In San Bruno, 2 groups vie to represent business community

At nearly the same time, the original San Bruno Chamber of Commerce is revitalizing, re-hiring Jamie Monozon as CEO. Coming back from over three years of hiatus, CFO Brian Carias was firm. 

“There's one Chamber of Commerce. There always was one. You can't start another new chamber. There already was one,” he said. “Unless that one has been dissolved — we never dissolved.” 

Per the Secretary of State’s website, the two groups are both registered with similar names. The older chamber, and the one Carias is referencing, was registered in 1967 and is in suspended status — a tax-related issue that will soon be rectified, leadership said. 

The newer group, which is differentiated in name by only a few letters — San Bruno’s Chamber of Commerce, as opposed to San Bruno Chamber of Commerce — was formed July 17, 2025, per the Secretary of State’s website, and has active status. 

Molano, a relatively new business owner in downtown San Bruno, has been pushing for the old Chamber of Commerce to revitalize for roughly two years to little avail, she said, prompting the creation of a new group. 

“Things have to move forward in San Bruno. It’s really hard for things to move on,” she said. “I don't see why anybody would want to interfere with that at that point, considering they haven't done anything.” 

Councilmember Marty Medina confirmed that he’d reached out to the older Chamber of Commerce several times, several years ago, but nothing had come of the effort. In a best-case scenario, community members would be able to work together for San Bruno’s greater good, he said. 

“I think it's fantastic that there is interest in having a Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “I wish there was one organization, but having choices is also a good thing. I support both of them — the concept of them.” 

The older Chamber of Commerce is re-activating now simply because the timing is right, Monozan said, and noted she’d been ready to re-helm the organization for the past two years. Carias had no comment on any potential correlation between the two efforts. 

Ultimately, Monozan’s goal is the betterment of San Bruno’s businesses and residents, she said, and noted that as a 30-year San Bruno resident, she’d work with anyone — including the new group, though she said she didn’t know many of the involved parties. 

“I just want to make sure we're moving forward in a positive direction for the community, period. I would collaborate with anyone who is interested. I may approach them, if it comes to it,” she said. “I hope we can all be on the same page and move forward for the betterment of the community.” 

While she couldn’t speak to specifics, Monozan also acknowledged that merging Chambers of Commerce to incorporate multiple cities is a “smart business decision” neighboring cities have already taken advantage of. 

“There is potential for that,” she said. 

Molano — whose outspoken communication style has put her at odds with local politicos and other community leaders at times — is envisioning a new community-driven organization that will help revitalize San Bruno’s downtown and generate respect and response from local government, she said. 

“To me, the reason I opened a cafe is because I love downtown,” she said. “This chamber is not going to be like any other chamber. This chamber, we believe the health of our businesses are dependent on the health of our community.” 

For now, both groups are moving forward, and San Bruno’s Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a downtown unity day Sept. 27. 

holly@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105

Note to readers: A previous version of this story said that the Chamber of Commerce is planning a Taste of San Bruno event with the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club is holding the event.