72 members of the green business community shared visions of the future and business cards by candlelight while nibbling on sumptuous hors d'oervres in the extraordinary lobby of Pankow’s newest building January 24th, 2008. It was our fourth such business event – and this one was a mixer defined.

Hugh Groman Catering and Green Leaf Platters created food that was as delicious as it was eloquent in its presentation.

We held our mixer in the lobby of the new building at 2101 Webster Street in Oakland, a structure sculpted in large measure from recycled materials and featuring the kind of energy and resource efficient features that map out the future of clean green construction.

The Mission of the Green Chamber of Commerce is . . .
"To promote the success of businesses committed
to environmental and social responsibility."

                         The Green Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

  Taken at the Green Chamber's Founding Conference of January 26, 2008.    Photo by Joel Puliatti
Left to right: James Carter; Mara DeFilippis of Invest Green; Bob Schildgen, "Hey Mr. Green!" Sierra Club Magazine columnist; Scott Barrett of Vetrazzo; Paul Allen of REgrid Solar Power; Olivia Teter of  Vetrazzo; Diana Whitehead of LJ Kruse; Brian Caruso of Pankow Builders;and Steve Bergendahl of LJ Kruse.

Not shown: David Moore of Sincere Design and
Phoebe Higgins of Community Bank of the Bay.

Melinda Cheel, our new Executive Director

Melinda has seven years of sustainable business experience in a variety of fields including building and design, brand development, event planning and business consulting. She received her MBA in Sustainable Enterprise from Dominican University of California where she worked collaboratively with local companies such as Traditional Medicinals and E. & J. Gallo Winery to implement measurable sustainability initiatives.

Prior to joining the Green Chamber of Commerce, Melinda worked as a designer and account manager for Jodi Riviera, Inc., assisting with an environmentally responsible bedding & bath brand. She also worked for four years at Environmental Home Center in Seattle and served as marketing manager on the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s Steering Committee.

Her dynamic and successful background complemented with her entrepreneurial spirit and relentless passion for sustainability offers a strong foundation for furthering the Green Chamber of Commerce’s mission.

As Executive Director, she will promote and support members, strengthen the green business community and actively engage in public policy to create a healthy and sustainable future. Melinda's email is melinda@greenchamberofcommerce.net