The City of San Luis Obispo Public Works’ Tree Division is sponsoring a woodchip and firewood giveaway at 25 Prado Road, City of San Luis Obispo Corporation Yard, on July 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until wood chips are gone.

The wood rounds and rough wood chips are generated from various tree trimming activities within the City of San Luis Obispo. This green waste recycling program is for residential use only — please, no contractors or retailers.

City staff will be on site to assist with loading of pickup trucks and small trailers. Residents are encouraged to bring smaller containers to fill themselves and are asked to follow the directional signs at 25 Prado Road to the loading area.  

Donations will be accepted to help cover future Arbor Day activities and tree plantings within San Luis Obispo’s Urban Forest.

For more information, contact Urban Forester, Ron Combs at (805) 781-7023 or Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Pellemeier at (805) 781-7022.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to oppose an initiative that seeks to prevent the planned extension of Prado Road.

The initiative, which will be discussed at the San Luis Obispo City Council tonight, is expected to be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide.

The Chamber believes that the initiative – if passed – will have significant adverse effects on traffic circulation, neighborhood safety, areas already zoned for affordable housing, and local businesses.

“This type of ballot box governance not only provides no alternative solution to the extension of Prado Road, but it creates many foreseeable problems, including increased traffic congestion at Tank Farm Road and South Street, creating unnecessary hazards for the existing neighborhoods on those roads,” said John Ewan, chairman of the SLO Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The last thing San Luis Obispo needs now is another road to nowhere.”

On July 1, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce launched the latest edition of its award-winning Visitors Guide complete with a new contemporary lifestyle magazine layout, enhanced graphics, award-winning photographs, and features that have never been in the guide before. 

Additions to this 2010-11 edition of the Visitors Guide are an enhanced wine section, a new health and wellness section, and an extra section that includes jewelry and shopping, as well as current written content and an interactive online copy of the guide at visitslo.com.

This year’s Visitors Guide theme is “Wish You Were Here” – a thought that resonates with visitors whenever they stay in the San Luis Obispo area.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce was recently recognized as an organization that inspires hope and creates a brighter future in San Luis Obispo County.

The Community Spirit Award was presented to the SLO Chamber by United Way of San Luis Obispo County at its Annual Recognition Event on June 17.

“We are very proud to have such great, diverse partnerships and appreciate what these individuals, businesses and their employees have contributed this past year to improving the quality of life in San Luis Obispo County by working with United Way,” said Charlene Rosales, United Way COO. United Way also honored several other local businesses and individuals at the event for their contributions to the community.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce was also recognized for holding an ongoing workplace giving program and participating in community service activities.

For the first time ever, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is opening its websites up to businesses looking for new promotional opportunities. 

With direction from the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and the Technology Advocacy Committee, the Chamber’s new advertising program allows for its members to place static advertisements in three different spots on three of the SLO Chamber’s highly trafficked websites (visitslo.com, slochamber.org, and slo-business.com). 

"Studies show that when businesses are associated with Chambers of Commerce, people are more likely to think favorably of that business," said SLO Chamber President Dave Garth. "So this is a great opportunity for our members to not only gain exposure by advertising online, but to also further associate themselves with one of the most trusted brands in the country."

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions are launching a new website to help small businesses develop an emergency preparedness plan before disaster hits, and reminding homeowners and renters to plan ahead as well.  

"Regardless of where you live, it's a good idea to be ready for any kind of crisis," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "Every threat, from wind storms, floods, wildfires and earthquakes, to power outages and computer system failures, reminds us to be proactive when it comes to building strategies to survive a disaster and recover quickly. Recent disaster events demonstrate the need for preparedness to reduce the risk to life and property."

In an effort to encourage businesses to plan ahead, the SBA has teamed with Agility Recovery Solutions, a firm that has provided business continuity and disaster recovery tools to small companies for 21 years. Today the SBA and Agility launched the Prepare My Business website.

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is texting. It was announced at the April Good Morning SLO event that the SLO Chamber of Commerce is now providing text alerts to their chamber members. 

Text the word "SLOCHAMBER" to 74700 to sign up for Chamber alerts (a maximum of four text messages monthly).

"This is just one more way members can stay connected with the Chamber," said Whitney Diaz, the SLO Chamber's Internet Services and Publications Director. "Although smart phones are very popular, there are many members with regular cell phones that don't have Internet or email access. So, we decided to roll out this Text Messaging program to provide those people with updates on special Chamber events and information."

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Accounts Manager Lori Silva, along with seven individuals from other businesses, was named an Employee of the Year and awarded a 2010 Suggs Award from the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo for her outstanding level of professionalism this year.

"Lori is a valuable 'behind-the-scenes' employee who rarely receives the recognition she so richly deserves for all of the hard work she does to keep the Chamber running smoothly," said Dave Garth, the Chamber’s president and CEO. 

Nearly 200 people gathered in Mission Plaza "Make SLO Fast" Tuesday evening, including San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce members and staff. 

The Chamber's own Technology Advocacy Committee (TAC) was out in force, manning a booth and passing out fliers on how to bring Google to San Luis Obispo. 

The “Make SLO Fast” rally, organized by San Luis Obispo-based business-to-business networking group Tech Networking, provided insight on what Google fiber can offer the community and sent a clear message to Google that San Luis Obispo is the place for this opportunity.