e-Newsletter
Your business news source
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Message from the President
Fellow member:
This has been an exciting month for your Chamber. In addition to many new members, the City Council has been very supportive of the business community and the Chamber's role in supporting the community. They have stepped up in a very tangible way with a grant to help us do things more effectively. For that, we thank them sincerely.
One question I get asked a lot is "Why should I belong to the Chamber? Doesn't it just have parties?" It's a good question. It's a fair question. And here's the answer I give: You should belong to the Chamber because of what we can do for you. Sure, there are mixers at which you can meet your peers in the business community. Those are fun, and meeting people and exchanging ideas is good for business and is fun.
But the Chamber can, and does, do so much more for businesses that join. For example, one of the current hot topics is how to use social media to increase and improve your business. The Chamber has sponsored member training in the effective business use of Facebook and Twitter. If you don't think that those are going to be effective for your business, you probably ought to learn more about them. There's a reason that most of the major businesses in town use them.
The Chamber is also engaged in keeping our members current with the activities going on it town. Our Governmental Affairs Committee monitors the activities of government to provide our members heads up on what might effect your business. We have, for example, met with the City staff to discuss parking and changes in parking regulations in the downtown area.
Our Business Development Committee is working to energize the Art community in Laguna Beach, and is also looking at the vacant space in Laguna to try to make our town more vibrant.
Our Ambassadors are making a difference by helping the Chamber establish distinct business districts in town-districts that can promote businesses within their area.
So...you should belong to the Chamber because it is representing you and because it is worthy of your support because of the activities that will help you and your business. And we do have good mixers as well.
You can reach Board members through the Chamber office, and you can reach me directly via email at michael@kinsmans.com
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Visit our Premier Partners
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CITY UPDATES
Business License Renewals On-line
Contractors and businesses that pay a flat rate can now renew their business license on-line through the City's website.
Click link to renew
Flat Rate Business
Contractor
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Searching for Office Retail or Commercial space in Laguna Beach? Check out Cary Glenn's listing of available properties!
CLICK HERE TO SEE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE!
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LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
Federal
- Health Law Guide tailored for the business community one one website: www.healthcareguide-
- forbusiness.org
State
Local/Regional
Supervisor Pat Bates (County of Orange)
Report Highlights:
| Donation from Friends of the Laguna Beach Library
The Board was pleased to authorize OC Public Libraries to accept a donation of $41,661.53 from the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library to purchase new furniture for the Laguna Beach Branch.
Tsunami Week: March 25-31
The County of Orange along with the coastal communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach have been designated as TsunamiReady through the efforts of a collaborative program involving local, State and Federal partners, making Orange County the first in the nation to have all local agencies certified as TsunamiReady since 2006.
During Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Week, the California Emergency Management Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service and the Orange County coastal communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and the County of Orange will participate in events designed to educate the public about the dangers of tsunamis and to encourage all residents to learn more about the tsunami threat and take steps to secure their lives and property against future tsunami events.
Residents and businesses in Orange County can make a promise to prepare and strengthen their personal preparedness at ReadyOC. You can also register to receive emergency information through your mobile devices at AlertOC.
Taxpayer Oversight Committee Seeks Volunteers
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee (TOC).
The eleven-member committee monitors OCTA's use of Measure M funds and ensures that all revenue collected from both Measure M1 (M1) and the Renewed Measure M2 (M2) is spent on voter-approved transportation projects.
Applications for the 2012-2015 term will be accepted through April 23 For additional information or to request an application, please call the selection panel at (714) 970-9329 or visit the OCTA website.
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Real Value of the Chamber
A national study reveals that membership in the Chamber of Commerce can significantly boost a business' image among consumers
Join Us!
FREE Ad in Business eNews when you join
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JOIN THE CHAMBER! CLICK HERE
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Search Online
Directory
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Online Directory
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Join Our List
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Executive Director Report
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As they say, there is never a lack of events or things to do in Laguna Beach! I for one, begrudge when I have to leave for any event outside the city!
2012 promises to be one of our busiest years ever! Work is underway for the upcoming State of the City luncheon slated for May 18, 2012 at the Montage. Slots have already been secured for Presenting sponsor with Gold and Silver sponsorships being the popular choice. We have 2 high-quality workshops planned: Creating Buzz for your business using Social Media on April 10; and Crisis Communication Expert, Joan Gladstone, will be presenting business tips on being prepared for any crisis on May 11, 2012. Check our website for updates on other upcoming workshops.
Focus groups will be scheduled soon on the Business Development strategy initiative the Chamber has undertaken. We are looking for those businesses who would like to host a group in their area. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested.
As always, we value your input and comments. Everything we do must be about member value!
Sincerely,
Kristine Thalman,
Executive Director
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High Quality Member Workshops
Don't miss the Opportunity!
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Creating "Buzz" for your business
Using Social Media
- Is your business taking advantage of the power of social media?
- Are you generating leads from your existing online presence?
- Is your Facebook page engaging prospects and informing customers?
- Is you blog providing relevant content?
- Are you solving problems, answering questions and providing a clear path for your target customer to engage in business with you?
The Workshop You've Been Waiting for!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
9:00 AM
Aliso Creek Inn
31106 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA
$15/person
Light Breakfast Included
RSVP: (949) 494-1018
Karen.lagunabeachchamber@gmail.com
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Article Headline | | NEW MARKETING TOOL FOR LAGUNA BEACH CHAMBER MEMBERS!!!
The Chamber of Commerce has partnered with QR Interactive Solutions to launch a mobile business directory that features Laguna Beach businesses! Designed exclusively for Laguna Beach Chamber members, the QR code seen above is embedded into a new shop window sticker . To obtain your window sticker and learn more how to use this code to enhance your marketing, contact the Chamber office or Ethan Gromet at the number/email below!
LEARN MORE: CONTACT
ETHAN GROMET AT (949) 322-4318
OR ethan@qrinso.com |
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7th Annual Laguna Dance Festival Begins April 12!
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New York City Ballet's Renown Dancers to perform April 12 -15 at the Laguna Playhouse!
A must-see if you love dance! Check out times, prices etc at www.lagunadancefestival.org for tickets!
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City Square
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This is a new addition to the Business E-News to keep our members informed about upcoming city initiatives, business development and changes in city policies or regulations.
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Upcoming Meetings:
- City Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 6 - 6pm 505 Forest Avenue
- Appointments to the Techcomm and Heritage Committee
- Upcoming City Commission Meetings/Events:
Click here for City of Laguna Beach Calendar
Open for Business Meeting: (A series of informal conversations with representatives from the City Planning commission, Planning Department Chamber of Commerce and local architects and realtors)
Thursday, April 19 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
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Mayor Egly states "YOUR ON!!! NEWPORT BEACH"!!!
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Chamber Members - Help Laguna Beach Win
Laguna Beach is entering a month-long challenge with cities throughout Southern California to promote the importance of using water efficiently. The Wyland Mayor's Challenge for Water Use Efficiency is a competition between cities locally and across the nation to see who can be the most "water wise." Mayor Jane Egly, Laguna Beach County Water District, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Laguna Beach Woman's Club, Wyland Foundation, and Hurley are coordinating a grassroots effort to ensure Laguna Beach wins the title of "Most Water Wise City."
In order to win, we need your help. During the month of April, Laguna Beach residents must log onto www.mywaterpledge.com and complete an online pledge, promising to follow a series of efficiency measures for their home, yard, and automobile. At the conclusion of the pledge, participants will see a summary with their reductions of water, energy consumption, CO2 output, hazardous waste, and landfill waste over the course of a year...if they adhere to their pledges. Those cities with the highest percentage of residents taking the pledge win.
Our challenge comes in getting residents to go online and take the pledge. That's where you come in. During the month of April, we're asking for your help in getting the word out. We've developed promotional items to raise awareness of the challenge for you to display and distribute to your local customers throughout April. Items include buttons for your staff, posters, restaurant table tents, and printed silicone bracelets, which remind your customers to take the pledge when they get home. (see attached photo.)
In order for this grassroots effort to be successful, we need the help of the business community. Let's show the other cities around Orange County how Laguna Beach takes care of our planet.
Contact the chamber for more information on helping get the word out. |
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Advertisement
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SCORE - FREE CONSULTATION for Small Business Start-ups!
| |  Starting a Business?? Not sure where to start? Overwhelmed by government paperwork? Free consultations given at the Chamber office.
Call Jack Curtis at (714) 550-7369 or Jack.Curtis@SCORE114.org
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LAGUNA BEACH CHAMBER IN THE NEWS!!
| | LBCC Featured in "Best Chambers" Newsletter!
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce got a shout-out for the recent grant received from the City of Laguna Beach
Read the article
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
| | AmeriSciences
Bank of the West - Kristin Mosher
Lucille Boston
Coastline Pilot
Community Art Project
Dr. David Denton Davis
Firebrand Media
Patrick Freeman
Fredric Rubel Jewelry
Gladstone International Public Relations
Gaylen Corbett Design (Graphics - Website)
IC London
Invest in You, Inc.
Jason Duncan (Resident)
Laguna Beach Walks - Janelle Naess
Island Dentistry - Ken Garcia (Welcome back, Ken!)
Laguna Candles
Laguna College of Art Design
Laguna PC
Nova Real Estate Services, Inc.
Andrea Payne
Saucey Sarah's Catering
Seven Degrees
South Coast Trophy & Engraving
Talarico & Associates
The Original Freebeneath
The Tides Hotel _ Welcome back!!!
Urbun (Gourmet Hamburgers)
Veytia Group
Wheel & Tune/Laguna BMW/Power Tone Exhaust
Thank You for your Membership!!!!
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Montage Mixer a Huge Success!
| | The Chamber hosted our first "Mega Mixer" at the beautiful Montage Resort. More than 134 people attended including quite a few new members !
Check out the photos and guess who was there!!!!
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