Nov. 9, 2009 ---

Learn how to implement sustainable practices while saving money from Hewlett-Packard, the “Greenest Company in America,” at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Green Awards luncheon tomorrow.

Ellen Jackowski, Hewlett‐Packard’s Corporate Environmental Sustainability leader, will discuss the company’s recent No. 1 spot in Newsweek magazine’s green business rankings. She will talk about the world’s largest technology company’s long‐time sustainability commitment and how those efforts have helped its bottom line.

“We’re fortunate to have such an innovative environmental business leader join us for the 2009 Green Awards,” said Tim Williams, CEO of Digital West and chair of the Chamber’s Sustainability and Resources committee. “Ellen will be able to give us the inside scoop on how aligning environmental initiatives and strategy can be good for businesses of all sizes.”

Oct. 19, 2009 ---

This year's Board of Directors election is a little bit different at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce: We've gone electronic. Members received an e-mail around 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 that contained a unique, secure PIN that allows them to access the new online Board of Directors poll. Members can only vote once.

The poll provides pictures and bios of 11 candidates, and members must choose up to nine of these when they vote. The election ends on Oct. 30, so be sure to check your e-mail and follow the simple instructions to vote. Read more to find out who the  candidates are.

**If you are a SLO Chamber member, but did not receive an e-mail with a secure PIN, you will be unable to access the poll. If you did not receive an e-mail with a secure PIN and would like to vote for the 2010 Board of Directors, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , the Chamber's internet and publications director.

Oct. 19, 2009 ---

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board has three $1,000 grants available for local youth projects and programs. Individuals and groups are encouraged to create projects that have a positive impact on youth (up to age 19), and incorporate some youth development principles, such as the 40 Developmental Assets.

Oct. 15, 2009 ---

The U.S. Small Business Administration is accepting nominations for the 2010 Small Business of the Year Award to be recognized during this year’s National Small Business Week.

There are several SBA award categories for which business owners can nominate themselves or other candidates.

Each year during National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes outstanding business owners for their contribution to the American economy and society. President Barrack Obama declared May 24-26, 2010 as National Small Business Week.

Oct. 14, 2009 ---

Wet weather isn't ideal for playing in the sand, but sand can bring peace of mind when
it comes to protecting your property from storms. Beginning today, the City of San Luis
Obispo will provide sand at the following locations:

• City Corporation Yard at 25 Prado Road
• Laguna Lake Golf Course at 11175 Los Osos Valley Road
• Santa Rosa Park at 190 Santa Rosa Street and
• Sinsheimer Park at 900 Southwood Drive

Sandbags can be purchased at hardware and supply stores, such as Home Depot, Pacific
Coast Home & Garden and Farm Supply.

Sand wasn't to be provided until November 1st. However, due to this week's much anticipated storm, the City’s Street Division got an early start. For more information, contact Public Works at 781-7220 or visit GetReadySlo.com.

Oct. 7, 2009 ---

Small businesses, farmers and ranchers will likely be affected by a decision of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to reinterpret the existing events ordinance for agriculture land.

In a 3-2 vote on Oct. 6, the Board decided to slightly tighten rules that allow temporary events like weddings on rural land. This action was in response to a recommendation of the County Planning Committee. 

The Board decided to implement portions of the Planning Commission's recommendations, including instituting a time limit for each temporary event permit on a case-by-case basis and modifying the definition of construction as it pertains the current events ordinance. 

Oct. 5, 2009 ---

Members can experience a different voting method with the Chamber’s the first ever online election for the 2010 Board of Directors.

Via www.bigpulse.com, this electronic voting method makes the process easier and more convenient for members, while increasing the Chamber’s efficiency, saving resources and reducing its carbon footprint.

“Once the poll opens, members can vote at any time from any location without the hassle of mailing something back to the Chamber,” said Chamber President Dave Garth. “And because we won’t spend hours opening envelopes and counting votes, we can devote more time to serving our members needs.”

Leadership San Luis Obispo is now accepting applications for participants in this year's 10-month program designed to bring participants out of their "comfort zones."

Diversity is important to Leadership San Luis Obispo, and each class is created to have representatives from different cultures, sexual orientations, backgrounds, economic conditions and ages, as well as a range of businesses.