ROTARY LUNCHEON: San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Workforce development trains individuals to be more productive and prosperous in the workplace, which benefits both the employer and the worker. Economic development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. More than a jobs program, it's an investment in growing our local economy and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.

Learn from Kate Sofis, the Executive Director of San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), how the OEWD serves San Francisco citizens. Kate will speak to specific issues the department addresses with a deep dive into the issues affecting retail in our Downtown. 

Kate Sofis is an internationally-regarded leader in equitable urban economic development. Her experience integrates a uniquely diverse background in entrepreneurship and innovation, manufacturing, creative, and technology industry expertise, workforce development, real estate development, and local and regional economic development strategy. Kate was the co-founder and CEO of SFMade, a public-private initiative that has helped catalyze a resurgence in local manufacturing and diverse employment in San Francisco. She also recently served as a member of San Francisco’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.

A three-course lunch will be served. The price is $45, with old tickets for lunch from the Sir Francis Drake accepted as a partial payment of $35. If you require a vegetarian, gluten free, or vegan lunch, please email President Mary.

Remote attendance via Zoom is available at $10 per attendee. Register here for Zoom attendance only

For in-person attendees: Please note that once President Mary provides the headcount to the Hotel Nikko on the Friday before our Tuesday meeting, we will be billed for that count regardless of whether you show or not. Therefore, it is important to let her know if you are unable to attend after registering, but no later than Sunday night. If you are a no-show without notifying her ahead of time, the Club will be billed the cost of the meal and will have to pass the cost down to you. We hope to not have to do this.

Proof of Vaccination and Masks Required

To maximize the health and safety of Rotarians, guests, speakers, staff at the Hotel Nikko (where we meet), and those who may potentially be in a high-risk category for complications due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club of San Francisco REQUIRES all members and guests, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a face covering mask during the meeting except while eating.

On August 12, 2021, the City and County of San Francisco placed proof of COVID-19 vaccination on patrons entering establishments where food/beverages are served. Acceptable proofs of vaccination include the CDC vaccination card, a physical or digital copy of that card, documentation from a healthcare provider, or a personal digital COVID-19 vaccination record issued by the State of California. Businesses subject to this new requirement must cross check proof of full vaccination against each patron’s photo identification. 

The Club believes that these policies are consistent with Rotary's Four-Way Test as well as with the current guidelines of the CDC and the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.