“We devised the Genentech Goes to Town program because we wanted a way to demonstrate our commitment to the community and introduce employees to local businesses,”
GENENTECH GOES TO TOWN
We’ve been a member of the South San Francisco community for more than 45 years, and being a good neighbor has always been important to us.
Since 1993, Genentech Goes to Town has encouraged employees to visit local merchants and “shop small” for two weeks each fall. To date, we have invested more than $3 million in over 300 small businesses. We also expanded the program to include our campuses in Vacaville and Oceanside, California as well as in Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon.
During the pandemic, to continue to champion small businesses who were hardest hit, we partnered with the Chamber of Commerce at each of our larger sites to meet the unique needs and opportunities in each community, and to distribute financial aid to merchants that have traditionally participated in Genentech Goes To Town. Employees are also encouraging employees to support these businesses year-round.
Genentech’s decision to adopt South San Francisco as its home has had a lasting impact on both the company and the city.
Working and living in South San Francisco, these employees are proud members of a thriving community.
20 years of Genentech Goes to Town
Meet some of the shop owners we've been celebrating for 20 years.