
TC Chamber, Supervisor Griefer, Highlighted Business Initiatives
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TC Chamber, Supervisor Griefer, Highlighted Business Initiatives
TC Chamber President Mat Galvan speaks at TC Supervisor Steve Griefer is seated. Galvan talked about several of the business organization’s recent and upcoming initiatives. One of the issues that came up was rent being a big barrier for businesses, and some are now looking at collaboration to reduce overhead. The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, meaning it is a business league focused on promoting the common interests of its members. It serves as a unifying voice for the local business community, helping to create a stronger, more resilient economy across Tuolomne County. The Chamber is involved with and/or leading several projects across the county and the region. It is not a government agency, charity, or political action committee—it exists solely to serve and advocate for the business community. It offers several workshops to business owners who are looking to grow professionally. It hosts several events and fundraisers throughout the year, providing business owners with multiple opportunities to network with thebusiness community.
Sonora, CA — A Town Hall recently focused on business initiatives of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce, and featured a keynote speech from District Four Supervisor Steve Griefer.
It was held at the Mother Lode Job Training Office on Mono Way in Sonora, and about a dozen people were on hand.
Chamber Board President Mat Galvan said he hopes to have similar-type meetings moving forward, and the goal is to, “listen, share, and collaborate.” Alex Bloom, an Economic Development Manager with Mother Lode Job Training and the Central Sierra Economic Development District, also spoke, primarily about improvement plans for downtown Jamestown.
During Griefer’s presentation, he noted that he is a strong supporter of small businesses. As a former CHP Officer, he said that when business was good, it was often a quieter time for him as a peace officer. He expressed a willingness to look at reducing fees to make it easier for businesses to survive and thrive. In addition, he talked about eliminating hurdles to receiving building permits and streamlining the process. He also talked about recent county budget cuts, and noted that the “last thing they want to do is impact services.”
Chamber President Galvan talked about several of the business organization’s recent and upcoming initiatives, and then sought input from the group. One of the issues that came up was rent being a big barrier for businesses, and some are now looking at collaboration to reduce overhead.
Galvan’s bullet points he compiled for the presentation, are provided below:
What The Chamber is…
A Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization that advocates for and supports the success of local businesses through networking, policy advocacy, and economic development initiatives. The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, meaning it is a business league focused on promoting the common interests of its members. It serves as a unifying voice for the local business community, helping to create a stronger, more resilient economy across Tuolumne County.
What it isn’t…
The Chamber is not a government agency, charity, or political action committee—it exists solely to serve and advocate for the business community.
Vision
A vibrant local economy & community where collaboration fosters innovation & resiliency.
Mission
To lead a resilient & innovative community by empowering business with advocacy and resources.
Resources
The Chamber offers several resources through its network and partnerships.
Free Workshops & Education
Connecting with Lenders & Funding
Entrepreneurial Technical Support
Small Business Technical Support
Free HR Assistance
Assistance with navigating regulations & policies
Local Research & Data
Monthly Newsletter
Assistance with identifying funding & grant opportunities
Connect with local stakeholders and leaders
Connect with regional stakeholders and leaders
Policy Advocacy
Networking Opportunities
Projects
The Chamber is involved with and/or leading several projects across the county and the region. We are committed to supporting and staying involved with the community.
Sierra Sourced
Jamestown Main Street Revival
Leadership Tuolumne
Tuolumne County 175th Celebration
Youth Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship
Workshops
The Chamber offers several workshops to business owners who are looking to grow professionally.
Marketing in rural area
Small business conference
SBDC funding expo
HR leadership
Leadership Training
Social Media Management
Utilizing AI
Events
The Chamber hosts several events and fundraisers throughout the year, providing business owners with multiple opportunities to network with the business community!
Mixers
Town Halls
Taste of Tuolumne
Farm to Table Dinners
Annual Awards Gala
Business Expos
Drink Cart
Sierra Sourced
Sierra Sourced is a regional economic development initiative aimed at uniting local makers, producers, and trade-based businesses across our region. By creating a cohesive brand and fostering collaboration, the project seeks to elevate the visibility and market reach of locally made products.
Sierra Sourced operates through a structured Affinity Program, which allows businesses to participate at various levels, offering multiple ways to get involved, grow their brand, and align with core values like sustainability, local empowerment, and craftsmanship.
The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce will soon be hiring a Business Services Manager to lead the initiative!
Community Resilience Committee
Established March 2025
Developed to offer targeted economic development support in Tuolumne County communities identified as priority areas
Tailored approach, focusing on one community at a time, developing strategy and implementing solutions
Working in collaboration with the Central Sierra Economic Development District, local businesses and CBOs
Works to be non-duplicative and additive to existing efforts, creating an ecosystem of local support for our communities
Empowering communities to be strong stewards of their progress and development
Community Resilience Committee
First area of focus is Jamestown
Community Survey May 20 – June 11
Town Hall, June 20 at Jamestown Community Hall
Community clean-up day – Summer ‘25 date TBD
Main Street beautification efforts
Planters, lighting, wayfinding signage, additional crosswalk
Collaborating with Jamestown Promotion Club, CBOs, and local businesses
Encouraging community-led economic development, and a strong foundation for the future
Government Affairs
Our Chamber of Commerce manages an aggressive government affairs advocacy program combining research, government relations and communications.
Through your Board of Directors and Government Affairs Council, our Chamber has forged key relationships with elected officials and leaders of government agencies on the local, regional and state level.