HALL OF FAME CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
S AN RAFAEL CHAMBER
“My team and I were all excited when we heard we were inducted into the Hall of Fame, we were jumping around the office like little kids. I wish I could say I’m joking.” —Karen Strolia, CEO and president
By Janet Perry
T he San Rafael Chamber has won awards more than 15 times—earning induction into our inaugural class of the Best of the North Bay Hall of Fame. Karen Strolia is the CEO and president of the San Rafael Chamber and says that, along with the many services they provide, one of their biggest strengths is that they’re people focused. They provide ways for business owners to feel a part of the business community. They also keep a finger on the pulse of what local business leaders need so they can help. Part of that is done by working closely with local governments to provide a voice for the business community. “I really feel excited and passionate about this advocacy component,” Strolia says. “We really position ourselves to work closely with our elected officials and city staff.” Strolia says the variety of events they host are popular among the business community—like the morning coffee program. “That is an opportunity for business owners to come together and not only meet each other, but also learn something new,” Strolia says. It’s also a chance for the chamber to hear about the needs of local businesses, adds Strolia. They have evening community mixers hosted by chamber members—providing an opportunity for members to connect with each other. “We have a Leadership Institute Program which is really
The SRCC’s popular State of the City event is hosted in conjunction with the City of San Rafael, pictured is the event from May of 2023. incredible,” Strolia says. “It’s a 10-month intensive [program]. High-level leaders of our community come and talk about what leadership looks like for them, how they climbed the ranks and their experience getting to where they are.” In May they host the State of the City event in partnership with the City of San Rafael. “We’re coming together and talking about the state of the city,” she says. The annual event takes place in the heart of the downtown business district and includes food from a variety of local restaurants and an awards presentation. In September the San Rafael Chamber hosts a large—and what Strolia describes as luxurious—Business Showcase. “Everyone comes together and really celebrates each other’s businesses. It’s just awesome to see the different businesses that are in San Rafael,” says Strolia. In the fall, they will host Women of Industry, an event that really lifts up women in leadership and unique industries in Marin County,” she says. “It’s an incredible, very warm and heartfelt event. “We have so much gratitude,” Strolia says. “My team and I were all excited when we heard we were inducted into the Hall of Fame, we were jumping around the office like little kids. I wish I could say I’m joking. I’m not. We were like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing.’” v
The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce team—Leslie Piper, Karen Strolia, Sarah Tipple, Bette Gundersheim and Jennifer Benson.
srchamber.com
18 Northbaybiz
Best of the North Bay 2024
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