Fellow member:  

 
Spring is upon us, and that means that for me (a CPA) tax crunch is over-I have seen most of the clients I am going to see face to face this year.  For many or most of you, your "season" is just beginning-in another month you will have to have your shelves stocked, your art ready for the public, and your staff at its trained best for what is coming.  We do live in seasonal worlds in Laguna Beach!

Your Chamber has done several things over the past month that may be of interest to you, and will be doing more in the coming month(s) that you should know about.

Ever want a quiet conference room for that off site meeting?  We've got you covered.  We have just prepared a conference room at the Chamber office (near the library) that will accommodate small groups of up to six. Call the Chamber office for reservations.

Want to know about social media?  Sorry, you just missed our first social media program, which was fabulous.  Stay tuned-we will have another which will teach you about using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to promote your business. 

Got an emergency coming up?  The answer, of course, is yes, you do.  You just don't know when and what.  Joan Gladstone, who has a great deal of practical experience in how to handle emergencies and how to communicate with the public after them will be doing a Chamber breakfast seminar at Aliso Creek Inn.  It is a wise business that knows what to say-and what not to say-in an emergency.  Call the Chamber office for details on this May 11 program.

The mayor is coming.  The annual Chamber State of the City address will be held at the Montage.  You can find out what's going on in your city, what they plan to do for (and to) you over the next year, and where the City is Headed.  Mayor Jane Egly will be our principle speaker at this May 18 event. 

You are our best resource.  I am convinced that this Chamber is doing more for business, and your Board wants to do still more.  I would like to ask you for a favor, however.  Please ask a business that is not a member of the Chamber to join.  It should be an easy sale-just show them some of the things we've done for business this month.

A bribe.  Well, not quite.  But I do want you to know that the Chamber has super seats to the Pageant of the Masters on July 5.  The seats are $75 apiece; come with dinner; and are a great night out for you and your family. Every business person in Laguna should see the Pageant at least every couple of years, if for no other reason than your patrons will ask you about it.  Again, call me or the Chamber office for tickets.  And yes, you can tell your friends-and bring your best customers if you want them to feel really special.  

We've done a lot on your behalf over the last month or so, and have even more plans, some of which are discussed above.  Stay tuned and we'll undoubtedly have something that will be exactly right for you-which is why you're a member, right?

You can reach Board members through the Chamber office, and you can reach me directly via email at michael@kinsmans.com