Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If you can't find the answer to your question here, go ahead and Ask the Chamber!

Community Questions
Membership Questions
Ask the Chamber

Community Questions

What is the Pumpkin Festival all about? How did it start? Who benefits?

Here is a little history about the 30+ year old tradition. In 1970, the Main Street committee for Beautification was formed to launch a "Paint-in" and tree-planting effort as part of a downtown restoration project. In order to raise funds for their projects, they hatched the idea for what is now the world famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival . Since the festival's inception, the committee has contributed 1.3 million dollars to various civic projects and community service organizations. This year, over $80,000 was awarded to 23 non-profit, school and municipal agencies. The Beautification Committee is also responsible for the street lamps, benches, flowers, seasonal flags, and trees that adorn Main Street, along with their year-round upkeep.

The festival is famous for its juried show exhibiting the fine art and harvest-inspired craftsmanship of more than 250 artists. Equally renowned are the hearty stews of locally grown artichokes and brussels sprouts and the tempting variety of pumpkin delicacies. All food and beverages at the festival are sold by local non-profits, sometimes making up to 80% of their annual budget. So, when you curse the traffic on that weekend, remember the good that that one weekend a year brings to our Coastside community. Smile and feel good about the 9 men and women that have served on the Pumpkin Festival Committee to do so much good for so many, and the thousands of volunteers from the Coastside who make it all possible.

How can I find home rentals?

Please review our Real Estate page for information on both sales and rentals of residential properties.

Membership Questions

If my company is a Chamber Member, does that mean I'm a member, too?

When a company becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company's local branch/offices are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.

What does the Chamber's board of directors do? How can I get on the board?

The board of directors is a valuable asset. Our directors bring with them a sophisticated level of experience and expertise. They set the strategic direction of the Chamber and oversee the finances of the organization. The board serves as a sounding board for ideas and policies, and reflects the thinking of a broad spectrum of businesses on the Coastside.

A board committee first nominates new board members. The slate is taken to the full membership for a vote, and a recommendation is then made to the full board for final approval. The board Development Committee actively seeks out people who are successful in their businesses, represent the diversity of the Half Moon Bay Coastside, have demonstrated leadership skills and have an interest in helping to guide the Chamber for a minimum of 3 years.

Are Chamber members mostly large, well-established businesses?

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Bureau has a membership of more than 700 companies, representing Half Moon Bay and Coastside businesses of all sizes, from large firms to growing mid-size companies and micro-businesses. Many people are surprised to learn that more than 80 percent of our member companies have fewer than 25 employees.

How can the Chamber help me save money?

Through professional partnerships, the Chamber is able to offer members several bottom-line benefits. Our membership department will help you with access to our value-added benefits.

How can I use the Chamber to market my business?

The Chamber offers comprehensive marketing-benefit packages through our publication, website, programs, and special events that can help your company achieve multiple objectives. These include increasing your visibility and exposure within the Chamber membership and the Coastside business community, standing out from your competition through exclusive sponsorship opportunities, using promotions and merchandising opportunities, entertaining valued clients at prestigious events, and driving sales.
Through the Chamber, you'll reach Coastside businesses of all sizes and from every industry group. Depending on your company's target audience, you can choose those events, programs, and publications that reach identified segments, such as small businesses, mid-market firms, international companies, and large corporations. Through our well-established partnerships with the leading business media and other professional organizations, our programs are widely promoted to increase your reach.

What is the best way to use the Chamber to build my business network?

Your Chamber membership is similar to a gym membership: The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. The best way to build your business network is to develop relationships with other Chamber members. All Chamber programs are designed to give you an opportunity to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships. The more events you attend and the more actively you participate, the faster and deeper your network will grow.

We produce a number of events that are specifically designed for networking, such as Business After Hours (Theme Mixers). Another way to build your network is through volunteering for the Chamber by joining a committee, or even chairing a committee. This is an opportunity to increase your visibility and demonstrate your professionalism and expertise to a wide audience.

How can I help shape Chamber activities and programs?

The Chamber has planning committees that help create the content of our programs and events. You can contribute as a member of the committee or, depending on your level of expertise and experience, as a committee chair. For more information on how to join a committee, call the Chamber staff.

How do I use the Chamber for business leads and referrals?

As you attend Chamber events and programs and expand your network, you will have access to people who are in a position to provide you with business leads. As you get to know them and they gain trust in your professionalism, your fellow Chamber members can become an important source of referrals for your business.

How can I help shape and support the Chamber's policy positions and agenda?

The Chamber's position on any given state or local ballot initiative is determined via a multi-step process that starts with the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee. Only Chamber members may participate in the advisory vote that is passed on to the Chamber's Board of Directors.

The Chamber's public-policy agenda is shaped by input from many sources. We regularly ask for input from our members.

How can I stay informed on legislative and community issues that affect my business?

The Chamber provides several communication vehicles to keep members in the know. Information about our programs, our involvement with various community forums and our presence at City Hall is regularly disseminated by the Chamber's monthly newsletter.

How can I stay informed on what's happening at the Chamber?

The Chamber has a variety of communication tools designed to keep members informed about what's going on in and around the Chamber and the business community. All members receive the monthly newsletter. Additionally, the Chamber's website will tell you everything you want to know about the Chamber doing business on the Coastside.

Does the Chamber have publications that can be of use to my business?

The Chamber publishes the Half Moon Bay Coastside Business Directory, which includes a local residential phone listing, a roster of business Chamber members, and useful community & relocation information; the Coastside Visitors' Guide which is full of tourist service listings for lodging, dining, recreation, shopping, and event planning information; Map of the Coastside, the only comprehensive street map for the Coastside from Montara to Pescadero, the Coastside Discount Guide providing members an opportunity to give special discounts to "I Shop on the Coast" card holders.

Download our Chamber membership application form in PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

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