Enraptured by the possibilities the Internet offered to connect people and information since the 1980s, Chang worked to help businesses create knowledge databases that facilitated communication at all levels of a company to help them run more effectively. Using this model, Chang had an inkling this concept might work right here in Campbell. He envisioned connecting neighbors, not colleagues, and sharing thoughts, not business ideas.

The idea gave birth to Events at 1083, a hobby in 2000. The website—named after his San Tomas street number—becoming a coordination point for social events. A year later Chang was ready to bring his vision up to the next level.

He had quit his full-time job in 2003, and poured his time into creating a virtual space where Campbell could thrive.

In April, Chang officially launched Social Wave Communities in place of Events at 1083. The new site is interactive, allowing citizens to have online discussions, create activity groups, join other social events, and review and support local businesses. However, it was not until August that Social Wave really gained a following. Today, Social Wave boasts nearly 300 members and up to 500 unique hits a day.

"The social aspect of it has been my dream for a while," Chang said. The site, he added, stresses the importance of knowing your neighbors, which he says has enriched his life.

Beginning in September, Social Wave sponsored monthly social mixers. There, residents who want to meet their neighbors or businesses interested in networking gather for a leisurely evening.

Social Wave member Veronica Presedo-Floyd attended September's mixer and was pleased with the turnout. "Everyone who showed up wanted to chat," she said.

Presedo-Floyd is one of more than 40 local business owners that market their services through Social Wave. Chang pitched Social Wave to the ordained minister after coming across her business card for Marriages by Veronica.

Although Presedo-Floyd has been doing marriages for two years, it took only a week for her Social Wave member and merchant profile to help her business. A merchant profile offers viewers a glimpse of the business, but the member profile is a peek into an individual's personality. Presedo-Floyd, for example, became a minister after her brother's fiancee requested Presedo-Floyd marry the couple. She also loves chocolate and Elton John.

Kevin and Nicki Stonelake came across Presedo-Floyd's profile through a simple Internet search. "The couple called me and they were ready to book me," she said. "I guess the Social Wave profile makes you more human." She performed their wedding ceremony in October.

Twist Cafe on Campbell Avenue is also one of the businesses that have benefited from Social Wave. "We thought it was a fantastic concept and so helpful for us and our growing business," said co-owner Eileen Faury.

Chang recruits most merchants by door-to-door soliciting or referrals. Marji Gilmore, owner of Radio Daze, has also helped Chang spread the word in downtown Campbell.

Access to the site is free, but premium services such as additional storage space are available for a fee. Social Wave will create merchant profiles for businesses for $75, and can consult Chang on creating a personalized web page.

With the first tide of Social Wave's impact washing into Campbell, Faury said, "I think he's really tapped into something here."

For more information about social wave visit the website at http://members.social wave.net/