www.encinitaschamber.com
Volume 5, Issue 12
December 2009
Groups to report to region in O’side
Routing slip Share Encinitas First with others in your organization:
INSIDE
OCEANSIDE — Join local economic, academic and history experts and community leaders for a morning seminar designed to provide perspective on California’s real estate market and the road to economic recovery. “Report to the Region” is scheduled for 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9 in the MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. The event is sponsored by MiraCosta College with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, North County Times, North San Diego County Association of ❚ see Report on 3
Local green-energy leaders Sequoia Solar bring sun-powered charging stations for electric cars to Solana Beach PAGE 3
Faced with higher costs than the larger competitors, small businesses are increasingly scaling back their employees’ health coverage PAGE 4
Business owners, city leaders and other members of the community rubbed shoulders at the Chamber’s November Sundowner event PAGE 5
See what’s happening in Encinitas this month in the Calendar section PAGE 2
STREET SCENE
Talking with the Chamber of Commerce CEO
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92024 PERMIT NO. 94
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By Promise Yee The Encinitas Chamber of ENCINITAS — Marshall Commerce represents all Weinreb took over the position businesses within Encinitas of CEO of the Encinitas city limits. While we represent Chamber of Commerce on large local employers like July 15, and he is bringing Scripps, Encinitas Ford, direction, organization and Herman Cook Volkswagon, much-needed vitality to the BMW Encinitas, Henrys, Vons, nonprofit organizaRalphs and Stater Bros., tion. most of our members Weinreb took the are small businesses, helm at the Encinitas and new businesses in Chamber of their first year. Commerce with an What does the action plan to provide Encinitas Chamber legislative connecof Commerce do for tions, build business MARSHALL businesses? networks, and edu- WEINREB The purpose of the cate business owners. Chamber of In four months he has Commerce is to represent the increased membership by 30 business community in every percent and created three facet of business — legislative community action commit- issues, networking, advertistees that focus on health, edu- ing and support systems. To cation and communication. help direct local businesses in Encinitas First talks to the daily ritual of running their Marshall Weinreb about the businesses. chamber and his position as What is your job as CEO CEO. of the Chamber of Which businesses does Commerce? the Chamber of As the CEO of the chamCommerce represent? ber, I follow policies set by
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED P.O. Box 232550 Encinitas, CA 92023
New era arrives for local ensemble
ENCINITAS — Every November, for nearly two decades, downtown Encinitas has played host to the Fall Festival, previously known as the Poinsettia Festival. The event is a readymade bazaar for holiday shoppers and weekend fun seekers. The festival featured 450 vendor booths showcasing various arts, crafts, gifts, food and live music. Above, Encinitas resident Taylor Moore (right) celebrates her 15th birthday with her friends Mitchy Slick (center) and Coral Micelli (left), also of Encinitas. Right, Encinitas resident David Oakley poses next to an old car being restored by the San Dieguito Heritage Museum. See additional photos on page 14.
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the board of directors and put policies into motion. What challenges have you faced in your first months on the job? I’ve been on the job for four months and I inherited a misused, misaligned business. Nobody has been in management this year from January to July 15. With rough economic times and no leadership, the chamber lost lots of members. What was your first course of action as chamber CEO? My immediate objectives were to rebuild integrity for the organization, as well as rebuild the membership base. Membership was in the low 300s, now it has gotten back to 400. The goal is 600 members by the end of next year. How do you account for the quick membership growth? One of my initiatives was to restore trust in the chamber. One must understand good costumer service, added values, and how to treat a customer to gain trust. Ask a
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current member if that initiative is being met currently. Can you elaborate on the added values this chamber provides businesses? The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is a member of the U.S. Chamber, California Chamber, and has relationships with all elected city and state officials. We have monthly networking meetings with relevant, quality guest speakers. We initiated three community action committees. And one major thing we just announced is an alliance with MiraCosta College and the Small Business Development Center. MiraCosta College will host and the chamber will sponsor counseling and training for all facets of running a business at no cost to business owners. Who makes up the chamber community action committees and how do these committees focus on health,education and communication?
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see CEO on 11
ENCINITAS — Ever wonder what would happen if a local music ensemble was suddenly thrust into the international music spotlight? Imagine the interest this could generate in our local community. Well, this is exactly what is happening with the local Encinitas ensemble, Hutchins Consort. This one-of-a-kind string octet plays the instruments which were designed and built by pioneering American luthier (wooden string instrument builder) Carleen Hutchins. Dr. Hutchins, who passed away this past August at the age of 98, left a legacy with her remarkable instrument building. Before she left us, she made arrangements to pass the reigns of her scientific discoveries to the local ensemble, Hutchins Consort. Ten years ago, Encinitas resident and local bassist Joe McNalley established the Hutchins Consort as the first permanent professional octet of ❚ see Ensemble on 15