07/08/2025
Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce: Community Cornerstone at Risk — Call for New Leadership to Sustain Beloved Local Traditions
For decades, our organization has proudly served as a pillar of the Mission San Jose District—hosting cherished annual events like the Olive Festival, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and, more recently, the Arts Mosaic. We’ve worked tirelessly to support local culture, community connection, and small businesses—especially during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when we helped distribute grants to struggling businesses.
But today, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads.
We are urgently seeking new board members and a president to carry our mission forward. Without new leadership stepping up in the coming weeks, we face the very real possibility of having to suspend operations indefinitely.
This would mean more than just the loss of an organization—it would mean the end of community traditions that bring joy to thousands of families each year. The Olive Festival, which celebrates our agricultural roots and brings neighbors together in a spirit of festivity and pride, would go dark. The Christmas Tree Lighting, a magical kickoff to the holiday season, would be canceled. The vibrant creativity of the Arts Mosaic would be silenced.
Our organization is more than the events we host. We are a resource and partner for local businesses, a supporter of community resilience, and a connector for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
If you’ve ever attended one of our events, benefited from our programs, or simply believe in the importance of community-driven efforts, we need you now more than ever. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference—whether you’re experienced in nonprofit leadership, eager to build community, or simply have time and energy to give.
Board members have the opportunity to shape the future of our local traditions and help ensure that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come. The president will lead this passionate team, help guide strategy, and be a visible advocate for our work throughout the region.
If you—or someone you know—might be interested in serving, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible.
Together, we can keep our community connected, festive, and strong.