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Reach more customers with the information they need to know about your business
 
The Solvang Chamber of Commerce and the Holiday Inn Express are hosting a 3 seminar series on social media and email marketing
Nick Cavarra of Constant Contact will be
demonstrating how email is the most
cost-effective, targeted, trackable and efficient
way to build and maintain relationships in all
types of businesses and organizations.
These seminars will also cover social media
marketing and how to integrate videos
and other marketing tools into your emails.
The seminars will be held March 20, April 17
and May 15 at 12 noon at the
Holiday Inn Express in Solvang
Price for Chamber members is $20 per person for a single session or $50 per person for the series. Non Chamber rates are: $25 per person for a single session or $65 per person for the series.Space is limited.
Plan to join us for a comprehensive look at best practices and winning strategies that lead to increased profits, revenue and engagement.
For more information or to make a reservation:
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 Celebrate the Sweetness of Solvang!
This year the Solvang Chamber is pairing with the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau to bring you...
The First Taste of Solvang
Pro/Am Dessert Competition
If you make a killer dessert or know someone
who does this is your event!
March 15, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial Hall
from 7pm - 9pm contestants will showcase
their best dessert to a packed hall
of sweet tooth connoisseurs.
Judging starts promptly at 6pm by three different judges who include Laura Wright, co-owner of Standing Sun Wines and star of General Hospital, Chef Pascale Beale, author and founder of Pascal's Kitchen and George Yatchisin, food writer for the Santa Barbara Independent.
Participants will be required to provide 400 small bites
of the desserts for tasting and a special finished
dessert plate for judging.
Prizes for the professional and amateur divisions as well as a people's choice will be awarded. Winners
will receive a custom Taste of Solvang certificate,
apron and a review in Edible Santa Barbara Magazine
as well as social/ media publicity.
For more information:
Tiffany at the Solvang Conference and
Visitors Bureau * 805-688-6144 ex. 103 or
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 New City Connection series will provide valuable information and resources
to Solvang businesses
As part of the City of Solvang's Economic Development Strategic Plan, the Solvang Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a series of brown bag luncheons to provide information regarding City services, ordinances, and procedures. City of Solvang staff members from various program areas will provide information and answer questions on topics of interest to Chamber members.
 The first luncheon topic will be the provisions of the recently revised Sign Ordinance and will be held at the Santa Barbara Bank & Trust branch in Solvang. Future topics will include building code provisions, zoning ordinance procedures, and other topics related to doing business within Solvang.
Members are encouraged to request presentations on topics of interest. The City's Planning & Economic Development Director, Arleen Pelster, will coordinate the presentations. Please make reservations early as space is limited. Fee: $10.00 will include bottled water and dessert. City Connection brown bag lunches will be held the third Thursday of each month beginning March 21, 2013. Please contact Arleen with any suggestions for topics via email at arleenp@cityofsolvang.com or call her at 805.688.4414. For more information or to make your reservation contact the Chamber office at 805-688-0701 or solvangchamber@solvangcc.com |
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Membership Survey 
Keep an eye out for the 2013 membership survey we will be sending out by email.
Please take some time to fill this out and send it back.
Your input is vital for bringing you the benefits and information that is most important to your business.
Thank you in advance
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Make more space in your office
or garage by participating in
Community Shred Day event
Wednesday, March 20, 2013, bring unwanted papers and file folders to the Solvang Veteran's Memorial Hall in Solvang from 5pm - 7pm. Sponsored by Union Bank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, KEYT - 3, Iron Mountain, City of Solvang, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff, this event allows you up to dispose of 6 bankers size file boxes of papers and folders. There is no need to remove staples, paper clips or rubber bands and you can shred any color of paper or folders. We cannot accept cardboard, common trash, hazardous materials, plastics or metals, CDs, DVDs or binders.
For more information contact Union Bank:
805-688-6422 or SBBT 805-693-1265
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Revisit the golden
age of Hollywood
during the
"Hollywood Revisited"
event presented
by the Atterdag Village of Solvang Auxiliary
Join us at the Buellton Marriott for this very special luncheon event April 6, 2013 beginning at 12:30pm Experience what it's like to watch the stars walk the red carpet as your favorite Tinseltown classics come to life in Hollywood Revisited. This stunning musical revue showcases a truly dazzling lineup of costumes actually worn by the stars in the original Hollywood films. Set to the music that defined the times and presented by top notch Broadway and Hollywood performers, Hollywood Revisited will leave you in awe as you learn about and come close enough to touch these original historic costume designs of Hollywood's Golden Age. To top off the event a shopping boutique will be open from 10:30 am with a wide array of unique vendors featuring clothing, handbags, vintage and handmade jewelry. The $50.00 event fee includes lunch, a mimosa and the show. Hollywood Glam attire is optional! Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Montecito Bank and Trust & Wealth Management Group, and Ramona & Allan Pacela For more information call: Linda 686-1644 or
Sharon 686-5779 or www.hollywoodrevisited.com to learn more about the show |
 Holiday Inn Express to host the Chamber Mixer and
City Connection launch in March Join us March 14, 2013 for a fun and informative March Chamber mixer to be held at the Holiday Inn Express
in Solvang from 5pm - 7pm.
Enjoy tasty appetizers and drinks while meeting some of our newest members, catching up on what's happening around town and checking out some exciting raffle prizes! Plan to arrive by 4:30pm as we are launching the NEW City Connection brown bag lunch series This series is designed to keep you informed about the issues and solutions that are important to doing business in Solvang. You will be able to ask questions on a one to one basis, suggest topics that affect your business and find solutions to problems that prevent the growth of your business. Arleen Pelster and Council member Hans Duus will be on hand before the mixer to answer questions and take suggestions for topics for the series. |
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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
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Thank You To Members Who Donated Items For Our February Mixer Hosted by the Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant
~ Larner Winery & Vineyard
- Tasting
~ Coquelicot Wines
- Tasting
~ Rideau Winery
- Tasting
~ Lucas & Lewellen
- Tasting
~ River Bench
- Tasting
~ Ingeborg's Chocolates
- Chocolate Platter
~ Patti Bakes
- Cupcakes for Raffle
~ Home Connection Basket
- Basket Raffle
~ Santa Barbara Bank
& Trust
- Basket Raffle
~ Heather Bedford
- Numerous Raffle Items
~ Lion's Peak Wines
- Bottle of Wine Raffle
~ Hansen's Clock Shop
- Bottle of Wine Raffle
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Upcoming Community
Events Calendar
Every Wednesday
Solvang Farmer's Market
March 11, 2013
City Council Meeting 7pm
March 13 - 17, 2013
Taste of Solvang
March 14, 2013
Executive BOD Meeting
8:30am Chamber Office
March 14, 2013
Chamber Mixer
Holiday Inn Express 5pm - 7pm
March 14, 2013
Board of Architectural Review
6:30pm Council Chambers
March 17, 2013
Happy St. Patrick's Day
March 19, 2013
SCC Board of Directors Meeting
12pm Chamber Office
March 20, 2013
Solvang Third Wednesday
March 25, 2013
City Council Meeting 7pm
March 27, 2013
Solvang Conference
& Visitors Bureau
Council Chambers - 8:30am
March 31, 2013
Happy Easter!
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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
SCC Member Inserts, Ads and Promo Specials
~ Rabobank |
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SOLVANG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2013 Board of Directors
President
Wandering Dog Wine Bar
Heather Bedford
Vice-President
Graphic Systems Solvang
Kathelene Williams-Turk
Secretary
Kathelene Williams-Turk DDS - Comprehensive Dentistry
Daniel A. Johnson
Treasurer
Johnson & Johnson CPAs
Brandi Baker
Chumash Casino Resort
Calisse Courtney
Courtney & Doherty LLP
Claudia Delgado
Santa Ynez Valley News
Tenley Fohl
Tenley Fohl Photography
Dan Greenwald
Paula's Pancake House
Brigitte Guehr
Mirabelle Inn
& Restaurant
Michael Larner
Larner Winery & Vineyard
Margee Lennard
Jockey Person to Person
Harlan Munneke
Mole Hole of Solvang
Chamber Economist
Dr. Kenneth Harwood
Executive Director
Sue Moualim
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Solvang Third Wednesday is moving out of doors for the Busy Sidewalks......City Sidewalks..... Sidewalk Sale! Mark your calendars! March 20, 2013 ...will bring more ways to support Solvang businesses, save money and have fun! Over 60 participating businesses, offer discounts on products and services such as hardware and garden supplies, jewelry, shoes, toys, teeth whitening and more, there is something for everyone! March Madness Sidewalk Sale! The Solvang City Council approved a limited number of sidewalk sales to be held as part of the Solvang 3rd Wednesday events. This year two sidewalk sales will be held, on March 20th and August 21st. Don't miss this opportunity to create a festive air throughout the Village and draw shoppers to Solvang. To participate, and receive a sidewalk sale participant sign, download must be returned by March 10th. Merchants may also participate with an "Inside Sidewalk Sale" sign displayed in their window.
Join in the fun and excitement of the Cash Mob. 
The mob meets in Solvang Park at the Gazebo at 5:20pm ...and from there it is a surprise where we end up. Bring $10.00 to purchase a small item from a store you may
not have been in before, discover a new favorite place and enjoy
some post mob refreshments somewhere nearby. For a complete listing of special offers, discounts and events go to www.solvang3rdwednesday.com
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 31st Annual Solvang Century, Metric & Half Century comes to Solvang March 9th
 This event, hosted by Hotel Corque, brings bicycle enthusiastsfrom all over the country. 3500 people will be coming to Solvang to participate in this event which includes three different bike routes
and lengths staggered throughout the day on Saturday.
Festivities will be held Friday evening and Saturday so be sure to stop in. There will be vendor booths and a bar-b-que dinner as well as a selection of beers provided by Figueroa Mountain Brewery.
Although no road closures are planned, please use extreme caution along the routes on Saturday. Areas of most concern include Oak Street from Alisal Road to Fifth Street, Hwy 246 from Fifth Street to Buellton and Eucalyptus from Chalk Hill to Alisal Road. Parking will be impacted on Saturday morning typically from 6:30am - 12pm throughout the City of Solvang. |
| MEMBER NEWS
 March 'Girl Scout Cookie' Madness
at Wandering Dog Wine Bar
It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Wandering Dog Wine Bar is supporting out local Girl Scouts by offering a special cookie and wine flight during the month of March. We will be featuring three of our faves: the coconut chocolate cookie, the peanut butter chocolate cookie and the elegant shortbread cookie each paired with a delicious local wine.
Don't miss out on this fun event while also giving back to your local community.
Flight includes 3 half glasses of wine and 3 cookies, plus a special "merit badge"
to show your support. $16/person.
Open M-Th 1-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm
For more information: (805) 686-9126 or www.wanderingdogwinebar.com
Please Join us Saturday, March 23, 2013 for a very Special Celebration...
Vistas at Skytt Mesa Ground Breaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Come join us for food, refreshments and a celebration of our newest new construction single family home community in the picturesque setting of the Skytt Mesa neighborhood!
When: 11am to 5pm
Where: 1212 Olesen Drive, Solvang (The Skytt Mesa sales gallery)
Enjoy food, refreshments, raffle prizes and fun. Discover why Vistas at Skytt Mesa
is the most successful new home community in the Santa Ynez Valley!
Ground Breaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony time to be determined
For more info please contact: Heidi Graf
(805) 688-8700 or heidi@ipbproperties.com
Santa Ynez Valley Free Museum Day
Saturday, March 2, 2013 is 
Free Museum Day in the Santa Ynez Valley
The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, The Wildling Museum and Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and
Parks-Janeway Carriage House will all be offering free activities throughout the day.
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art will have living history demonstrations, interactive activities for all ages, young artist drop-in workshop 10:30 to noon, and an artist panel discussion at 4 pm with a social hour following at 5 pm. On display in the art gallery:The View From Here. Also on view is a new exhibit: Vikings Invade Elverhøj. Visit between 10:00am and 6:00pm at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. For more information call 805-686-1211 or visit www.elverhoj.org. Elverhoj's mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit the history and Danish culture of Solvang and to promote the arts.
The Wildling Museum will have a free family leaf printing art activity, a free raffle (prizes include a family membership and unique gifts), and special sales in their gift shop throughout the day. Visit between 11:00am and 5:00pm at 1511-A Mission Drive in Solvang. For more information call 805-688-1082. The Wildling Museum, where art and nature meet, offers visitors a unique perspective on the importance of preserving our natural heritage. New galleries and program space are currently being renovated, but visitors can learn more about plans for the future by visiting the gift store Wednesday-Monday 11:00am-5:00pm.
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House will be open from noon to 4:00pm at 3596 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez. Visit the current exhibition Through the Eyes of a Child: The Quilts of the Family School, enjoy popcorn and other fun. For more information call 805-688-7889 or visit www.santaynezmuseum.org.
The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House celebrate the rich history of the Santa Ynez Valley, its pioneering settlers and the five early townships that formed the foundation of this unique region. Through its collection, exhibits and educational programs, the Museum honors the Valley's past for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Contact the museums for more information
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NEW MEMBERS
The Family School, Where Children Love to Learn
The Family School is an accredited independent nonprofit co-educational preschool through 5th grade  school located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, 6 miles from the center of Los Olivos. Serving close to 90 students, The Family School provides challenging, developmentally appropriate academic and artistic programs that establish a strong educational foundation and inspire a love of learning. The focus of the whole school on the social and emotional development of the child creates a safe environment where students are willing to take risks and express themselves through a variety of mediums.
A low student/teacher ratio (12:1) provides individual attention for each child and fosters close, caring relationships between and among teachers and students. The curriculum design assures that students master the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, and that their studies are authentic and meaningful. Science (including hands-on ecology and environmental studies), Spanish, physical education, art, musical theater, and social studies are integrated into the school week, across the grade levels providing a broad enriched program. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, using analytical, critical, and creative approaches to the tasks at hand.
For more information contact the school at 805-688-5440
Joel R. Morton D.O., Inc.
Dr. Joel R. Morton is a local psychiatrist treating child, adolescent, and adult patients. The practice is located in Solvang, on the corner of Alamo Pintado and Viborg, near the Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital. Dr. Morton believes that each patient is unique and employs a mulit-facted treatment plan tailored to each patient's specific needs.
Dr. Morton received his medical training at LAC+USC and Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. He later served as an adjunct professor at USC Keck School of Medicine teaching child and adolescent psychiatry to medical students. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Morton is an active member of the Solvang Rotary. He and his wife Suzanne (who also works in the office) live in the valley and enjoy our rural, outdoor lifestyle. New patients are always welcome!
For more information: 805) 688-3038
Valley Alternative Healing
 Diane Curriden, owner of Valley Alternative Healing, has a passion for health and healing. Her goal is to work with and educate people within our community so they can look and feel better. Valley Alternative Healing is a home-based business, providing privacy for her customers. The gym has a beautiful view of the city and is large enough for group classes yet small enough to be comfortable for personal training. Diane provides cardio, weight training and yoga. The healing room is for working the lymphatic system to increase immune system and heart centered therapy for emotional issues. Valley Alternative Healing is a great place to improve physically and emotionally.
Check out her website to see what others are saying about it!
Hadsten House
A year long renovation transformed this centrally located Solvang property into the Valley's newest  luxury, boutique lodging destination, the Hadsten House Inn. The new luxury guest rooms are elegant and ready for guests to relax and unwind at some very special rates. Guests are able to rejuvenate by selecting one of the spa suites, relax in the heated indoor pool or be pampered in the day-spa. Guests can also savor local wine tastings and hors d'oeuvres.
Now hotel guest's children 12 years and under eat dinner for free when dining with their parents at the Hadsten House Restaurant. This offer is valid for up to two children with two adult guests eating dinner at the same time. Children chose from a special menu featuring a three course dinner. Includes mixed salad, choice of special entrees, ice cream for dessert and soft drink.
(Room service not included, requires purchase of two entrees by a hotel guest)
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 Our Retail Customers in Summer
From the desk of:
Kenneth Harwood
Economist
Solvang Chamber of Commerce
Summer brings more visitors than winter, and retail sales enter a high season. Where are our customers from, winter and summer? Here is an answer.
 Solvang Shoe Store kept records of ZIP codes of customers who bought in February of 2012, and those who bought in August last year.
Total number of sales in August was 1,519 from 618 different ZIP codes, or 2.5 sales per ZIP code. Total in February was 1,143 sales from 403 ZIP codes, or 2.9 sales per ZIP code. Number of sales in August rose 33% from February's number, and number of ZIP codes was up 53%. Sales to customers who lived in other countries numbered 125 in August, and an unrecorded yet probably smaller number in February. August had two more selling days than February.
Most California ZIP codes outside Santa Barbara County were in southern California. ZIP codes in California outnumbered those in other states.
Sales to customers in Solvang were 55% of the 561 sales in August to customers in Santa Barbara County. Sales to customers in Solvang were 47% of 545 sales in Santa Barbara County in February.
Sales to customers outside Santa Barbara County in August were 958 or 63 % of 1,519 total sales. Total sales in February were 1147, of which 602 or 52% were to customers outside Santa Barbara County. Sales to summer visitors from outside the county were larger in number and proportion than those to winter visitors, as one might expect.
A surprise was that in August sales to Buellton, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria were fewer than in February. The three communities shared immediate access to U. S. Highway 101. Perhaps customers in these cities found it much easier to shop farther afield when the rainy days of winter were gone and schools were not in session for most of August.
Asian customers are a rapidly growing part of tourism in Solvang. Asian consumer units in the U. S. on average spent $493 on footwear in 2010, when all consumer units spent $303.
Thanks to Max Hanberg of Solvang Shoe Store www.solvangshoe.com for frequency of sales by ZIP code, and for observations on customers. Details of expenditures for footware are in ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States 2013, Table 700.
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Advertise With Your Business Cards Here
Place your business card here.
For more information call the
Chamber Office: 688-0701
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