Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
December 22, 2015
Message from Executive Director, Heather Johnston
Heather Johnston
Heather Johnston,
Executive Director
As we approach the end of 2015, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your support and investment in the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. At the Chamber, it is our job to promote, education, connect and advocate for our community. I want to thank my Board of Directors, committee members and countless volunteers who work with the Chamber to help our city flourish. The support you show your community and for each other is invaluable. 

Looking at our upcoming 2016, it looks to be another year of change. We must continue to work together to help form the future of Dana Point while still holding on to what makes our city so special. I always say our members are the true reason why this chamber succeeds and continues to be one of the best Chambers in South County. I ask we continue to treat each other with respect and patience as we go through this time of growth. Ultimately, we are all on the same team and, working together, we are stronger. 

Speaking of change, I have some bittersweet news to share. Vickie McMurchie, our Senior Operations Manager, is leaving the chamber for another opportunity. She is one of the main reasons our Chamber has run so smoothly for years and has put her heart and soul into this job. We are very sorry to see her go but wish her the very best in her bright future. Please join me in thanking her for the years and countless hours she has dedicated to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our community. 

Finally, 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 enjoy your holiday season and I wish you an even more profitable and joyous 2016! Have a wonderful holiday season and see you next year!
 
Heather Johnston 
Executive Director 
A Message from Senior Operations Manager,
Vickie McMurchie
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you today regarding my departure from the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Beginning next year, I will begin an exciting new job opportunity - my last day in office will be this Wednesday, December 23. I will truly miss all of you - but I'm not going far and I promise that we will run into each other again soon!

For more than three years I have had the privilege to work with so many hard working small business owners who are committed to the prosperity of Dana Point. I've been able to meet some of the very best people I've ever had the pleasure of working with, all while working in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Dana Point is truly special, but it's the people and our members that make it the best. 

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has been a wonderful place to work and grow - our committee members, Board and especially the staff are an exemplary group of people who are truly committed and are continually working (incredibly) hard to make this city a great place to live, work and play. I appreciate each and every one of you being so welcoming and supportive of me - and for putting up with my sassy-ness :) I am incredibly proud of this Chamber and how far we have come in the past few years and I have no doubt that it will continue to thrive.

I truly wish you and yours a fantastic and happy holiday and an even better new year. Thank you again for an amazing three years.

It's so hard to say goodbye
2016 Social Marketing Planning Guide
It can be tough to plan the new year's strategy for your brand on social, weeding through all your great ideas and trending concepts or coming up with new ones if you're feeling a tad depleted - but we've got a fine place to start right here, thanks to our friends at Simply Measured.

Click here to download Simply Measured's 2016 Social Marketing Planning Guide to discover: 
  • Which trends won't survive 2015 and which ones you should plan for 
  • How to kick off the planning process (planning checklist included) 
  • 2016 predictions from top social media influencers 
  • Resources to consider as you develop your 2016 strategy
and more! Click here to download the guide now.
Dana Point Chamber Seeks Nominations for
Business of the Year & Citizen of the Year

2015 Business of the Year

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2015 Business of the Year & Citizen of the Year. Nominations must be submitted no later than January 5, 2016. 

The awards will be presented at our annual Installation Banquet and Awards ceremony - more information to be announced shortly.

Business of the Year: Businesses will be evaluated on the following: 
  • Chamber Involvement and Support 
    Business Leadership, Committee Involvement, In-Kind Donations, Volunteerism. 
  • Community Involvement 
    Organization Membership, Youth Programs/Business Education, Volunteerism, In-Kind Donations. 
  • Business Standards 
    Strong Ethics, Support of Business Community, Customer Service/Image.
Any member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce may make a nomination for the Business of the Year award. The nominee must be a member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in good standing. Applications will be submitted to the Business of the Year Committee, which is made up of past recipients. Committee members, and not Chamber staff, select the Business of the Year.
 

2015 Citizen of the Year
 
Each year, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce honors an individual whose efforts in the areas of community service and philanthropy have significantly impacted the quality of life in Dana Point. We invite you to nominate the individual you feel is deserving of this honor for 2015. 
 
Any member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce may make a nomination for the Citizen of the Year award. Applications will be submitted to the Citizen of the Year Committee, which is made up of past recipients. Committee members, and not Chamber staff, select the Citizen of the Year.
 
Happy Holidays - Note Our Holiday Office Hours
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, Diwali or nothing at all - we would like to pause and thank the many people who have made this year a successful and memorable one. We appreciate every single one of you and can't wait to see what 2016 holds.

We wish you much health and happiness this holiday season!

Please note, the Chamber offices will be closed from December 24, 2015 - January 1, 2016. Our offices will re-open on Monday, January 4th.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Save the Date: 2016 Installation Dinner & Annual Meeting
Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our accomplishments in 2015 and honor outgoing chair, Enzo Scognamiglio and welcome our chair-elect, Mits Arayama at the 2016 Installation Dinner and Annual Meeting. We will also be inducting our 2016 Board of Directors and honoring the 2015 Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Ambassador of the Year. 

This year's Installation Dinner will be held at the magnificent St. Regis Monarch Beach on January 28th at 6 PM.

Tickets are available online until 11:55pm on Monday, January 25th. Please note that there will be no tickets available at the door - you must make your reservation ahead of time.
When:  
Thursday Jan. 28, 2016
6:00 to 8:30 PM
Cost:     $80 Members    
 
$750 Tables of 10
$95 Non-Members   
 
$900 Tables of 10  

   Where: 

St. Regis Monarch Beach
1 Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
Please consider sponsoring this wonderful event and showing your support for the Chamber and our small business community! The deadline to sponsor is January 15, 2016.
Welcome Our New Members!
MK Hammer Yacht Sales
 
MK Hammer Yacht Sales is located in Dana Point, CA and is a member of the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) a highly professional organization. 

Our primary goal is to represent sellers and buyers by bringing them together on a professional level whether it be a luxury motor yacht, cabin cruiser, trawler, sport fishing yacht or high performance yacht. We know amenities, ergonomics, layout and size of yacht are some of the main considerations for people looking for overall comfort. Power train, maneuverability, fuel range and electronics are other important considerations for security and safety when buying a yacht. 

With over 30 years experience on the water, Broker Michael Kordyak is a certified Inboard Marine Technician, High Performance Marine Engine Builder, High Performance Marine Parts & Accessories Dealer and an expert at rigging. 

With our experience we can help the seller get the most out of their yacht sale and help the buyer locate the yacht they always desired to own. At MK Hammer Yacht Sales we work for our clients, whether it is a buying or selling a yacht, so your transaction is a pleasurable experience.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2013

Member Since 2013


Member Since 2005

Member Since 1990

Member Since 2010

Cannons Seafood Grill
Member Since 1972

Member Since 2011

Member Since 1983


Member Since 2007

Henry Snyder, Civic Member
Member Since 2012

Member Since 2014

Member Since 2012

Member Since 1987

Massage Envy
Member Since 2012

Member Since 1981

Member Since 2015

Member Since 2011

Member Since 2011


Susan Hinman, Civic Member
Member Since 1986

Wayne Rayfield, Civic Member
Member Since 1998
Community News & Events
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
Dec. 24, 2015 -
Jan. 1, 2016
City Hall Offices Closed
Dana Point Chamber Offices Closed
Dec. 24th Senior Twilight Dinner

Veritas Lodge No. 855 Free and Accepted Masons of California Weekly Meeting
Dec. 26th Farmer's Market
January 2nd Farmers Market

Nature Interpretive Center Nature Tour
Jan. 5th Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Meeting
Jan. 7th Dana Point Youth Board Meeting
Jan. 9th Farmers Market

Nature Interpretive Center Whale Walk & Talk

Ocean Institute Whale Watching Cruise
Jan. 12th DPCC Ambassador Committee Meeting

VFW Benefit Services
Jan. 13th DPCC Board Retreat - Office Closed at 1pm
Thank You to our 2015 Chairman Circle Sponsors








    

If you are interested in supporting our business community, join the Dana Point Chairman's Circle! 
Please contact Heather Johnston for more information.

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