#SAMCEDAonTheMove in September 2026

September reflected the many ways San Mateo County and the broader region continue to grow through investment in people, places, partnerships, and community.

Here are the highlights:

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities. 

Gilead’s Research Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Elected officials, business and community leaders celebrated the opening of Gilead’s new 182,000-square-foot Research Center at its Foster City headquarters.

The state-of-the-art facility expands Gilead’s capabilities in oncology, inflammation, and research data science, strengthening its research efforts and supporting the development of the next generation of medicines. The milestone also highlights Gilead’s longstanding presence in San Mateo County and the region’s role as a hub for life sciences, research, and innovation.


[ Gilead's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel O'Day,
provided remarks at the ceremony]

Leadership Council San Mateo County’s Welcome Reception for Class of 2027

Alums from Leadership Council San Mateo (LCSM)’s CORPS and Emerging Leaders programs warmly welcomed the new 2027 cohort at the San Bruno Recreation & Aquatic Center in San Bruno.

The reception brought together past and incoming participants for an opportunity to connect, build relationships, and celebrate the start of a new program year. Alumni shared their experiences while welcoming the newest cohort into a growing network of leaders in San Mateo County.


[ Past participants welcomed the latest cohort at the Welcome Reception ]

[ Community partners of the program include cities, community organizations, and associations ]

Grand Boulevard Initiative Task Force Meeting

Members of the Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) Task Force convened at SamTrans’ new headquarters in Millbrae for updates on the initiative’s latest progress and accomplishments. City representatives and regional stakeholders also shared feedback and insights to help inform the initiative’s ongoing work.


[ Grand Boulevard Initiative's Major Corridors Manager, Cassie Halls, discusses the partners of the initiative ]

South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce's Best of South san Francisco 2026 Annual Awards Gala

Businesses and community leaders were recognized and celebrated at the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Best of South San Francisco 2026 Annual Awards Gala. 

Held at Genentech in South San Francisco, the annual event brought the community together to honor outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals whose leadership, achievements, and contributions continue to strengthen and support South San Francisco and beyond.


 [ Guests were greeted by El Camino High School's jazz band ]

[ South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Mary Prem kicked off the evening ]

SAMCEDA and Chamber San Mateo County’s 13th Annual Birdies for Business Benefit Golf Tournament

Chamber San Mateo County and SAMCEDA hosted the 13th Annual Birdies for Business Golf Tournament at the world-class Stanford Golf Course.

Funds raised through the tournament will help advance efforts to strengthen the local economy, support the business community, and promote continued economic vitality throughout San Mateo County.


[ From left to right: Chamber San Mateo County's Allison Follett, Orange Theory's Kate Mosley, SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust & Larisa Ocañada, Chamber San Mateo County's Amy Buckmaster ]


[ Golfers warming up and practicing their swings ]

San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown San Mateo, and San Mateo County Arts Commission’s September Arts & Culture Fest

The community celebrated local arts, culture, and creativity at the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown San Mateo, and San Mateo County Arts Commission’s September Arts & Culture Fest in Downtown San Mateo. 

The free community event featured live music, dance and cultural performances, poetry, family-friendly activities, original artwork from local artists, and more.


[ B Street in Downtown San Mateo was lined with booths showcasing local businesses and community organizations ]

SamTrans' 50th Anniversary - Community Celebration

Celebrating 50 years of service to San Mateo County, SamTrans welcomed community members, regional leaders, and partners to a special anniversary celebration at its new headquarters in Millbrae. 

The event recognized SamTrans’ five decades of connecting communities across the county while celebrating the agency’s history, growth, and continued commitment to providing accessible and reliable public transportation throughout the region.


[ The VIP Reception was sponsored by Chamber San Mateo County and SAMCEDA ] 

[ From left to right: California Apartment Association's Rhovy Lynn Antonio, Prozan Strategies' Rebecca Prozan, Chamber San Mateo County's Amy Buckmaster, HJSR Solutions' Jim Hartnett, SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust, County of San Mateo's Former Supervisor Dave Pine, Town of Hillsborough/SamTrans Board Member Hon. Councilmember Marie Chuang, Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Commissioner Gina Papan

[ Past posters and memorabilia were displayed throughout the venue, commemorating the organization’s history and milestones over the years ]

The Game’s Episode with Rosanne Foust on San Mateo County Economy, Housing, Taxes, AI & Transit

SAMCEDA's President and CEO, Rosanne Foust, joined Mark Simon and Bob Marks for a wide-ranging conversation about San Mateo County during their show, The Game. 

They covered the local economy, life sciences and biotech, workforce needs, housing and affordability, transportation, artificial intelligence, and challenges facing local businesses. The conversation also touched on several local and regional ballot measures and other key issues ahead of the November election.


[ Episodes of The Game can be found on their website ]

[ SAMCEDA's President & CEO, Rosanne Foust, discusses business, the economy, the upcoming election, and more ]

Chamber San Mateo County’s Leadership Program’s Orientation Day

Chamber San Mateo County kicked off its 2026 - 2027 Leadership Program cohort at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City. The opening session gave participants an opportunity to build connections, take part in interactive activities, and hear from local community leaders.

Throughout the program, participants will take part in ten full-day sessions designed to provide firsthand insight into key issues and institutions shaping San Mateo County, while engaging with leaders from business, government, nonprofits, education, and philanthropy.
 


[ Participants learn about timely and relevant issues to San Mateo County and explore how to shape their future ]

Pal Center’s PAL Royale 

Pal Center celebrated 30 years of community impact with a lively evening that brought together supporters for a “Casino Royale”-inspired experience in Redwood City. 

Guests enjoyed casino games, music, a car show, and entertainment while helping raise funds to support the Pal Center and its continued service to the community.


[ Pal Center's Executive Director, Ivan Martinez, welcomes attendees ]

Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s 2026 Annual Meeting - Philanthropy in a Changing World

Philanthropic, business, and community leaders from San Mateo and Santa Clara counties gathered at the Computer History Museum in San Jose to discuss the evolving landscape of giving and key issues affecting local communities.

Moderated by KQED’s Mina Kim, the panel brought together perspectives from across sectors to examine changing priorities, emerging challenges, and opportunities to create meaningful impact throughout the Bay Area.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation also shared updates on its latest initiatives and ongoing work.


[ Left to right: KQED's Mina Kim, Sand Hill Foundation's Susan Ford Dorsey, SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust, County of Santa Clara's Greta Hansen, Silicon Valley Community Foundation's Nicole Taylor ]
(Photo credit: Silicon Valley Community Foundation)
 

One Life Counseling's 10th Annual Night of Inspiration

Community leaders and supporters gathered for One Life Counseling’s 10th Annual Night of Inspiration, an uplifting evening celebrating stories of hope, healing, and the power of community. 

The event marked a decade of impact while raising critical funds to expand access to affordable mental health programs and community counseling services.

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.