Welcome to 2026. I’d like to share with you all a practice of mine that I do every January: VISIONING

Creating a vision of greatness for the year helps to set clear intentions for yourself and your business. What I like most about visioning is the perspective: We place ourselves in the future and reflect on all that we imagine to have accomplished over a period of time.

As a business planning tool, this is incredibly powerful, like a compass that points the way.

While I’d love to take credit for the method I’m about to share, I learned it from author Ari Weinzweig, founder of Zingerman’s — a beloved Ann Arbor, Michigan food institution built on great sandwiches and community.

So far, I’ve gotten only to my first draft of my vision for the Chamber in 2026. But I’ll share it here and invite your feedback, as my Advisory Content Experts, to help me flesh it out.

Reflecting on the vision I set out for the Chamber last January, we didn’t hit the mark 100%, but still, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.

In 2025, membership grew to nearly 140. We hosted the ‘Women Mean Business’ event, multiple mixers, a ‘Lunch n Learn, ’ produced the very successful ‘Best of El Cerrito’ campaign, and grew our communications and outreach. We are making strides toward that 2025 vision.

I also want to welcome our new Board Members: Kathleen Mascarenas of KBM Accounting, Kyle Ashcroft of Edward Jones, and Dr. AnnMarie Baines of The Practice Space. They bring energy and expertise that will strengthen our Chamber. We're delighted to welcome them to the Board.

So, I will reimagine that vision now for 2026. Here it goes:

It’s December 3rd, 2026, and we are all gathered at Mechanic’s Bank to celebrate the holiday season. Bringing back an old tradition like this one has brought our El Cerrito business community closer together. Earlier this year, we celebrated the ‘Best of El Cerrito’ winners at Honda. New traditions like that have been really energizing for our members and the broader business community. Looking back on our year, I couldn’t be more pleased with our success! The El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce is on the map. Businesses are clamoring to join. We are recognized for being a positive force in the community. Our educational programs are resonating with local businesses. Mixers are providing camaraderie among members. Our fundraising events have put the Chamber on solid financial ground, and have been so popular in the community that we’ve committed to doing them next year. Our marketing efforts through e-news, ‘The Insider’ newsletter, and social media are buzzing with Chamber member promos, articles, events, and what’s happening across El Cerrito.

I’m marveling at the growth in membership. Our Ambassadors program has dozens of members, active in the community, welcoming folks into the Chamber. We have fresh-faced ne

w entrepreneurs just starting out, and established institutions rejoining the movement. Our workgroups are filled with active volunteers. A whole new generation is poised to make cool stuff happen in El Cerrito, and I couldn’t be happier.

There’s real momentum here, and it’s a great time to be a part of the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce.

Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2026!

Warmly,

Kevin O'Neal

President, El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce