The Lafayette Chamber Announces our 2022 Selection for the Lafayette Marquis Business Person of the Year – John McCormick

LAFAYETTE, CA – January 6, 2021

John McCormick, co-owner of Lamorinda Music, took the reigns as President of the Lafayette Chamber in January 2020.  Little did he know what kind of year it was going to be.  We began the year with President John giving a beginner’s lesson on the Ukulele to the entire board at our annual retreat.  We agreed on all kinds of new programs along with debating social and political positions.  We had a full agenda and John was ready for the challenge.  Shortly after the retreat we found ourselves at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The goals and projects changed and with John’s leadership, the Chamber was able to pivot to a new purpose, saving our local economy.

We all know the sacrifices and hurdles small businesses had to endure through nearly two years.  John was so dedicated to help our local businesses, he asked to stay on for a second year, and oh what a year it was.  During this most challenging time for our community, John not only provided leadership to our business partners, but also ran a very successful music store with his wife Colleen, and is now finishing his Master’s in History from Harvard. During his presidency, our membership grew to over 620 members including 100 new members in 2021 alone.  The Chamber worked with the City of Lafayette and Contra Costa County to advocate for our business community. By providing loan resources and facilitating online learning gatherings, Q&A sessions and updating changing Covid protocols as well as helping our restaurants create safe outdoor dining experiences all with the mission to keep Lafayette strong during a challenging time.

John’s wife Colleen once told Jay Lifson, Executive Director of the Lafayette Chamber “He’s the smartest person I have ever met.”  We are all inclined to echo her observation.  From everyone on the chamber staff and our board members, congratulations John, and thank you for guidance and thoughtfulness.

When allowed to safely gather, we hope to host the “Marquis” Business Person of the Year Annual Dinner to celebrate John McCormick. The evening also typically includes the introduction to the Lafayette Chamber’s Board of Directors including our incoming President Fred Steingraf, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and in past year’s the State of City Address.