Autumn is here, pumpkin spice is showing up on menus, days are getting shorter, and we’re gearing up for the holiday season. Pretty soon, we’ll be gathering with friends for holiday parties, wandering up to see the Sundar Shadi display up on the hill next to Moeser Ave, or visiting the Farmer’s Market to see the persimmons, apples, and grapes replace the summer harvest. In a region with only two seasons (fog or sun), it’s nice to be able to taste the turning of all four.

We have a few Chamber activities coming up soon. But first, a few words of thanks. This year, many businesses were honored through our Best of El Cerrito campaign — powered by your nominations and votes. I had the privilege of hand-delivering some of the awards, and let me tell you: the smiles, the surprise, the genuine joy — it was heartwarming. For many of these hardworking folks, it was a rare moment to feel truly seen and appreciated.

Running a business is no small feat. It’s long hours, tough decisions, and showing up day after day — often without any guarantee of appreciation. And while our minds tend to hang onto negative feedback, your votes and kind words broke through that noise. You reminded these business owners that what they do matters. On behalf of the entire business community, thank you for lifting them up.

Now, mark your calendar! Our second annual Women Mean Business event returns on Thursday, October 23rd, and you won’t want to miss this powerful afternoon of connection and inspiration. This year’s panel features an incredible lineup of local leaders: Esther Goodstal of Elevation 66, Skye Christensen of Sum & Circle, and Toia Mengesha of Gymboree.

Then on November 3rd, we’ll be joining our neighboring local Chambers of Commerce for a Fall Mega Mixer at El Agave Azul restaurant. These events have been restorative and full of great conversations. At the August Mega Mixer held in Crockett, we proudly hosted five tables and won some great raffle prizes!

A final request: let’s commit to shopping locally. Amazon and Walmart are hoovering dollars out of communities. But, when we shop in our local towns, we support the employees, the owners, their families, and the city services we enjoy like parks and recreation, public safety, and festivals — promoting the arts and culture that make this town special. Vote with your dollars — vote for El Cerrito.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for 2026 with new networking opportunities, including more multi-chamber Mega Mixers, Member-sponsored mixers, a golf tournament, a classic car show, and events designed to support and grow your business. If you’re not yet a member or haven’t been active for a while, now’s a great time to jump back in.

As always, thank you for all you do to make El Cerrito vibrant, creative, and connected. Let’s keep the supportive spirit going — and continue to show up for one another.

Warmly,

Kevin O'Neal

President, El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce