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By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce As we head into the Fall season, the Chamber is beginning to process membership renewals for 2026. Renewal notices for existing members will begin to go out this week and into next week. For organizations who aren’t yet members of the Chamber, it’s the perfect time to consider joining. Whether you are renewing your commitment or joining us for the first time, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is here to support your success in 2026 and beyond. Get all the information you need about membership, events, and beyond, in our new 2026 Membership Guide. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far in 2025, along with updates about our 2026 membership tiers, and a sneak peek at the exciting slate of programs and events we have lined up for next year. 2025 at a Glance This past year, the Chamber continued to grow as the leading advocate and connector for local businesses. Together, we: > Represented more than 320 members across 20+ industries > Delivered 37 events designed for relationship building > Engaged over 15,000 connections across social media, newsletters, and our website > Generated more than $25,000 in partnership value for our members > Advocated for more than $2.5 million in tax savings and $106 million in public funding 2026 Membership Tiers We are excited to share that we have simplified our membership structure, going from six tiers to four streamlined levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Every membership continues to include core benefits such as online directory listings, promotion of your events in our Community Calendar and weekly E-News, exposure across digital platforms, access to committees and the Ambassador Program, and discounted rates for Chamber events. At higher levels, members gain additional opportunities including social media spotlights, complimentary event tickets, enhanced advocacy support, and sponsorship packages that maximize visibility. If you have questions about these tiers, please feel free to reach out to me directly at kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. You can also explore full details on our website and in our 2026 Membership Guide. Sneak Peek at 2026 Event Line-Up Looking into the New Year, we’re planning a full calendar of opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration. Here’s a peek at what we’ve already got planned for the coming year. > Community Leadership Visits: We will be visiting the Napa/Sonoma area in spring, and are considering an out-of-state destination in the fall. Participants in this years visit to San Jose and Santa Clara gave the experience an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. > Annual Awards Gala: Confirmed for April 16, 2026 at The Grove. This year we will feature the new Cultural Impact Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions that enrich the cultural life of Santa Cruz County. The honoree fosters creativity, inclusivity, and community connection through arts, heritage, or cultural initiatives. Nominations for all categories are open now through October 8, 2025. Submit your nomination here. > Educational Programs & Workshops: We have already lined up an Employment Law Workshop in January and an HR Workshop in February, focused on difficult conversations and providing feedback. We welcome feedback on the topics that would provide the most value to you and your employees. We look forward to continuing our partnership with all of our member companies here at the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Santa Cruz. We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and community with you.
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
As we head into the Fall season, the Chamber is beginning to process membership renewals for 2026. Renewal notices for existing members will begin to go out this week and into next week. For organizations who aren’t yet members of the Chamber, it’s the perfect time to consider joining. Whether you are renewing your commitment or joining us for the first time, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is here to support your success in 2026 and beyond. Get all the information you need about membership, events, and beyond, in our new 2026 Membership Guide.
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far in 2025, along with updates about our 2026 membership tiers, and a sneak peek at the exciting slate of programs and events we have lined up for next year.
2025 at a Glance
This past year, the Chamber continued to grow as the leading advocate and connector for local businesses. Together, we:
> Represented more than 320 members across 20+ industries
> Delivered 37 events designed for relationship building
> Engaged over 15,000 connections across social media, newsletters, and our website
> Generated more than $25,000 in partnership value for our members
> Advocated for more than $2.5 million in tax savings and $106 million in public funding
2026 Membership Tiers
We are excited to share that we have simplified our membership structure, going from six tiers to four streamlined levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Every membership continues to include core benefits such as online directory listings, promotion of your events in our Community Calendar and weekly E-News, exposure across digital platforms, access to committees and the Ambassador Program, and discounted rates for Chamber events.
At higher levels, members gain additional opportunities including social media spotlights, complimentary event tickets, enhanced advocacy support, and sponsorship packages that maximize visibility. If you have questions about these tiers, please feel free to reach out to me directly at kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. You can also explore full details on our website and in our 2026 Membership Guide.
Sneak Peek at 2026 Event Line-Up
Looking into the New Year, we’re planning a full calendar of opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration. Here’s a peek at what we’ve already got planned for the coming year.
> Community Leadership Visits: We will be visiting the Napa/Sonoma area in spring, and are considering an out-of-state destination in the fall. Participants in this years visit to San Jose and Santa Clara gave the experience an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
> Annual Awards Gala: Confirmed for April 16, 2026 at The Grove. This year we will feature the new Cultural Impact Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions that enrich the cultural life of Santa Cruz County. The honoree fosters creativity, inclusivity, and community connection through arts, heritage, or cultural initiatives. Nominations for all categories are open now through October 8, 2025. Submit your nomination here.
> Educational Programs & Workshops: We have already lined up an Employment Law Workshop in January and an HR Workshop in February, focused on difficult conversations and providing feedback. We welcome feedback on the topics that would provide the most value to you and your employees.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with all of our member companies here at the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Santa Cruz. We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and community with you.