February 2013 e-Newsletter
Your business
news source
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 Message from the President
A week ago, we held our annual Spirit of Laguna awards dinner. This dinner was the most attended Spirit dinner in the history of the Chamber, with nearly 200 people in attendance. The MCs, Michelle Clark and Gerry Perez, kept the evening lively and entertaining (I've never been to an event where Michelle was not entertaining). Three awards were particularly popular with the audience: * Harry Lawrence Citizen of the Year Award honored Judge Paul Egly and former Councilwoman Jane Egly for their many contributions to our community over the past years. They received a standing ovation from the packed house. * Business of the Year went to The Marine Room Tavern, and again the crowd rose to applaud the popular Mayor Kelly Boyd, who pointed out "Gee, a guy's got to sell his business to get business of the year." Sorry Kelly, we were a year late! * Public Official of the Year went to Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson for her many contributions to business. Thanks to all who attended this event ... I hope you had as good a time as Cheryl and I had. In other news, one of the most innovative groups that the Chamber has sponsored is our new "NextGen" group. NextGen is a group of young (20s, 30's and 40s mostly) folks in Laguna who meet to discuss items of interest to them. Many are Chamber members, and all of them seem to have very good ideas of how to run a business, what is needed in and for Laguna, and how to revitalize business in Laguna. Although the group is in its infancy, I am mentioning it as something you will hear more about in the future. You might even want to join ... contact the Chamber for information. I said I would try to mention Laguna businesses in this column every month. Two that have stood out in the recent past are Las Brisas, where the Chamber staff had a marvelous staff appreciation breakfast. I guess I must have been the last person on the planet to try this feast-it's one of the best breakfasts with a view that you can get in Laguna, and the service was excellent. In addition, Valentine's Day is approaching. If you really want to get your special someone something fantastic, I.C. London has beautiful "intimate apparel" gifts. They have been in business in Laguna Beach for more than 20 years and have all kinds of classy lingerie.
As always, if you have ideas of things the Chamber can do that will help you, please contact our office at 949-497-1018 or contact me by email at Michael@Kinsmans.com
We are a service organization, and it's you we serve!
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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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CLICK HERE TO SEE LISTING OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES
Searching for Office Retail or Commercial space in Laguna Beach? Check out Cary Glenn's listing of available properties! |
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LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
Local/Regional
Supervisor Pat Bates (County of Orange)
Report Highlights:
Friends of the Library License Agreement Update
On December 11, 2012, the Board of Supervisors approved the Friends of the Library License Agreement template. Although the License Agreement has already been signed by several Friends of the Library groups, OC Public Libraries has been contacted regarding a provision of the Agreement related to "Sharing of Funds." The concern of the provision is that funds raised by the individual Friends of the Library groups may not necessarily be allocated for the benefit of their specific branch library.
To further clarify the language, staff is proposing an amendment to the License Agreement to assure the Friends of the Library that we are indeed responsive to their concerns and that any funds they raise shall be for the benefit of their specific library. To that end, a letter was recently sent to the various Friends of the Library groups, proposing the amended language for their review and soliciting additional feedback before the amendment is presented to the Board.
Widening I-5 Freeway Sparks Interest in South County
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) staff presented an overview of the improvements to the I-5 Freeway at the Laguna Hills City Council meeting last Tuesday.
The $560-million project from SR-73 to El Toro Road - adding a general purpose lane, extending second high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in both directions on the I-5, and rebuilding the La Paz Road and Avery Parkway interchanges - is now in the environmental review phase.
Construction is expected to begin in 2018. The project team will continue to present information to city councils at the following dates and locations:
- Aliso Viejo - Jan. 16
- Mission Viejo - Jan. 21
- Laguna Niguel - Feb. 5
- Laguna Woods - Feb. 20
The OCTA outreach team also invites the public to attend its community open houses from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Mission Viejo City Hall on Feb. 27 and Laguna Hills Community Center on Feb. 28
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WHY SHOULD YOU BE A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER?
As an institution that has been consistent with its focus, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce is your 1st call when doing business in Laguna Beach. The Chamber strives to be the "insurance" that small business and major employers rely upon to provide "back-up" on issues of public interest, media response and provide peace of mind that your "back is covered" by an army of support. One of our key objectives is to make it easier to do business here. We exist because we believe in shaping the business and leadership in this community now and for the future
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commercie offers a multitude of benefits including:
- LBCC advocates for business and stands ready to assist in maneuvering through the process or access at City Hall
- We are the access point for new businesses who need assistance in developing business plans or start-up information relative to Laguna Beach municipal code and ordinances
- Our new young professionals group, "Next Gen" has a robust agenda to encourage our young leaders to be engaged in civic issues and participate on Council committees or task forces
- We offer member-to-member discounts that includes offers such as reduced advertising rates, landscaping, lighting, legal advice and marketing...to name a few.
- We are the administrative manager of the Community calendar which tracks the myriad of non-profit events in Laguna Beach.
- We are a referral service to residents, visitors and other businesses who are seeking a particular service, restaurant or hotel.
- We offer a multitude of advertising opportunities to get your word out to targeted audiences or the media.
- We will soon provide a data service on commercial lease or purchasing opportunities exclusively available to Chamber members.
Join Us!
FREE Ad in Business eNews when you join
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JOIN THE CHAMBER! CLICK HERE
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PHOTO CORNER
Spirit of Laguna Awards & Installation Banquet!
Record Attendance at one Magical Evening!!!
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We want YOU to be a Member!
Gerry Perez and Michelle Clark
AKA - Justin Bieber & Beyonce
 Former Mayor, Jane Egly and
Chris Prelitz
Gregg Abel, Morris and Stephany
Skenderian
Award Winners, Chris Regan, Debbie Neev & Renae Hinchey
Amy, Chris Keller & Award Winner,
Jane Hanauer, Laguna Beach Books
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Executive Director's Report
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I would like to thank you for your loyalty and trust in the Chamber of Commerce and for renewing your membership. If you can, please take advantage of the 2 year membership sign-up; you get a free ticket to the Pageant of the Masters - Chamber Night at the Pageant on July 5, 2013.
January was a busy month! We had our Spirit Awards and Installation Dinner, Member Showcase at the Passionate Collector and launched the new year for our Government Affairs and Marketing Committees. February 13 is our Valentine Mixer which brings a crowd in itself to La Casa del Camino and K'ya. We have another Ribbon Cutting on February 28 at Princess Boudoir and a workshop on Customer Service slated for February 15 at Tommy Bahama. We've scheduled Member Showcase events through November 2013 and our Breakfast Series workshops will continue on a quarterly basis.
We've been working closely with the City and the Visitors Bureau on an Economic Development "blueprint" to enhance the Business climate in Laguna Beach. Christa Johnson, Assistant City Manager, Judy Bijlani, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau and myself meet on a monthly basis to stay abreast of new efforts underway. Currently the City Business Assistance Task Force is reviewing the "blueprint" for input after which the final will be considered by the City Council within the next Month.
As always, if the Chamber can be of any assistance to you or your business, please contact us. We stand ready to help!
Sincerely,
Kristine Thalman,
Executive Director
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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Club Laguna Apartments
Edward Jones - Todd Sandness
Michael Fullen Design Group, Inc.
Gecko Cookie Company
Gladieux Consulting
Heidelberg Cafe & Bistro
Horst Architects
Sheila Hughes - Resident
Jeanine Marie Luke
Laguna Classic Cars & Automotive Art
Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau
Laguna Numbers
John McInnes - Architect
Monique's Boutique
Nicholas Yrizarry Wealth Management
Omni Online Presence
Princess Boudoir
Rochelle Rene Designs
T-Shirt Company
Trendy Surfaces
UPS Store
Wyland Foundation Our Membership is GROWING!!!!
WE ARE OVER 325 MEMBERS STRONG!
Thank You for Joining!
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New California &Federal Employment Posters
DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS
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The 2013 California & Federal Employment Poster is available through the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce FOR ONLY $20.00 each. This is all the required employer notices on one poster. Includes checklist to ensure poster is displayed according to the law. Available in English & Spanish.
Call (949) 494-1018 to Order
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City Square
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This section of the Business E-News is designed 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, February 12, 2013 6pm 505 Forest Avenue
- Design Review Meeting - Thursday, February 7 - 6pm , 505 Forest Avenue.
- City Manager Weekly Updates
- Upcoming City Commission Meetings/Events:
Click here for City of Laguna Beach Calendar
ALERT OC - BUSINESSES URGED TO REGISTER!
Emergencies can happen at any time. A wildfire could spread or an unexpected flood closes roads. Be prepared and "in the know" by registering your business and/or resident contact information with AlertOC so that the City can notify you of potential disasters and timely methods of disaster preparedness. You can register by logging onto www.AlertOC.com.
For further information, please contact Jordan Villwock At (949) 497-0701 or email jvillwock@lagunabeachcity.net.
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 GREEN CORNER Laguna Beach Chamber Environmental Committee
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Environmental Committee, Embracing our Natural Environment
The Orange County Transportation Authority is seeking qualified applicants for the open Environmental Oversight Committee public member seat. Under Measure M, the 1/2 cent sales tax for transportation, at least 5% of freeway project expenditures is allocated to the Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program. It offers high-value environmental benefits such as habitat protection, connectivity and resource preservation in exchange for streamlined project approvals. Applications, along with a resume must be received by February 8, 2013. Email to (mespino@octa.net) or mail to:
Marissa Espino
OCTA
PO Box 14184
Orange, CA 92863
Stay engaged with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee for environmental education, environmental legislation and economical environmental solutions -your first call for water, energy and waste solutions for business.
Michelle Clark
Environmental Committee Chair
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SCORE - FREE CONSULTATION for Small Business Start-ups!
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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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Member Spotlight
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AVRAN ART & DESIGN INVITES YOU TO A
UNIQUE SHOWING - March 2, 2013
 
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Laguna Beach Chamber Supports 3/50 Project to Encourage Residents to SHOP LOCAL!!!!
| |  The "3/50 Project" is a campaign to save the brick and mortar small businesses our nation was built on. This national effort is encouraging local spending to help save your local economy.
The web site declares that for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.
To read more about the "3/50 Project" |
SIGN UP FOR GREAT SEATS AT THIS YEAR'S CHAMBER NIGHT AT THE PAGEANT!
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Don't wait until June to purchase your premier tickets to one of the year's best events! This is the first performance of the year and includes dinner with your ticket. July 5, 2013...Only $75/Person for an amazing evening! Makes a great gift for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grads and more!
Advanced purchase your tickets early to insure great seats! Contact Karen at (949) 494-1018 to purchase today!
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Community Calendar Available
on Laguna Beach Chamber Website!
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Calling all Non-Profits!!!! We now have a Community Calendar on the Laguna Beach Chamber's website. You can find it on the Events tab at www.lagunabeachchamber.org. For those agencies that would like to put their "signature" events on the calendar, please send your email address to chamberexecutivedirector@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation and invitation to view the Google Calendar. You can then input your events for the year. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Kristine Thalman to input your events. PLEASE INPUT ONLY SIGNATURE EVENTS and not Committee or Board Meeting information. Make sure to put the Name of your agency as well as the event details.
Click here to go direction to the Community Calendar
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS!!!!
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"Next Gen" Meeting
Monday, February 11, 2013 
Marine Room
6-8PM
Valentine Mixer at La Casa del Camino & K'ya
February 13, 2013 - 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Members: $10.00 Non-Members $25.00
RSVP Required!! (949) 494-1018
Breakfast Series Workshop Customer Service is NOT an Option
February 15 
Tommy Bahama
8:00 - Registration, 8:30 - 10:30 AM Workshop
$10.00 Members
$25.00 - Non Members
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