the freecareer assessment, and learn aboutlocal training programs and collegesoffering classes to meet your needs.Build a resume using our user-friendlyonline tool, and discover a careerpathway that works for you. Simplyscan the code or visit us online.

tahoecareerconnect.org

C h a i r M a n’S C i r C l e h i g h l i g h t

level uP workshop seriesHeld every third Wednesday of the month (excluding dates over

Holidays) at the Tahoe Chamber.12 to 1:30 p.m.

BYOB (bring your own brown bag lunch)

upCoMing workShopS

FeBruary 12 • tradeShow 101*Free for Business ExPO exhibitors who register before February 7th

MarCh 11 • MoJo CoMMuniCation

april 8 • aCtive Shooter training

May 13 • reCeSSion planning For BuSineSSeS

June 10 • diSSeCting digital Marketing

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Featured events: 3.7 van’s Methodology

3.18-21 altus Music Festival

3.19 Spring loaded tahoe Film Crawl

3.21 pink heavenly

4.4-5 Spring loaded 5k Fun run & Brew Fest

when: March 9, 2020 - April 5, 2020

where: Throughout South Lake Tahoe, California and Stateline, Nevada

learn more: TahoeSouth.com/SpringLoaded

tAhoe south sPring loAded 2020 Spring Loaded means sun, snow and good times with friends and family at Tahoe South! The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, along with its partners, is stoked to be going into the third year of Spring Loaded. The event combines the best of spring and winter with on-mountain activities at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe. You’ll find lodging specials, restaurant deals, happy hour offerings, mid-week entertainment and live music with guest performances over four weekends and four weeks.

photo: heavenly Mountain resort

photo: tahoe South

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Nestled within Lake Tahoe’s only lakefront luxury resort, theSpa at Edgewood is the perfect place to drink in the sublimeserenity of Lake Tahoe while sharing a laugh with friends.

See why the only blues here are limited to the lake.

Voted #1 Resort Hotel by Travel + Leisure Readers

775.588.3486EdgewoodTahoe.com

INDUGLE IN HAPPY HOURBEFORE HAPPY HOUR.

wAnt to see your Business grow? inVest in your emPloyeesBy Zach Fiore, Tahoe Chamber Membership Services Director

For many small business owners, it’s difficult to find the money and resources to invest back into their employees. While it may seem counterintuitive to your bottom line, doing just that helps build a workforce that is passionate about the success of the business. Here are several free or inexpensive ways to start:

ask yourself: do my employees understand their role?One of the most essential steps in building up team members’ skills is by making sure they know what their role is. Sure, they might understand the basics, but show them how their piece fits into the bigger picture. Once your team understands their value, you will have an empowered workforce.

Make a list of educational resourcesAccess to education is crucial for every kind of business. Even your most seasoned employees are in need of continued education. Give your team a list of resources like Udemy, Upskilled, or the Chamber’s Level UP Workshops! Employees want to better themselves, so just point them in the right direction and see their skills blossom.

Set business goals as a groupGetting buy-in from your employees is crucial to succeeding as a business owner. You know your mission, but make sure your team does too! Different employees have different mindsets and finding new ways as a team to utilize everyone is a great way for employees to feel empowered and passionate about your business goals.

reward great workThis would seem like a no-brainer, but it’s shocking how many business owners/managers forget to just acknowledge when someone is doing a great job. Not only does it spotlight a great example for coworkers, but it rewards your best employees. Some of the best-received awards are gift cards, days off, or even bonuses. Also, just saying thank you for a job well done goes a long way.

Stop working!I promise it makes sense. Of course, it is the team’s job to keep the business up and running, but bonding with your team outside of the ‘office’ is one of the most effective ways to build morale. Invite them to grab a coffee or go bowling! Have an extended lunch as a team. Taking needed time to relax and reenergize together will result in a much stronger team.

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2019 Chamber reCap

ServiCe to our BuSineSSeS25,000 Business directories

Distributed throughout the region including in the official California Welcome Center located in Truckee, CA.

tahoe works: virtual Job Fair(First ever basin wide job fair!)

39 businesses offering jobs483 job seekers participated

go local tahoe• Tahoe Tuesdays

• 23 participating businesses offering deals and specials every Tuesday

• GO Local & Win Holiday Contest• 60 businesses promoted throughout the holiday shopping season

Signature eventSBusiness expo

79 Chamber Member exhibitors 1,200 Attendees

annual tourism Forum: Responsible Tourism

3 Keynote Presentations4 Breakout Sessions108 Attendees

Sample the Sierra (10th Anniversary Year!)

92 Businesses Participated$5,600 raised for Soroptimist International of South Lake Tahoe1,600 Attendees (SOLD OUT CROWD!)

Blue ribbon awards6 Businesses and Individuals Recognized 18 Local Artists Showcased 300 Attendees

MeMBerShip Survey SuMMary

over 90% of our membership think we are excelling at:

• Building catalytic leaders• Representing business Interests• Being a hub of reliable information

MeMBerShip43 New Members 532 Total Members88.1% Membership Retention Rate (85.6% is the industry average)

affordable housingAs an active member of the Housing Tahoe Partnership, we conducted employer and employee outreach and supported development of the South Shore Region Housing Needs & Opportunities Assessment (October 2019)

workforce developmentChamber CEO, Steve Teshara, was elected to the Board of Directors of ADVANCE. This recognition was based on our ongoing efforts to solicit employer engagement in shaping the workforce development programs and educational opportunities at ADVANCE and Lake Tahoe Community College

infrastructure improvementsConsistent advocates for pedestrian and non-auto mobility infrastructure, including new sidewalks, complete streets, and multi-use trails throughout the South Shore.

Represented by both a Board and staff member on the Stakeholders group involved in developing the Main Street Management Plan, an element of the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.

ServiCe to our CoMMunity

the digital reportaudience

Constant Contact Subscribers: 1,648Followers

• Facebook: 8,044(Tahoe Chamber, GO Local Tahoe, Sample the Sierra)

• Instagram: 2,592(Tahoe Chamber, Sample the Sierra)

• Twitter: 4,149Facebook Engagement: 46,993Website Traffic: 35,522

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In 2020, your chamber is committed to endlessly supporting the business community through our programming and political advocacy. We will continue to act as a CATALYST for business growth and development, a CONVENER of leaders and influencers to execute changes, and a CHAMPION for a strong, thriving community.

We will carry on producing our top-level signature events and providing resources for local businesses through programs such as our Level UP Workshop Series and the South Tahoe Restaurant Association. 2020 will mark the graduation of our 11th Leadership Lake Tahoe class and will provide opportunities for class members to get more engaged in leading their community.

2020 Chamber InItIatIves

tahoe 2025, a South Shore CoMMunity viSion Beginning last fall, Chamber representatives began the process of soliciting input from local government officials, public agencies, non-profit groups, and other key stakeholders. We plan to unveil Vision 2025 at our State of the South Shore community forum Thursday evening, February 27 at the Tahoe Beach Retreat Conference Center.

viSion 2025 identiFieS MeaSuraBle goalS over the next Five yearS in the Following 9 key areaS:

Candidate endorsement Committee affordable housing Community infrastructure

improvements

2020 will mark a pivotal year in local elections. We will once again establish our Candidate Endorsement Committee to interview candidates for local office prior to making any endorsements.

» local economy » recreation» arts, Culture, and entertainment

» health and wellness » public Safety» environmental Stewardship

» housing » transportation and infrastructure» education

We will support the South Shore Housing Action Plan by working to connect employers with compatible partners to explore and implement employee housing solutions.

We will provide additional input and help secure approval of the Mainstreet Management Plan, an element of the US Highway 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project as well as approvals for the planned Tahoe South Event Center.

new memBers: oCtoBer - deCemBer

renewing memBers: oCtoBer - deCemBer

In each edition of Above 6000', we recognize our new and returning members from the previous quarter. Be sure to check out each edition to see all four quarters of Chamber Membership!

Gastromaniac

USDA - Forest Service

Zambelli Fireworks

Benko Art Gallery

Maclean Financial Group

Clearly Tahoe

new ChAirmAn’s CirCle memBerWhole Foods

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’ Thank You

30+ years Bank of the WestBest Western Station House InnChase Intl Distinctive Props.Lake Tahoe Golf CourseRollston, Henderson & Johnson, LtdSouth Tahoe Association of REALTORSTahoe Telephone Directories

20+ years Blue Ribbon Personnel ServicesForest Suites ResortFox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & BarFreshies Restaurant & BarH & R Block Tax Services, INC.Heavenly Valley Townhouse AssociationLake Tahoe MarathonMeeks Bay Resort & MarinaMike's ChevronOutside TV

15+ years Action Watersports Timber Cove MarinaRE/MAx Tahoe Realty TodayRodeway InnTributary Whitewater Tours, LLC

10+ years 4 Seasons Wedding ChapelAffordable Business ServicesALPINE SMITH, Inc.Barton - Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports MedicineBlue Sky Events

Brownstein/Hyatt/Faber/SchreckCALSTAR Air Medical Services, LLCColdwell Banker Select Real Estate - Anthony LaurianDollar Signs and GraphicsElements SpaLake Tahoe StudioLake Valley PropertiesLew Mar Nel'sMarcus Ashley GalleriesPort of Subs #63Servpro of Carson City/Douglas County/South Lake TahoeSouth Lake Tahoe Lodging AssociationSouth Tahoe AirporterSouthwest Gas CorporationTahoe Valley TownhomesTech Tastic, LLCWulstein Financial ServicesZephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center

5+ years Artemis Lakefront CafeBelfor Property RestorationCarpet CopsFastFrameGunbarrel Tavern and EateryHatchback CreativeKalani's at Lake TahoeKingsbury ChiropracticLake Tahoe Bleu Wave, LLCLake Tahoe Business ServicesLake Tahoe Epic CurlingLake Tahoe Resort HotelSellMyTimeshareNow.com

Sidellis Lake TahoeSouth Lake Brewing CompanyTahoe FundTahoe Resource Conservation DistrictTahoe Spirits, LLCTahoe.comUtility Telecom

2+ years Chase BankCoachman Hotel Lake TahoeCrazy Good Bakery and CaféEmanate Gallery LLCLake Tahoe Paint and SipLakeside Park AssociationLaw Office of Lacey Van EttenMOBO LawPacific Coast IronPacific Development GroupRah Hair StudioRevolt TattoosSVN/Gold Dust Commercial AssociatesTahoe Dive CenterTahoe Hockey AcademyTahoe Perfect WorkoutTahoe WeeklyTeshara Management ServicesThe Crossing at Tahoe ValleyThe LoftWildHorseSite.com

1 year Blue PebblesTahoe Heartbeat

Proponents of the so-called “Split Roll” tax initiative in California are targeting businesses and commercial properties in the hopes of generating billions of dollars in new tax revenues.

A tax roll is the official list of all the properties to be taxed. “Split roll” means applying a different tax formula to commercial (business) and industrial properties than applied to residential properties. In summary, backers of “split roll” would remove some of the protections of 1978’s Proposition 13 from non-residential properties in order to raise taxes on them. Their goal is to preserve this change with a state constitutional amendment.

On behalf of our members, Tahoe Chamber intends to actively oppose the “Split Roll” initiative. We will do so in collaboration with many other business groups throughout the state, including the California Chamber of Commerce (Cal Chamber).

The idea of a split roll has been consistently rejected since the passage of Proposition 13. Over the last few decades there have been numerous proposals for split tax roll, but none have become law. One such proposal made it onto the statewide ballot in 1992, but was soundly defeated.

According to Sarah Boot, a Policy Advocate with Cal Chamber, “The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the measure will raise between $6.5 and $10.5 billion per year. These funds would go first to the county assessors to cover their administrative costs – with no limits placed on such costs – and to the State General Fund to backfill income tax losses coming from higher property tax deductions. Of the amount left over, 60% of the revenues would go to cities, counties and special districts, and 40% would go to schools and community colleges, with little or no requirements on how the money would be spent.”

CommerCiAl ProPerties And Businesses Are A

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poliCy ConCernS with Split roll

Split roll will increase costs for ConsumersFaced with higher property taxes, commercial property owners are likely to pass their increased costs to their tenants. Higher taxes resulting from split roll will ultimately be passed along to consumers in the form of increased prices on just about everything they buy.

high taxes, mandates and regulations already make it difficult for California businesses to compete. An almost $11 billion split tax roll will likely prevent businesses from hiring new employees or even from keeping existing ones. The stability and predictability brought by Prop 13 has allowed California businesses to compete nationally despite the high cost of doing business here. For more information on this issue, please contact tahoe Chamber Ceo Steve teshara at

steve@tahoechamber.org or

775-588-1728, extension 301.

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mArCh 3rd BAllot meAsuresMeasure B - lake valley Fire protection district“Shall a special tax measure be levied annually until ended by voter, for the purpose of funding the purchasing, maintaining, replacing or leasing of fire engines, vehicles,

equipment and supplies, at an annual special tax rate of $52 per parcel per year with an estimated total annual revenue of $432,900 in order to continue fire protection, suppression, emergency medical services, and requiring independent citizen oversight, be adopted?”

Measure M - el dorado County South Shore Snow removal“Shall the measure providing for an annual special tax of $80 for twenty years’ duration on improved parcels of land with the South Shore Snow removal Zone of benefit, and replacing the current benefit assessment of $20 per parcel, to be used exclusively for acquisition of snow removal equipment to improve public safety, not salaries and benefits, and subject to annual oversight, which will generate annual revenue of $536,720, be adopted?”

oPen seAtsdouglas County Commission

Three seats on the Douglas County Commission will be on the Nevada June 9 primary ballot. These are the seats currently held by Barry Penzel (District 5), Larry Walsh (District 3), and Dave Nelson (District 1). The office of Commissioner is a partisan position, and, traditionally, most candidates are Republicans. Based on current Nevada law, if the primary candidates are all of the same party and one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the primary, there will be no general election for that seat. The filing dates for Commission are March 2-March 13.

City of South lake tahoe The Council seats held by Brooke Laine and Jason Collin will be on the November 3 ballot. The filing period opens July 13 and runs through August 7.

el dorado County SupervisorsThe seats currently held by Supervisors Shiva Frentzen (District II), Brian Veerkamp (District III), and John Hidahl (District I) will be on the November 3 ballot. Frentzen and Veerkamp are termed out. South Shore El Dorado voters only vote for the District V supervisor but all five seats are important from a business perspective.

2020 LoCaL eLeCtIon breakdown Teamupwith Barton to

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BlAzing A new CulinAry trAil in tAhoeThe South Tahoe Restaurant Association, facilitated by the Tahoe Chamber, is taking Lake Tahoe’s culinary experience to new altitudes with the release of their new map! Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to travel to all the stops on the map to experience the best of the culinary culture here in the South Shore.

interested in joining the South tahoe restaurant association and landing a spot on the next culinary map? visit tahoeChamber.org to apply!

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6. Chicken in a Barrel2100 Lake Tahoe Blvd.(530) 600-4480chickeninabarrel.com

7. Cold Water Brewery & Grill2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd.(530) 544-4677tahoecoldwaterbrewery.com

8. Off the Hook Sushi2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #E(530) 544-5599offthehooksushi.com

9. Riva Grill900 Ski Run Blvd.(530) 542-2600rivagrill.com

10. Café Fiore1169 Ski Run Blvd.(530) 541-2908cafefiore.com

11. Ten Crows BBQ4011 Tahoe Blvd.(530) 539-406410crows.com

12. The Loft1001 Heavenly Village Way(530) 523-8024thelofttahoe.com

13. Lake Tahoe AleWorX31 US-50 #105(775) 580-6163laketahoealeworx.com

14. Edgewood Tahoe180 Lake Parkway(855) 681-0119edgewoodtahoe.com

15. Beach Bums Bar & Grill300 US-50(775) 588-3055roundhillpinesresort.com

1. Lake Tahoe Golf Course2500 Emerald Bay Rd.(530) 577-0788laketahoegc.com

2. The Beacon Bar & Grill1900 Jameson Beach Rd.(530) 541-0630camprichardson.com

3. Burger Lounge717 Emerald Bay Rd.(530) 542-2010burgerloungeintahoe.com

4. South Lake Brewing Co.1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd.(530) 578-0087southlakebeer.com

5. Lake Tahoe AleWorX2050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #2050(530) 600-0442laketahoealeworx.com

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Jude Wood, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club and Tahoe Chamber Board Member

South Lake Tahoe is experiencing a childcare crisis that is affecting families, businesses and the economy. The crisis is a combination of a lack of providers, high costs, limited locations and opening hours that don’t reflect our 24/7 leisure and tourism work hours. One childcare facility on the South Shore has 110 children on their waitlist. And this isn’t just affecting the pre-school age. If an employee needs to work past 3pm in the afternoon then they need after-school care, and despite increasing membership by 210% in the past 5 years, the Boys and Girls Club had 70 children on its waitlist in the fall of 2019.

Access and cost are particularly acute for infant care. Currently only three programs serving infants in South Tahoe offer care during non-traditional hours and two of them are seasonal- Heavenly and Wild Mountain. The average annual cost of full-time infant care in California is $15,300 and locally our facilities average around $50 a day for an infant; only decreasing to app. $40 a day for preschool age. And although 68% of our local families qualify for an infant subsidy, only 25% are currently

receiving one. Either because they have been unable to find childcare or their's is not a subsidized facility.

The struggle for workers to find a childcare that fits their budget, schedule, and location can result in increased stress levels for employees with children, higher turnover in staff, and people not entering back into the workforce because it is not economically feasible to work and have a majority of their paycheck go to childcare. School closures, parent-teacher conferences, school vacations, and sick children are an additional burden for staff whose benefits do not include holidays, vacation, and paid leave. In communities like Tahoe with more seasonal employment, consistent and flexible childcare is key for employment. One solution for these issues is to have a workplace childcare. Locally LTUSD have forged the path with infant, toddler and pre-school care for LTUSD staff and students

at a significantly reduced cost. This forward thinking was born out of the difficulties attracting or retaining teachers with young children. Workplace childcare, or even a partnership for places at an existing child care provider, has huge advantages for both the employer and employee. Benefits include a rise in productivity (employees can remain at work instead of arriving late or leaving early to get child), lower turnover (employees more willing to return to work after maternity leave because guaranteed childcare), and a recruitment and retention tool. At a time when staffing is the number one issue for most businesses, retention of quality staff is paramount. The El Dorado County Early Care & Education Planning Council is currently conducting a workforce survey to gain a better understanding of how businesses are economically impacted by employees’ childcare struggles, as well as hearing from employees about how finding and maintaining reliable childcare has impacted them. The survey was released in January 2020 and it is vital that members of the Tahoe Chamber participate so that policies and funding can be effectively utilized to address this important issue. Please contact Jenna Knight, LPC Coordinator at (530)295-2493 or jknight@edcoe.org to participate.

one ChildCare FaCility on the South Shore haS

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Orthopedics · Rehabilitation · Performance · Wellness

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STATE OF THESOUTH SHORECOMMUNITY ADDRESS

• Representatives from El Dorado County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, DouglasCounty, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will report on current happeningsand future goals for the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

• The Tahoe Chamber will unveil Tahoe 2025, a South Shore Community Vision.

Free for Tahoe Chamber Members | $5 for Non-Members

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 | 5:30 to 7:00 PMTAHOE BEACH RETREAT CONFERENCE CENTER

RSVP at Tahoe Chamber.org

TAHOE CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING

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your support has been instrumental to the success of the Tahoe Chamber!

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PO Box 17187South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151