I’ve always found that first day back to school, here in Brentwood, to be audible. You can hear the parents sighing a breath of peace, and the teachers and administrators taking a cleansing breath in preparation for a new school year! Â
Â
Breathing. Something we generally don’t think about; our autonomic nervous system does a fine job of making sure it’s one thing off our list of conscious to-do’s. And yet, how often do we catch ourselves (or others) holding our breath? Sometimes amid to-do lists, action items, objectives, and following up with customers, it feels like we can’t breathe or catch our breath.
Â
Last night, The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce hosted Celebrating Brentwood. It was an Acadamy-Award-styled event honoring those who go above and beyond to help others breathe easier. All of the nominees are stellar. Our sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors East County Performing Arts Center and the Friends of the Brentwood Library, and our Gold, Silver, & Bronze Sponsors, who weren’t necessarily nominees, invested in creating a special night for our community. Again, all our nominees came into the night as winners because they invest in building a vibrant and inclusive Brentwood! Thank you to all those who joined in and applauded the hearts that generate the ideals of what Better in Brentwood represents.
Â
A GINORMOUS THANK YOU to Chamber Director and Chairperson for this year’s Gala, Tanya Aviles (Prestige Cleaning Services, LLC.). As a first-year director, she raised her hand to step into the beautiful shoes of Olga Vidriales, who chaired the event for years. Tanya shared her vision, created an all-star committee, and worked diligently to provide a night that allowed the stars of Brentwood to shine. I also want to thank Chamber Director Greg Robinson (The Press) for his diligence, time, and generosity, and for being our Master of Ceremony for the evening.Â
Â
Want to learn who the winners of the Best of 2022 are? We’ve tucked that info into the newsletter!
Â
This month we are thrilled to share that Diamond Hills Sports Club & Spa will host the August Mixer. They have been excited to host and are ready to provide a fantastic experience to take a breath and enjoy the benefits of getting to know and growing your circle of trusted connections in East Contra Costa County. Be sure to invite at least one peer that wants to finish their year strong. Now is when business owners start thinking about what they want to accomplish in the coming year, and it’s a whole lot more effective, efficient, and fun when you have the resources and contacts to bring your vision to reality!  The flier is included in the newsletter. We’ll have a drawing for all who bring a guest (1 ticket per guest).
Â
Some say life is a cabaret? We here at the Chamber promote that life is a big party! La Gran Fiesta is officially open to register online to promote your company and develop connections with Brentwood / East County residents and other local businesses. The 2nd Annual La Gran Fiesta is chaired by Chamber Director Tony Aguilar (Edward Jones), and he’s excited to build from last year’s booming event.  Brentwood City Park will be transformed into a colorful and vibrant space for the community to gather and celebrate. The La Gran Fiesta is open to the public and will include food, music, and performances for all ages. Be sure to register, as space is limited!
Â
We may be heading into the last part of 2023, but your Brentwood Chamber is ramping up for phenomenal business and community-developing events from now until December. Following La Gran Fiesta, Hometown Halloween is October 28th, and the Holiday Parade is November 25th. Â
Â
By the way, you also have the value-added benefits the Chamber offers, such as the Brentwood Power Network, Lunch & Learns, and our Monthly Mixers. Speaking of Mixers, we’re exploring a November Mixer for non-brick-and-mortar businesses who’d like to host and just need a spot. Interested? Please contact Melisa at the Chamber’s office for more information. We also have some festive plans in the works for December; stay tuned! Â
Â
Whew! I just caught myself taking a deep, cleansing breath and filling up with oxygen and energy because, as every business or organization knows, there’s work to be done. I look forward to seeing you as we finish 2023 strong. Let’s ‘Do it to it’ Brentwood!!!
Â
To your success!
Â
Denise Duran