Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

Mastering Difficult Conversations: A Framework for Clarity, Confidence & Connection 2/11/2026 9:00 AM - 2/11/2026 11:00 AM

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:57:24 GMT

This Event has Closed. Onsite Registration Available.

Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or supervisor, difficult conversations are part of leadership, yet few of us are taught how to navigate them well. This interactive workshop will help you approach feedback, miscommunication, and conflict with greater clarity and confidence.

We’ll explore real-world challenges like broken agreements, tense or avoided conversations, and team misunderstandings that quietly erode trust and productivity. Candice will share a simple, proven framework for resolving conflict that helps you stay grounded, listen deeply, and communicate in ways that strengthen relationships rather than strain them.

You’ll leave with tools and language you can use immediately to turn uncomfortable conversations into opportunities for alignment, accountability, and connection.

Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries will be served at the start of the event.

Presenter: Candice Elliott is VP of People and Culture at Lime Technology, makers of Unraid OS, and the Founder of Fortress and Flourish, an HR Strategy firm based in Santa Cruz, Ca. She helps visionary leaders build workplaces rooted in integrity and trust by designing systems that make work more human and sustainable. Her work blends practical management tools with a deep understanding of human behavior, helping leaders approach even the toughest conversations with confidence and care.

Annual Chamber Member Breakfast with Mayor Keeley State of the City 2/19/2026 8:00 AM - 2/19/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:56:09 GMT

Annual Chamber Member Breakfast - Sold Out!

Join us on February 19, 2026 at the beautiful Dream Inn for the State of the Chamber. Here what has been accomplished in the past year and what the goals for the coming year include. We will also have a few guest speakers from the area that will give us highlights and progress updates - more to be announced in the coming months.

Tentative Itinerary

8:00 AM: Networking and breakfast.
8:25 AM: Brief opening remarks
8:30 AM: Mayor Fred Keeley providing a State of the City
9:15 AM: Q&A
9:30 AM: Presentation of our annual Ambassadors Awards
9:35 AM: Chamber Board President will introduce our 2026 Board with brief remarks.
9:45: Closing Remarks
10:00 AM: Board Members Gather for Annual Group Photo

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Interested in Getting Involved and Supporting the Chamber - Consider our Multi-Event Sponsorship Program

Hospitality Industry Rountable 2/24/2026 2:00 PM - 2/24/2026 3:00 PM

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:08:08 GMT

SOLD OUT!

Click Here to RSVP!

Spark Session: Informational Therapy Call 2/25/2026 9:00 AM - 2/25/2026 10:00 AM

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:54:47 GMT

Are you curious about how therapy can help?

Join us for this month's FREE virtual informational Spark Session!

Spark Sessions are a series of virtual drop-in info sessions hosted by TherapyWorks' Client Care Coordinator alongside our Community Relations Manager. These sessions are designed to encourage and guide you toward better mental health, because when you feel better, you live better.

Each complimentary session offers a welcoming and supportive space to explore the therapy process and experience.

Learn more and register for an upcoming session at mytherapyworks.com/spark

Elevate LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion: The Power of Belonging 2/26/2026 9:00 AM - 2/26/2026 12:00 Noon

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:28:30 GMT

ELEVATE LGBTQ+ Workshop Inclusion: The Power of Belonging

Continental breakfast included

In today’s competitive business landscape, inclusivity is more than just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative.

Key Event Takeaways:

At the Elevating LGBTQ+ Inclusion event you will:

> Gain access to tools, resources & support to help you build a more inclusive business.
> Hear real stories from local businesses thriving through inclusive practices.
> Network with forward-thinking leaders committed to equity and community.
> Understand the rewards of intentional inclusion and the risks of exclusion.
> Help shape a more inclusive Santa Cruz county— starting with your own business.
> Understand the legal, social, and economic importance of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace.

Whether you’re an executive, HR professional, business owner, or manager, this event will equip you with the tools and knowledge to elevate LGBTQ+ inclusion in your organization.

Cosponsored by: LGBTQ eLearning, The Diversity Center, Santa Cruz Pride, Hotel Paradox, City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, Downtown Santa Cruz, Visit Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce

Keynote Speakers: Monica Martinez (she/her) Fifth District Supervisor, Sharon Papo (she/her), Workplace Inclusion Expert, CEO

Business Panelists: TBD

Business After Hours: United Way Santa Cruz County 2/26/2026 5:00 PM - 2/26/2026 7:00 PM

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:16:28 GMT

SOLD OUT!

Join the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the United Way Santa Cruz County for our next Business After Hours networking event. This event is co-hosted with United Way Santa Cruz County, First 5 Santa Cruz County, and Cradle 2 Career Santa Cruz County.

Come connect with local business professionals, learn about the latest developments from our host non-profits, and celebrate the incredible accomplishments they’ve achieved over the past year. Enjoy light refreshments, meaningful conversations, and the opportunity to strengthen connections within our community. Plus, treat yourself to samples from Penny’s Ice Creamery, Sante Adarius, West Peak, and Martinelli's as you mingle!

Registration is required.
$10 – Chamber Members
$20 – Non-Members

We look forward to seeing you there! Please register today to reserve your spot and join us for an evening of connection and community.

Cancellations and Refunds:
No refunds or cancellation requests are offered for this event.