About the Chamber

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 Second Saturday After 8 Concerts in Coffill Park (June-Oct), again to provide activities for tourists and locals and offer an additional reason to stay downtown after Second Saturday activities are over.
  • Trick or Treat Street (October) brings joy to all of our ghosts and goblins young and old.
  • Christmas Town Sonora (November-December) in downtown Sonora is now Nationally and Internationally known Christmas Town. Our event begins with a lighting ceremony followed by the annual Christmas Parade. Throughout December you’ll find events such as Holly Jolly Wagon horse drawn wagon rides, carolers, Christmas Tree Lane, The Giving Tree, Gingerbread House making with Santa & Mrs. Claus and a holiday winter concert at the St. James Episcopal Church. All events are free.
  • 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 in our downtown area.
  • Sponsor the annual Holiday Window Contest which is a contest that awards merchants in the downtown area who decorate their storefronts for the holiday season.
  • Small Business Season promotion launched in November 2023 encouraging locals to support local and educate everyone who important it is to shop and support local business.
  • Partner with the Blue Zones of Tuolumne County and adopted a resolution that all of our events will be smoke and vape free events.
  • Management of the Sonora Opera Hall.

How are we funded?

  • The majority of our funding comes through Chamber members and sponsorships.
  • Annual contract with the City of Sonora for event management and marketing.
  • Annual dues paid by member businesses.
  • Building Partner, Community Partner, Leadership Circle and President’s Circle sponsorships. Businesses who contribute to the Chamber at the sponsorship level receive additional benefits. Our current Leadership Circle sponsors include Adventist Health Sonora, Black Oak Casino, Blue Mountain Minerals and the Sonora Area Foundation. Our Leadership Circle Sponsors are Hawks & Associates CPA’s LLC and Weltin Design. Our Second Saturday Sponsor is Visit Tuolumne County. Our Media Sponsors are Clarke Broadcasting and the Union Democrat, Our Community Sponsors include Sonora Veterinary Group, PG&E, The City of Sonora and Wilco Farmstore Sonora. Our Building Partner sponsor is Downtown Shoes and Pinocchios.