Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
August 15, 2014
Dana Point City Council: The Race is On!
In what promises to be an exciting race, the Dana Point City Clerk has released the list of qualified candidates for the 2014 City Council race. The candidates below will be running for one of three open seats on the Dana Point City Council.
Candidates listed in no particular order:

Chuck Rathbone
Joe Muller
Jody Payne
Richard Viczorek
Nancy Jenkins
Alan Wickstrom
John Tomlinson
Harold Kaufman
Roy "Ryan" Divel


Mayor Lisa Bartlett and Councilman Steven Weinberg are terming out of their council seats. Mayor Bartlett will instead be focusing on her run for the 5th District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Councilman Bill Brough has elected to not run for re-election for his council seat but will instead concentrate on his race for California Assembly's 73rd District.
 

To learn more about these individuals please visit the City of Dana Point website. The election will be here before you know it - make sure you register to vote!
 

Be sure to mark your calendars for our City Council Candidate Forum presented by the League of Women Voters Capistrano Bay Area & the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

This event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9th at 7:00PM at the Community Center on 34052 Del Obispo Street in Dana Point.                  

Member Spotlight: Evolve Personalized Fitness
Can you please tell us a brief history of your business?
Evolve Personalized Fitness is a results based community focused on fitness efficiency, safety, and goal attainment leading to healthier, happier, and more rewarding lives. 

We strive to be number one in customer service. This means that your training is client based and personalized. 

Your workouts, coaching, and accountability sessions are always safe and effective. Coaches inspire, motivate and use a proven system of success to get clients results fast! 

Evolve Personalized Fitness is a clean, friendly, and professional environment that's open 24/7. Our month to month agreements, 2 week money back guarantee, and affordable training investments will provide new and existing members with all the accountability and guidance they need without any of the risk associated with long term contracts.

Why did you join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce? 
In the short time we've become members of the Dana Point Chamber, I have found the staff to be very helpful and informative. Being fairly new to the area, my main objective is to acquire more exposure for our business. I want the community to recognize us as a major player in the fitness business in Dana Point. I believe with the help of the Chamber, this goal will be attained.

Do you have any fun fitness facts?
Did you know there are 27,000 gyms /fitness centers in the USA. Of those, only 4,000 are part of the big chains (Golds, Life fitness etc) So that means the remaining 23,000 gyms are smaller local gyms.

Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners? 
Yes, here are my top 3:
  1. Positive attitude. 
  2. Never ask your employees to do something you wouldn't do. 
  3. Follow your passion and Don't give up...
FREE SCORE Social Media Workshop
August, 20th   6:00pm   Capo Beach Church
25975 Domingo Ave.  Capo Beach, CA

Free to attend. Light appetizers and refreshments will be available, courtesy of the City of Dana Point.
 
Ambassador of the Month:
The Man, The Mits, The Legend: Mits Arayama
The Dana Point Chamber would like to recognize Mits Arayama, of Minuteman Press for his diligence and dedication as an Ambassador in the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Individuals chosen as the Ambassador of the Month are current members of the Ambassador Committee who volunteer as liaisons between the business community and our chamber, keeping our members informed of community happenings and communicating the needs of our members to the Chamber.

Mits has been a member of the Chamber since 2007. As Ambassador of the Month, Mits has selflessly volunteered countless hours contacting our members, volunteering at events and ribbon cuttings, and engaging prospective members to join our Chamber. We sat down with Mits to discuss his vital role in our Chamber.

Please tell us about yourself and your business:
Minuteman Press of Dana Point provides the perfect combination of quality that you associate with a large commercial printer and the convenience you enjoy with a quick printer. Our services are vast and our prices are competitive. That's our edge, which is an advantage to you. Regardless of the size of your business or printing job, we can handle it with ease. Our versatility is what provides us with the capability of being your one-stop printer from concept to completion, providing all of our customers with minute to minute results. 

In my previous business experience, I have touched every state in the union and I must say, Dana Point is by far the best city in all aspects. Minuteman Press, Dana Point is honored and privileged to provide marketing, design and printing services to the business community and residents of Dana Point.

What made you decide to join the Ambassador Committee?
I joined the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee to get to know the Dana Point community quicker and because I knew it was essential to advertise our company as soon as possible to potential clients. In retrospect, I've gotten to know many prominent and successful people in the community. The word of mouth advertising from fellow Chamber members is priceless.

What do you like most about being an Ambassador?

I love being an Ambassador for the chamber because, I have the opportunity to serve on the committee with so many committed, and incredibly friendly Ambassadors dedicated to the betterment of our Chamber and our business community.   We have close to 30 Ambassadors and join together on a monthly basis to network and volunteer on behalf of the Chamber. Through my involvement with the committee, I have received countless business orders from our Ambassadors.

 

If you are looking to grow your business and get more involved with the Chamber, I urge you to attend an Ambassador Committee meeting, and learn more about getting involved! 


Take a moment and congratulate Mits on this achievement. 
For all your printing needs, visit Minuteman Press in Dana Point or call (949)240-2760.
Upcoming Chamber Events
August Mixer - Fred's Mexican Cafe
Thursday, August 21st    5:30pm - 7:30pm
32431 Golden Lantern St, Laguna Niguel, CA
$12 Members     $20 Non-Members

Please join us for our upcoming August mixer, hosted by Fred's Mexican Cafe on Thursday, August 21st from 5:30-7:30pm. 
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while enjoying live music and delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host.
 
Help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - 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.
 

Networking at Noon - Ricardo's Place
Thursday, September 4th   11:30am - 1:00pm
32082 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
$20 Members     $25 Non-Members

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Membership Committee invite you to join us for Networking at Noon at Ricardo's Place on Thursday, September 4th. 

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

 

Every attendee gets 30 seconds to stand up and introduce themselves and their business - it's a great way to learn more about your fellow Chamber members and generate new business leads.


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


September Membership Orientation 
Maximize Your Membership Investment 
Wednesday, September 3rd   5:00 - 6:00pm
Brio Tuscany Grille    24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point
  
Do you know the value of your Chamber Membership? 
Are you looking to get the most of out of your membership?
 
Come to our New Member Orientation! Join us on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5:00-6:00pm at Brio Tuscany Grille
 
We encourage new members, new employees and current members looking for a "refresher" course to attend this event. Attendees will receive your New Member Packet and plaque, plus you'll get a detailed presentation of your Chamber member benefits. 

This orientation is your opportunity to meet Chamber staff, Board members, Chamber Ambassadors and fellow new members, while learning about all the exciting opportunities your Chamber membership offers you!  Click here to RSVP.
 
September Mixer - Taste of South County
Hosted by Independence Bank 
Thursday, September 11    5:30pm - 7:30pm
32291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
$15 Members     $25 Potential Members
Welcome Our New Members!
Surterre Properties - Kelly Mortensen

Kelly Mortensen is a Dana Point resident and works at the Monarch Beach office of Surterre Properties. For over 7 years, Kelly has parlayed her skills, talent and experience into a successful real estate career. She is an expert when it comes to facilitating seamless, rewarding real estate transactions. Her real estate acumen is enhanced with invaluable experience in the business world where she worked in sales as a wholesaler, financial advisor and regional manager in the finance and banking industry for over ten years. This unique background equates to an all-encompassing ability to work with clients on the investment aspect of real estate as well as purchasing, selling or leasing an owner occupied property.

Backed by the incomparable array of resources Surterre Properties provides, including an award-winning, full service in house advertising studio, the affiliation of the industry's most accomplished professionals, and the latest advances in real estate technologies, Kelly is able to offer each client a real estate transaction defined by excellence and results.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2009
 
Member Since 1979
  
Dick Dietmeier, Civic Member
Member Since 2012
 
Member Since 2013
 
Muller Commercial Real Estate
Member Since 2012
 
Member Since 2012
 
Dana Point Farmer's Market
Member Since 2009
     
Member Since 2004
 
Community News & Events
Last Chance to $ave! Get Your Tickets to the 5th Annual Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club's Dana Point Lobster Beach Fest
30th Annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival
September 6 - 8, 2014 
Sunset Parade, Friday, September 5 
The West Coast's largest annual gathering of tall ships celebrates its 30th anniversary. Nine tall ships from up and down the California coast are expected to participate in the weekend. On shore, visitors can enjoy pirate encampments, live entertainment and see the many exhibits and sea creatures at the Ocean Institute. During the day, the tall ships will be tied to the dock, and visitors can explore the ships and meet the crews. In the afternoons, visitors can sail onboard the ships and participate in mock cannon battles. 

Visit the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival website and learn more.

August Happenings at Ocean Institute

Check out the fun events below and don't forget to get your ticket for the 10th Annual Laguna Beach Gold Coast Raffle - The Ocean Institute is pleased to announce its 10th Annual Laguna Beach Gold Coast Raffle. Buy a ticket and secure your chance to win a beautiful Laguna Beach home or $1 million in cash. Tickets are $150 each and a maximum of 21,000 tickets will be sold. Purchase early to qualify for additional cash and prizes. Visit www.ocean-institute.org for complete information.

 

 

 

Shark Month!
Weekends in August; 10am - 3pm
Don't just celebrate Shark Week, celebrate Shark Month! Visit the Ocean Institute on weekends in August and touch a live shark. Learn about these unique creatures through hands-on activities and make your own shark craft to bring home. Activities are included with the Ocean Institute's weekend public program.

 

10th Annual Laguna Beach Gold Coast Raffle
Thursday, August 21 - Early Bird Deadline
Southern California's most successful Home Raffle is back! Buy a ticket and secure your chance to win a beautiful Laguna Beach home or $1 million in cash. Tickets are $150 each and a maximum of 21,000 tickets will be sold.
Visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 542-3600 for complete information.

* Purchase one ticket by August 21st and qualify for over $125,000 in bonus prizes.
* Buy two tickets and qualify for $257,000 in bonus prizes!
The sooner you get in, the more chances you have to win fabulous prizes including Lexus Hybrid leases, Dream Vacations, Shopping Sprees, & more.
* Buy a ticket and qualify for our Refer a Friend Drawing - Encourage a friend, business associate or family member to buy a ticket and mention your name when they buy. When they win, you win too! 1st prize for you and your friend is a Lexus IS 250 car lease or $7,000 each.

Family Science Nights
August 19 (Backyard Birds); 6pm
Spend a summer evening in our Samueli Conference Center with local scientists. Workshops include a presentation by a guest speaker and activities for kids, followed by a lab program to introduce you to the fascinating world of science. Cost: $7/person; $25/Family-Pack; visit www.ocean-institute.org to register.

Ongoing Cruises & Sails
Weekends throughout August
Head to sea on our research vessel Sea Explorer or take a sail aboard the tall-ship Spirit of Dana Point. Visit www.ocean-institute.org for complete information and to register.

  • Blue Whale Discovery Cruise - Weekends in August; 10:00am - 12:30pm
  • Bioluminescence Night Cruise - Aug. 22 & 23; 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Visit the Ocean Institute website for complete information and to register.
American Legion Post 281 Hosts an End of Summer Dinner at Aventura Sailing Association
A Night of Comedy to Benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group
Pet Project Foundation Adoption Special 
Black Cat Adoption Fee Only $50

Relay For Life Dana Point
Saturday, September 20, 2014  
Lantern Bay Park
 
Thank You to our Chairman Circle Supporters
SoCalEdison Logo 
 If you are a interested in becoming an Anchor Club Sponsor, contact [email protected]
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24681 La Plaza Suite 115Dana PointCA.  
(949) 496-1555

 
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