The Santee Magazine - V13.1 - Spring 2024

publication of the Santee Chamber of Commerce

2024 Chamber Officers

Susie Parks, Chair of the Board Coffee Corner – 619.368.5525

Daniel Buksa, Chair Elect Mission Realty Group – 619.368.8371

Curtis Anderson, 1st Vice Chair

Superior Asphalt San Diego 619.888.8407

Darcy Fagerwold, 2nd Vice Chair Expressions Dance & Movement Center 619.490.7000

Mike Aiken, Secretary Carlton Oaks Golf – 619.540.3295

Richard Hatcher, Treasurer California Coast Credit Union 619.889.5981

Melissa Dombo, Past Chair Raceway Electric & Solar – 619.596.1918

2024 Office Staff

Kristen Dare, ACE CEO

Jennae Gonzalez Operations Manager

Caitlyn Young Membership Coordinator

Bethany Cook Bookkeeper

2024 Chamber Directors

Karl Burris Live Life Physiotherapy – 619.800.8173

Greg Gagnon The UPS Store – 619.249.6657

Bryan Koci Whissel Realty – 619.244.0339

Rocky Qualin Padre Dam Municipal Water District 619.920.3089

Barbara Ryan Santee School District – 619.258.2300

James Sly East County Economic Development Council 619.729.1413

Tim Staump Staump Music School – 619.888.7445

Pam White City of Santee – 619.258.4100 x223

Sarah Wood Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning 619.244.4584

Stephanie Wooding Best Day Ever Weddings + Events 858.522.0504

Tina Firestone Retention Specialist @SanteeChamber @SanteeChamber @SanteeChamber @SanteeChamber

HELLO SANTEE!

As they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” March marks my ten year anniversary at the Santee Chamber of Commerce. As I reflect on the past decade of dedication in the chamber industry, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible journey and the milestones achieved. Celebrating my 10th year with this dynamic organization brings forth a flood of memories, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped both my professional career and the thriving business community we serve.

Joining the chamber a decade ago was a decision that would set the course for my career, and I couldn't be prouder of the strides we've made together. The unwavering support from my peers and mentors has been the bedrock of my success; I will constantly continue to credit my amazing chamber colleagues-turned friends, various board members who have offered support and guidance, and our diverse members who fuel me to do this work. From the early days of being support staff with John Olsen at the helm, to navigating the intricate web of local businesses and spearheading initiatives that fostered collaboration, their guidance has been invaluable.

Publisher Santee Chamber of Commerce

Editor

Kristen Dare

Graphic Design

Nick Ossey

Committee Members

Kristen Dare

The chamber community is not just an organization; it's a family where collaboration and collective growth are paramount. The wisdom shared by seasoned mentors has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Their experiences have been a compass, guiding me through the intricate landscape of community development and business advocacy. Looking back, it's heartening to witness the positive impact our initiatives have had on the local business community. The camaraderie among our members has blossomed into a network of support, propelling countless businesses to new heights. Together, we've weathered economic storms, celebrated successes, and built a community that thrives on collaboration and mutual prosperity.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, I am excited about the bright future ahead. The lessons learned and the relationships forged over the past decade serve as a solid foundation for the chamber's continued success. With a resilient and thriving business community, we are poised to tackle new challenges, foster innovation, and create an environment where every entrepreneur can flourish.Here's to the next decade of growth, collaboration, and success. With the unwavering support of our community, the future holds endless possibilities for the chamber and the businesses we champion. Together, we will continue to shape a vibrant and prosperous community for years to come.

- Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce, CEO

Jennae Gonzalez

Susie Parks

Caitlyn Young

Contributing Writers

Connie Charles

Joel Cruz

Kristen Dare

Jennae Gonzalez

John Olsen

Susie Parks

Contributing Photographers

Emma Bagnas

Kristen Dare

Noah Dare

Melissa Dombo

Jon Mottola

Rosa Mungaray

John Olsen

Lynda Marrokal

Printer

Advantage, Inc.

CHAIR'S MESSAGE

Dear Members & Friends,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Chamber of Commerce Chair. As I embark on this journey I want to express my sincere gratitude to Melissa Dombo and Darcy Fagerwold, previous chairs who have dedicated their time and energy to laying a strong foundation for our chamber.

Since its inception in 2009, our family business Santee Coffee Corner has thrived on the foundational belief that investing in the community is not just a responsibility but a core value that shapes our identity. We understand that building genuine relationships with our neighbors, customers, and fellow business owners enhances the overall community experience.

The success of our businesses owes much to the support extended by the Chamber of Commerce. Formerly led by CEO John Olsen and presently guided by the dynamic leadership of Kristen Dare, in collaboration with numerous Santee business partners, they have been steadfast allies, offering encouragement and valuable advice. When the opportunity arose to join the Chamber and collaborate with these exceptional individuals, the decision was easy. I am enthusiastic about contributing to our business community, reciprocating the support we’ve received and fostering a network that propels collective growth and success.

Thank You to our Strategic Partners

I am committed to fostering a culture of open communication and active engagement within our chamber and community. Your ideas, concerns and feedback are invaluable, and we welcome every member to actively participate in the dialogue. By working together, we can address challenges, seize opportunities, and ensure that our community continues to be a thriving hub for businesses of all sizes.

As we embrace the possibilities of the new year, we are eager to connect with the vibrant Santee community. Our commitment is to actively support local businesses in their pursuit of success, advocate for policies that promote a business-friendly environment, offer opportunities for education and collaboration and create networking platforms to facilitate meaningful connections. Your engagement is vital to our collective growth, and we encourage you to reach out. We are here to serve and support you! With great anticipation,

- Susie Parks Santee Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Board

“A community that supports each other creates a foundation for collective success.” – Unknown

Community Catalysts

Community Conveners

Community Champions

MEET SOCAL TRUCK ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT: FAMILY DRIVEN SUCCESS

Open 17 years, since 2007. Started by Elizabeth Brambila and her family. The business was built from the ground up, in the worst economic conditions during the market crash. Though it didn’t make sense and it was extremely difficult in the beginning, Elizabeth and her family put their faith in God and trusted that He would provide and open the doors for success. That is still the foundation of our business today. Elizabeth herself came from humble beginnings but she was inspired and driven by her determination to succeed and provide a promising future for herself and her family. Elizabeth has a strong knack for business thanks to her upbringing. Her family owned many businesses and all 14 of her siblings were expected to put in their part from a very young age. Elizabeth’s introduction to the automotive industry began in 1988 working for her brother. In a couple of months she moved to Los Angeles with her children to run her family’s truck accessories business. After a few years of hardship, she moved back to San Diego and worked with her brother who owned a similar business. For 13 years she learned the industry inside out. This prepared her and inspired her to open SoCal Truck Accessories.

After the business was established, what drove our growth was that the shop was built on a principle of creating solutions for our customers and delivering them with the best value in mind. We don’t always sell the cheapest products, just the ones that get the job done the right way, at the best price. We install what we sell, and we provide a warranty that’s better than our competitors’.

Our sales team takes the informative approach, first learning about the needs of the customer and finding the best fit for them, because navigating through thousands of manufactures and products can be a daunting task for most customers. Our tailor-made approach is what builds trust and confidence.

Joel, Vice President, came into play after the business had been open for 10 years. Joel comes from a highly technical background that started at 15 years old, when he began to work at a family member’s motorcycle shop. He learned to rebuild motorcycle engines and upgrade electrical systems. After that, he worked in a different family member’s stereo shop. At 18 years, he had to make the decision of following his passion of being a musician, or his passion for turning wrenches. He decided that being a technician would pay more consistently and allow him to do both. That led him to pursue a certification from an automotive technical school, and later becoming certified by ASE, Ford, BMW, and Rolls-Royce. After a 7-year stretch of working at dealerships, he felt like he had hit the ceiling while his daily workday had him working on exotic luxury cars and supercars. The only thing left to continue moving up was in aviation, which brought him to 5 years in the Marine Corps as an aviation mechanic. Working as an active-duty military member taught him further technical skills, but more importantly he had leadership training and real leadership experience. When Joel left the Marine Corps as a Sergeant, he embraced being out of the dealership corporate environment, and learned that this was the best time to give in to his parent’s call of taking over the family business. The leadership skills and technical foundation had been established, and the business has continued to thrive because of it.

The Culture

Elizabeth’s oldest son, Joel has now been at SoCal Truck for 7 years. The company has fully embraced a culture of a positive work environment that enables team members to grow and develop new skill sets. We’ve been enthusiastic to hire students and teach them career and life skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. There are multiple team members that have stayed with the company for over 10 years because of the consistent growth and improvement. The entire team of 15 has contributed to the success of the company, while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance. Elizabeth’s youngest of five, Joan, has been emerged in the company since 11 years old. Growing up around the company, made it her second home. From playing games on the company computer, to it being her first job at 16, Joan became a working member like her siblings in no time. Joan developed a spark for accounting and began helping in the office, then studying Business and Accounting right out of High School, finishing her studies in San Francisco in 2020, she worked in a Law Firm in Downtown San Diego putting her skills to the test. Joan worked alongside the Controller ensuring the success of the firm daily. Her work ethic brought on more opportunities in HR, hiring Attorneys and Paralegals as well. She rejoined So Cal Truck Accessories in 2021 to be entrusted with her job as CFO and work alongside CEO, Elizabeth. Joan then would meet her mentors that would share with her a passion for leadership. After many opportunities for leadership positions, conferences and classes over the years, Joan has brought her passion to SoCal Truck Accessories and has brought many ideas to life.

Joel's sisters, Rachel and Joan, have been steadily emerging as key leaders within the business over the past few years, injecting fresh perspectives and driving the company towards new heights of success. Rachel brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles in customer relations and retail sales across various companies. Her dedication to team member welfare and exceptional customer service skills have left a lasting impression on team members and customers alike, fostering a positive and supportive environment.Meanwhile, Joan’s recent background is from a legal office environment where she worked in accounting, and where responsibilities included direct administrative support in all aspects of the business with the controller of the company. That has equipped her with a keen eye for detail. Together, Rachel's compassionate leadership and Joan's meticulous approach to accounting complement Joel's problem-solving capabilities, culminating in a dynamic team poised for continued growth and achievement.

Highlighting our emerging team leaders, Juan and Paul have demonstrated remarkable growth and contribution to our company. Juan's 12-year tenure, starting from the ground up, has provided him with deep insight into various aspects of our operations. His problem-solving abilities and leadership skills have played a pivotal role in the company's growth, particularly in ensuring highquality efficient installations and fostering a strong work ethic among the team. Paul, initially hired to develop our website and manage online sales, quickly transitioned into a skilled salesperson due to the understanding of our product range. His commitment to efficiency led him to suggest improvements in the organization of documentation, benefiting the entire organization. With proficiency in computer systems and data management, Paul has become an essential asset to our team.

During the last few years, we have transitioned into working with larger fleets such as SDG&E, nearby water districts, and several San Diego County cities departments, as well as the US Navy, multiple auto dealerships, and of course our large base of consumer clientele. Our transition into more commercial applications has not left behind the role of ours as a major player in San Diego county’s off road, overlanding, and other recreational modifications. Customers trust that the job will be done right the first time, and if anything requires aftercare, we will stand behind our work. The combination of recreational and commercial “upfits” for our customers is what inspired our motto of Work Smarter, Play Harder.

Joel Cruz SoCal Truck Accessories & Equipment

HORSMAN AUTOMOTIVE:

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN AUTO CARE SINCE 1966

In the heart of Santee, California, a family-owned gem has been providing top-notch automotive services for over five decades. Horsman Automotive, founded in 1966 by John and Dolores Horsman, has evolved from a humble 2-bay Chevron Gasoline Station into a thriving 10-bay, full-service facility. This establishment, steeped in a tradition of excellence and dedication, stands out as a testament to the Horsman family's commitment to quality auto repair. From its inception, Horsman Automotive has been more than just a business—it's a family. The Horsman family's commitment to their craft and community has set the foundation for a trusted and reliable auto care service. John and Dolores Horsman's vision was clear: Create a place where customers feel like part of the family, receive unparalleled service, and have their automotive needs met with the utmost care and expertise.

At Horsman Automotive, pride in craftsmanship is at the forefront of every service offered. With a dedication to quality auto repair, the team ensures that only the best practices and materials are employed in maintaining and servicing vehicles. The transition from a small 2-bay Chevron Gasoline Station to a comprehensive 10-bay facility reflects not just growth but an unwavering commitment to providing customers with top-tier automotive care. Their direct and client-centric approach is something I think everyone can appreciate. One distinctive aspect of Horsman Automotive is the elimination of the middle man in the auto repair process. This means that every decision made is in the best interest of the client. The focus on direct communication ensures transparency and allows clients to rest easy, knowing that their automotive needs are being addressed with the utmost integrity and expertise.

Horsman Automotive goes beyond just fixing cars—it's about providing an exceptional experience of customer comfort and convenience. When you choose Horsman Automotive, you're not just a client; you're part of the automotive family. The Customer Lounge is designed for your comfort, equipped with amenities such as cold water, sodas, Wifi, and a television broadcasting over 100 channels. The goal is to make your wait time as enjoyable as possible while repairs are made to one of your most significant investments—your vehicle. Horsman Automotive offers a range of comprehensive services to cater to various automotive needs. From routine auto maintenance to complex auto repairs, the team is equipped to handle it all. Additionally, they provide fleet services, recognizing the unique needs of businesses relying on a well-maintained vehicle fleet. Specialized services for medium and light-duty vehicles further showcase the team's versatility and commitment to meeting diverse client requirements.

It’s probably likely that if you’ve been a customer of Horsman’s, you’ve worked personally with their Service Manager, David Bellows, or one of their Service Writers, Billy Davis or Pete Galaas. I feel instant relief when I walk in and get greeted by one of these three. Among the group, they have almost 100 years of combined experience! And it never ceases to amaze me that Pete can remember I’m a hockey fan as he asks me how my beloved Kings are doing that season in comparison to his favored Boston Bruins. They always know how to take the edge off as we all know that dealing with our vehicles can often be a stressful situation.

Horsman Automotive stands as a beacon of excellence in the automotive industry. With a rich history, a commitment to family values, direct clientcentric approaches, and a dedication to top-tier craftsmanship, Horsman Automotive continues to be the go-to destination for all automotive needs in Santee, CA. Make an appointment today and experience the difference of being part of the Horsman Automotive family—where quality and care converge for your vehicle's optimal performance.

How to find them:

Horsman Automotive

8891 Railroad Avenue, Santee (619) 596-8826 | Service@horsmanAutomotive.com

Monday - Friday | 7am - 5pm

Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

SHOP SANTEE

Spring into action and get your vehicle ready for the season with Shop Santee's automotive offerings. Whether it's for essential maintenance, a thorough spring cleaning, or upgrading your ride, our local automotive experts are here to ensure your vehicle is in prime condition for sunny days and road trips ahead.

Advance Auto Parts

10043 Mission Gorge Road

Leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers.

The Dyno Shop

10042 Prospect Avenue

Expert automotive maintenance, auto repair, and auto tuning service for your car, truck, off-road vehicle, motorhome or hot rod.

Five Star Express Car Wash

10055 Mission Gorge Road

Top quality 'brushless' car wash services with 170-mph air dry and 150 hp vacuums with environmentally conscious cleaning solutions.

Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Center

10410 Mission Gorge Road

Complete auto body repair services with free estimates, senior and military discounts, and no interest finance options.

Toyota Certified of Santee

8871 Fanita Drive

Home of driver-friendly pricing on late-model used cars for sale, along with affordable financing rates and automotive maintenance in an environmentally conscious dealership.

Sparky’s Transmission

10969 Wheatlands Avenue

Highly trained staff and the latest in diagnostic equipment specializing in repairs for transmissions, clutches, transfer cases and differentials.

– Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

THURSDAY APRIL 25TH 5PM-8PM

CARLTON OAKS GOLF COURSE 9200 INWOOD DRIVE

A GATHERING TO HONOR SANTEE'S SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATORS, FIRST RESPONDERS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THEIR IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS OVER THE PAST YEAR. ALSO, ANNOUNCING THE SANTEE CHAMBER'S PERSON OF THE YEAR. ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THEIR IMPACTFUL CONTRIBUTIONS

CITY OF SANTEE

Do More Recreating in Santee

Santee Parks & Recreation creates community by providing exceptional programming, caring for and enriching public spaces and facilitating rewarding life experiences.

• Classes, Camps and Activities

• Parks, Fields & Trails

• Seniors 55+

• Skate Park (BMX & Scooters)

• Teen Center

• Special Events

SanteeRec.com

MySanteeCA App

The MySanteeCA app provides access to the City’s new online service request system, permitting & licensing portal, SanteeTV, special events, City Council meetings and more!

Do More to stay connected with the City of Santee with just a few taps on your mobile device.

Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program

Would you like a chance to help the City honor a loved one who served/ is serving in the military?

The City of Santee’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program recognizes and honors veterans and activity duty members who have served or have given their life in service in the United States Armed Forces.

APPLY NOW online @ www.CityofSanteeCA.gov under the Services tab or scan the QR Code

Application process and eligibility requirements are listed online.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE

With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, it’s a wonderful time to embrace all of the local businesses here in Santee. Supporting local businesses adds to the charm of the season, and we have five great types of businesses in mind. They are all about celebrating spring in a relaxed way!

1. Blooming Flower Shops: Florists are a haven of delights that perfectly captures the essence of spring. With a keen eye for design and passion for flowers, purchase a stunning arrangement that celebrates the season’s natural beauty.

Our recommendation: Christine’s Floral Design

2. Ice Cream Parlors: As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a scoop of delicious ice cream to cool off and savor the sweetness of spring.

Our recommendation: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

3. Outdoor Markets and Festivals: Outdoor markets and festivals are the perfect places to celebrate the season’s bountiful offerings. From artisanal crafts and handmade goods to fresh produce and gourmet treats, these lively events showcase the best that local communities have to offer.

Our recommendations: Santee Street Fair and Santee Farmers Market

4. Cafes with Outdoor Seating There’s something inherently delightful about sipping a cup of coffee while basking in the warm sunshine and fresh spring air. Cafes with outdoor seating provide the perfect seating to relax, unwind, and savor the simple pleasures of life.

Our recommendations: Coffee Corner, or Janet’s Cafe, The Omelette Factory, and Broken Yolk to add on some breakfast

5. Outdoor Adventure: Volunteering offers an opportunity for personal growth. It allows individuals to develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and boost self-esteem by contributing positively to society. It can also be a great way to learn about oneself and discover passions for making a difference.

Our recommendation: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

– Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

SANTEE SCOOP

Hi, I’m John Olsen, a longtime resident and business advocate of Santee. As an active member of the Santee Chamber I often showcase upcoming development projects and events around town.

Be sure to follow me for more on Facebook.com/SanteeUpdate

HOMES

D’Lazio Condominiums 8439 Fanita Drive

20 Residential Condominium Units

Lantern Crest Ridge II | 11000 Sunset Trail

62-Unit Memory Care Facility

Laurel Heights | 7750 Laurel Heights Drive

80 Residential Condominium Units

Prospect Estates II | 8705 Marrokal Lane

38 Condos & 15 Single-Family Homes

Walker Trails | 9381 Walker Way

67 Single-Family Homes

BUSINESSES

Popeye’s | 10308 Mission Gorge Road

1,740-Square Foot Drive-Through Restaurant

Santee Auto Center | 10335 Mission Gorge Road

2 Car Dealerships, Auto Body Shop & Car Wash

Shell Gas Station | 7757 Mission Gorge Road

Gas station, Car Wash & Restaurant

Weston Park EV Charge Station | 9050 Trailmark Way

2 EV Charging Spaces

Woodspring Suites Hotel | 8707 Mission Gorge Road

4-Story Hotel with 120 Guest Rooms

Interested in learning more about buying or selling a house in today's market?

I’m always happy to help. Give me a call: 619.855.1151

Brought to you by:

Call 619-486-6726 for appointment!

• Boarding ‘Retreat’ condos designed specifically for felines and small mammals

• Dedicated to cats and small mammals... no dogs allowed!

• Full grooming services available

• Hours by appointment

• Visit our website: purrologyspawandretreat.com

9730 Cuyamaca Street Suite D • Santee

• ‘SPaw’ personalized packages for each FUR friend

• Walk in bathing area for larger or older pets

• Convenient location, curbside drop off/pick up

• Winner Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite

• Visit our website: furologypetspaw.com

Call 619-334-6218 for appointment! 9730 Cuyamaca Street Suite A • Santee

@furologypetspaw

THE CALL OF DUTY — AND BEYOND

On Saturday, January 13, the decorations that had been put up on November 30 at Santee United Methodist Church were to be taken down. The troops assembled and ladders were brought to get to the hooks on which the garland had been hung to festoon the sanctuary through Advent, Christmas, and finally Epiphany Sunday, January 7. There was a certain drive to get the job done.

Jill Linder, an energetic and capable woman, was on hand to take charge of the hard work. Having put the garland up—at least 60 feet long, hung on the upper part of the high walls on both sides of the sanctuary—with her husband, was taking the lead. Her husband, a first responder working in the LA area, was not able to be there that morning, but Jill felt confident to do it.

Climbing the ladder and reaching the connection point, she held up her clipper, and cut the tie. It immediately swung down on her causing her to fly off the ladder, land briefly on her feet and then fall backwards onto the chancel steps, where she came to rest firmly on her left elbow. Instantly, she was the focus of everyone else’s attention, and it was quickly determined that help was needed.

Open

Someone dialed 911, and within minutes the sirens could be heard, Shortly the paramedics were striding into the church. They set to work, attending to the wounded Jill and getting her ready to be transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Arriving also immediately were the firefighters, on duty to respond as necessary. When everything that could be done had been done, the firefighters—taking in the situation—told the remaining workers that they would do the rest of the ladder work. They got busy and took the garland down, turning it over to be put away until next November. What a thoughtful and generous deed!

Aftermath

Jill’s injuries were a sprained right ankle and a compound fracture of her left elbow. She underwent a complicated surgery and remained in the hospital for a week.

Hearing the story of the event told from the pulpit the next morning, and recognizing the extraordinariness of having the firefighters step up (literally) to take the garland down, church member Connie Charles thought it was worth publicizing it. She reached out to her friend Evie Lee, who had worked at City Hall in Santee for several years, to find out whom she should get in touch with there. Evie contacted Wendy Stratton, secretary to the city manager, and laid the groundwork. From there, Connie and Wendy put their heads together and made a plan. Carol Olewine, church secretary, created the template for the certificates. And Jill oversaw the planning to express everyone’s thanks with her deep feeling of appreciation.

Continued on Page 30 →

Recognition

On Wednesday, February 14, Valentine’s Day, Jill and Connie were given a few minutes at the beginning of the monthly Santee City Council meeting to deliver a hearty shoutout and certificates of appreciation from Santee UMC to the five responders from Station 4: Captain Adam Daniels; Engineer Curtis Wilson; Firefighter Jeremy Carroll*; Firefighter-Paramedic Cody Satkowski; and Firefighter-Paramedic Nicholas Serrao*. (*Ambulance crew.) They answered the call of duty, and then went above and beyond.

In attendance for the words of appreciation and presentation of certificates was Jill’s husband, Jason, and a small contingent from the congregation, one of whom brought a whole basket of Valentine-thank-you cookies for the men to take back to their station.

It was noted that Jill’s husband had warned her before that Saturday of taking down the decorations that the garland swag was heavy and would be hard to manage. It was, indeed! She just wasn’t prepared for the full reality of that!

Connie Charles Photo by Emma Bagnas

SATURDAY, MAY 26TH

10AM-6PM

TROLLEY SQUARE EAST ON RIVERVIEW PKWY/TOWN CENTER PKWY

CARNIVAL RIDES

21+ BEER GARDEN

YOUTH ART SHOW

FOOD & BEVERAGES

LOCAL PERFORMANCES

UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS $24

SOCIALIZING SANTEE

BUSINESS AWARDS NIGHT

On March 7, the Santee Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Awards Night last Thursday at Sycuan Casino Resort, as Sycuan was also the proud title sponsor of the event. Santee Chamber President/CEO, Kristen Dare, alongside past Board Chair, Eddie Vandiver, co-hosted onstage as the organization welcomed over 250 guests. Starting out with celebrating the top contributors to the Chamber of 2023, this elite group of just over two dozen businesses represents the chamber's strategic partners who have made a significant annual financial investment in support of the Chamber’s initiatives, programs and events. These members are Alison Construction, All-Pro Quality Garage Doors, Allegiance Heating & Air, California Coast Credit Union, Carlton Oaks Golf Club, City of Santee, Coffee Corner, Expressions Dance & Movement Center, Furology Pet Spaw, Goodman Orthodontics , Jimmy’s of Santee, Junction 52 Bar & Grill, Lennar, Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Center, Mission Realty Group, Momentum Tutoring, Raceway Electric & Solar, Santee Family Optometry, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Santee School District, Staump Music School, Sycuan Casino Resort, TDT Construction, The UPS Store Santee, Waste Management, and Whissel Realty Group.

Some other mentionable honorees were Susie Parks of Coffee Corner and Tim Staump of Staump Music School for the Chairman’s Awards given by 2023 Chair of the Board for the Santee Chamber, Melissa Dombo, after serving two consecutive terms as Board Chair.Most notably, Sportsplex USA received the 2023 Business of the Year award. Owner of Sportsplex USA, Bill Berghoff shares, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering growth and prosperity. We are so thankful to the City of Santee for their longtime partnership and to the Santee Chamber for continuing to elevate businesses in Santee. We look forward to continuing our journey alongside our thriving community.”

Continuing into the next portion of the program, the Chamber announced the winners of the Santee’s Favorites. Santee’s Favorites is a two-round voting process which allows Chamber member businesses and organizations to be voted as the “Favorite” in their category by clients, Santee residents, friends, family and more. This annual tradition has become popular among members as they each encourage votes for the thrill of being surprised with the winner being announced the night of the event.

Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

SANTEE'S FAVORITE'S

2023 WINNERS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE