Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

Business After Hours: Abbott SPI, Inc. 1/15/2026 5:00 PM - 1/15/2026 7:00 PM

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:54:29 GMT

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED - TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

Business After Hours at Abbott SPI

Start the new year by expanding your network and discovering one of Santa Cruz’s standout local businesses, Abbott SPI, Inc. Known for their exceptional security guard services and community-first approach, Abbott SPI is committed to helping local organizations create safer, more welcoming spaces for work and life.

Why Attend

• Connect: Build relationships with business and community leaders from across Santa Cruz County.
• Discover: Meet the Abbott SPI leadership team and learn how they’re raising the standard for professional security.
• Support Local: Celebrate a homegrown company making a real impact on local safety and business vitality.
• Enjoy: Light bites, refreshments, and an upbeat after-work atmosphere.

Admission: Free for Members and Non Members

Join us for an evening that’s equal parts networking, community, and inspiration. Bring a colleague, share a toast, and start 2026 with fresh connections and new opportunities.

Plus, treat yourself to samples from West Peak Sparkling Spirits including food and dessert from ToGo's!

BEFORE REGISTERING, PLEASE READ!
To register, please follow the instructions below.

- Click on the red “Register” button at the top of this page.
- THEN Click the blue “Login” button in the upper right corner on the next screen. After you enter your username and password, click login, then proceed with the registration form.
- If you do not have your login or password information feel free to use the “Forgot Password” feature to retrieve your password via the email you have on file with the Chamber.

If you still have technical issues please feel free to call (831) 457-3713 or email administration@santacruzchamber.org

Awkward Pet Portrait Fundraiser for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter 1/16/2026 7:00 AM - 1/31/2026 12:00 Midnight

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:51:22 GMT

Our second annual, joyfully awkward fundraiser, turning beloved pets into unforgettable art while supporting shelter animals.

Choose your portrait style

Sweetly awkward or professionally polished, all in support of shelter animals in our community.

Digital Pet Portraits – $35

Shelter Pet Portraits – $35

Original Art – NEW! – $100

Last Day to Order is January 31!

Order your portrait: https://givebutter.com/awkward

Winter Open House 1/22/2026 6:30 PM - 1/22/2026 8:30 PM

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:50:59 GMT

Join us for our next Open House and experience Kirby for yourself. Tour campus, meet faculty, hear from current students, and discover what sets our 6–12 program apart. We welcome bright, curious learners—and the families who believe in them.

Winter Open House 1/22/2026 6:30 PM - 1/22/2026 8:30 PM

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:51:08 GMT

She Adventures Film Tour 1/24/2026 7:00 PM - 1/24/2026 9:30 PM

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:35:58 GMT

She Adventures Film Tour

January 24th @ 7 pm, Rio Theatre

Supporting GirlsROCK!

The She Adventures Film Tour returns for its annual celebration of women pushing boundaries in the outdoors, making a special one-night-only stop at the historic Rio Theatre on January 24, 2026. This unmissable event brings over two hours of the most inspirational and entertaining adventure films from independent filmmakers around the globe.

From legendary cave diver Jill Heinerth exploring uncharted depths to ten-year-old skateboarder Mia Kretzer mastering her biggest trick while Robin Goomes nails it at Red Bull Rampage, the 2026 program showcases the fearless spirit of women and girls pursuing their passions across mountains, rivers and skate parks.

For tickets and list of films visit https://www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2026/1/24/sheadventures

Locally sponsored by Apex Adventures, FOX, GOAT, Sandbar Solar, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, Specialized Santa Cruz Experience Center, Spokesman Bicycles, Sante Adairius Midtown Portal, Santa Cruz Sentinel and Event Santa Cruz

2026 Employment Law Workshop 1/28/2026 9:00 AM - 1/28/2026 11:30 AM

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:36:04 GMT

This event has closed.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the pivotal legal developments that will impact employers in 2026. Michael Manoukian, partner with Lathrop GPM will lead "Overview of New Employment Laws for 2026," our annual workshop aimed at keeping you ahead of the curve on crucial legal changes affecting your workplace.

Key highlights will be:

> The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment Decisions
> Pay Transparency
> Wage and Hour Update
> New Legislation
> New Case Law
> 2026 Predictions

Who Should Attend:

> Business Owners
> HR Teams
> Human Resource Managers
> Retail Manager

AGENDA

9:00 AM - Registration and light breakfast

9:30 AM - Workshop begins

10:30 AM - Break

11:30 AM - Adjournment

Michael Manoukian
Michael Manoukian represents employers in a wide range of labor and employment legal matters, including litigation, arbitration and mediation. He also provides advice and counsel to clients in all areas of employment law.

Since 2021, Michael has been included in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in America for his work in Labor and Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Law – Litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Michael was an associate at Littler Mendelson P.C.

Michael focuses his practice on civil lawsuits and administrative proceedings involving allegations of:

> Wrongful termination
> Employment discrimination
> Sexual harassment
> Retaliation
> Wage and hour
> Breach of contract

Cory J Mickels
Cory Mickels’ practice encompasses employment counseling and litigation, as well as business and commercial litigation for clients across diverse industries. From individual complaints to complex class actions, in both state and federal court, Cory has successfully dealt with cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, wrongful termination and PAGA violations.

In addition to complex employment law cases, Cory has litigated high-stakes breach of contract disputes and trademark infringement battles, consistently safeguarding his clients’ interests and securing favorable outcomes.

Earn Recertification Credits:

HR Certification Institute: This program is pending approval for 2.0 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification. For more information, please visit the HR Certification Institute website.
SHRM Professional Development Credits: Our program is approved for 2.0 SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM recertification. Learn more at www.shrmcertification.org.
California MCLE Credit: Earn 2.0 hours of "General" California MCLE credit to support your professional growth.

Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. Register now and ensure your workplace remains compliant and informed in 2025.

CEU Available Credits: 1.75