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Who are we?

The Sonora Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization representing the community of Sonora.  Our goal is to be a unified voice of our diverse business community; recognized as a valuable resource of business advocacy, respected for our commitment to promoting commerce while preserving our history, culture and the cherished quality of life of in Sonora. We are dedicated to raising awareness of the Sonora area and Tuolumne County area as a tourism destination.   We are also committed to listening to the concerns of all segments of the greater Sonora community to promote dialogue and effective problem solving to ensure the continued growth of our marketplace for the future.

What do we do?

• Publish Sonora Magazine twice each year in partnership with the Union Democrat.  This magazine is extensively used by visitors to our area as well as Tuolumne County residents.  All members receive free publicity in the magazine.
• Partner with local businesses to host monthly Mixers.  This is a great opportunity for business people to network and share ideas with other merchants.  It also provides the host business with a way to publicize their business to other Chamber members.
• Second Saturday Art Night in downtown Sonora (Jan-Dec).  Encourages merchants to stay open from 5-8 and offer music in their businesses (average of 12 businesses provide entertainment each event).  Provides an incentive for tourists and locals to shop locally and eat at local restaurants.  Merchants who participate are provided with a standalone banner to place in front of their business.
• Host five Second Saturday After 8 Concerts in Coffill Park (June-Oct), again to provide activities for tourists and locals and bring offer an additional reason to stay in downtown after Second Saturday activities are over.
• Host five Friday Flix interactive movie nights (Jan-May) to provide activities for tourists coming into town for the weekend and locals looking for a fun activity.  This brings patrons to downtown Sonora.  Guests are provided with a goodie bag to allow them to be interactive with the movie. We hold a movie-related costume contest. At each movie additional fun activities are included. No host bar and free popcorn. Admission only $5.
• Provide grants to local musical artists through the Mountain Performers Fund to assist artists who participate in Second Saturday.  To date, 17 grants for over $5,000 have been made.
• The Annual Chamber Golf Tournament is a co-hosted event with the Calaveras Chamber.  Hosting is rotated each year between the Sonora Chamber and the Calaveras Chamber.  This event provides a way to network with business owners in the two county areas and enjoy a great day of golf and an evening dinner and reception.
• Partner with and partially fund the Watch Program for our Shine Up Downtown Sonora (SUDS) initiative.  This is one way we help to keep litter picked up on our downtown area.
• Sponsor the annual Small Town Cheer Holiday Window Contest which is a contest that awards merchants in the downtown area who decorate their storefronts for the holiday season.
• Sonora Young Professionals is a program of the Sonora Chamber. The goal is to unite like-minded young professionals in Tuolumne County and surrounding areas to empower them and connect with the community. Activities include professional development events, social opportunities and networking with Tuolumne County leaders.
• Through our monthly digital newsletter, the Sonora Chamber Connect, we partner with the Sonora Police, Fire Departments, City of Sonora, Small Business Development Center, Tuolumne County Innovation & Business Assistance Office and other community service organizations to share valuable information to our business community.
• The Chamber financially supports many community programs such as the Red Church Building Fund, Habitat For Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Dragoon Gulch Expansion Project, Yes Partnership, Sonora High School Leadership Program and we continually  pay to maintain and preserve the Sonora High School's Steinway Grand Piano. 

How are we funded?

• Annual dues paid by member businesses.
• Gold, Silver, Bronze and Community sponsorships.  Businesses who contribute to the Chamber at the sponsorship level receive additional benefits.  Our current Gold sponsors include Adventist Health Sonora and Black Oak Casino.  2nd Saturday Art Night is sponsored by Visit Tuolumne County, Our Bronze Sponsor are the Union Democrat and Weltin Design. Our Community Sponsors include the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau, the City of Sonora, and The Sugg House/Mother Lode Grown, Downtown Shoes, Wilco Farm-store Sonora and PG&E.