SOCIALIZING SANTEE

Macy's small format department store welcomed a long line of first customers on Saturday November 11th. The guests were welcomed in with live music, a light breakfast, a chance to spin a prize wheel, and many happy employees who were ready to share their expertise on the array of merchandise available. The store is beautiful and boasts many favorite, well-known brands of clothing, accessories, makeup and shoes. For those feeling nostalgic (like this 90s kid), there's a back wall full of Toys R Us goodies for kids, right in time for the holidays.

On October 25th, the County of San Diego recognized recently retired but longtime County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Ernest ”Ernie” J. Dronenburg, Jr. The Santee-based East County Office and Archives located on Mission Gorge Road (which opened to the public in 2019, replacing the El Cajon location and expanding into the County Archives) dedicated their reading room, renaming it after Ernie who has devoted his career towards the betterment of others and is often referred to as “Mr. Prop 13” for his notable protection of the decades old proposition limiting property tax increases.

On October 12th we had the pleasure of spending an evening with longtime chamber members, Bob and Ailen Lloyd (and family), at their newest acquisition, Sparky’s Transmissions. This ribbon cutting ceremony was extra special, not just because we all know and love this community-centric family, but because they made who they are at their core part of the celebration. In partnership with some local businesses and non-profit, they were able to gift a well-deserving family a car after suffering a tragic loss. Be sure to look out for a full write up on this in the next issue of The Santee Magazine. Thank you, Lloyd family, for your continuous contributions and congratulations on your newest adventure.

In September, we had our long-awaited Business After Five mixer as we joined forces with the Alpine and La Mesa Chambers at Lantern Crest for a safari themed sunset mixer. We had a great turn out with an incredible spread of appetizers, desserts and drinks put on by Chef Mario and the amazing staff at Lantern Crest. Be sure to check out additional photos from the evening on our Facebook page (thank you, Lynda Marrokal!). We are so thankful for these gatherings for business connections at member locations that can truly showcase their properties.

Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce