Carlsbad business leaders will see continuity in local advocacy after the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce received the 2026 President's Circle Award from the California Chamber of Commerce.
The recognition, announced June 10 during the California Business Outlook event, honors local chambers that partner with CalChamber on policies and programs affecting employers. The Carlsbad Chamber was one of 20 local chambers and business organizations statewide to receive the award this year.
What this means for residents and employers
The award highlights the chamber’s role representing business interests at the local, regional and state levels. That work can include advocacy on legislation, workforce development initiatives, and resources for small and mid-sized employers — elements that influence hiring, local services and the economic climate in North County.
- Advocacy: The chamber works with CalChamber on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers.
- Support services: The organization provides networking, leadership programs and workforce development.
- Regional reach: The Carlsbad Chamber serves businesses throughout North County.
The chamber’s leadership framed the award as evidence of ongoing commitment to local business support. In a statement, Carlsbad Chamber President and CEO Bret Schanzenbach said the honor reflected dedication to advocacy and to providing resources that help businesses succeed.
“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to being a strong advocate for the business community,” Bret Schanzenbach said. “We are proud to represent the interests of our members at the local, regional, and state levels while providing the resources and support businesses need to succeed.”
Context and local consequences
This marks the chamber’s fifth receipt of the President's Circle Award in the past six years, underscoring repeated acknowledgement from CalChamber of the organization’s effectiveness. For Carlsbad employers, repeated recognition may strengthen the chamber's influence when negotiating or consulting on proposed state rules or funding opportunities that affect local operations.
For residents, the chamber’s continuing emphasis on workforce development could translate to training programs, employer-led hiring events and partnerships with educational institutions. Those initiatives can affect job availability and the skills pipeline in the community.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Times award won (last 6 years) | 5 |
| Number of local recipients statewide (2026) | 20 |
The Carlsbad Chamber continues to list advocacy, workforce development and networking among its core services. Local businesses and employees who rely on those services should expect continued engagement with state-level policy through the chamber’s CalChamber partnership.
News Block will follow any specific programs or policy campaigns the chamber announces this year that directly affect Carlsbad employers and workers.
