Bay Area Chamber President's Commentary

by Michael D. Seward, CCE

January 3, 2014
By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Small business is the backbone of America and certainly the backbone of the Bay Area economy.

In fact, more than 85% of the jobs in the Bay Area are generated by our smaller enterprises...most of which are "locally grown and locally owned".

Because of this importance, your Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a strong Small Business Council led by Dr. Lee Newton, owner and operator of Newton Eye Care, and made up of several successful small business entrepreneurs.

The Small Business Council is an integral part of our Business Assistance & Activities Division which is led by Michael Hanisko, Weinlander Fitzhugh.

The purpose of the Chamber's Small Business Council is to initiate small business assistance and advocacy programs including seminars and technological assistance programs.

One example of their work is the January 21st seminar simply entitled "Taxes for Small Business". This two hour program will include a business start-up overview, basic financial statements, federal and state taxes, payroll taxes, due dates and much more.

This program is presented by your Chamber and delivered by Karla Oldenburg, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants, and Tammie Weidner, Weidner Accounting Services, LLC.

We urge you to join us in actively supporting the many small businesses that help move the Bay Area forward!