S P R I N G
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Official Publication of the National City Chamber of Commerce
MISSION STATEMENT “To increase opportunities for businesses and advocate for our membership in matters related to business, government, and community relations.”
VISION STATEMENT “The National City Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the premier local Chamber of Commerce in the San Diego Region, is highly respected by the community as the unified voice of business, and participates as a major partner in planning the future of our community, insuring a healthy balance between economic prosperity and quality of life. The Chamber is an advocate for business friendly legislation at all levels of government, and is an organization with a strong, active membership.”
CHAMBER PRIORITIES Advocate for members. Provide information on current issues. Promote business growth.
NATIONAL CITY'S SPOONER BOARDS, AWARDED $400,000 INVESTMENT BY SHARK TANK MOGULS If learning how to skateboard or snowboard is on your bucket list, but you're scared of the whole falling down on your butt part of the process, maybe the Spooner Board is the perfect solution! Bernie Miller and Ruben Guymer pitched Spooner Boards, their “skateboard without wheels,” in Shark Tank's episode 729. The product is a rigid plastic board that allows users to “skateboard” on any surface. The product was “invented” in 2006 by accident. A fellow by the name of Randy Putland was cleaning out his surf shop and he wanted to dispose of an old dog crate. As he was cutting up the rigid plastic box, he inadvertently created the first prototype. Mr. Miller saw the shape, tried it out and immediately knew they were on to something. By 2008, they were making and selling the boards in the San Diego area; they brought Guymer on board to help with promotions. They initially sold 1200 Spooner Boards and, in 2010, began targeting the physical education market. Before long, they had them in over 5000 schools. Things really took off when a teacher who also owned a few Learning Express stores put them on her shelves. Before long, the product was in over 100 Learning Express stores and selling briskly. They can be found on Amazon and in hundreds of small toy stores today. To date, over half a million products have been sold. The Outcome: Spooner Boards asked for a $400,000 investment in exchange for 16% of equity. Barbara offered a half-offer of $200,000 for an eight percent stake… if another Shark will come in 50/50. Having a surf partner already in San Diego, Cuban stepped up to the plate and accepted Barbara's 50/50 split offer. All three Spooner Board owners were extatic about their offer, and accepted. Stating that a mentor and strategic partner is really what they were after, besides the monetary investment. Congratulations to Spooner Boards on their successful venture! Please visit their website for more info: www.spoonerboards.com
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAMBER STAFF OFFICERS Board Chairman
Brian Clapper.............................619-962-9950 *Automobile Heritage Day / Annual Dinner Chair National School Board 1500 N Avenue National City, CA 91950 bclapper51@gmail.com
Board Vice Chairman
R. Daniel Hernandez..................619-941-2376 *Mariachi Festival & Competition Chair San Ysidro Health Centers 1275 30th Street San Diego, CA 92154 dhernandez@syhc.org
Treasurer
Marcus Bush...............................619-332-7884 *Mariachi Festival / Salute to Navy National City Planning Commission 1243 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 mbush619@yahoo.com
Immediate Past Chair
Luisa McCarthy...........................619-475-7770 La Vista Memorial Park & Mortuary 3191 Orange Street National City, CA 91950 lmccarthy@lavistamemorialpark.com
Octavio Aguirre.........................619-470-4115 *Economic Development Paradise Valley Hospital 2400 East 4th Street National City, CA 91950 oaguirre@primehealthcare.com
Charles Reilly..............................858-452-6607 *Annual Dinner Charles Reilly PR Company 3421 Stetson Avenue San Diego, CA 92122 charlesr@san.rr.com
DIRECTORS Emeritus Past President
Paul Robinson.............................619-425-1999 *Business Development Chair CPP Printing & Direct Mail Marketing 100 West 35th Street, Suite B National City, CA 91950 paul@cppdmail.com
Emeritus Past President
John Snyder................................619-287-5696 *Golf Tournament Chair EDCO Disposal Co. 6670 Federal Boulevard Lemon Grove, CA 91945 jsnyder@edcodisposal.com
Director
Ivan Arabo..................................619-889-0705 *Salute to Navy Chair Wrigley's Supermarket/New York Life 342 North Euclid Avenue National City, CA 91950 wrigleysmarket@aol.com
Director
John Borja..................................619-668-2394 *Economic Development Teague Insurance 4700 Spring Street La Mesa, CA 91941 jborja@teagueins.com
Director
Susan De Los Santos..................619-434-1720 *Salute to Navy / Economic Development Filipino Press 600 East 8th Street, Suite 3 National City, CA 91950 susands4@yahoo.com
2 FALL 2015
Marvin Harrison..............................619-231-1977 *Economic Development Considine & Considine 1501 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 meh@cccpa.com
Director
David Nagy................................619-419-1045 *Automobile Heritage Day Co-Chair Pasha Automotive Services 1309 Bay Marina Drive National City, CA 91950 david_nagy@pashanet.com
Director
Maribel Gavin...........................619-474-9700 Sweetwater Union High School 2900 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 maribel.gavin@sweetwaterschools.org
Director
Victor Gonzalez.........................619-384-8536 *Mariachi Festival & Competition Premier Property Security Services 1401 Highland Avenue, Suite A National City, CA 91950 premiersecurity@cox.net
Director Secretary
Director
Director
Karen McManus........................619-827-8103 *Annual Dinner Banner Bank 279 F Street Chula Vista, CA 91910 karen.mcmanus@bannerbank.com
2016 CHAMBER STAFF Jacqueline L. Reynoso.....................619-477-9339 President/CEO.........................Cell: 619-890-6614 901 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org
Martha Bolanos...............................619-477-9339 Office Manager........................Cell: 619-796-8356 901 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 bolanos@nationalcitychamber.org
Kenneth P. Campbell.......................619-477-9339 Marketing Coordinator 901 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 campbell@nationalcitychamber.org
Director
Chris Butcher.............................858-999-8190 *Business Rendezvous Group TelePacific Communications 6134 Nancy Ridge Drive San Diego, CA 92123 cbutcher@telepacific.com
Stephanni Casas..............................619-477-9339 Green Business Program Coordinator 901 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 casas@nationalcitychamber.org
Director
Pedro Anaya..............................858-541-7800 *Mariachi Festival & Competition Southwest Strategies 401 B Street, Suite 150 San Diego, CA 92101 panaya@swspr.com
Irma Islas.........................................619-477-9339 Membership Services 901 National City Boulevard National City, CA 91950 irma@nationalcitychamber.org
Director
Nick Inzunza..............................619-581-8965 *Economic Development Beautiful National City 333 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 jinzunza181806@gmail.com
Director
Vanessa Mapula Garcia.............858-654-1211 *Economic Development San Diego Gas & Electric 8335 Century Park Court, CP 11B San Diego, CA 92123 vmapulagarcia@semprautilities.com
Director
Leslie Larranaga-Britt................858-384-6565 *Automobile Heritage Day Mile of Cars Association 10601 Tierrasanta Boulevard, Suite 308 San Diego, CA 92124 leslie@media-wise.net
* Committee Participation
First Time Homebuyer Program (FTHB) Up to $70,000 available per household as gap financing. Additional Opportunities: Mortgage Credit Certificate Program can also be used with the FTHB program. It is up to 20 percent of the annual interest paid on a mortgage loan. Ask your originator or contact CalHFA at 877‐922‐5432.
Details available at: springboardcdfi.org/NationalCity
Contact Springboard For More Info Program details are subject to change. Additional restrictions apply.
Eligible Household Criteria: No ownership interest in residential property within past 3 years Total household income within 80% of the Area Median Income (See website for income limits.) Home must be a principal residence / owner-occupied Household must qualify for primary financing (fixed rate) Qualified properties must be located within the City limits of National City Single-family residence, detached, condo, or Planned Unit Development
springboardcdfi.org info@springboardcdfi.org
888.983.2344
NMLS: #329152 | CalBRE: #01791343
National City Chamber News 3
Policy
PUBLIC
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
STATEWIDE REVOLVING LOAN FUND (SRLF) CALED, in partnership with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), a federally certified community development financial institution, administers a Statewide Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF) through guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. The secured Small Business Loans generally range between $100,000 and $500,000 and can be used for: • Working capital • Business purchases • Equipment • Inventory • Tenant improvements • Owner-occupied commercial real estate Borrower Eligibility: • Start-up and existing businesses • In operation for a minimum of 2 years • 5 to 100 employees • Revenues between $250,000 and $10 million Please contact Helen Schaubmayer at CALED or Keith Rogers at VEDC for further information and additional eligibility requirements: • Helen Schaubmayer or (916) 448-8252, ext. 16 • Keith Rogers or (818) 705-9977 or (310) 748-3589 The SRLF was created to focus on job creation and retention in response to areas affected by unfavorable economic conditions driven by natural disasters, base closures, and high unemployment. Funding projects within such areas is the preferred objective of the SRLF; however, other important objectives, among others, include supporting local development plans, partnering with other programs and commercial lenders to leverage resources, and increasing skill levels and wages of area residents.
4 SPRING 2016
Policy
PUBLIC
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DON'T RELY ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR YOUR RETIREMENT SECURITY Many people today think of Social Security as the foundation of their retirement security – considering it to be a major source of their retirement income. And for many retirees, it is. According to USA Today , in 2012, Social Security accounted for 35% of the total income for those 65 and older – and represented their largest source of retirement income. It’s been widely reported that, with a high number of retiring baby boomers and a low number of workers in the field force, changes to Social Security will be needed. Potential changes may include: • a reduction in payable benefits; • an increase in the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax; and/or • an extension of the full retirement age for future retirees. The Social Security Administration has projected that, without any changes, by 2037, the Social Security Trust Fund will be able to pay only about 78 cents for each dollar of scheduled benefits, as estimated based on the intermediate assumptions from the Social Security Trustees’ Annual Report to Congress. Keep Social Security in Perspective Social Security was never intended to be your sole source of retirement income. For 2015, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for a 65-year-old retiree is $2,452 or $29,424 per year. This would be your benefit only if your wages had been over the maximum amount taxable under FICA since the age of 22 . For 2015, the maximum amount of income on which workers in the U.S. pay FICA tax is $118,500 . Create Your Plan Today for a More Financially Secure Tomorrow While it’s likely – but of course, not certain – that a Social Security benefit will be available when you retire, it’s hard to know what your benefit will look like. So, understanding how Social Security works and visiting the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov) to estimate your future benefits are good first steps in planning for retirement. Steps you can take to help yourself prepare financially for the future: • • • • •
Participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401(k) plan) and contributing as much of your salary to it as you can. Using other retirement accounts – like an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) or Roth IRA – for further retirement savings and tax benefits. Developing a diversified investment strategy. Purchasing financial products (such as annuities) that can provide guaranteed payments for life. Working with a financial professional to fully explore your options for developing your plan for retire ment.
Annuities – Creating Your Source of Guaranteed Income An annuity is issued by an insurance company and may be an appropriate choice for you when it comes time to create a guaranteed source of income for retirement. That’s because you can structure an annuity to provide you with a guaranteed income for a specified period of time. You can even choose to receive your payments over your entire lifetime. It’s a great way to help ensure that you will have income you can count on in your retirement years. Speak with a Financial Professional today: Luis Alcala, Financial Representative - WestPac Wealth Partners, LLC Ph: (619) 684-8631 National City Chamber News 5
Policy
PUBLIC
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS FORECAST FOR APRIL 2016 Business Forecast
County Business Outlook Makes Strong Rebound
April 2016
Outlook above historical average County for firstBusiness time in nine months; divided on impact of presidential Outlook MakesBusinesses Strong Rebound election. Outlook above historical average for first time in nine months; Businesses divided on impact of presidential election
After a dramatic drop of more than 5 points last month, the business outlook among county businesses has surged and the Business Outlook Index (BOI) now stands at 26.9. This is the first time the BOI has been above After a dramatic drop of more than 5 points last month, the business outlook among county businesses has surged and the the historical average 25.3 since June 2015.This is the first time the BOI has been above the historical average of Business Outlook Index of (BOI) now stands at 26.9. 25.3 since June 2015.
Business Outlook Index Over Time
17 17
27
Historical avg 52 Week avg
19
Feb-16
Mar-16
Jan-16
Dec-15
Oct-15
Nov-15
Sep-15
Aug-15
Apr-15
Feb-15
Mar-15
Jan-15
Dec-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Sep-14
Jul-14
Jun-14
Apr-14
May-14
Feb-14
Mar-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Sep-13
Aug-13
23 25
Stock Market Drop
Minimum Wage Increase Adopted
Federal Government Shut Down
Jul-15
19
Jun-15
19
27 27 26 28 27 26 28 25 27 24 24 23 22 21
May-15
31 30 30 29 28 30 28 27
25
Aug-14
29
The upswing can be attributed to more confidence among businesses that they will be hiring and a sense that industry conditions are getting better. Those who see future prospects in their industry as improving more than doubled from last month to 19 percent. On the hiring front, large firms indicate they will be more likely to add employees as compared to other business sizes. By industry, manufacturing has seen a considerable BOI boost in outlook since the last quarter, going from 21 to 53 now. This current manufacturing BOI is one of the highest on record for any industry in any month. Employment confidence is up in this sector, with a large majority of manufacturers indicating they will add hours. Only 29 percent of the rest of the businesses believe they will increase the number of hours their employees work. Construction is another industry returning to more positive territory. Although still not a high-flying sector, development/construction improved its BOI nearly 20 points since the previous month. Healthcare, which seemingly comes under new pressures every month, is currently in the doldrums reporting a BOI of 6. It’s reduced expectations for hiring. Geographically, the surge since the previous quarter occurred outside the city. While San Diego proper had led the County during most of the Forecast’s history, now businesses outside the city limits are growing more optimistic. This new optimism is seen on all four of the Forecast’s metrics. San Diego businesses remained moderately
BOI by Industry Manufacturing Law/Legal/Security Health/Beauty/Fitness Development/Construction Real Estate Hospitality/Restaurants Transportation/Automotive Arts/Culture/Entertainment Retail
Maintenance Business consulting/Staffing Financial Advertising/Promotions Press/Media Cyber/IT/Software Printing/Design Education Healthcare/Medical
6 SPRING 2016
6
12
35 33 31 28 28 27 25 24 24 22 21 21 19
46 44
53
Policy
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NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
optimistic, but firms outside the city went from last month's BOI of 14 to a buoyant 29 this month, with the southern and eastern suburbs making the largest gains. As the presidential election dominates headlines, this month’s survey asked how much impact national politics have on local business and the campaigns’ effect on their industry’s future economic outlook. While no consensus was seen for the role national politics play on local business, half of those in the county are optimistic for how the presidential campaign may brighten the outlook of their industry. Nearly the same percentage of businesses report an impact from national politics as say there is little effect and in the middle are 13 percent of businesses who are unsure. Differences are seen in the size of company with large companies seeing the most impact. Fifty-four percent of large companies say the national outcomes will have at least a substantial impact on their business and 23 percent say it will impact them a lot. There is some pessimism for what the presidential campaigns may bring. County-wide 28 percent are more pessimistic after seeing how the campaigns have unfolded and large majorities of the press/media and printing/design industries see things as going downhill based on the campaigns.
About the Business Forecast The San Diego County Business Forecast, sponsored by Silvergate Bank, is a scientific look at where our region's economy is headed. The survey for this month’s installment was fielded March 15-31, 2016 by Competitive Edge Research & Communication using responses from 232 randomly-selected members of the San Diego, East County, Alpine, Escondido, Lakeside, Vista, Santee, and National City Chambers of Commerce. All Chamber members are invited to complete the survey either online or over the phone. The Business Outlook IndexTM (BOI) is comprised of four self-reported assessments regarding the next three months: Will a respondent’s business increase or decrease its number of employees, experience an increase or a decrease in revenue, increase or decrease the number of hours its employees work, and experience an improvement or a worsening of business conditions. For each assessment, definite and positive responses are scored 100, probable and positive responses are scored 50, neutral responses are scored 0, probable and negative responses are scored -50 and definite and negative responses are scored -100. The scores are summed and divided by 4 to get a range for the BOI of -100 to +100, with zero being a neutral outlook. Visit http://sdchamber.org/businessforecast to see past Business Forecasts.
About Silvergate Bank, Business Banking Redefined For over 25 years, as a San Diego based community bank, Silvergate provides a rewarding banking experience where the client’s needs always come first. Our business banking experts listen to needs and work to provide customized solutions to support your company’s growth and profit objectives. Our bankers are committed to superior responsiveness, local decision making, and the agility that allows our clients to choose the way they want to bank with us. To learn more, visit www.silvergatebank.com or contact Dino D’Auria at ddauria@silvergatebank.com.
About The National City Chamber of Commerce The National City Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the premier local Chamber of Commerce in the San Diego Region, is highly respected by the community as the unified voice of business, and participates as a major partner in planning the future of our community, insuring a healthy balance between economic prosperity and quality of life. The Chamber is an advocate for business friendly legislation at all levels of government, and is an organization with a strong, active membership. For more information, please visit NationalCityChamber.org or call 619-477-9339.
National City Chamber News 7
Policy
PUBLIC
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Reporting Guidelines for Holders of Unclaimed Property
STEPS TO REPORT UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Step 1 Identify Unclaimed Property Holders must review their books and records annually to determine if they have reportable property, whether tangible or intangible, that has remained unclaimed or in inactive accounts for the required dormancy period. For examples of unclaimed property, refer to the Unclaimed Property Dormancy Periods section of this guideline or visit www.sco.ca.gov/upd_rptg.html. Step 2 Perform Holder Due Diligence Due diligence is the process of locating apparent owners of property that has remained dormant or inactive on a holder’s books and records. Holders must send notices to owners of securities, safe deposit boxes, and property with a value of $50 or more prior to reporting the accounts to the State Controller’s Office (SCO). For complete requirements for notifying owners of unclaimed property and to view a sample due diligence letter, visit www.sco.ca.gov/upd_rptg.html. Step 3 Submit a Holder Notice Report California has an annual two-report process. The Holder Notice Report is the first step in the two-report process. The Holder Notice Report is due before November 1 of each year (May 1 for life insurance companies). Properties should not be remitted or delivered with the Holder Notice Report; any property received with this report will be returned to the holder. The SCO accepts the standard NAUPA II reporting format. For a link to free reporting software, visit www.sco.ca.gov/upd_rptg.html. Step 4 Respond to Owner Claims Resulting from SCO Notices After receiving the Holder Notice Report, the SCO sends its own due diligence notices to reported owners of securities, safe deposit boxes, and property valued at $50 or more. These notices instruct property owners to contact the holder to claim their unclaimed property before it is escheated to the SCO. If the property owner contacts the holder to claim their unclaimed property before the required Holder Remit Report due date of June 1 (December 1 for life insurance companies), the property is no longer considered dormant. Once contact has been made, the holder should return the property directly to the property owner. Step 5 Submit a Holder Remit Report and Remittance The Holder Remit Report is the second step in the two-report process. The Holder Remit Report is normally due between June 1 and June 15 of each year (December 1 and December 15 for life insurance companies). Property not yet claimed by the owner must be remitted with the Holder Remit Report. For owner accounts that are no longer unclaimed, the holder may either exclude the owner accounts from the report entirely, or include the owner accounts with an appropriate pay or deletion type code and show the property remit amount as zero. The Holder Remit Report should not include any property unreported on the original Holder Notice Report. If more unclaimed property is identified, it must be reported on a Supplemental Holder Notice Report.
8 SPRING 2016
IMPORTANT DATES Life Insurance Holders Before May 1
Holder Notice Report Due Date
Mid-October
SCO Deadline to Send Owner Notices
December 1 - 15
Holder Remit Report Due Date
All Other Holders Before November 1
Holder Notice Report Due Date
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY The Unclaimed Property Law allows the state to reunite lost and abandoned property with its rightful owner(s) and to safeguard these properties from being used by private interests for personal gain. What is unclaimed property? Unclaimed property is generally defined as any financial asset that has been left inactive by the owner for a period of time specified by law, usually three years. The California Unclaimed Property Law does not address real estate or abandoned personal property. Why must holders report unclaimed property? California’s Unclaimed Property Law (California Code of Civil Procedure, section 1500 et seq.) was enacted to ensure that property is returned to its rightful owner(s) and to relieve holders of the burden and liability of carrying or maintaining the property. The law requires businesses to review their books and records annually to determine if they hold any reportable property and provides California citizens a single source, the State Controller’s Office (SCO), to search for unclaimed property. Who must file and unclaimed property report? Business associations, banking and financial organizations, and life insurance corporations Non-profits, sole-proprietorships, and partnerships Other entities holding property belonging to another
Mid-April
SCO Deadline to Send Owner Notices
June 1 - 15
Holder Remit Report Due Date
California State Controller’s Office Unclaimed Property Division 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 www.sco.ca.gov/upd_rptg.html
Outreach and Compliance (916) 464-6088 UPDHolderOutreach@sco.ca.gov Reporting Assistance (916) 464-6284 UCPReporting@sco.ca.gov Claims Assistance (800) 992-4647 www.claimit.ca.gov
DORMANCY PERIODS This is a general guideline for dormancy periods for certain types of property. For more details, visit www.sco.ca.gov/upd_rptg.html. One Year Commissions; Ordered Refunds; Wages Three Years Cashier’s Checks; Demand Deposits (checking); Dividends; Interest; IRAs & Retirement Plans; Life Insurance Benefits, Escrow Accounts, Matured Time Deposits; Safe Deposit Boxes; Safekeeping Repositories; Savings; Stocks and Bonds; Written Instruments (uncashed checks) and Other Tangible and Intangible Property. Seven Years Money Orders Fifteen Years Travelers Checks
May 2015 National City Chamber News 9
2016 National City
BIKE
y a D
TO BUSINESS
Friday, May 20 Ride through the Chamber for healthy snacks & wellness services. Register for Bike to Work Day at iCommuteSD.com and claim your t-shirt & goodies at our pit stop.
Active Pit Stop:
6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
National City Chamber of Commerce 901 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950
www.gogreenbiz.org 619-477-9339 10 SPRING 2016
(RyanJLane/Getty Images)
National City
Get a FREE on-site energy and water evaluation of your facility (a $300 value) to fulfill the new requirement as a business licensee if your business has a storefront or office! The brief evaluation will be completed by an experienced evaluator at a time convenient for you.
Set up your appointment today!
FREE assistance and training to identify ways to reduce energy and water costs FREE energy and water rebate assistance and financing options for qualified projects and customers FREE “smart” power strips or other devices FREE notices about low or no cost business-specific services and rebates FREE secondary audit for qualifying customers by a San Diego Gas & Electric® contractor Low or no cost maintenance of: - Refrigeration systems - Water heaters
- Energy efficient lighting
Call (619) 476-2308, email Conservation@chulavistaca.gov or visit www.chulavistaca.gov/frebe to access the online appointment calendar.
The South Bay Energy Action Collaborative is a partnership between the Cities of National City, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Imperial Beach. For more information about the program, please contact the City of Chula Vista’s Conservation Section (they administer the program) at (619) 476-2308 or email Conservation@chulavistaca.gov. This initiative is part of the Local Government Partnership program, which is funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by SDG&E® under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
National City Chamber News 11
Corner
GREEN
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LOCAL SUPPLIES FROM CARLSBAD DESALINATION PLANT CERTIFIED AS DROUGHT-RESILIENT County water ratepayers benefit from investment through easing of state’s water-use mandates State regulators have certified the supply of potable water from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant as droughtresilient, reducing the regional impacts of emergency water-use mandates the state imposed in June 2015. Certification by the State Water Resources Control Board lowers the regional aggregate water conservation goal from 20 percent to about 13 percent, though water-use targets will continue to vary by local water agency. On Feb. 2, the State Board extended mandatory conservation Certified drought-resilient supplies from the Claude “Bud” measures for water agencies statewide through October and said it Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, reducing state-mandated water-use targets across the region. would reconsider the regulations after assessing reservoir levels as well as snowpack and regional water supply conditions in April. The State Board also approved supply credits toward meeting conservation targets for agencies that have developed local, drought-resilient supplies since 2013. The San Diego County Water Authority has worked closely with the state in recent months to ensure that local member agencies will benefit from investments in the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, which opened in December and produces about 50 million gallons per day of high-quality, drought-proof water that reduces the region’s reliance on other water sources. The Water Authority and its member agencies will continue to work with the State Board to refine the draft conservation standards issued today. “The state’s approval of local supply credits means that our local communities’ investments in drought-resilient water supplies will be rewarded during dry periods, and reinforces our region’s supply diversification strategy to improve water reliability,” said Mark Weston, chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. “This formal acknowledgment of our investments provides welcome relief from some of the unintended negative consequences of the state’s emergency water-use mandates. It will allow more residents to replace their lawns with WaterSmart landscapes, and provides businesses room to expand while continuing to use water efficiently – but we must continue to embrace our duty to conserve water during these unprecedented drought conditions.” Water-use efficiency is still critical because the state is in its fifth year of drought, and no one knows how long hot and dry conditions will last. Record-breaking high temperatures in February, combined with very little rain, put significant upward pressure on water use, underscoring the value of the region’s water supply diversification plan that includes drought-resilient supplies such as desalinated seawater. Despite El Niño conditions, snowpack is below average in key parts of the state, including the northern Sierra Nevada. However, precipitation is expected during the next week, and state law requires that irrigation systems remain off during storms and for 48 hours afterward. The Water Authority’s Board is expected to consider updated drought-response actions later this month, based on a variety of factors, including local water supplies, further modifications to the state’s water-use regulation and water deliveries from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Since June 2015, Water Authority member agencies have been under state mandates to reduce water use by 12 to 36 percent compared to 2013 levels, with a regional aggregate target of 20 percent. From June 2015 through January, the San Diego region reduced potable water use by 23 percent compared to the same months in 2013. Conserved water has been stored in the recently expanded San Vicente Reservoir. The Water Authority has advocated for state emergency water-use mandates to account for local supply condi12 SPRING 2016
Corner
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NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
tions instead of treating all regions of the state as if they’re facing the same level of water-use emergency. In San Diego County, a long-term water supply diversification plan launched after the drought of 1987-92 means the region, even as it faces a potential fifth year of drought, has enough water to meet 99 percent of normal demands this fiscal year. The initial state water-use regulation prevented San Diego County ratepayers from getting the benefit of the water supply investments they made. Local residents and businesses joined the Water Authority’s call for a more equitable and sustainable approach, which the State Board began to acknowledge in its revised regulation approved on Feb. 2. Under the draft state figures released today, certification of the Carlsbad desalinated supplies reduces each local agency’s water-savings target by up to 8 percentage points. However, the modified emergency regulation still requires that every local water agency reduce water use compared to 2013 baseline levels to ensure conservation continues during this drought emergency. The minimum water-use reduction is 8 percent compared to baseline levels, but most agencies in the San Diego region will still need to meet higher savings targets. For a comparison of local water agencies’ initial and draft revised targets, along with more information about the modified state regulations, go to www.sdcwa.org/state-board-regulations. The State Board may make additional adjustments to its water-use mandate based on how El Niño conditions affect state and local water supplies over the next several months. While the Sierra snowpack is better than in recent years, it would need to be around 150 percent of normal for the state to emerge from the drought, according to officials at the California Department of Water Resources.
RECEIVE A NO-COST ENERGY AUDIT AND LEARN WHERE YOU CAN SAVE ENERGY Check out SDG&E’s Business Energy Solutions program. New energyefficient equipment at no cost or a discount is available to eligible business customers. Simply take a moment to complete the interest form at sdge.com/BES. An authorized contractor will schedule an appointment to evaluate your facility, conduct an energy checkup at no cost, and provide a full report on potential energy-saving opportunities. Also, the Energy Innovation Center’s Workforce Education & Training program offers help to trade professionals, associations and businesses through industry-specific seminars, workshops and certification courses. There’s even a Food Service Demonstration Kitchen where food service professionals can test and compare over 40 pieces of energy-efficient equipment. Learn more at sdge.com/EIC.
For Program Information Contact: Stephanni Casas Green Business Program Coordinator (619) 477-9339 casas@nationalcitychamber.org
National City Chamber News 13
Business
FEATURED
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WRIGLEY'S SUPERMARKET SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT’S 2016 OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD CONGRATULATIONS on being selected as the Small Business of the Year from Assembly District #79 by Assemblymember Shirley Weber for the 2016 California Small Business Day in Sacramento on May 25th!! The event will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center. This is truly a momentous occasion thanks to the California Assembly passing a resolution in 2000 to honor small business! You will be one of approximately 80 small business owners honored out of 3.3 million in the State of California! The Senate and Assembly Leadership will be speaking in the morning session, as well as Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. The luncheon, which is the highlight of the day, is when your legislator will present the award to you, making a couple of brief statements on why you were selected to be honored. Ivan will be seated with his legislator for the luncheon and a photo will be taken to document this significant event. Over eighty legislators will have the honor of recognizing a small business from their district, making you a true VIP for the event. The final event of the day is the reception for honorees in the exhibit area, followed by optional tours of the Capitol. The event is sponsored by 25 small business organizations/chambers. It is wonderful to have these organizations and the State Legislature join together to “Salute Small Business!” There will be souvenir booklet to commemorate his honor and will be featured on the luncheon slide show with his company's bio. As an honoree, Ivan and one additional person will be guests of the sponsors for the day. We look forward to honoring you in Sacramento!
LA VISTA MEMORIAL PARK SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE 80TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT’S 2016 OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD This award recognizes businesses that fulfill the following: · Are located in the 80th District · Provide exemplary products and/or services · Commit to maintaining a healthy, safe, compassionate and fair work/service environment · View all employees and community members as valued stake holders · Embrace the diversity of our district · Empower and invest in our community La Vista Memorial Park embodies these values and exemplifies what it means to both run a successful business and give back to the community. Assemblywoman Gonzalez looks forward to presenting La Vista with a Certificate from the State Legislature, which can be displayed at their place of business.
14 SPRING 2016
Spot Light
AMBASSADOR
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MS. REBECCA "BECKY' CORTEZ SELECTED AS AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER The National City Chamber of Commerce recognizes those leaders who consistently go above and beyond their role as a Chamber Member. We recognize outstanding professionals that volunteer effortlessly at Chamber events and are commited not only to the Chamber, but to the National City Community as well. For our second recognition, we are pleased to recognize one of the "movers and shakers" of the Business Rendezvous Group (BRG), as well as an incredibly active Ambassador of the Chamber, Ms. Rebecca "Becky" Cortez of LifeVantage. Becky selflessly connects busineses together to assist one another at events and mixers, and she is consistenly visiting Chamber Members at their place of business to inquire how the Chamber can further improve their membership experience. Congratulations Becky, we at the Chamber would like to say thank you for all your time and contributions.
Rebecca "Becky" Cortez pictured (left), with her Husband John Moot.
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National City Chamber News 15 4/4/2016 12:38:20 PM
National City
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16 SPRING 2016
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opportunities
ADVERTISING
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Newsletter Ads: For new and current chamber members, it is a great idea to place your ad in our Chamber Newsletter that is published on a quarterly basis. Our Newsletter is distributed to over 600 Chamber members and posted on our website for easy downloading and email forwarding. Newsletters are also distributed to over 3,000 contacts from the chamber's database, posted on social media, and shared at special events throughout the quarter. PRICE RANGE: $50 (business card ad) - $250 (full page color ad) Monthly Mailers: The Chamber’s monthly mailers are an excellent way to promote your business, event, workshop, or discount product or service to National City businesses, residents, and community partners. You deliver us 600 copies, and we prepare the postage and mailing. Mailers are due the first week of each month. PRICE: $150 Members / $250 Non Members Electronic Mailers: Email your flyer to our extensive database of business and community contacts. PRICE: $50 per e-flyer sent out Member Discount Program: The National City Chamber of Commerce has instituted a program where new and current members can provide a generous discount to other Chamber members when they purchase a particular product or service. The program not only helps other members but also provides additional exposure for participating businesses. FREE to participate. Contact us at (619) 477-9339. 2016 Breakfast Meetings: The Chamber hosts bi-monthly breakfast meetings. You can sponsor a breakfast meeting and provide excellent exposure for your business to an active group of business leaders, prospective clients, City officials, and elected representatives. Breakfast sponsorships offer display tables, prominent banner placement, logo in program, live recognition, and commercial time. Secure your sponsorship today! Limit 4 sponsors per breakfast meeting. Breakfast Sponsorships: $50 - $500 *June Sponsorship Available! Mobile Apps MyChamberApp is a mobile directory built for the National City Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members can find and promote their Chamber businesses, events, and network within their local community. Equipped with location based mobile technology, the information is instantly geographically relevant, making it a great way to find local discounts and hot deals. It is available to download for free on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry. Check out how we can help your business today! Only $10 per year. Offer a discount on the new Visit National City Mobile App. $10 per year. Contact campbell@nationalcitychamber.org to participate! Visit National City is the official tourism campaign of the city of National City. The campaign is focused on driving visitors including business travelers, military/defense groups, conventioneers, travelers from Mexico and boat owners to visit, explore, shop, dine and stay in National City.
Social Media Facebook is another great way to promote your business; you may send us a PDF or JPEG image of a flyer, coupon, or other advertisement and a short message (less than 420 characters) that we can then upload to Facebook and distribute widely. Many of the posted items will also be posted simultaneously to our Twitter account. NationalCityChamber
@ncccommerce
Offering discounts to members and non-members is an excellent way to attract customers to your business. As a member you have an opportunity to post coupons on our website under the “Hot Deal” section. You may preview our “Hot Deals” section at: http://www. nationalcitychamber.org/hot-deals/. Use your personalized login information to submit your deal.
National City Chamber News 17
Chamber Programs
NEW
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ambassador Program It is the mission of the National City Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program to promote member commitment and retention by raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits; Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership; Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber's programs; and Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership. The Ambassador Program consists of volunteers from the Chamber membership who donate their time to assist the Chamber in various activities. Are you interested in serving as a Chamber Ambassador? If so, please contact the Chamber office by email at reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org or by phone at 619.477.9339 Business Rendezvous Led by Business Development Committee member, Chris Butcher of Telepacific Communications, and Committee Chair, Paul Robinson of CPP Printing & Direct Mail Marketing, a newly formed chamber networking group, called "Business Rendezvous," is creating a new buzz. This group was developed to connect business professionals and create meaningful business relationships that result in business growth. Interested? Join us 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 11:45 am. RSVP to reynoso@nationalcitychamber. org Business Forecast The Chamber is dedicated to bringing up-to-date, relevant and important information to the business community. To that end, the National City Chamber - in partnership with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce - has launched a new monthly economic report conducted by Competitive Edge research that provides valuable insights into future trends of the regional business community. Lookout for the next publication of Business Forecast and participate in the monthly surveys. Chamber Bucks Creating a strong and unified business voice depends on the strength of our membership. We have created a Chamber Bucks loyalty program to incentivize members to refer new member prospects. For every new member that you refer, you will earn $25 in Chamber Bucks. Chamber Bucks may be redeemed for ads in the Chamber News, membership renewal, or used toward special event booth fees. Mobile Apps MyChamberApp is a mobile directory built for the National City Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members can find and promote their Chamber businesses, events, and network within their local community. Equipped with location based mobile technology, the information is instantly geographically relevant, making it a great way to find local discounts and hot deals. It is available to download for free on the iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry. Check out how we can help your business today! Only $10 per year. Visit National City is the official tourism campaign of the city of National City. The campaign is focused on driving visitors including business travelers, military/defense groups, conventioneers, travelers from Mexico and boat owners to visit, explore, shop, dine and stay in National City. Offer a discount on the new Visit National City Mobile App. $10 per year. Contact campbell@nationalcitychamber.org to participate!
National City Chamber of Commerce Partners with World Pay Offering $200 Credit Toward Membership for Signing Up Today I’d like to introduce our newest Member to the Chamber – Worldpay. They are the 2nd largest direct processor of Merchant services in the world. We are very excited to have such a leader in the Industry join our group. In an effort to show Members how much we support them – we are offering a $200 credit towards your Membership if you convert your services to them. The Chamber is already on board with them! Please reach out to Ellie Hirasuna at 619-753-1341 or ellie.hirasuna@worldpay.us to see what Worldpay can do for you! There is no cost or obligation to review your options. 18 SPRING 2016
KEEP CALM AND
BE AN AMBASSADOR
Business Redezvous Group
Resources
PROGRAMS & BUSINESS
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE NOW OFFERS FOUR YEAR DEGREES Southwestern College is launching the most extensive community college baccalaureate degree program in the county in partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University, and it has been ranked among the best community colleges in California – and the top community college in the region – by the website BestColleges.com. Southwestern College is the home to more than 300 associate degree and certificate of achievement programs. In addition to its campuses in Chula Vista, Otay Mesa and National City, Southwestern College operates the Crown Cove Aquatic Center, a facility dedicated to boating education. And now Southwestern College is partnering with Point Loma Nazarene University to launch an extensive, on-site baccalaureate program with the university that offers students four bachelor degrees at the community college campus. Under the partnership, Southwestern College students who are accepted into Point Loma Nazarene University partnership programs can earn bachelor degrees in Nursing, Criminal Justice, Management & Relational Development, and Child & Adolescent Development without having to leave the Chula Vista district. The baccalaureate programs in Nursing and in Criminal Justice launched in September of 2015. The Management & Relational Development program and the Child & Adolescent Development program launch in the spring of 2016. All told, this is the most extensive baccalaureate program that Point Loma Nazarene University has signed to deliver with a community college. The four programs will be able to accommodate a total of up to 200 new students per semester. “Southwestern College prides itself on its commitment to student success through a wide range of academic and workforce training programs, and this new partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University furthers the options available to our students,” said Southwestern College President Dr. Melinda Nish.
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE'S CENTER FOR BUSINESS ADVANCEMENT Southwestern College is taking a critical step in fueling South County's growing economic clout with a new Center for Business Advancement in National City. Construction is targeted for completion by December of 2016. The Center for Business Advancement will be suited on the first floor of Southwestern College's renovated Higher Education Center on National City Boulevard. The Center for Business Advancement brings under one roof the San Diego & Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center and the San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center, along with a counselor from the San Diego Center for International Trade Development. All three agencies are affiliated with Southwestern College, which has long had a strong prescence in National City. For more information, visit: www.swccd.edu/businessdevelopment
National City Chamber News 19
Chamber Business Resources Green Business Program
SDSU Technical Assistance Program
A green business adapts its practices to conserve and use renewable resources, and holds itself accountable for environmental and social impacts. It operates in a responsible manner, protecting the environment whenever possible. The National City Chamber of Commerce Green Business Program is designed to help businesses become sustainable, or “GREEN,” saving energy costs. The program promotes businesses and other organizations that demonstrate environmentally friendly practices and resource conservation. Participation in the program is voluntary and free.
This is an ongoing technical assistance program designed to assist women owned, minority owned and other small businesses, as the key target populations. Call (619)594-3950.
Benefits:
Installation and/or retrofit of energy efficient equipment at no cost/low cost. FREE energy toolkit. FREE advertising and promotion for your business. Community recognition of your voluntary efforts to improve our environment. Cost savings through improved efficiency Free Workshops and Seminars.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Legal Clinic The Small Business Law Center (SBLC) will help underserved local businesses and support community economic development in San Diego. The transactional clinic will provide pro bono legal assistance to small businesses and nonprofits in the community. Assistance is offered in: business formation, contract review and negotiation, commercial leasing, subsidized property transactions, nonprofit tax exemption, permitting and licensing, and employment issues. Call (619) 961-4382.
National City’s City Manager Round Table Wednesdays Once a month on the 1st Wednesday at 9am, the City Manager’s office invites the business community to participate in a round Table open forum with all City Department Heads. Those interested in asking questions, addressing their concerns and needs are invited to participate. Sign up today!
SCORE Business Counseling SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE also provides local workshops and events to connect small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow, and maintain their businesses, as well as online workshops available 24/7. SCORE provides resources, templates and tools to assist entrepreneurs in developing tools and plans they need to navigate their way to small business success. Available at Chamber Office every Wednesday (9am-1pm). Schedule an appointment at (619) 557-7272. 20 SPRING 2016
Consulting services that can be provided: - Business Plan Creation - Business Expansion - Market Study - Market Research - Advertising and Promotion - Web Site Development - Search Optimization - Internet Use - Computer Training - Contract Bidding - Time Management Scheduling
- Customer Relations
- Cost Analysis and Control - Export/Import - Inventory Control - Special Government Programs - Taxes - Accounting/Bookkeeping - Insurance - Personnel Management Training
SBDC
The Small Business Development Center delivers management assistance and training to small businesses. Additional on-site resources are also available including a library of guides for various types of businesses. For more information visit online www.sandiegosbdc.org or call (619) 482-6391.
Center for International Trade
The San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD), hosted by Southwestern College, helps small and medium-sized businesses with international trade. If you're a seasoned import/export pro with a specific issue, or completely new to the expanding world of exporting, we have an International Trade Specialist who can answer your questions... for free! Schedule an appointment at (619) 482-6393
CA Competes Tax Credit Program The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California. Tax credit agreements will be negotiated by GO-Biz and approved by a statutorily created “California Competes Tax Credit Committee,” consisting of the State Treasurer, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Director of GO-Biz, one appointee each by the Speaker of the Assembly and Senate Committee on Rules. For more information visit the CA Competes Website at www.business.ca.gov
TO LEARN MORE CALL OR VISIT US
National City Chamber of Commerce (619) 477-9339 901 National City Blvd., National City, CA
www.NationalCityChamber.org
Resources
PROGRAMS & BUSINESS
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS The America’s Job Center of California have specially-trained staff to ensure veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training opportunities. How do we do this? The South County Career Center – Puts Veterans FIRST ~ Priority Service! Priority Services: As a veteran, you are entitled to receive a Priority in Service, which includes: *Assistance by Veteran Specialists who are dedicated to providing priority employment and training services to Veterans. *A 24-hour “Veterans Only” hold on all new job orders received by the CalJOBS Labor Exchange System. *Placement of qualified veterans' résumés before non-veterans' résumés on job order screens that are viewed by EDD staff or prospective employers. What you should do FIRST: *Enroll in CalJOBS at– http://www.caljobs.ca.gov/ Fill out the Veterans’ Questionnaire form. *Visit the South County Career Center ~ 1111 Bay Blvd. Suite E. Chula Vista, CA. 91911, *Ask to speak with a Veteran Representatives. *Attend one of our Orientation sessions. CONTACT: Enemias Rocha (LVER) Enemias.Rocha@edd.ca.gov (619) 628-0341
Chairman's Circle
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chairman’s Circle has been created to prominently recognize companies whose continual support has been instrumental in the growth of the National City Chamber of Commerce and its business members. In addition to visibility in the Chamber’s Newsletter, referral guide and event programs, Chairman’s Circle members receive priority seating at Chamber events, complimentary use of the Chamber's Conference Room and invitations to special member-only receptions. Chairman’s Circle members enjoy the convenience of a one-time, all inclusive transaction that insures representation at Chamber events. Through a choice of five levels of financial commitment, benefit packages are tailored to meet individual preferences. Companies who are committed to the Chairman’s goals and objectives are invited to arrange for a visit to discuss the benefits and privileges of membership. Contact President/CEO Jacqueline Reynoso at (619) 890-6614 or reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org. Official Airline Sponsor
Official Media Sponsor
National City Chamber News 21
News
CITY
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NC PUBLIC WORKS - JOE IBARRA RETIRES AFTER 41 YEARS Out of high school, Joe Ibarra started with the City of National in the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) for a period of almost two years. This program trained workers and provided them with jobs in the public service. In the City, Joe worked in the Parks Division and eventually transferred over to Streets as an Equipment Operator. He was promoted to Senior Equipment Operator and served in the position for 25 years. For the last five years, Joe has been the Streets and Wastewater Superintendent, until recently when he retired after 41 years. Joe will enjoy his retirement with his family and grandchildren, play golf, fish, go to padre games, and continue to be Head Wrestling Coach at Sweetwater High School.
NATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - DR. CHRISTOPHER ORAM RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS The National School District is proud to recognize Dr. Chris Oram as the 2016 Centurion Award Recipient. After 37 years as a teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent and superintendent -- all spent in the National School District, Dr. Chris Oram has decided to retire. During his tenure in National School District, he has accomplished the following: • • • • • • • • • •
Awarded two Golden Bell awards for the district Maintained financial stability in spite of the worst budget period in California history, while maintaining low class size in grades TK-3 Implemented a dual-immersion program at Kimball School Upgraded its technology infrastructure Restored the third grade swimming and water safety program Initiated a district-wide ELD program, a comprehensive writing program and are in the implementation year of a new math adoption Implemented the Instructional Enrichment Wheel that provides five hours of quality collaboration time for all teachers and access to quality PE and arts instruction for all students in the District Developed Common Core Instructional units for language arts and mathematics that will become the foundation for all District curriculum and instruction initiatives in the future Has successfully implemented a new data team structure Passed a bond in 2014 that will provide air conditioning and upgraded power to every classroom in the District
In the words of Dr. Oram, “My heartfelt thanks for believing in the children of National School District and for making a difference every day! I want to thank all of you who have worked with me in the many roles that I have had in this District from my beginning in 1979 as a first grade teacher at Lincoln Acres to my current position as superintendent. You have all been a big part of so many happy memories. I will always feel connected to the National School District and feel part of the family we have here!”
22 SPRING 2016
News
CITY
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TEACHERS COLLABORATE, STUDENTS LEARN ARTS Enrichment program allows instructors to step away and spend time assessing their classrooms Every other Wednesday, Cynthia Valle-Lone leaves her sixth-graders in the hands of another instructor so she can spend the morning huddled with a small group of teachers and work on ways to help students do better in school. The time together gives the teachers a chance to look at which child needs a gentle boost and which needs to be pushed harder. Then they develop learning strategies to take back to their classrooms at Lincoln Acres Elementary. Valle-Lone said she values the time to collaborate with her colleagues, and her students love it, too. She said they ask excitedly on Wednesdays if it’s the day Diana Rios, one of 19 full-time enrichment teachers hired by the National School District to teach arts, will be there. The children now are learning to read and play music, but they also study dance, theater and visual arts in five-week sessions throughout the school year. The program also has a physical education component. Launched in 2014, the new approach has been a success for students and teachers alike. When Valle-Lone bows out of the classroom, Rios steps in with a lesson plan ready to go. That’s the way it works throughout the district’s 10 schools. It means classroom teachers get real free time to collaborate because they don’t have to prepare materials for the enrichment teacher. “It’s an added bonus to have someone coming in with a lesson plan for the kids,” Valle-Lone said. “They do a lot of activities that we don’t have a lot of time to plan for.” Teaming up with other teachers in the same grade level allows Valle-Lone and her colleagues to take a good look at the positive things going on in the classroom and see the areas where they need to focus more attention, she said. The teacher said one example of a benefit students are getting is that they are finding out there are different ways to learn a subject. They’re also making improvements to their math skills without knowing it. Valle-Lone likes that what the children are learning in arts directly relates to the work she does with them in the classroom. Last week, the students spent the morning going over notes, measures and time signatures that are the basics of music theory. They counted out the beats of 1/8 notes, 1/4 notes, 1/2 notes and whole notes, and easily connected the concept to fractions. To teach rhythmic values, Rios used an interactive white board to move notes onto the screen as she asked which ones could be used to make up two, three or four beats. As the students answered, she guided them to work with each other. “Don’t tell me, tell your neighbor,” she said as she encouraged the class to share their knowledge. That’s what Julian Escamilla, 11, did as he and other students moved around their groups to look at each others work. The music lesson was easier for him because “math is the thing I’m good at.” “Each of the notes represents a number of beats,” he said. “I did a 1/4 note and a 1/2 note for three beats. It’s similar to math because you’re adding.” As Rios moved on to discuss harmony and pitch, the students wrote music notes on worksheets. “This is a lower tone and when you go up it’s a higher tone,” said Angel Ramirez, 11, as he arranged ascending notes on a staff. “It’s kind of like math. Three-four is three quarters, and four-four is a whole.” Rios said the students love what they’re learning. “Music is a whole different language,” she said. “Their brain is having to wrap around a different concept. It’s giving them a chance to be creative. It’s exciting to see how each kid is creative in their own way.” That her lessons incorporate with what students learn from Valle-Lone is a plus because “it’s learning math in a different way,” she said. “It’s math that you can hear,” Rios said. National City Chamber News 23
News
CITY
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL CITY AQUATIC CENTER AT PEPPER PARK LOOKING TO SECURE AN OPERATOR The long-awaited National City Aquatic Center at Pepper Park is almost completed and is looking to secure an operator. National City’s City Council authorized an action on Feb. 16 to negotiate terms with Southwestern College in Chula Vista to be the “onsite provider of aquatic programming.” If negotiations are successful Southwestern College would offer environmental, recreational and safety programs on and by the water. The Aquatic Center is adjacent to Pier 32 Marina. “Southwestern College has expressed an interest in contracting with the city to be the operator of the Aquatic Center,” Audrey Denham of National City’s Community Development Department told council members. National City would fully subsidize the first year of the center’s $200,000 operation; the subsidy would decrease $50,000 each year until 2021, when Southwestern College would be responsible for operating the entire Aquatic Center. “The $200,000 subsidy does not account for revenue collected for programs offered at the [Aquatic Center]; such revenues would reduce the public subsidy,” city staff stated. The city would also spend an additional $110,000 to provide watercraft, lifejackets, safety equipment, promotional materials, office furniture, and storage systems. Kayaking, rowing and sailing would be among the activities enjoyed at the Aquatic Center. The center also includes boat storage, locker rooms, restrooms and showers. Denham said National City and Southwestern College would work together to find alternate funding sources to help lessen the city’s obligations. Southwestern College has experience operating aquatic-themed programming, according to city staff. The institution of higher learning operates Crown Cove Aquatic Center and promotes safe boating education and instruction. One of these funding sources is a $60,000 grant the city applied for to pay for community open houses. The Aquatic Center would also be available to rent by the community for private parties, weddings and other events. Negotiations would begin after Southwestern College is given direction by its governing board how to proceed. City staff stated the direction would be provided at some point in March. If the college’s governing board agrees to pursue the opportunity Southwestern and National City would bring an operating agreement to the City Council for approval during the spring. The Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners would vote on the agreement, if all goes as planned, in June. The 4,700-square-foot Aquatic Center has been in the works since 2004. Pier 32 Marina originally sought to be the center’s operator but, according to city staff, backed out of negotiations with National City “due to the financial uncertainty of operating the [Aquatic Center], based on the challenges of receiving public funds through a for-profit enterprise to subsidize the operation.” Southwestern College possesses non-profit status. Council members hoped the Aquatic Center, which has been under construction since October 2013, would be open with an operator in place in time for the summer boating season. At least $4.5 million has already been committed to the project. The Aquatic Center was previously known as the Waterfront Adventure Center. 24 SPRING 2016
News
CITY
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PORT ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF LAND EXCHANGE WITH PACIFIC AND THE CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION In a step forward for redeveloping the Chula Vista Bayfront, North C.V. Waterfront L.P., also known as Pacifica, the California State Lands Commission, and the Port of San Diego closed escrow on a land exchange on February 18, 2016. The Port exchanged approximately 35 acres located within the Harbor District of the Chula Vista Bayfront, east of the marina for approximately 97 acres, located within the environmentally sensitive Sweetwater District of the Chula Vista Bayfront. The land exchange is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Chula Vista Bayfront, gradually replacing former industrial sites with new development providing a balance of jobs, environmental buffers, housing and recreation. The land exchange shifts high density residential land uses away from the environmentally sensitive Sweetwater District, which is adjacent to the National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center, to the centrally located Harbor District. The California Coastal Commission approved the full, approximately 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan in August 2012. A joint planning effort of the Port, the City of Chula Vista and Pacifica, the project has been in the works for years. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project includes a future convention center, signature park, open space, recreation, and cultural areas.
STARDUST INN UNDERGOES UPGRADES AND GETS NEW SIGNAGE
An "unofficial National City Landmark" received some major upgrades recently, sporting a fresh new front sign welcoming all visitors into National City. The STARDUST INN, owned by Mike Jariwala said he and his wife have been working real hard, and are proud of their Inn. The property has undergone new paint all around, upgrades to the rooms including USB charging ports, flatscreen tv's, and tiled showers, a redone guest lobby, and the new front signage. "This is just the start...we have blueprints to add extended stay suites to our property, and are currently redesigning the landscape," said Mr. Jariwala. Mike stated that it was important to him and his wife to make sure their Inn looks its best at all times, since their property is at the entrance of National City, right off the 805 freeway at Plaza Boulevard. If you have not checked out the the STARDUST INN recently, we recommend you do! 1700 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950 Ph: (619) 474-6491.
National City Chamber News 25
In The News
MEMBERS
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
‘KITCHENISTAS’ BREAK DOWN HEALTH BARRIERS Program at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center gives National City residents new ways to eat healthy The women huddled closely together in the spacious kitchen, surrounding a counter topped with dishes of enormous strawberries, corn, onions, mounds of kale and tomatoes. Soon, the smell of fresh garlic took over the room. On the menu that day: kale salad with jalapeño vinaigrette, Mexicanstyle lentils with garden tomatoes and chiles, salsa ranchera and tortillas made of low fat masa or dough. Executive Chef Miguel Valdez of The Red Door restaurant led the bilingual cooking lesson. The women watched intently as he passed on new cooking tips, to which they “ooohed and aaahed” occasionally. The seven-week course known as “Cooking for Salud,” or “Cooking for Health,” is one of many at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City, an organization that promotes healthier lifestyles through organic gardening, environmental stewardship and nutrition education. The women enrolled in the course are the focus of a new documentary film set to screen Monday in the San Diego Latino Film Festival. The film, “The Kitchenistas of National City,” chronicles their journey to creating healthier lifestyles. The program has had a significant ripple effect in National City, an impoverished, largely Latino community long troubled with health concerns such as diabetes and obesity. Large concentrations of fast-food restaurants and limited access to healthier food options have exacerbated the problem in this South County city, where most residents have to travel more than 1 mile to reach the nearest supermarket, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The city doesn’t have major grocery store chains such as Vons or Ralphs. Olivewood Gardens is hoping to bridge that gap, with hands-on, sustainable programs such as Cooking for Salud. The program, which began in 2013, gives community members an array of tools to transform daily eating habits, with the hope that they will pass that knowledge on to future generations. Once they complete the course, they graduate as “Kitchenistas.” “It’s had an impact on my entire family because now I’m trying to change everything. I’m becoming more conscious of how to make that change,” said Aureny Aranda, whose family struggles with obesity. Aranda, 47, spent nearly two years on a waiting list before being selected for the program. “This course gives us the resources that we had been missing,” she said. The course, held twice a year, is limited to 15 participants each session as a way for the group to form a tight bond, according to Olivewood Executive Director Healy Vigderson. Currently, the organization has a one-year waiting period for the program. Film directors Mary Ann Beyster and David Romero followed the Kitchenistas over the course of two years. “This is a community that’s saying, ‘I don’t have to be unhealthy. I don’t have to get diabetes. This isn’t a given. We‘re going to take on some very embedded social norms and traditions and we’re going to change them,” said Beyster. Beyster said she was particularly struck by the women’s passion. “There are men involved, but I will tell you that what strikes me is this passionate maternal instinct that is coming from the Kitchenistas, which is generational. They are thinking about the next generation. They’re on a journey,” she said. Fewer cases of diabetes are being diagnosed in U.S. adults, according to statistics released in December by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of new diabetes cases dropped to 1.4 million last year, compared with 1.7 million in 2009. 26 SPRING 2016
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It’s unclear if this downward trend is reflected in National City, which in past years has had the highest diabetes rate in San Diego County. An estimated 10.4 percent of adults ages 18 and over had been diagnosed with diabetes between 2011-2012, second only to Chula Vista, where 12.1 percent of the adult population had been diagnosed with the disease, according to the most recent data from the county’s Health and Human Services Agency.
THE MARIACHI SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation is celebrating their 20th Anniversary next year! A full year of events begins with the first ever "San Diego Mariachi Festival, 2016” from August 18-21, including concerts by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Champaña Nevin, Divas, Garibaldi and many student mariachis from around the Southwest, as well as conferences on women in mariachi and the life of Rubén Fuentes (widely regarded as the most important person in the history of mariachi music). Events throughout the year will include Mariachi Champaña Nevin’s annual Día de Muertos concert (Oct. 20), the National City Chamber of Commerce MariachiFest and USD Mariachi Conference (March 12, 2017), and the MSF annual scholarship presentation (TBA).
16 WOMEN ACROSS LORENA GONZALEZ’S DISTRICT ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez honored more than a dozen local women last week for their leadership in her 80th Assembly District. Sixteen women who live and work in San Diego, Chula Vista and National City received “Women of the Year” awards, which coincided with International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The recognition was given by Gonzalez at the Chula Vista Civic Center Library branch. It was the third annual Woman of the Year awards ceremony. “These exceptional women reflect the best of the 80th District and we’re excited to recognize their tremendous work to benefit our community,” Gonzalez said. “We’re fortunate to be inspired by their example and to benefit from their contributions to making the 80th District such a wonderful place to live and work.” Ashley Nell Tipton, one of the 2016 award recipients, was the winner of the 14th season of “Project Runway,” a fashion design competition that airs on Bravo. A Chula Vista resident, Tipton, 24, became the first designer to show a plus-size collection at New York Fashion Week. She graduated from San Diego’s Fashion Careers College and throughout her journey had to overcome challenges with dyslexia and bullying. Additional 2016 honorees include Anabel Arauz, Maribel Mckinze, Sandy Naranjo, Patty Chavez, Dr. Aurora Cudal-Rivera, Ileana Ovalle Engel, Kiryana Fulgencio & Gem Murillo, Ana Melgoza, Amina Sheik Mohamed, Diane Moss, Snooky Rico, Brittany Sheahan, Nora Vargas and Betty Waznis.
National City Chamber News 27
In The News
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NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
19-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WITH GENETIC DISORDER GETS A NEW CHANCE AT LIFE AT PARADISE VALLEY HOSPITAL Alexis Presutti was barely able to bend her right knee. The 19-year-old walked with a pronounced limp, and suffered from chronic pain due to several tumors behind the knee and along her leg on her femur and tibia. The tumors also compressed her nerves and affected her blood flow. Her life has been a daily ritual of pain, limited motion and functionality since she was a young child. Presutti suffers from a rare bone disease called Multiple Osteochrondomatosis (MO), also commonly known as Multiple Hereditary Exostosis (MHE). This disease occurs mostly in children, and causes spurs or boney tumors to develop on the child’s bones. These non-cancerous tumors develop with their own cartilage, and they grow outward from the metaphyses or “growth plates” of the child’s longer bones, such as the bones in the legs. The severity of the disease varies widely from person to person. Some may have just a small amount of tumors, but most people with this condition develop many more, some in the hundreds. MHE is a mostly genetic disorder that affects one out of every 50,000 people. It is a “genetic autosomal dominant” hereditary disorder, which means that a person with MHE has a 50% chance or passing this on to his or her children. Although this is mostly congenital disease, roughly 10%-20% of the people who have it developed it via a spontaneous mutation. These tumors can cause numerous problems, including nerve and blood vessel compression; irritation of tendons or muscles, which result in pain and limitation of motion; skeletal deformity; short stature; limb length discrepancy; chronic fatigue; and arthritis. There is also a 2%-5% risk over a lifetime that the tumors would eventually turn malignant. Presutti and her family came to Dr. Harish Hosalkar, an orthopedic surgeon based in San Diego and affiliated with the San Diego Spine & Joint Center at Paradise Valley Hospital. Dr. Hosalkar also sits on the scientific and advisory board of the national MHE Research Foundation, and he has over 20 years of experience treating patients who have suffered from MO/MHE. He performed complex tumor excision and reconstructive surgery on Presutti that lasted several hours, carefully removing all of her tumors while protecting her nerves, arteries, veins and muscles. Her later recovery at the Spine & Joint Center included extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. A few months later, as a result of her care under Dr. Hosalkar, Presutti is now moving with significant improvement in mobility and function, virtually pain-free and without the need for braces or orthotic aids. Her gait has been normalized, and she has a virtual full-range of motion in her knee with no instability. “Alexis’s trust in Dr. Hosalkar is complete and unquestioned,” said Presutti’s mother Veronica Starback. “His mere presence calmed Alexis down before the surgeries. That meant so much to me as a parent.” Starback added, “In our humble opinion, Dr. Hosalkar and his team at the San Diego Spine & Joint Center represent what should be the standard for patient care.”
28 SPRING 2016
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NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LA VISTA MEMORIAL PARK HACIENDA HALL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY La Vista Memorial Park hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to announce their newly built Hacienda Hall. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 1:00pm. Guests in attendance included Vice Mayor Jerry Cano, National City Council Members, National City Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jacqueline Reynoso and staff, National City Historical Society, and several community leaders. La Vista Memorial Park is located at: 3191 Orange St. National City, CA 91950.
BIG BEN SPECIALTY MARKET/GRILL HOUSE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Big Ben introduced its Grill House restaurant to the National City Community with food and drink specials, a DJ, raffles, and performances. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, March 5, 2016. They are a specialty foods market and education center, featuring locally grown produce and other products including fresh tortillas, pita, guacamole, salsas, fresh deli to name a few; fresh, from-scratch meals to-go and Grill House at Big Ben, an open-air restaurant. Big Ben's specialty Market/Grill House is located at: 108 E 8th St. National City, CA 91950
THE POLYNESIAN PRODUCT STORE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Congratulations to Esera & Marie on a successful grand opening of their store on Wednesday, May 4th 2016, which included special guests: Senator Afoa Lutu and faletua Etenauga, Pastor Benson Mauga and their faletua Mouena, Pastor Fouina Solomona and faletua Tui. Also in attendance was another special guest Luisa Seau, mother of Ex-San Diego Charger, the late Junior Seau. The Polynesian Product Store sells a variety of goods from the Polynesian Islands. It is a place where all islanders can meet and have a taste of their homeland everyday. The Polynesian product Store is located at: 3403 E. Plaza Blvd. National City, CA 91950
National City Chamber News 29
Event Recap
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE STAR NEWS BEST OF SOUTH COUNTY RED CARPET PARTY - January 27, 2016 The Star-News held a red carpet event for the Best of South County Party on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from 5pm - 8pm. Readers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite businesses in National City, Chula Vista and Bonita in the categories of Environment, Entertainment, Shopping, Food and Health. The community celebrated local businesses with photo opportunities on the red carpet, networking with business and community leaders, amazing food, swag bags sponsored by AT&T for all who attended, opportunity drawings and more!
NATIONAL CITY BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS TOUR NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO - February 24, 2016 Thank you Naval Base San Diego and Captain Curt Jones for touring National City Business and Civic Leaders around Naval Base San Diego on February 24th, 2016, to learn about operations, economic impact, and communtiy welfare in the region. A sincere thanks to Wrigley's and Ivan Arabo for leading this effort on behalf of the National City Chamber of Commerce.
"DOES YOUR THINKING LIMIT YOUR SUCCESS?" BI-MONTHLY MEMBER'S BREAKFAST MEETING - February 25, 2016 On February 25th, 2016, the National City Chamber of Commerce hosted their bi-monthly breakfast meeting at the Clarion Hotel in National City. The presentation was conducted by Ms. Leisa Reid from Productive Learning. Ms. Jacqueline Reynoso, President/CEO of the National City Chamber of Commerce, also congratulated and welcomed all of the new Chamber Members with their membership plaques. The presentation was unique and informative. The attendees left with a fresh view point on how to tackle obstacles in daily life.
4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CITY INTERNATIONAL MARIACHI FESTIVAL & COMPETITION - March 13, 2016 Whether they performed on stage, danced in the aisles, took in the food booths or simply watched and cheered, the estimated 20,000 people who attended the fourth annual International Mariachi Festival & Competition in National City’s Pepper Park were full of pride. “It makes me happy and makes me realize that music is an important part of life,” said Chanah Barton, 17, a senior at Bonita Vista High School, who sang a solo and played the violin, an instrument she took up just two years ago. College music programs are beginning to recognize ma30 SPRING 2016
Event Recap
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
riachi as a genre worth studying, according to Jeff Nevin. In 2004, the Southwestern College music professor started what he thinks was the nation’s first mariachi music major. His mastery of the trumpet at age 15 gave him his introduction to the form. Sponsored by the National City Chamber of Commerce, the festival celebrates South Bay’s Hispanic connections, said Jacquelyn Reynoso, the Chamber’s CEO and President. It also helps boost the city’s tourism appeal. Audience members clapped, cheered and videotaped the various acts. The twirling dancers and upbeat tunes brought Chula Vista resident Eva Garcia, 72, to her feet. “I just like it,” she said. She attends every year.
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDED WITH A PROCLAMATION - April 12, 2016 On April 12th, 2016, the County of San Diego honored the National City Chamber of Commerce with a Proclamation presented by Supervisor Greg Cox and Ms. Barbara Jimenez for partnering with Live Well San Diego, in an initiative to achieve the County's mission of Safe, Healthy, & Thriving Communities.
6TH ANNUAL CAREER PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS JOB FAIR - April 13, 2016 On April 13, 2016, the National City Chamber of Commerce, South County Career Center, City of National City and the Small Development Center hosted the 6th Annual Career Pathways to Success Job Fair. This year’s job fair focused on employers in the growth industries of Automotive, Healthcare, Hospitality and Maritime. There were over 70 participating employers attracting more than 600 job seekers who also had the opportunity to build-up their resumes on site. We proudly report that within 2 weeks after the job fair, 24 individuals were employed and 67 interviews were administered. We would like to thank the National City Tourism and Marketing District and the office of Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez for their continued support and sponsorships.
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CENTURION AWARDS APRIL 28, 2016 The Centurion Award aims to highlight “Hometown Heroes,” who have meaningfully contributed to the forming, maturing and ongoing operational excellence of their profession, and who, in doing so, have inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Centurion Award honorees serve as exemplars of leadership, modeling to others a commitment to public service. Each honoree received special certificates of recognition and received honorary memorial trophies from the National City Chamber of Commerce and gifts donated by Chamber Members. Congratulations to the Honorees: Superintendent Dr. Chris Oram (National School District), Ms. Rachel Griggs-Hopkins (Sweetwater High School), Sgt. Steve Shephard (National City Police Department), and Acting Captain Mike Christiansen (National City Fire Department.)
National City Chamber News 31
Upcoming Event Calendar
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER Business Rendezvous Gruop Thursday, May 19, 2016, 11:45am-1:15pm
25th Annual Automobile Heritage Day Festival & Car Show Saturday, August 27th, 2016 (9am - 3pm)
To provide a consistent and meaningful networking event during the business day Featuring a dazzling display of cars from the very early models to the latest where networking-minded business professionals can gather, share their company’s Super Cars now being produced. The August 6th show will draw well over 200 competitive advantages, build valuable relationships and create opportunities to grow entrants competing for awards in categories that range from turn of the century their business. Meeting takes place the 1st & 3rd Thursday’s of every month production cars, Classics cars, Muscle Cars and Motorcycles. National City Chamber of Commerce, 901 National City Blvd, NC 91950 Location: Kimball Park, National City, CA RSVP to reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org www.automobileheritageday.com
National City's Bike to Work Day Friday, May 20th, 2016 (6am - 9am)
Discover biking to work! Join thousands of commuters throughout the San Diego region as we GO by BIKE on the morning of Friday, May 20. When you register for Bike to Work Day, you can pick up a free t-shirt* at one of 100 pit stops throughout San Diego County. (*with your registration) Location: National City Chamber of Commerce (901 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950) www.icommutesd.com
8th Annual Kile Morgan Golf Tournament Monday, July 11th, 2016 (12pm - 6pm)
In 2009, The National City Chamber of Commerce held it’s first annual Golf Tournament in memory of Mayor Kile Morgan. Mayor Morgan was not only a long term Mayor but was also an epic civic leader who was instrumental in the Chamber’s development and was greatly responsible for building the Chamber’s beautiful new facility located at 901 National City Blvd Location: Coronado Municipal Golf Course www.nationalcitychamber.org
60th Annual Salute to Navy Luncheon Thursday, October 13, 2016 (11am- 1:30pm) ***PENDING COUNCIL APPROVAL***
National City’s Salute to Navy has been a longstanding tradition for the past 60 years. National City holds this event every year during the month of October and jointly celebrates the Navy’s birthday. Location: MLK Jr. Community Center, National City, CA www.nationalcitychamber.org
2016 Breakfast Series
Educational Speakers, Networking Opportunities, and Access to Local Leaders Held Last Thursday of Every Other Month at 8:00 am June 30th August 25th October 27th FOR ALL EVENT RESERVATIONS reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org / (619) 477-9339
8th Annual Kile Morgan Golf Tournament
25th Annual Automobile Heritage Festival & Car Show
60th Annual Salute to Navy Luncheon
107th Annual Installation Dinner
July 11, 2016
August 27, 2016
October 13, 2016
January 27, 2017
Automobileheritageday.com
2016 National City Chamber Event Calendar w w w. n a t i o n a l c i t y c h a m b e r. o r g
5th Annual Mariachi Festival & Competition
7th Annual Career Pathways to Success Job Fair
March 12, 2017
April 12, 2017
Mariachifest.com
32 SPRING 2016
Membership Networking Breakfast series
Business Rendezvous Networking Group
Last Thursday of the month: February, April, June, August, October at 8am
First & Third Thursdays of every month 11:45am - 1:15pm
Members
2016
CORPORATE DIAMOND CIRCLE City of National City Ron Morrison, Mayor 1243 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 336-4240
Marine Group Boat Works Todd Roberts 1313 Bay Marina Dr. National City, CA 91950 (619) 427-6767
Ball Automotive Group John Ball 1935 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 263-2035
Mile of Cars Association Leslie Larranaga-Britt 10601 Tierrasanta Blvd #308 San Diego, CA 92124 (858) 384-6565
Miller Marine Edward W. Senter, Jr. 2275 Manya St San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 791-1500 x202
San Diego Unified Port District Randa Coniglio P. O. Box 120488 San Diego, CA 92112 (619) 686-6200
Neighborhood National Bank Dan Yates 1717 Sweetwater Rd., #B National City, CA 91950 (619) 789-4400
Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Edgar Santos 800 Bay Marina Dr. National City, CA 91950 (619) 259-2800
National City Tourism Marketing District Jacqueline L. Reynoso 901 National City Blvd National City, CA 91950 (619) 470-4115
Paradise Village Mike Shetler 2700 E 4th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 475-5040
PASHA Automotive Services John Pasha Super Shuttle SD 1309 Bay Marina Dr Angela Vereen National City, CA 91950 123 Camino de La Reina #200 (619) 419-1200 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 564-7900 Ron Baker Chevrolet Bill Cumming PLATINUM CIRCLE 2301 National City Blvd. EDCO Waste & Recycling National City, CA 91950 Services (619) 477-2163 John Snyder 6670 Federal Blvd. Southwest Airlines Lemon Grove, CA 91945 Lidia Martinez (619) 474-8855 500 W Harbor Dr., #411 San Diego, CA 92101 Paradise Valley Hospital (866) 271-8495 Octavio Aguirre 2400 E 4th St. Sycuan Tribal Development National City, CA 91950 Corporation (619) 470-4115 Amber Fields 5469 Casino Way San Diego Gas & Electric El Cajon, CA 92019 Vanessa Mapula Garcia (619) 445-6002 8330 Century Park Ct., CP11D San Diego, CA 92123 Wal-Mart #5023 (858) 654-1211 Felix Silva 1200 Highland Ave. GOLD CIRCLE National City, CA 91950 A K B Solutions (619) 336-0395 Gabriel I. Collignon 1041 Market St. # 178 Westfield Plaza Bonita San Diego, CA 92101 Gino Caing (619) 646-7329 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., #2075 National City, CA 91950 COX Communications (619) 267-2850 Adriana Mendoza 5159 Federal Blvd. SILVER CIRCLE San Diego, CA 92105 AIG Financial Network (619) 262-1122 Jeff Comunale 7676 Hazard Ctr. Dr. # 1500 G8 Development San Diego, CA 92108 Philip Chodur (619) 299-5213 7626 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942 American Medical Response (619) 823-3402 Michael Murphy 8808 Balboa Ave., # 150 Greenwood Memorial Park San Diego, CA 92123 Cathy Fiorelli (858) 492-3500 4300 Imperial Ave San Diego, CA 92113 Applebee's (619) 264-3131 Jaime Stoica 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 475-1855
Big Ben Specialty Market Naseem Salem 108 E. 8th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-1015 Brickrow Group Adriana Ladd 2434 Southport Way Suite A National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-3133 Castle Manor Nursing & Rehab Marissa Padilla 541 V Ave National City, CA 91950 (619) 791-7900
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Funeraria Del Angel BergeRoberts Jill Davis 607 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-6565 HG Fenton Company Cory LaShell 400 Mile of Cars Way, #D National City, CA 91950 (619) 262-5666 Holiday Inn Express So SD So CV Kathleen Williams 632 E St. Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 426-2500 Hometown Buffet Cynthia Averilla 1135 Highland Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-7990 ITT Technical Institute Lori Church 401 Mile of Cars Way #100 National City, CA 91950 (619) 327-1800
Centro Apartments Anna Correa 45 E 12th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-0613
J & S Investments Jess Van Deventer 125 E 17th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-6516
Clarion Hotel National City Severine Michl 700 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-2800
MAAC Project Arnulfo Manriquez 1355 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91911 (619) 426-3595
Coastal Front Properties Stacy Fuerte 3035 E. 8th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 434 -7970
McMillin Realty Scott McMillin 101 E 30th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 409-8555
Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc. Dan Dufresne 2101-A Haffley Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 702-1700
Mossy Nissan Philip E. Mossy 2700 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-7011
Essential Support Services Theresa Lopez 3450 Bonita Rd Ste 201 Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 779-7703
NAPA Auto Parts John Hartman 1810 Highland Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-4601
Express/Champion Floor Service Steve Foronda P O Box 600283 San Diego, CA 92160 (619) 461-4225
National City Swap Meet Terry G. Derr 3201 “D” Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-2203
Frank Hyundai-SubaruToyota Gary Fenelli 2400 National City Blvd National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-5573
Oxyheal Health Group Barry Phillips 3224 Hoover Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 336-2022 Perry Ford of National City Perry Falk 2050 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-2711 Pier 32 Marina Greg Boeh 3201 Marina Way National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-3232 San Diego Cold Storage Frank Plant 1240 W. 28th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-6525 San Diego Padres Veronica Nogueria 100 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 795-5195 Southwestern College Dr. Melinda Nish 900 Otay Lakes Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 421-6700 Sudberry Properties, Inc Colton Sudberry 5465 Morehouse Dr, Ste 260 San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 546-3000 Sweetwater Authority Jim Smyth 505 Garrett Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 420-1413 Sweetwater Crossing Shopping Center Kerrie L Ozarski Sweetwater & 805 Freeway National City, CA 91950 (619) 780-0101 Sweetwater Harley-Davidson Anastasia Polles 3201 Hoover Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-4477 TDK- Lambda Americas Inc. Lynette Delos Santos 401 Mile of Cars Way, # 325 National City, CA 91950 (619) 628-2803
Navy Federal Credit Union Esther Basa 1727 Sweetwater Rd., #H National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-3005
UCSD South Bay Radiation Oncology Ashley Robinson 959 Lane Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91914 (619) 502-7730
Office Depot Mark Mattias 3430 Highland Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 422-6155
Union Bank Richard Velasquez, Jr. 22 E. 8th St. National City, CA 91950 (619) 336-2000
National City Chamber News 33
Vibra Bank Frank Mercadante 530 Broadway Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 422-5300 Westcott Mazda/KIA Kam Firozie 2800 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 (619) 474-1591
roman4heroes.com
Wrigley's Supermarket Amer Arabo 34 N Euclid Ave. National City, CA 91950 (619) 264-4444 YYK Enterprises Inc Steve Johnston 726 W 19th St.
National City, CA 91950
(619) 474-6229
Members
2016
RENEWAL December
-Neighborhood National Bank -UnionBank -South Bay Plaza Shopping Center -D' Amico Printing & Graphics -Frank Subaru
January
-Clarion Hotel San Diego South -Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary -Oriental CafĂŠ -American Legion Post 255 -Annie Wang Insurance Agency -Yardage Town -Bush, Marcus -Mossy Nissan -Jack In The Box #3 -Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc -National City Valero -San Diego Symphony -Diego Springs Academy -EDCO Waste & Recycling Services -Pier 32 Marina -Rossana T Alfonso DDS -San Diego Electric Railway Association -National City Puppy, Inc -NAPA Auto Parts -Southland Clutch -McMillin Realty
February
-California College San Diego -Southern California Medical Clinic -Custom Glass Specialties -It's All Mine Kettle Corn -JAANN INC -Denny's Corp -Western Hoist Inc -Community Youth Athletic Center -Best Western Plus Marina Gateway -Deptula, Donna -Cox Communications Inc -CDC Small Business Finance -Funeraria Del Angel Berge-Roberts -Mr. Joey's Taco Shop -National City - Chula Vista Mortuary -USA Checks Cashed
Members
34 SPRING 2016
-Dewey Pest Control -Paradise Valley Hospital -The Stein Farm -Monte De Piedad -Carl E Jackson -Christmas in July -Volunteers of America
April
-D & S Insurance dba Farmers Insurance -Kiwanis Club of Sweetwater NC -Napoleone's Pizza House -Romero's Roofing Service Inc -San Diego Pretzel Co -South Bay Volkswagen -Spooner Inc. -Wingstop March -Premier Properties Security Services -Aunt Emma's Pancakes -Coronado Distribution Co -UHAUL -Dresscholic, LLC -Advanced Office Services -San Diego Gas & Electric -Bay Theatre -Wateridge Insurance Services -Essential Support Services -Reliance Metal Center -De Baca Electric & Gas Appliance Service -Jersey Mike's Subs -It's All Mine Kettle Corn -Community Housing Works (CHW) -Office Depot -Easter Seals Southern California -El Pollo Loco -Promoventures -All-American Plastic Bags -Reality Changers
NEW EC8 Blooming Diamond Corp Exequeil Nibungco 1420 E. Plaza Blvd Ste D4 National City, CA 91950 (619) 512-1050 Join Date: 12/30/2015 Keep It Poppin Kettle Corn Chinita Liburd 2929 Butterfly Way Chula Vista, CA 91914 (619) 791-3028 Join Date: 1/4/2016
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2016
T-Mobile USA, Inc Sarah Brantner 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd 3030 National City, CA 91950 (619) 475-8502 Join Date: 1/8/2016
Local SEO Profit Roderick Luna 7425 Charmant Dr Unit 2702 San Diego, CA 92111 (619) 948-5017 Join Date: 1/20/2016
-Birrias, Chivos & Cheves -Paradise Hills Family Clinic -Paradise Valley Federal Credit Union -Potter Electric Inc -Bellus Academy -P D Q Precision Inc-FTC -Sweetwater Authority -Dalla, Michael R -Pacific Commerce Bank -Brickrow Group -G8 Development -South Bay Family YMCA -Beacon Classical Academy -Caroline's Flowers -Pineda, Veronica -American Medical Response -Charles Reilly Co -Motel 6
April
-A B B Management Inc -Red Ribbon Bake Shop -National University -Roberto's Catering Services -Child Development Associates -San Diego County Apartment Assoc -Brock Auto Service Inc, Ray -Pacific Auto Repair -Sotelo-Solis, Alejandra -San Diego Plastics Inc
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ryan-Cruz Law, APC Ruth Ryan-Cruz 3111 Camino Del Rio North Ste 400 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 528-2202 Join Date: 1/27/2016 Solar City Audrey Cordell 3055 Clearview Way San Mateo, CA 94402 (858) 997-4775 Join Date: 2/4/2016
Akroz Professional Tony Mirador PO Box 482 Bonita, CA 91908 (619) 709-1352 Join Date: 2/9/2016 ADT Security Services LLC Carlos Limon 3830 Calle Fortunada San Diego, CA 92123 (619) 370-8157 Join Date: 2/9/2016
San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Luis Osuna PO Box 125010 San Diego, CA 92112 (619) 470-4842 Join Date: 2/17/16 Steal and Escape Marketa & Jason Richard 2602 Transportation Ave National City, CA 91950 (619) 259-4096 Join Date: 2/17/16 Roman, Gretza Gretza Roman 6 N Harbison Ave National City, CA 91950 (510) 366-4110 Join Date: 2/18/16 WestPac Wealth Partners, LLC Luis Alcala 750 B Street Suite #2740 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 684-8631 Join Date: 2/18/16
St. Charles Catholic School Kathy Fernandez 929 18th St San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 423-3701 Join Date: 3/2/16 Threeman Corporation DBA San Diego Printers John Barros 9190 Camino Santa Fe San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 684-5200 Join Date: 3/2/16 Aflac- John Tucker John Tucker 5050 Murphy Canyon Rd San Diego, CA 92123 (619) 417-3824 Join Date: 3/3/16 Gama Produce Susana Maza 1605 E 4th St National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-2374 Join Date: 3/4/16
Intele Travel Remy Richardson 3761 Avocado Blvd La Mesa, CA 91941 (619) 962-3663 Join Date: 2/25/16
South Bay Health and Insurance Services Valerie Ortiz 626 L St Ste 2 Chula Vista, CA 91950 (619) 934-7227 Join Date: 3/4/16
Testimonials
Andrea USA Oeste, LLC Johana Rodriguez 7603 Saint Andrews Ave Ste A-1/2 E San Diego, CA 92154 (619) 710-2605 x 107 Join Date: 3/10/16 ARC Inc DBA 1-800 Board Up Xochitl Gonzalez 2810 Via Orange Way Ste C Spring Valley, CA 91978 (619) 303-4018 Join Date: 3/10/16 Fantastic Sams Lisa Johnson 925 E. Plaza Blvd Ste 103 National City, CA 91950 (619) 900-6022 Join Date: 3/17/16 Fantastic Sams Lisa Johnson 1536 Sweetwater Rd. National City, CA 91950 619-512-4576 Join Date: 3/18/16 Pacific Point Joel Tubao 657 10th St Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 423-6070 Join Date: 3/23/16
Karawiz, Fatima Fatima Franco 1512 E Ave National City, CA 91950 (619) 577-8067 Join Date: 4/4/16 Dickinson Farm Stepheni Norton 1430 E 24th St National City, CA 91950 (619) 654-1327 Join Date: 4/7/16 Gabriel Serrano Real Estate Gabriel Serrano 2300 Boswell Rd #100 Chula Vista, CA 91914 (619) 654-1327 Join Date: 4/7/16 Castle Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Marissa Padilla 541 V Ave National City, CA 91950 (619) 791-7900 Join Date: 4/8/16 Jacobs Center Venus Molina 404 Euclid Ave San Diego, CA 92114 (619) 527-6161 Join Date: 4/11/16
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERS ARE SAYING...
Thank you for the opportunity to serve such a vibrant chamber. The Derby Dinner event was spectacular! All the cogs in the wheel made it the success it was. What inspired me to want to continue my efforts as a volunteer is helping the people and the community; seeing how one person does make a difference! National City feels like a small town, working together with BIG Dreams! It was truly inspiring to me. - Becky Cortez, LifeVantage The Annual Gala was a phenomenal event that reflected the caliber of people that make up the community lead by a remarkable team at the Chamber. - Ellie Hirasuna, World Pay I want to personally thank the Ambassador crew that volunteered for the Derby Dinner, and really kicked butt! You guys were terrific! Thanks for stepping up and leading the charge! And of course, thanks to all of you as well. The night wouldn’t have been what is was without a huge team effort! What a great night! - Chris Butcher, TelePacific Communications First of all, congratulations on an excellently executed Mariachi Fest - that was awesome. Great turnout. Fantastic program. So much fun! - Martha Juarez, Executive Director of The SUHI Foundation Thank you, I had a lot of fun. These events bring the best out of our Board, members, and first timers. We also need to retain the YMCA director Lori, she was awesome! - John Borja, Teague Insurance
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@Nccommerce
National City Chamber News 35
NATIONAL CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE As a Chamber Member we invite you to get involved with one or more active committees. We are constantly seeking volunteers to assist with community events.
CHAMBER COMMITTEES
Business and Membership Development Committee The Business and Membership Development Committee is responsible for building and sustaining a strong, pro-active membership organization, providing financial assets to support programs and initiatives necessary to ensure the Chamber continues to be a leading advocate for businesses. This committee works corroboratively with the City of National City, National City Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center and other community partners to foster a healthy business environment by marketing the Chamber of Commerce services, promoting members and community assets. Chair: Paul Robinson, CPP Printing and Direct Mail Marketing
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee of the National City Chamber of Commerce focuses on promoting economic development in National City through the development and implementation of projects, programs, and policies that stimulate economic growth and prosperity, enhance community development initiatives, leading to improved quality of life. This committee is the legislative and regulatory advocate for businesses at the local, state, and federal levels. The Committee reviews legislation, supports pro-business policies and actively represents Chamber members. Meets Second Thursdays (8am-9am).
Executive Committee
The National City Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee maintains oversight of the Chamber’s finances, execution of Chamber Policies, member services, products and programs, and oversees the performance of the chief executive officer. Meets Second Fridays (11am-12pm).
Special Events Committees
The Special Event Committees of the National City Chamber of Commerce are tasked with organizing the Chamber’s annual events including Automobile Heritage Day, Career Pathways Job Fair, Golf Tournament, Salute to Navy Luncheon, Mariachi Festival and Competition, and the Annual Inauguration and Awards Dinner.
Board Meetings
Held third Tuesdays (8am-9:30am)
Ambassador Program-NEW!
It is the mission of the National City Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program to promote member commitment and retention by raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits; Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership. Contact us to get involved (619) 477-9339.
Chamber Conference Room & Courtyard If you are interested in using the National City Chamber Conference Room or Courtyard for your business meeting, workshops, or private reception please contact the National City Chamber office at (619) 477-9339 or by email at reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org. Special rates apply to Chamber members. The NCCC Conference Room hosts: •
100 person capacity/36 with conference table set-up
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Display screen
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Projector
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White boards
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Professional conference table and seating
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Available on weekdays and weekends
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Wifi