Kim Weinstein joins the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce

By Vince Meehan

Kim Weinstein is Member Specialist at the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Solana Beach local is brand new to the group. Solana Beach is one of a string of beach communities in San Diego County who exist along highway 101. Back when the 101 was the main north/south highway between Los Angeles and San Diego, all travelers knew these beach communities like the back of their hand. And each one possesses it’s own character and personality that exists to this day. Now, Weinstein is working with the businesses of Solana Beach to ensure that the magic of this beach community continues to support its residents.

How long have you been at the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and what do you like most about it?

I joined the team as Member Specialist this year in March. I live in Solana Beach and one of my favorite things about the community is all of the small local businesses here. It’s been great getting out and meeting so many business owners and getting to hear their stories. I’m excited to be in a position where I can help support them.

What are the hard skill sets that qualified you for this position?

I really enjoy learning more about people and what makes them tick. Building trust is super important to me and I really value building long term partnerships. Being in a role where I can support others and help them shine is where I get the most satisfaction.

How important is social media in the operations of the Chamber?

Social media is just one marketing and communications platform the Chamber uses to help communicate to both members and the wider public.

What social media platforms do you prefer and why?

Each platform provides access to a different audience. LinkedIn is the most effective for connecting with businesses. Instagram is most successful in supporting our role as the Visitor Center (everyone loves pics of the beach!), and Facebook is an excellent platform to reach all types.

What was your background before you were in the Chamber?

I previously worked in digital media for most of my career with a short stint in real estate.

What are some fun and unique things to do in Solana Beach for visitors?

Solana Beach is home to the Cedros Design District, a haven of renowned designers, trailblazing boutique agencies, and mouthwatering restaurants. You’ll want to walk where you’re going, as the more you look around, the more you’ll find to appreciate. Surrounding Cedros, the rest of Solana Beach is packed full of scenic trails, welcoming surf breaks, natural tide pools, and a wide variety of eclectic, mostly locally-owned shops and services that are almost all within a 30-minute walk or less from Fletcher Cove, the main beach. Whether you’re stopping in for a bite to eat, spending the day on the beach and exploring the shops, or exploring your potential forever home, discover Solana Beach and all it has to offer. Find out more by visiting the Visitor Center website at: VisitSolanaBeach.com!

How important are the arts and music festivals to Solana Beach?

Solana Beach is a very arts-friendly community, not just in the Cedros District, but all over the city – be sure to look out for all the art pieces & murals around the city!. The art scene is really helpful to draw in visitors, especially from other communities that support our local businesses. I think once you see what Solana Beach has to offer, it’s hard not to come back again and again!

What are your favorite yearly events and what do you like about them?

Fiesta del Sol is the pride of the community and has been happening for 42 years! This is a really fun free two-day event that showcases a variety of music styles & a variety of unique vendors. I am also really looking forward to the Business Expo that the Chamber will be hosting September 28th at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club – it’s a free event and a great way for the community to connect with local businesses and really see all that Solana Beach has to offer – not to mention winning many big raffle prizes!

What are the biggest challenges that Solana Beach businesses are facing this year?

Depending on the type of business, each one faces unique challenges. Real Estate professionals are struggling to find properties who wish to sell, restaurants struggle with increasing cost of goods and staffing, others say the shift to employees working from home has decreased foot traffic sales that used to happen during weekly lunch hours.

Are there any exciting things in the future for Solana Beach?

Thanks to additional federal funding and the passing of an increase of the sales tax rate, more projects that had to be shelved or delayed due to budget concerns are now in discussions to move forward. The recently remodeled children’s area at Fletcher Cove is an example of such a project finally being completed.

What do you find unique about Solana Beach that sets it apart from the rest of San Diego County?

I have lived up and down the coast in San Diego, and Solana Beach is my favorite community by far! It’s a small tight knit community and everyone is just so friendly. It’s like we all know how good we have it here! We’re surrounded by so much natural beauty and of course all the local businesses help make it a really special place.

What are some interesting facts about Solana Beach History?

When Solana Beach was first established there was no beach access due to the cliffs straight across. Ed Fletcher hired a man to stand for three months every day, all day blasting away at the bluff with a fire hose until it was washed away. Our office is at the Visitor’s Center, and I often take meetings at the picnic tables in Fletcher Cove so I think about this story often!

How do you incorporate the California beach culture to your chamber?

The Solana Beach Chamber is definitely a reflection of our community – tight knit and personable. One of the things we are most passionate about is having a personal relationship with every member of the Chamber. We prefer to sit down and collaborate with our local businesses to see how we can best work together and make things better for everyone.

Is there anything you think Solana Beach really needs right now?

Our local businesses need the support of our local community! When you think of shopping, shop locally first! It is a win-win, as the tax revenue generated by the businesses help fund the programs and projects that continue to make Solana Beach the jewel of San Diego County.

At a Glance: Kim Weinstein - Member Specialist

Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce 210 West Plaza Street Solana Beach, CA 92075 www.SolanaBeachChamber.com

858.414.2460

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM