San Jose, CA -- The past few weeks have been busy, both with my own businesses and with the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. My business, along with other businesses, seem to be ramping during this seasonal change.
I'm excited for indoor dining and in-person events that are starting again and I'm starting to feel more comfortable socializing with others again. We've been ramping up the frequency as well as the range of our walks to find out the challenges businesses in different communities are facing.
Bernal
In early September, Chamber CEO Derrick Seaver and I participated in a walk of the Bernal/Santa Teresa area.
We were fortunate to be able to speak to the Santa Teresa Academy of Music and Dance, who offer both online music lessons and in-person dance lessons for all ages.
Across the way in the same shopping center, we spoke with the owner of El Amigo and treated ourselves to some delectable desserts. The restaurant has both indoor and el fresco dining.
Across the street, we came across the American Kickboxing Academy. AKA recently reopened this year and have updated their facility to comply with COVID guidelines. Their schedule of classes, including times for cleaning/disinfecting between classes is available on line and free trials are available for new clients.
Japantown
On Monday, we, along with SJ Chamber Director of Membership & Events Monique Yamamoto and Board Member Dennis Billings, walked San Jose's Japantown. Derrick and I spoke with the businesses along Jackson our second team walked Taylor. Unfortunately, we should have schedule this walk on a Tuesday as most of the businesses in this area were closed on Mondays. We were very excited to speak to the businesses that were open at that time, though.
Our first stop was to pop into Kumako Ramen. Although they were busy getting ready for the lunchtime rush, we truly appreciate them for taking the time to speak with us.
A little way down the road, we stopped in the Aloha Fresh, a poke bowl restaurant that is a sister company the Hukilau, a popular San Jose-Hawaiian cuisine establishment.
We also spoke with the manager at Roy's Station about the different challenges as well and the progress of the community while we sipped on our coffees. We also spoke with the owner of Ukelele Jams who teaches indoor one-on-one music lessons as well as outdoor group lessons. We also popped into Japanese grocers, Nijiya, and finally ended our walk with some sushi at Kazoo Sushi.
Thank you to all the business owners and managers who took the time out of their busy day to speak to us about the challenges you've face. We're enthusiastic about helping you meet these challenges and grow your business.
These small local businesses keep San Jose vibrant. Shop local.
Our next business walk will be in Alviso and Willow Glen. If you own a business or if you know of a business that is facing challenges, please send us a suggestion or recommendation. We're happy to help. Let us know which area you'd like us to schedule our next business walk or if you'd like to show us around your neighborhood: membership@sjchamber.com
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Small business with revenues less than $2,000,000 can receive specialized services and benefits for $50 a month or $600 a year. Here is what it gets you:
Networking and Visibility
The Chamber provides members opportunities to engage in networking events such as Monthly Member Breakfast, Power Lunch, Networking Mixer, Business Referral Network Groups, Ribbon Cutting, and Website and eNewletter advertisement.
Advocacy and Permitting
The Chamber has partnered with Pinnacle Strategy and has a dedicated staff to assist with City of San Jose Planning Building and Code Enforcement department, conditional use permitting, and Santa Clara County Health Department permitting.
Marketing
The Chamber has partnered with Deductive Marketing and Recruiting, an AspireNorth Chanel Partner, to provide cutting-edge marketing technology that captures contact information of potential prospects and markets your products and services.
Financial
The Chamber has provided special pricing and benefits on Comerica's small business products and services.
Public Policy Committees
The Chamber provides members opportunities to engage in policy committees such as Transportation, Housing and Land Use, Competitiveness, Community Development, and Water and Energy.
For these reasons, we believe that we cannot afford not to be members.
Click here to find out more about the San Jose Chamber of Commerce.