Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
January 16, 2015
Happy New Year! Looking Forward to a Prosperous 2015
A Message from DP Chamber Executive Director, Heather Johnston
Heather Johnston, Executive Director

What a fantastic year 2014 was!

We accomplished many things this past year, thanks to the commitment of our business community and wonderful city government.  Our Chamber staff has worked very hard to roll out new programs, increase member benefits and engage with our members more throughout the year. 


 

In 2014, the Chamber hosted the City Council Candidates forum, allowing residents and small business owners to get to know our future City Council members.  With a fantastic turnout and great audience participation, the event was a success! And we greatly appreciate the participation of all the candidates.   In addition to that, we've focused on the advocacy side of our Chamber, supporting developments in Lantern District, Doheny Village and the Harbor Revitalization.


 

Our Member Orientation hosted over 50 new and veteran members of the Dana Point Chamber.  This new program allows us to sit down with our members and give a comprehensive overview of benefits available to Chamber members.  If you haven't done so yet, I recommend you attend an orientation and get familiar with your benefits.  Mark your calendar, as the next one is on March 4th at 5pm at Brio Tuscany Grille.


 

The Chamber has completely overhauled our software, allowing us to bring enhancements to our membership.  The Member Information Center (or MIC) is a "Member's Only" section of our website that allows you to be in total control of your directory listing, communicate with fellow members, post events, create hot deals and member to member discounts. 


 

I want to take this moment to thank you for your support and investment in the Chamber.  As a business community, it is our job to look out for our neighbor businesses, to mentor young business owners and continue to support established businesses.  I am very proud that our Chamber has made some huge strides this past year and our membership continues to support one another.  Many of the Chamber's New Year's resolutions were accomplished in 2014 and it's because of your commitment to the Chamber that allows us to support the economic vitality of our small business community.
 

We're always looking for ways to improve here at the Chamber - if you have any suggestions on programs you would be interested in hearing about, or if there is a specific issue that we may assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I hope that you enjoyed your holiday season and I wish you an even more profitable and joyous 2015! 

#ShopDelPrado & Win!
Join the Residents of Dana Point & Support Del Prado Shopping
With the completion of roadway construction on Pacific Coast Highway, construction is now underway on Del Prado for the balance of the Lantern District public improvements and beautification, including two-way traffic. This significant Town Center improvement project is designed to provide a pedestrian-friendly downtown that is worthy of Dana Point residents and visitors. Lantern District improvements will greatly enhance the local shopping and dining experience. 

The Del Prado phase of construction is moving ahead as quickly as possible to realize the beautification effort. Businesses impacted by construction include some of the community's favorite restaurants, shops and services. The City of Dana Point and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to remind you that Del Prado is open for business and to incentivize you to Shop Del Prado, we have made shopping Del Prado even more attractive. 

All you have to do is what you do best....SHOP! For every $10 you spend at any participating business on Del Prado, you will be awarded the opportunity to win some really great prize packages.

Each Prize Package includes a one-night stay at one of Dana Point's luxurious resorts, a meal for two at a local Dana Point restaurant and an activity certificate to continue your weekend fun!
Each Prize Package has an approximate retail value of $350 - $750. 

This month's prize package includes a one-night stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, dinner for two at Salt Creek Grille and passes for a wine cruise courtesy of our friends at Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Prizes change on a monthly basis so tune into DPLanternDistrict.com each month to see who won the month before and what great prizes you can win! 

You will receive one entry to the Contest per $10 spent at an eligible Del Prado business. All you have you have to do to enter is: 
  1. Send in a signed copy of your receipt (including your email address and phone number) to [email protected], or 
  2. Show your receipt at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce offices located at 24681 La Plaza, Suite 115 in Dana Point.
MEMBERS ONLY: Another Dana Point Chamber Benefit
We at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce are always looking for ways to market your business and connect you with fellow business owners. A few weeks ago we rolled out our new "Member's Only" program through our Chamber website. This member's only section, known as the Member Information Center (MIC), of DanaPointChamber.com that allows you to: 
  • communicate with and refer fellow members 
  • edit and update your website listing 
  • view and register for events 
  • post and use member to member discounts 
  • create Hot Deals that are available to the general public 
  • pay your membership online 
If you haven't done so yet, be sure to create your login and password and begin using your fantastic new benefit. If you would like your login link to be resent to you, please email Natalia.
Infographic: Who's Really Using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram in 2015
Excerpt from adweek.com

"How will the social landscape change over the next two years as social sharing and communication technologies continue to evolve? Exclusive data from eMarketer show which networks will continue to gain momentum, while others necessarily lose ground. But in spite of talk about Facebook killers, that behemoth and its top competitors are not going anywhere."

Social media can take a lot of time, and let's be honest, as small business owners, your time is already stretched really thin. Take a look at these graphs and figure out what demographics are utilizing which social media sites, and use that info to help you create the best marketing plan for your business for the appropriate audience.

Upcoming Chamber Events
2015 Installation Dinner & Annual Meeting
Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our accomplishments in 2014 and honor outgoing chair, Lauralyn Loynes and welcome our chair-elect, Enzo Scognamiglio at the 2015 Installation Dinner and Annual Meeting. We will also be inducting our 2015 Board of Directors and honoring the 2014 Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Ambassador of the Year. 

This year's Installation Dinner will be held at the magnificent Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, January 29th at 6 PM.

Tickets are available online until 11:55pm on Wednesday, January 28th. Please note that there will be no tickets available at the door - you must make your reservation ahead of time.

When:  

Thursday Jan. 29, 2015 
6:00 to 9:00 PM

Cost:    $80 Members    
 
$750 Tables of 10

$95 Non-Members   
 
$900 Tables of 10 

   Where: 

Laguna Cliffs Marriott 
25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
Please consider sponsoring this wonderful event and showing your support for the Chamber and our small business community! 

Thank you to our 2015 Installation and Annual Dinner Sponsors













SoCalEdison Logo














Networking at Noon - Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar
Tuesday, February 3rd  11:30am - 1:00pm
24582 Del Prado Dana Point, CA
$20 Members     $25 Non-Members
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Membership Committee invite you to join us for Networking at Noon at Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar.  Please note that this event is being held on an irregular date - the first Tuesday of the month (instead of Thursday, due to an out of town conference that Chamber staff need to attend - and the Chamber staff refuse to miss out on delicious Luxe food, thus the date change!)

This event is open to members and non-members to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while supporting a great chamber member restaurant! 

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage and gratuity. 

Space is limited so register now - and don't forget your business cards!
Third Thursday Mixer - The Surfin' Cowboy
Thursday, February 19th   5:30-7:30pm
34235 Doheny Park Rd., Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
$12 Members  |  $20 Non-Members
Giddy up! Please join us for our upcoming March mixer, hosted by The Surfin' Cowboy, located in Capistrano Beach on Thursday, February 19th from 5:30-7:30pm.
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host. 
 
Kick off 2015 by helping our Chamber grow by bringing a guest - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend the event!
 
The cost to attend is $12 for members and $20 for non-members.

Welcome Our New Members!
First Team Estates | Christie's International Real Estate
Agent Susan Chotkevys 

Susan is a Realtor in the Luxury market, with the added value of having been a VP National Lending Coordination and Certified Title Officer earlier in her career, thus giving her clients negotiation and problem solving experience in both the origination and closing sides of a Real Estate transaction. Susan is now an approved Instructor with the City of Dana Point, for the community "First Time Homebuyer Workshop", helping adults and families to live their dream of home ownership. She is knowledgeable about the community, schools and events and enjoys living in the Beachside Resort town of Dana Point.

Orchid Tree Houses

Orchid Tree Houses is a green company focused on beautifying and enhancing your business or home with the addition of affordable living luxury that fit your unique personal or business style. Studies show that retail spaces gain 15-25% more business with the addition of living plants & worker productivity increases by as much as 15%. At Orchid Tree Houses we install and maintain living trees, plants, and flower arrangements that significantly reduce the level of airborne contaminants and increase humidity levels which are the two leading causes of sick building syndrome. We offer competitive pricing and are committed to providing affordable living luxury for any budget. Contact us for a free estimate so you can reap the health and productivity benefits of an enhanced interior space.

The People's Deli

We at The People's Deli believe in fresh, high quality ingredients, and simple recipes. The result is a tasty meal that people feel good about putting into their bellies. We hold ourselves to a high standard, which includes: honesty in the food we serve, transparency of the products we use and provenance of its source, and consistency in not only our menu, but in the customer experience we provide. We foster a company culture that is focused on giving back to the community. Five percent of all food purchased goes directly back to the local community. We work with local non-profits, shelters, & organizations to make the biggest impact that we can to those in need. 

Come check us out at our deli, order online, or let us cater your next event! The People's Deli is located at 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy in Dana Point.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2001

Bill & Liz Bamattre, Civic Members
Member Since 2009

Member Since 2014

Member Since 1990

Member Since 1997

California Bank & Trust
Member Since 2003

Member Since 2011

Member Since 1983


Member Since 1988

Member Since 2011
 
Member Since 2011

Member Since 2011

Member Since 2000
 
Member Since 1996
 
Headlands Reserve LLC
Member Since 1998

Susan Hinman, Civic Member
Member Since 1986

Rodney Howorth, Civic Member
Member Since 2002

Member Since 1992
 
Member Since 2011

Member Since 1987

Member Since 2012
Member Since 2011

Member Since 2001

Member Since 1996

Member Since 2011

Member Since 2005

Member Since 2013

Member Since 2010

Member Since 1992

Member Since 2003

Member Since 1997

Community News & Events
Learning is Fun: Learn More about Mathnasium

At Mathnasium Learning Centers, we make math make sense! Whether your child started out far behind or already ahead in math, Mathnasium will help them leap ahead because we know that any child can be successful in math-it's a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

 

Our experienced math tutors utilize our proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student's needs. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math.

 

If math is a problem, Mathnasium can solve it. Students will grow more excited and confident about math-and their grades will reflect that.

 

For students who already excel in math, the sky's the limit. They will work to expand their math skills and, with math learning made exciting, can see all the doors that being great at math can open.

 

Students engage one to one with our instructors in a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written exercises. These do more than just meet state math standards; they surpass the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards.

 

Basic math concepts and skills are blended with a program specifically designed to help students build number sense. This special program shows them how and why the useful number rules they're learning work so they are able to understand how they can be applied to interesting areas such as computer science, biology, and psychology.

 

Students are evaluated with a written and verbal assessment unique to Mathnasium. Based on the results, we develop a custom-tailored program designed to close any educational gaps they may have so they can jump ahead when they're ready for advanced math challenges. 

 

Mathnasium builds upon your child's existing foundation and focuses on explaining why mathematical rules work so that children learn and understand the rules, not just memorize them.

 

We also help students understand their homework as part of each session and prepare them for school tests, as well as standardized tests such as the California High School Exit Exam, SAT, ACT and ISEE.

 

By giving your child a firm foundation-and confidence-in math, Mathnasium can keep them from falling behind in the future and help them avoid the problems and upsets that falling behind can bring.

 

Contact your local center today to schedule a free trial session where you and your student can experience all that Mathnasium has to offer.

 

Mathnasium of Dana Point

22 Monarch Bay Plaza

Dana Point, CA 92629

[email protected]

(949) 240-6284

 

Mathnasium of Ladera Ranch

1701 Corporate Drive, Suite C-2

Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

[email protected]

(949) 429-3020

 

Mathnasium of Laguna Niguel

27281 La Paz Road, Suite L

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

[email protected]

(949) 240-6284

Mathnasium of San Clemente

1001 Avenida Pico, Suite E

San Clemente, CA 92673

[email protected]

(949) 481-6284



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(949) 496-1555

 
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