May 2013 e-Newsletter
Your business news source
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 Message from the President
The Chamber has had a busy month in April, and plans for some real value-raising events in May. Let's start with what we did.
Marketing Seminar: As part of your Chamber membership, you get invited to events to help make your business more effective. One of those was our recently held (and fully subscribed) seminar on how to more effectively market your business. Participants learned how to position themselves in this highly competitive market, how and where to advertise, and how to get publicity that you don't have to pay for but will help your business prosper. Because of the success of this event, we plan to hold another, with some different content, after summer.
Shredding: Those boxes in the back room that you can't throw away because the state says that you must "properly" dispose of them can disappear on Saturday, May 11 from 9 am to noon. The Chamber is pleased to invite you to come to our Shredding Day, sponsored by Waste Management. Laguna Businesses and residents may have a "reasonable" amount of shredding done by a professional shredding company. We will work to accommodate everyone who shows up at 32355 Coast Highway (the Kinsman & Kinsman offices in South Laguna) during those hours. Watch for the green signs that will direct you to the parking lot for shredding. It's easy, it's free, and it's the law.
Thank you Waste Management!
New business: I was pleased to attend the opening of a new business in town, The Spice Merchant on Ocean Avenue at the former site of Latitude 33 Books. If you like to cook, or know someone who does, you probably should visit this business-they have more spices than I knew existed.
From different chili blends to exotic salts to oils and spices and herbs from around the globe, this place is a new treasure in Laguna.
Golf: If you are a golfer, you really should take advantage of the opportunity to play the Coto de Caza course with your Chamber friends. The tournament is Monday, June 3, and is an opportunity to play a great course at a good pace with friendly people, dinner, lunch, and on course beverages. All this is at a great price. If you are a golfer, this should be a no-brainer. (See the "announcement ad" lower on this page).
Sincerely,
Michael Kinsman, President
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Laguna Beach Chamber Exclusive Sponsors - 2013!!!
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Golf & Networking Event
of the YEAR!!!!
Portion of Proceeds will be donated to:
Glennwood Housing Foundation
Click Here to Register for Golf
Click Here for Sponsorhip Opportunities - Unbelievable Value!!!
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Mixer & Event CALENDAR
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LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE
Job killers, Regulatory Reform, economic trends... get the latest from CalChamber's Legislative Update.
CLICK HERE FOR LATEST FROM SACRAMENTO
Health Insurance Marketplace established to help Small Business!
The California Chamber of Commerce today released its latest edition of CalChamber News featuring information about Covered California, the state's health exchange. Covered California is the first-in-the nation online health insurance marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act. It will help individuals and small businesses compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they qualify for federal tax credits and enroll in a plan that meets their specific needs. CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO
Assemblyman Mansoor's State Assembly Update:
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT!!!!
Supervisor Pat Bates (County of Orange) Report Highlights:
John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement:
The Board authorized execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Newport Beach, the Airport Working Group (AWG) and Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON). The MOU is an important step toward extending the landmark John Wayne Airport (JWA) Settlement Agreement.
The MOU defines roles and responsibilities with respect to preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of the EIR is to identify the environmental impacts associated with a proposed 15-year extension of the Settlement Agreement.
The Settlement Agreement was amended and extended in 2003 and is currently set to expire on December 31, 2015.
Musick Jail Expansion:
The Board approved the acceptance of the State Public Works Board (SPWB) project establishment designation for the Musick Jail Expansion. The Board also approved a contract with a firm for design and engineering services for the first phase of the expansion.The Sheriff received a conditional award in the amount of $100 million on March 8, 2012. To satisfy the conditions of the award, the County was required to submit project scope, cost, schedule, CEQA, and real estate due diligence information to the SPWB.
On March 8, 2013 the SPWB approved the action to allocate funding to complete design and construction for the Musick expansion. The establishment of the project by the SPWB allows the County to commit funding to design and construction that is reimbursed from the AB 900 Phase II $100 million award.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park celebrates 20th Birthday:
It was 20 years ago this month that Laguna Coast Wilderness Park was officially dedicated as an Orange County Park. Since then, thousands of people from all over the world have forged a personal relationship with the park, having hiked its canyons, viewed its wildlife, biked its ridge lines, or painted its natural grandeur.
This land was originally preserved to provide a home for this threatened ecosystem. The coastal sage scrub ecosystem found in the Park is one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots and contains several endangered and threatened species. In fact, there are several species that are only found in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
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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
 Member Showcase Event at Panache. Owner Bindu and Daughter welcome Showcase attendees. Bindu is holding her delicious concoction (Bindu is a chemist by trade)
 Panache Showcase attendees Councilman Steve Dicterow & wife Katrina meet with attendees.
  Spice Merchant pre-Ribbon Cutting showing customers the variety of spices and oils. Owner Paul Greer provided exclusive tastes for attendees.  Marketing 101 Presenter, Jo Beth Prud'homme of Firebrand Media discusses the basics surrounding marketing and advertising to a sold-out workshop.
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UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
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Saturday, May 4 -
coastal eddy gallery - GRAND OPENING 1417 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach Contact: 5-9 PM Robin Lee Riddell (949) 715-4113
Sunday, May 5 -
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Presented by
The Laguna Beach Women's Club
5-9pm, The Women's Clubhouse 286 St. Ann's Place,Laguna Beach, CA
$10/person - or donationTuesday, May 7Friends of the Library - Ladies who Lunch & Read
11:30 a.m., 370 Common Restaurant, 370 Glenneyre, laguna Beach. $50/Person, Reservations required. Shovanesian10@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 22 Member Showcase: Laguna Classic Cars & Automotive Art with Beach Cities Automotive. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - by Invitation only. (949) 494-1018
Thursday, May 23
Sixth Annual Laguna Hero Fest, 7-10 PM at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Art, Films, Music celebrating local heroes. (949) 376-5964 myhero@myheroproject.org
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Executive Director's Report
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Greetings!
Believe it or not, we are already in the planning stages for our new Fall Festival which will be held October 10 through November 14, 2013
. This will be a new event that we believe will drive more traffic to our businesses during the off-season. We've seen it work in other cities and feel confident it will work beautifully here in Laguna Beach. Here's the scoop: Participating merchants (those who sign up to participate) are encouraged to create a scarecrow that symbolizes their business or just the fall season. For example: A bank could display a scarecrow that is stuffed with play money and coins for eyes or a wine tasting room could display a scarecrow that uses corks as fingers. There are a myriad of ideas that merchants can use and with all the creativity here in Laguna, I'm excited to see what evolves from this!
  During this period, visitors and residents will be encouraged to pick up a ballot that designates all the participating merchants on a map, visits those establishments, then vote for the most creative and most eye-catching scarecrow in the City. Ballots are deposited in various locations and the winner is announced on November 14. To celebrate the season, a Pub Crawl is slated for October 25, just one week prior to Halloween. Visitors and residents would be encouraged to dress in costume for this event and perhaps have a contest for the best costume.
We are forming a task force/event committee now with representatives from North, South, HIP District, Laguna Canyon and Downtown along with City staff to carry this new event out. If you are interested in participating on this exciting committee, please contact me directly at (949) 494-1018. Our first meeting will take place on June 5, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.
I hope to see many of you at the upcoming State of the City on May 28 at the beautiful Montage Resort. Also, don't miss out on the next unique Member Showcase which will be co-sponsored by both Laguna Classic Cars & Automotive Art along with Beach Cities Automotive on May 22 at 5:30 pm!
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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Aesthetics Consortium
Blazing Hammers Construction
coastal eddy , a gallery
Coastal Land Solutions
Edward Jones - Todd Sandness
Michael Fullen Design Group, Inc.
Gallo Corporation
Blake Hite
Invoke Capital - Nicole Eagan
K.E. Thalman & Associates
Rudy Lukes - Realtor, Coldwell Banker Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Professional Alliance
Laguna Numbers
Laguna Bark - Pet Services
Laguna Beach Music Studio
Living Juice
McCormick & Son
MG Music Events, Inc
Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Omni Online Presence
Paris Salon
Prelitz Design
Pro Advantage - Web/Graphic Design
Retail Services & Solutions
Simard Bilodeau Galerie
Soroptimist International of Laguna Beach
Star Cleaning System
Wells Fargo Private Mortgage,
Andrew John Liersch III
Zeda Stone
Our Membership is GROWING!!!!
WE ARE OVER 350 MEMBERS STRONG!
OUR GOAL IS 500 BY NEW YEARS EVE!!!!!
Thank You for Joining!
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SAVE THE DATE!!!
STATE OF THE CITY
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State of the City promises to sell out early!!!! May 28, 2013, Montage Resort, 11:00 AM  Call now to reserve your seat. $45.00/person, $65.00 at the door. Mayor Kelly Boyd will be delivering his State of the City report along with updates from key City Departments and the City Manager.
To reserve your seats, contact Karen at (949) 494-1018 or karen.lagunabeachchamber@gmail.com.
Advertising Space Available!!! 
If you company would like to advertise in this year's program, please contact Rebecca at (949) 494-1018 or rebecca.lagunabeachchamber@gmail prior to May 17 to be included in the souvenir program.
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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, May 7 and 21, 2013 6pm 505 Forest Avenue
- Planning Commission Meeting - Thursday, May 8 and 22 6pm , 505 Forest Avenue.
- DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN WORKSHOP!!! May 15 - 6:30pm - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
- City Manager Weekly Updates
- Upcoming City Commission Meetings/Events:
Click here for City of Laguna Beach Calendar
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Article Headline
DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER!!!!
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 GREEN CORNER Laguna Beach Chamber Environmental Committee
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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
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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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Rock'N Fish
owner Jim Donegan announced that they are opening for lunch again starting May 23rd!
Rock'N Fish, known for the best steaks in Laguna, has a new menu and Sunday dinner special; Prime Rib Sunday Dinner starts at 4pm. Come early, leave happy, for only $28.95/guest. The fantastic deal includes Prime Rib, Chopped Caesar Salad Mixed Green Salad or New England Clam Chowder au jus, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed corn & creamy horseradish sauce. Finally a New Orleans style bread pudding or key lime pie for dessert! Great opportunity to have a family dinner, entertain out-of-town guests, or celebrate a special occasion! To make reservations, call (949) 497-3113.
Also, don't miss the live entertainment provided every Friday and Saturday night!
Don't forget to mention this article when you visit!!!
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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 lagunabeachchamber@
gmail.com.
You will receive a confirmation and invitation to view, make changes and add events to 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. |
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