Solvang Chamber of Commerce

October  2012
NEW LOGO!

You may have noticed something different!

Thank you to the Board, Website Committee Chairman Michael Larner, who came up with the original design and Ryan Bremmer of Graphic Systems who built on a wonderful concept

Board with new logo

 

 
Slate for the 2013 Solvang Chamber Board of Directors

Outgoing Board Members:

  • Veronica Sandoval, Vice-President, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation
  • Lana J. Clark, Co-President, Buynak & Fauver, LLP
  • Carol Lesher Peterson, Secretary, Owner, Classic Mobile Notary

Continuing Board Members:

  • Susan Williams, Co-President, Wandering Dog Wine Bar
  • Daniel Johnson, Treasurer, Johnson & Johnson CPA's
  • Heather Bedford, Board Member, Graphic Systems Solvang
  • Calisse Courtney, Board Member, Calisse M. Courtney Attorney at Law
  • Claudia Delgado, Board Member, General Manager, Santa Ynez Valley News
  • Dan Greenwald, Board Member, Paula's Pancake House
  • Brigitte Guehr, Board Member, Owner, Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant & Meadowlark Inn
  • Michael Larner, Board Member, Owner, Larner Winery & Vineyard
  • Kathelene Williams-Turk, Board Member, Kathelene Williams-Turk DDS - Comprehensive Dentistry

Proposed New Members:

  • Brandi Baker - Director of Sales for Hotel Corque & Chumash Casino Resort
  • Tenley Fohl, Tenley Fohl Photography
  • Margee Lennard, Director, Jockey Person to Person
  • Harlan Munneke, Owner, The Mole Hole
  • Debbie Reed, Branch Manager, Union Bank

If any Chamber Member opposes this slate for the 2013 Solvang Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, please notify the Chamber with your objection by October 15, 2012.

MEASURE Z

What is Measure Z? At the election in November 2012 voters within the City of Solvang will vote on Measure Z2012, a ballot measure to increase the transient occupancy tax (TOT) by 2%.  The TOT is paid by users of hotels, motels and inns and is currently 10%.  It would go to 12% if approved by a majority of the voters. 

What will the funding be used for?  The revenue received by the City of Solvang will go into the general fund to be allocated for uses as determined by the Solvang City Council.  The general fund is used to fund a variety of things.  Those include police services, tourism related services, public restroom construction and maintenance, street and sidewalk construction, maintenance and repair of public facilities, pothole repair, and storm drain construction.  Over the past several years the City has had to utilize its reserve funds to construct major projects that benefit both the tourists and the community.  Projects requiring the use of reserve funds included:

  • The Alisal Restroom
  • Centennial Plaza
  • Veterans Memorial Building improvements
  • 1st Street Revitalization improvement project

How much money will be raised?  A 2% increase to the TOT will result in $2 for every $100 paid for a night's stay in a lodging establishment.  It is estimated that the annual amount of increased revenue received by the City of Solvang will be approximately $500,000.

Who pays the tax?  Lodging customers that stay in establishments within the Solvang city boundaries for a term of less than 30 consecutive days are required to pay TOT based on the rent charged by the operator.  The people paying the tax are typically tourists visiting the City of Solvang, but it would be paid by local citizens that may have a need to use a lodging establishment.

What is the purpose of TOT?  In tourist based communities the implementation of a TOT is typically the result of higher demands put on local services by the temporary increase in population.  Tourism creates an increased need for police and fire services, road maintenance, public parking, pedestrian facilities, recreational and park facilities, trash collection and water, and wastewater treatment.

Business Compliance Assistance for New Mandatory Recycling Law

 

RecyleBeginning July 1, 2012, Governor Brown's recently signed legislation, AB341, took effect requiring businesses that generate more than 4 cubic yards per week of solid waste and multi-family complexes with 5 units or more, to have a recycling program in place.  The bill also sets a state-wide 75% waste diversion goal.

 

The affected businesses represent approximately 20 percent of California's 1.3 million businesses and are responsible for about 75% of the commercial waste in California according to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery's (CalRecycle) web site.

 

In Solvang, Waste Management representatives have been working closely with city staff to offer commercial recycling programs with cost rates that will provide savings to customers by increasing recycling practices and decreasing their trash volume.

 

To assure both commercial and property owners in Solvang are taking advantage of these recycling programs, Waste Management provides:

  • Free waste assessments to assist businesses in implementing successful diversion plans
  • Free education to employees on best diversion practices to ensure each plan's success
  • Follow up visits to ensure diversion plan is successful and/or to provide additional technical assistance
  • In addition, the County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department provides free indoor recycling containers

Businesses and households are also encouraged to participate in the County's semi-annual Santa Ynez Valley Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Events held on the 1st Sunday of April and October at the Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station.

For more information: Contact
Waste Management (805) 922-2121
In This Issue
Chamber's New Logo
2013 Slate for 2013 Board of Directors
What Is Measure Z?
Mandatory Recyling Law Assistance
Other Chamber Articles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Solvang Chamber
Office Hours

The Solvang Chamber

of Commerce regular

office hours are:

Mon., Wed. & Friday

10 am - 1 pm.

Other hours by

appointment.

Contact Sue Moualim,
Executive Director at:
or 805-688-0701
Upcoming Community
Events Calendar
 
Every Wednesday 
Solvang Farmer's Market

 

October 1, 2012

Planning Commission 7pm

 

October 8, 2012

City Council Meeting 7pm

 

October 8, 2012

Executive Committee Meeting

12 Noon

Chamber office

 

October 11, 2012

 Solvang Chamber Mixer
Atterdag Village of Solvang

5-7pm

 

October 11, 2012

Board of Architectural Review 6:30 pm

 

October 16, 2012

Board of Directors Meeting, 12 Noon Chamber office

 

October 17, 2012

Solvang Third Wednesday

 

October 22, 2012

City Council Meeting 7 pm

 

October 24, 2012

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, Council Chambers

8:30 am

 

Future Mixer Dates

& Locations 

 

October 11, 2012

Atterdag Village of Solvang

 

November 8, 2012

Montecito Bank & Trust

 

December 13, 2012
Solvang Antique Center
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
 SCC Member Inserts, Ads and Promo Specials

~ Classic Mobile Notary

~ Don Bratt, MAI, SRA

SOLVANG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2012 Board of Directors

 

Lana J. Clark
Co-President
Buynak & Fauver, LLP

Susan Williams
Co-President
Wandering Dog Wine Bar
 
Carol Lesher Peterson Secretary
Classic Mobile Notary

Daniel A. Johnson
Treasurer 
Johnson & Johnson CPAs

Heather Bedford
Graphic Systems Solvang

 

Calisse Courtney
Calisse M. Courtney
Attorney at Law

 

Claudia Delgado 
Santa Ynez Valley News

 

Dan Greenwald
Paula's Pancake House 

 

Brigitte Guehr
Mirabelle Inn
and Restaurant &
Meadowlark Inn

 

Michael Larner
Larner Winery & Vineyard

 

Kathelene Williams-Turk
Kathelene Williams-Turk DDS - Comprehensive Dentistry

 

Chamber Economist
Dr. Kenneth Harwood
 
Executive Director
Sue Moualim
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                      Our Members are Getting InvolvedBreast Cancer Month

 

SYV Cottage Hospital 30th Annual Health Fair

The public is invited to this Free event on October 6, 2012 from 10am -12:30pm in the ballroom at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel in Buellton. 

The SYVCH clinical staff will be ready to offer flu vaccines, free blood pressure checks and plenty of free information about SYVCH services including Digital Imaging, Surgery, Emergency Services, Nutrition, Lifeline, Rehabilitation and more.

More than 40 vendor/display booths, giveaways and refreshments will be offered.  Prize drawings for 30 free gift bags will be held throughout the event in celebration of the 30th anniversary of this community outreach.  For the first time at the event, SYVCH Auxiliary will offer a Jewelry Sale with items ranging in price from $5 - $15 each that is available for purchase.  All proceeds will be donated to the hospital.

 For more information: www.cottagehealthsystem.org/syvhealthfair.aspx

 

Solvang Mile - Saturday October 6, 2012

North American Athletics is organizing the one mile road race that will run through the village raising awareness and funds for Making Strides against Breast Cancer.  Please be advised that there will be a full road closure on Copenhagen Dr. and First Street.  There will also be partial road closures on Alisal Rd., Oak St. and Fifth St. for the duration of the race.  The course should be cleared for traffic by noon on the day of the event.

There will also be a festival and expo area in Solvang Park to promote local business.

For more information on the race or festival/expo please contact:

Alex Kahaya (828) 713-5298 or alex@northamericanathletics.com

 

3rd Annual  
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

of Santa Ynez

Start the day out right! Support The American Cancer Society's efforts to create awareness about Breast Cancer.  Join fellow walkers; invite friends and family to make the approximately 3 mile walk along the bike path from the High School.

When: Saturday, October 6, 2012
Where: Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.
Registration begins at 9am.
Walk begins at 10am.

To make a donation, register for the walk or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities go to makingstrideswalk.org or Performance Fitness at 320 Alisal Road, Solvang.

October 11, 5pm -7pm

Atterdag Village of Solvang

Come join us for an evening of fun, games and food under the stars!  The Atterdag Village Village Green Atterdag Village of Solvang is hosting the October Solvang Chamber mixer on their brand new Atterdag Village Green.  Warm up with some tasty clam chowder in sourdough bowls, fresh Caesar salad and wonderful local wines.  Welcome new members, share some pictures from the recent Ireland trip and catch up on all the latest! We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information contact:
Debbi Knight 805-688-3263 or debborah@peoplewhocare.com

Solvang Third Wednesday

              October 17, 2012

                This Month's Theme is Fall Frolic!

 

There's no better way to kick off the fall season than with a block party and loads of sales to enjoy.  Take advantage of discounts and specials at over 60 shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms and professional service providers.

Go on the Solvang 3rd Wednesday Wine & Beer Walk from 3 - 7 pm. 

There's also a Pumpkin Carving Class for all ages sponsored by the City of Solvang Parks and Rec Department.  

Then come to the West End (1500 Block of Mission Drive) for the Fall Frolic Block Party starting at 5:30 pm.  There's free cider and treats, live music by Grass Half Full, an artifact display at Kandra's Beads and a Carved Pumpkin Contest with cash prizes for the best creations!  Cash Prizes in the Adult category: $100.00 for First Place, $75.00 for Second Place, $50.00 for Third Place.  Ribbons will be given for Winners of the Children's category. 

 

Solvang Parks & Recreation

Pumpkin Carving & Decoration Class 

October 17, 2012   3:45pm - 5pm

 

Need a bit of guidance carving and decorating you pumpkin?  You're in luck!  The Solvang Parks & Recreation Department is offering a fun and entertaining class at the Vets Hall in Solvang.  When you are finished, make sure to take you completed creation to the Fall Frolic Block Party!  Admission is $5.00 and includes a pumpkin, carving tools and decorations.  All ages are Welcome.  Children 2-5 require parental supervision. Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register: Parks and Recreation Department,

411 2nd Street in Solvang or call 805-688-7529

 

Shop Solvang!  Save Money!  Have Fun!

 

For a complete list of offers, discounts and details on special events, visit the Solvang Third Wednesday website at: www.solvang3rdwednesday.com 

 

The Scarecrows are Coming!

Over 100 hand crafted Scarecrows will be popping up all over the City of Solvang, decorating the sidewalks and windows with their wacky, zany, creative, traditional, spooky or outright hilarious designs.  Beginning October 10, 2012 you can stroll through the town and vote for your favorites.  Pick up a map and ballot at the Solvang Visitors Center on Copenhagen Drive or at any location displaying a scarecrow.   Hmmmm...who will be the winners this year?
 

The City of Solvang is proud of its Danish heritage and the annual Danish Days Festival.  The Solvang Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping your business grow and prosper.  We would like to hear from you.

  • Overall, do your sales increase due to Danish Days? 
  • How does traffic affect your staff or your customers?
  • Is Copenhagen Street as a pedestrian zone advantageous to your business? 
  • Are there events and activities during Danish Days that increase or decrease your business?  

We appreciate your comments and thank you for taking time from your busy day.      

Please send your comments by email to:

solvangchamber@solvangcc.com or call the Chamber office (805)688-0701

 

The Chamber is here to serve you, please feel free to contact us any time with your questions and concerns.  We are the voice of Solvang business.

A tradition was started last year with 100 Living Christmas Trees that turned the village into a winter wonderland.  If you would like to participate this year, order online at MyLivingChristmasTree.com by October 15th.

The trees are $100.00 when you order using the Julefest Solvang ad box. Fifteen dollars is donated back to the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau to promote the Holiday Season in Solvang.

Don't forget to enter the Solvang 3rd Wednesday Tree Decorating Contest!  Details are coming soon.

Trees will be delivered to downtown businesses November 15 and 16.  Care of the tree will be handled by My Living Christmas Tree.  The trees will be picked up before January 4, 2013.
For more information contact: Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau 
MemberNewsMEMBER NEWS 

 

Congratulations to Buynak & Fauver on combining

their practice with Archbald & Spray. 

  Buynak Law

On October 1, 2012, some of the largest names in Santa Barbara Law are coming together.  Buynak & Fauver and Archbald & Spray are merging to become BUYNAK FAUVER ARCHBALD SPRAY LLP ("BFAS")  Having been both strategic business advisors and courtroom advocates, the two firms recognized an opportunity to create a full service law firm to benefit both present and future clients.

 

The merger joins a historical litigation practice with a younger and vibrant leader in transactional and business law matters.  Archbald & Spray was established over 50 years ago and has earned an enviable reputation among attorneys and judges statewide for its integrity and courtroom innovation and achievements.  Buynak & Fauver, started seven years ago, has an impressive position in Santa Barbara's business sector, representing over 200 local businesses and forming at least one new business entity weekly.

 

Our own, Solvang Chamber of Commerce Co-President, Lana J. Clark is a principal at Buynak & Fauver.  Lana has over 30 years of experience and is a Certified Specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law.  We offer our sincere congratulations to Lana and everyone at the newly established BFAS.

 

 greenline

 

17th Annual Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

Saturday October 6, 10am - 10pm

Sunday October 7, 10am -6pm

Live Oak Campground, Highway 154

Enjoy the excitement and intensity of Native American dance and drum competitions between tribes from across the nation.  This year's theme is Kiyushk"AI: We Are Strong. There will also be vendors selling great food, art and crafts, jewelry, pottery, baskets and much more.  Admission is FREE and parking is just $5.00.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair - All are Welcome!  Breakfast is available Sat & Sun.

For more information contact: Clare Lopez 805-688-7997 ext19

www.santaynezchumash.org 

 

greenline  

Wine Class

Wandering Dog Wine Bar tasting based wine class:  France vs. the Central Coast.

Join us Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 6 pm.  Price: $35 general public/$25 industry/wine society members.  Space is limited to 15 people.

Make reservations at wines@wanderingdogwinebar.com 

 

greenline  

 "A Pictorial History"

October 10, 2012, 5pm - 7pm

Join The Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Auxiliary in Celebrating 50 Years of service to the community. 1962-2012 The event will be held at the SYV Historical Museum in Santa Ynez.  Enjoy wine and appetizers while viewing the historical images of the exhibit.

For more information and to RSVP: syvchauxnews@gmail.com

(805) 688-8477

greenline 

Solvang Faeriefest!

October 13, 2012

10am - 6pm

Bring the entire family to this fantasy-themed arts and music festival held at Theaterfest in Solvang.  This is the perfect venue for musicians, dancers, artisans, earth dwellers and people who love them to share in the magical spirit of fae!  Live your own fairytale alongside enchanting fairies, mischievous trolls, courageous warriors, clever time travelers and magical creatures of all walks of life.

Tickets: Adults - $8.00, Students - $6.00,

Children under12 are FREE

Tickets are available at www.solvangfestival.com, At the Door or

At the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Store

1618 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang

 

  greenline

 

CASA at the Vineyard

Join CASA for their 5th annual fundraiser, October 21, from 1pm - 5pm, at GreVino Winery.  This year's event will feature wine tasting from local wineries, dinner catered by Casmalia Hitching Post, silent wine auction, high-end raffle and live auction. 

Tickets $125.00 per person

For more information: www.sbcasa.org

 

greenline 

Customer Appreciation Day
October 26, 2012 

 

Pacific Western Bank invites everyone, customers and non-customers alike to their Pacific Western Community Appreciation Customer Appreciation Day celebration.  Stop in from 11am - 3pm for some light food and refreshments, enjoy the decorations and learn about how they can make your financial life easier.  The bank is located at 610 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang.

For more information: 805-688-6644

 

greenline  

 

Wedding Special

Chamber members Ingeborg's Danish Chocolates, Petersen Village Inn and Wandering Dog Wine Bar were featured in the Hearst Fujingaho publication 25ans WEDDING in a special supplement on Resort Weddings.  The quarterly publication offers ideas on coordinating every aspect of weddings from venues to dresses and is the most circulated Bridal magazine in Japan.

NewMembers NEW MEMBERS

 

Friends Care Pharmacy

"Take Care of Your Health Today"

There's a new pharmacy in town!  Stop in and see Johann where you are more than just a customer.  They can also take care of your nutritional needs.  Friends Care Pharmacy is located at 320 Alisal Road, Suite 300 in Solvang.  The Pharmacy is open 7 days a week. 805-691-9068 or www.friendscarepharmacy.com

 

Rita's Flowers

Located in a cozy cottage at 447 Atterdag Road in Solvang, Rita;s Flowers specializes in beautiful and unique floral arrangements and homemade chocolates. You will definitely want to spend some time exploring all of the different arrangements and flowers Rita has to offer.  Rita's regular store hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 5 pm.  Feel free to contact Rita as she is open by appointment any other time.  805-688-3015 

 

Solvang Taxi & Wine Tours

Solvang Taxi and Wine Tours offers taxi and delivery service, wine tours, and general transportation with a comfortable, affordable, quality service. Located in California, we operate in the five cities area of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Ballard, and Los Olivos. We provide transportation to Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Airport, Ventura, and the Santa Maria areas, as well as all doctors' offices and Hospitals in the region. We also provide transportation to and from the fantastic Chumash Casino and Hotel, all local hotels, restaurants, bars, Alisal and Lake Cachuma. We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Contact Information: 688-0069, or 805-686-TAXI.  solvangtaxiandtours@gmail.com.
Ken Harwood
KenHarwood Our Retail Customers In Winter

From the desk of:
Kenneth Harwood
Economist
Solvang Chamber of Commerce

   When the holiday season is over and retail sales enter their slower winter season, where are our customers? Here is an answer.
   Solvang Shoe Store kept records of ZIP Codes of customers who bought in February, 2012. The ZIP Codes above were of places for which ten or more sales were recorded. Total number of sales was 1,147 from 403 ZIP Codes, or 2.9 sales per ZIP Code on average. One sale was from the ZIP Code of Worcester, MA. Sales in other countries were not included.  Winter Retail Customers

   Almost half (47%) of the 545 sales in Santa Barbara County were from the store's home town. Distribution of sales suggested importance of customers' nearness and income for sales from nearby places.

   Number of sales from places in Santa Barbara County was 48% of all 1,147 sales recorded. Thus 52% of sales were from ZIP Codes outside the county in February, 2012, and some were from outside California. Southern California was the area from which the largest share of  sales came, except for ZIP Codes in Santa Barbara County.     

   Marketing to customers in an array of 403 different ZIP Codes could be daunting. Slightly more than half sales came from outside the county in a winter month when visitors were seasonally few. Marketing within Santa Barbara County was important to almost one sale in two.

   Emphasis upon Internet and World Wide Web might offer lower cost per sale than exclusive reliance upon traditional regional marketing media such as television, newspapers, and radio in southern California.

   Thanks to Max Hanberg of Solvang Shoe Store www.solvangshoe.com for frequency of sales by ZIP Code. Findings support preliminary conclusions for one retailer in Solvang.

BizCards Advertise With Your Business Cards Here
  

DonBrattDon Bratt