|
|
|
|
Submit
|
Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar

Published August 8th, 2018
Changes at Orinda Chamber of Commerce and Lamorinda Weekly
Sophie Braccini Photo Andy Scheck

After serving as the executive director of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce for the past two and a half years, Sophie Braccini is leaving to take up a position with UC Berkeley. Braccini, who has been a staff writer for Lamorinda Weekly since its beginning 11 years ago, will leave her duties as civic reporter for Moraga, but will continue to contribute occasional feature stories about life in Lamorinda.
Prior to 2007, Braccini worked in translation, localization and functionality on technical brochures, games, and computer applications, making sure that translations into French were not only literally correct, but culturally appropriate as well. She and her husband raised a son and two daughters, all Campolindo graduates.
"Both jobs had a deep impact on my life. I've met so many diverse and wonderful people," Braccini explained. "I knew some business people because of the stories I wrote for the paper," she continued, "but I now have increased respect for business owners and the challenges they face every day."
The executive director position is the only paid position at the chamber, and its role is to make businesses more visible.
Braccini enjoyed building relationships with other entities, such as Rotary, the Orinda Association, and the Orinda Community Foundation. She particularly enjoyed her role as an advocate to the city of Orinda, and working with City Manager Steve Salomon, whom she describes as "an individual of great quality."
"As a resident of Orinda, I appreciate the time that (Sophie has) spent keeping residents informed about everything that is going on in our cities/towns, and I have especially always enjoyed (her) coverage of the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority and all things concerning recycle/reuse and garbage," said former Orinda Mayor Victoria Smith. "As a member of the Chamber, I thank (her) for all that (she has) done to make our community vibrant and informed, and to really build a sense of community in Orinda."
Orinda Chamber President Roy Hodgkinson said that Braccini "has expanded the services to our Chamber member businesses, their owners, staff, and families with initiatives such as the Non-profit Forum, Senior Health Fair, and through her strong relationships with the city of Orinda."
While Braccini notes that she will miss her job and the people she's been interacting with, she is excited to try something new. Anyone interested in the job of executive director should contact Hodgkinson at president@orindachamber.org for more information.



print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:

This article was published on Page A7:



Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email
Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA