April 2013 e-Newsletter
Your business news source
|
 Message from the President
I guess those of us in business all have our whines-times when either there is no one showing up at our door, or everyone is at the door wanting service at the same time. I've been in a number of Laguna restaurants that handle that problem with grace and aplomb.
This week it's our turn, as tax accountants, to be in that situation. Right now I'm really looking forward to the April 16th "accountants' holiday", when we finally get to sleep!
But no, not me. I'm going out to play golf. And I hope that you will join me a few weeks later at Coto de Caza North, an exciting layout (some say the better of their two courses), for a "golf and meet" event that the Chamber is putting on. For less than $150 a player ($575 per foursome), if you are a Chamber member you can have a fabulous opportunity to meet fellow business people, play golf on a great course, and even enjoy a few goodies and some on-course beverages with new and old friends.
You can find sign up materials on our website, or can call the Chamber at 949-494-1018.
By the way, if you are looking for that perfect "just after fourth of July" event, remember also that the Chamber has what I think are the best seats in the house at the Pageant for the July 5th show. And your seat, including dinner, is only $75, which is a heck of a good price for a fabulous show. You can call the Chamber office with more questions (949-494-1018), or you can send them your check for $75 per seat. Tickets will be delivered in late May or early June. Please indicate where you want them sent, or whether you would rather they be held at will-call.
I wish you a great month of April. And remember, be kind to an accountant in the next couple of weeks. The sanity you save may be his or hers.
Sincerely,
Michael Kinsman, President
|
|
Laguna Beach Chamber Exclusive Sponsors - 2013!!!
| |
|
|
Mixer & Event CALENDAR
| |
|
|
LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
Supervisor Pat Bates (County of Orange) Report Highlights:
Rancho Mission Viejo Tract Maps Approved
The Board approved two Final Tract Maps as part of the Rancho Mission Viejo Planned Community ("Ranch Plan").
Final Tract Map No. 17060 consists of approximately ten acres and contains 73 numbered lots for single-family residential development. Final Tract Map No. 17059 consists of approximately 7.2 acres and contains 29 numbered lots for single-family residential development.
RMV Community Development, LLC and Tri Point Homes, Inc. are co-owners of both tract maps.
OCTA Seeking Applications for Water Quality Projects
As part of the Measure M2 Environmental Cleanup Program, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved $2.8 million for projects that will improve water quality. OCTA will seek project applicants for the funding beginning March 18 and agencies have until May 17 to apply.
OCTA's Environmental Cleanup Program provides funds from Measure M2 to improve water quality in Orange County from pollution caused by transportation. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis to priority projects that improve water quality in streams, harbors and other waterways that are impacted by transportation pollution.
Once applications are received and reviewed, the OCTA Board expects to approve funding by the end of the summer.
|
|
|
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
| |
JOIN THE CHAMBER! CLICK HERE
|
|
PHOTO CORNER
Princess Boudoir Ribbon Cutting with owner Sarina & Mayor ProTem Elizabeth Pearson
 Leadership Luncheon attendees Martha Lydick (Laguna Beach Friends of the Library) and guest.
Chris Keller hosting the "Next Gen" meeting at the Marine Room
Hotel Laguna Owner, Georgia Andersen with Nadia Babayi, Executive Director of Laguna Beach Seniors
 Next Gen March Meeting with Members hard at work prioritizing needs for Community. |
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH CARE TAX CREDIT AVAILABLE
| |
As a small business, do you have:
- Fewer than 25 Full time Employees
- Average wages less than $50,000/Year, and
- Pay at least 50 % or more of employees' premium cost for health insurance coverage?
You qualify for a Federal Tax Credit! Claims can start with the 2010 income tax return. Tax credit forms are available at
|
|
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
|
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Presented by
The Laguna Beach Women's Club
Sunday, May 5, 20135-9pm
The Women's Clubhouse
286 St. Ann's Place
Laguna Beach, CA
$10/person - or donation
|
|
|
|
Executive Director's Report
|
| |
Greetings!
First off, I want to let those who are anxiously waiting for the Business Directory and Relocation Guide that we are in the final editing stage. This is a tedious and painstaking process to make sure that the information is correct and up to date. If you received a letter asking for a final affirmation please send in your changes as soon as possible. We hope to have the Business Directory printed this month!
Also, if you do not have a description of your business or organization in our on-line Business Directory on the lagunabeachchamber.org web site, please consider sending us a description so that those searching the web site will know the services or products you provide. This is one of our most important tools and a true value to members.
On the advocacy front, the Chamber took a position to support the Village Entrance project proposed by Mayor Pro-tem Elizabeth Pearson. After 18 years of planning and $630,000 in planning costs, a project concept has been approved for going forward. Councilman Bob Whalen will be working with Mayor Pro-tem Elizabeth Pearson on a project funding task force. Stay tuned for updates!
April is a busy month with our Spring mega-mixer at the Montage Resort April 10, we have a Member Showcase on April 17 and a workshop, "Marketing 101" on April 26. The Spring Mixer will also be our annual Membership Drive. If you join and become a Member, entrance to the Mixer is free. Food, refreshments, raffle prizes and entertainment! Also, if Chamber members bring in another guest who signs up for membership, the Member gets in free as well! I hope to see you there!
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
|
|
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
| |
Tristan Abel - Resident
Aesthetics Consortium
Club Laguna Apartments
Coldwell Banker - Valerie Wallace
Edward Jones - Todd Sandness
Michael Fullen Design Group, Inc.
Gallo Corporation
Gecko Cookie Company
Gladieux Consulting
Heidelberg Cafe & Bistro
Blake Hite
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
Prelitz Design
Princess Boudoir
Retail Services & Solutions
Rochelle Rene Designs
Simard Bilodeau Galerie
Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach
Spice Merchants -
T-Shirt Company
Trendy Surfaces
UPS Store
Ken Wallace Electric - Welcome back!
Valerie Wallace - Coldwell Banker
Whole Foods - Welcome back!
Wine Gallery
Work * Body * Life Balance
Wyland Galleries
Wyland Foundation
Wyland Worldwide, LLC
X and OH
YMCA of Orange County
Yoga Works
Zeda Stone
Our Membership is GROWING!!!!
WE ARE OVER 330 MEMBERS STRONG!
Thank You for Joining!
|
|
New California &Federal Employment Posters
DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS
|
|
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
|
|
City Square
|
| |
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.
* * *
Upcoming Meetings:
- City Council Meeting - Tuesday, April 9 and 23, 2013 6pm 505 Forest Avenue
- Design Review Meeting - Thursday, February 11 & 25 - 6pm , 505 Forest Avenue.
- DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN WORKSHOP!!! APRIL 17 - 6:30pm - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
- City Manager Weekly Updates
- Upcoming City Commission Meetings/Events:
Click here for City of Laguna Beach Calendar
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!
|
 GREEN CORNER Laguna Beach Chamber Environmental Committee
| | |
Environmental Committee, Embracing our Natural Environment.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TIPS! 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 |
|
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
|
|
Member Spotlight
|
|
KX93.5 Will Hold its First Non-Profit Fundraiser Gala April 6, 2013!!  WHERE: Surf & Sand Hotel 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach TIME: 6:PM WHAT: FUNDRAISER GALA & CASINO NIGHT Prizes include 7 night stay at Montage Resort, Trip to Mexico, Hawaii and Custom 93.5 Surfboard! COST: $150/Person ($125 for KX93.5 Members), $1,000 for table of 8
|
|
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!
| 
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!
|
Community Calendar Available
on Laguna Beach Chamber Website!
| |
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 directly to the Community Calendar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
