The California Chamber of Commerce has named the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce as Chamber of the Year in recognition of its outstanding leadership in community engagement, economic development and advocacy.
The award was presented on June 10 at the California Business Outlook Dinner in Sacramento, the finale to a day-long gathering of leaders from communities throughout the state. The audience included representatives from business, local chambers of commerce, state legislators, government entities and international partners.
The other finalists for the award were the Chino Valley Chamber and the Menifee Valley Chamber.
Leading the San Rafael Chamber is President and CEO Karen Strolia, who presided over a tech-forward, proactive approach geared toward ensuring long-term sustainability for the chamber and its members.
Key Programs
During the 2025–2026 award year, the San Rafael Chamber’s advocacy agenda focused on economic resiliency, workforce housing and local control. Noteworthy activities included the following:
• Housing-jobs imbalance: To advance this key priority, the San Rafael Chamber endorsed major development representing hundreds of new units. In addition, to engage policymakers, the chamber hosted the 2026 Economic Forecast, convening nearly 300 regional leaders and experts. The forum provided data needed to influence the three-year strategic plan for the city of San Rafael, ensuring that economic development and housing and homelessness remained the city’s top priorities.
• To guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of starting a business, the San Rafael Leadership Institute developed the Small Business Resource Guide, a seven-step roadmap to financing, legal registration and permitting. The guide was distributed to hundreds of new and existing businesses, empowering business startups and helping existing small businesses scale efficiently.
• Stabilizing finances of the Downtown Business Improvement District by securing additional funding through private arts grants and event-based fundraising, which translated into a budget increase for 2026. The San Rafael Chamber also secured a renewed professional services agreement with the city, an action that transformed the chamber into a formal liaison between businesses and the city.
• “We Are One Marin” podcast and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee championed inclusive economic growth by providing a platform for underrepresented business owners and addressing systemic barriers to businesses gaining access to capital.
• Workforce development: through deepened strategic partnerships with the College of Marin and the California Film Institute, the San Rafael Chamber aligned the San Rafael Leadership Institute curriculum with the evolving needs of the local labor market.
Community Testimonials
Business owners praise the San Rafael Chamber for its effectiveness and community presence.
• Chris Hart, owner of Seagull Prime Real Estate Fund: “I joined the Chamber because I have found the San Rafael Chamber to be highly effective and impactful…money well spent, with a specific and positive impact on the business environment of San Rafael.”
• Jan Goldbert and Teresa Hammond, owners of Delicious Catering: “The Chamber acts as a vital bridge to countywide leadership, successfully advocating for fee deferments and financial accommodations for food businesses.”
• Ann Brewer, proprietor of Brewer Phillips Hair Design: “Building and operating a small business is a huge endeavor…Karen and her staff are always there for me when I need them.”
Award Criteria
To be eligible for the award, chambers were required to have a proven track record of successful programs or initiatives benefiting their local business community, supported by financial stability to ensure the long-term viability of those programs. Also weighed were the chamber’s contributions to the economic prosperity of the region, advocacy efforts having a positive influence on business policies and regulations, and innovative strategies that enhance business success.
