Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
March 12, 2014
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the
City of Dana Point Announce Dates for the
2014 State of the City

 

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 2014 State of the City Luncheon in partnership with the City of Dana Point. The event will feature an address by Mayor Lisa Bartlett, celebrating the City's rich 25 year history and the future of economic and business development in our city. As a leader in the business Community, we ask for your support and participation in this momentous event.

 

We invite you to join us at this event and encourage you to partner with us for the State of the City luncheon as this is a significant event for Dana Point. Sponsoring this event is a great way to show your commitment to our great city and its bright future! 

Sponsorship opportunities are available and detailed here.

 

In addition to the Mayor's address, we will recognize those who have gone above and beyond in our community with our annual Beautification Awards. 

Click here to download a nomination form.

 

The 2014 State of the City Address and Luncheon will take place April 29th, 2014 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa We hope to see you there, and hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to align your business with other leaders in the community. 


One Minute Survey: We Want to Hear From You
The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is committed to educating our members through meaningful and insightful seminars. We've created a brief survey so we can determine exactly what programs our members need. Please complete the survey at the link below and provide us feedback on what types of seminars you are interested in, and what time is most convenient for you.

Facebook Revamps Business Pages: 3 Changes
This week, Facebook will begin rolling out a streamlined look for Pages on desktop that will make it easier for people to find the information they want and help Page admins find the tools they use most. The new design includes two columns similar to the old version, but the right column is now the Page's timeline and the left includes information about the brand or corporation. For Page admins, a new metrics section on the far right-hand side of the Page includes data about ads, Likes and post reach. Facebook is also rolling out "Pages to Watch" for all admins, meaning users can create a list of similar or competitor pages to compare metrics like engagement and Page Likes.

It's estimated that currently less than 16% of your Facebook "Fans" see your content on their news feed. More than ever, your business needs to have a solid communications plan and your Facebook page needs to focus on more visual and media-rich content. 

Click here to learn more about the changes coming to Facebook.
Member Spotlight: Lantern Bay Realty
As professionals our lives can be business 24/7, but it's important for us to get to know YOU as a person, member and leader in the community. This month, we're featuring Lantern Bay Realty. Being the oldest established real estate firm in Dana Point, Lantern Bay Realty has seen the transition of Dana Point from a sleepy little coastal town into a booming, vital community. We recently sat down with Vice President & CFO, Tim Johnson to get the inside scoop about Lantern Bay Realty and their deep roots in Dana Point.

Can you please tell us a brief history of your business?
Originally in 1973, the firm was known as Anchorage Investments which later became Lantern Bay Realty Inc. as a result of being designated the contract broker for Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company. Lantern Bay Realty Inc. handled the sale of Lantern Bay Villas and Estates consisting of 46 single family parcels and 112 premium condominiums. The developer/builders were the renowned Smyth Brothers known for quality construction throughout the area. The Lantern Bay projects were developed in increments over 4 years during the period 1983-1987. Lantern Bay Realty Inc. is an independent full service real estate brokerage, marketing commercial , residential and income properties as well as Residential, Commercial and Vacation Property Management throughout the County. Currently, eight commercial properties in Dana Point managed by Lantern Bay Realty are 100% occupied. The management team consists of Michael Lovullo - President, Tim Johnson - Vice President & CFO and company Founder - Joe Lovullo always lending a steady hand and to this ever-changing business.

Why did Lantern Bay Realty join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce?
Becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce was an important step towards being recognized as a major independent brokerage in Dana Point. In 1973 we joined the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and have enjoyed a very long and consistent membership with the organization. Over the years, many treasured friends and happy clients were forged. It has been a pleasure!

In what areas of the Chamber are you involved?
A number of our agents have participated in Chamber activities including the annual Turkey trot and bike races, Festival Of The Whales, Mixers and just about every Sponsored Chamber event. I would like to add that we are proudly involved in the 5th Marines Support Group which was adopted by the City of Dana Point.

Can you tell us a fun fact about your business that most people wouldn't know?
An interesting fact is the resemblance of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott to the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. The property was part of the Lantern Bay development and was sold to Jim Youngblood, a developer from San Diego.

Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners?
My advice to new business is to learn all you can about your community, support the Chamber of Commerce and other City sponsored activities and be aware that the person in shorts and sneakers that patronizes your business may have just anchored a multi million dollar boat in the Marina. Treat people well and good things will happen.
Dana Point Chamber Advocates for You: Attend a Capo Beach/Doheny Road Business Outreach Meeting 
The Surfin Cowboy
34235 Doheny Park Rd Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 PM

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Government
 Affairs Committee will be conducting a Business Outreach Meeting in an effort to address issues affecting Capo Beach businesses. This meeting will give local Capistrano Beach businesses on and around Doheny Rd. a chance to discuss issues they are having regarding safety, vandalism and other concerns. Please join us tomorrow and help us be an advocate for your business. 

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping our local businesses thrive.
March is Red Cross Month- Learn How to Prepare Your Business in the Case of an Emergency
For 133 years, the American Red Cross has helped individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. And each spring since 1942, starting with Franklin Roosevelt, the U.S. President acknowledges the American Red Cross and encourages volunteerism by issuing a proclamation that declares March as Red Cross Month.

Since July 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration has supported a partnership with the American Red Cross, participating in events to promote the importance of disaster preparedness for individuals and businesses. Ready Rating is a program that helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether you are taking your first steps or have a fully-functioning emergency management program, the Ready Rating program can help you achieve a higher level of preparedness.

Upcoming Chamber Events
Third Thursday Mixer - The Surfin' Cowboy
Thursday, March 20th   5:30-7:30pm
$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, March 20th 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. 
 
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.
 

Ribbon Cutting 2
Ribbon Cutting Celebrations 



Thursday, March 20th    11:30 AM
34163 Pacific Coast Highway #225E, Dana Point, CA 92629

Friday, March 21st   3:30 PM
26153 Victoria Blvd, Dana Point, CA 92629
 
Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting at your business?

Contact the Chamber office to schedule one!
Networking at Noon - The Wine Bistro
Thursday, April 3rd   11:30am - 1:00pm
$20 Members     $25 Non-Members


Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Membership Committee invite you to join us for Networking at Noon at The Wine Bistro.

One of our most popular benefits of the Chamber is the opportunity to network. In 2013 we had over 600 people attend our monthly Networking at Noon event and our January & February Networking at Noon events exceeded our average attendance! As a Chamber, we are a community. Our community thrives when we are willing to work with each other personally and professionally.

This event is open to members and non-members to attend. This event provides the opportunity for new and current members to introduce their company to potential clients while learning all there is to know about your fellow business members. Plus, you get to enjoy a great meal provided by a Chamber member.

The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage and gratuity. Please note that our prices have changed for our Networking at Noon event. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Please pre-register for the event as it helps us to give an accurate headcount to the kitchen. Space is limited so register now - and don't forget your business cards!

Welcome Our New Members!
Dana Point Cottages 

Greetings from Dana Point Cottages! My name is AnnMarie Herlihy. My husband and I bought a condo here in Dana Point in 2007 while I was still working as a court reporter at Riverside Superior Court. We began using the condo as a vacation rental and second home and quickly discovered Dana Point was where we wanted to settle. When I retired, we moved to Dana Point permanently. I got my real estate license in 2010, after a life-time of buying and selling property as an investor. My license is with Evergreen Realty Dana Point. 

With my real estate background and growing up in a family of hospitality entrepreneurs, I realized that the vacation rental business is a fit for me. Vacation rentals are one of the most effective ways to bring outside revenue into our community. I am so excited to be managing amazing vacation rentals here in town. 

I take pride in bringing high-quality tourists into our community. My guests eat at our restaurants, drink at our bars, play in the harbor and use our services. I enjoy sharing my favorite places to go and often join them! The majority of my guests are European. I am very selective of my guests, and I comply with all City permitting ordinances. I have a book in each condo of local business brochures for guests to peruse and of course the Chamber calendars and booklets. 

If you have a need for temporary housing for your out-of-town guests or business associates, or are thinking of buying or selling, I'm always available. I am proud to be a Dana Point resident and a member of the Chamber.

Khlo E. Inc
 
Khlo E. Inc. is a woman owned company whose principles fell in love with and have been sharing the long list of coconut oil beauty benefits since 2009. Khlo E. Inc. is first and foremost dedicated to the needs of their customers. With a combined 39 years of experience as licensed professionals and salon owners, they know their customers are looking for effective, high quality products that deliver. As an all natural, head to toe solution for so many beauty and grooming needs, Khlo E. Inc. thinks of coconut oil not only as a beauty enhancer, but as a healthy "Way of Life". Khlo E. Inc.'s premiere product is Nohona Coconut Oil for Skin & Hair. Nohona is sold in salons, spas, resorts, and natural food stores across the USA, with distribution in the UK and online. Nohona has been noted in magazines, blogs and Internet articles as a favorite quality coconut oil to celebrities and their stylists. 
 
Nobis Preschool
 
Our program is centered on the belief that the first few years of a child's life are critical for their developmental foundation and socialization. We believe that by providing a home like environment that is safe, comfortable, and loving, a child's creativity will be nurtured. The philosophy of this center is a holistic approach, which incorporates different developmental and educational theories, such as: Behaviorism (Skinner and Thorndike), Developmental Stage Theory (Piaget) and more recently Social Development Theory of Learning (Vygotsky). 

Nobis takes both sides of the nature versus nurture debate to implement the most well rounded learning experience possible for your children. As the field of childhood psychology and learning development changes with time, Nobis strives to stay on top of these advances to supplement our established program. We believe that being fluid and adaptive to established and new techniques will insure that each child receives an experience as unique as themselves.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 1990
 
Member Since 2005
 
Member Since 1997
 
Joe Soto, Civic Member  
Member Since 2011
 
Member Since 1998
 
Member Since 2013
Member Since 2011
 
Member Since 1998
 
Member Since 1997
 
Nancy Taylor, Civic Member  
Member Since 1990
 
Member Since 2013
 
Member Since 2011
Community News & Events
Open an Account, Get $30 in Free Tolls on The Toll Roads
It pays to be first when customers sign up for new ExpressAccount™ or FasTrak™ now until March 31

 

Drivers on the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads in Orange County can get $30 in free tolls if they open a new ExpressAccount™ or FasTrak� account on or before March 31. ExpressAccount and Fastrak are the fast and convenient ways to pay tolls electronically while traveling at highway speeds. 

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), which operates the 51-mile Toll Road network, introduced three new ExpressAccount types last month to give cash-paying customers more choices for how to pay tolls without stopping at toll plazas. 

TCA will be removing all cash toll collection from The Toll Roads in May 2014. Customers can now pay using an ExpressAccount or FasTrak, the transponder-based electronic toll collection system. To receive the $30 in free tolls, customers can use promo code FLYER30 when they establish a new account via The Toll Roads website or The Toll Roads app, which is available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores. 

Registration Now Open for the Dana Point Grand Prix 
Sunday, May 4th   


St. Patrick's Day Beer and Irish Whisky Tasting Party at Aventura Sailing Association
Saturday, March 15th  5:30 PM
San Juan Hills Golf Club Hosts St. Patrick's Day 
Pub & Patty O' Party 
Monday, March 17th  

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Presents:
22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament
at Monarch Beach Golf Links  
50 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point, CA
Monday, March 31, 2014 
 
Save the Date: VFW Post 9934 Presents the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War
May 14-18 at Sea Terrace Park
Are You Using Your Member to Member Discount? 
If you don't know already, your chamber membership gives you access to exclusive discounts and services offered to members only. 

You can save money on auto repair, hotel accommodations, plumbing, coffee, restaurants plus much more, all while supporting your fellow Chamber members! 

We invite you to participate in our Member to Member discount program that makes your business visible, boosts sales, saves you money and can increase business among Chamber Members. Plus, you don't have to wear a 1980's "Members Only" jacket to participate! 

For an up-to-date list of current Member to Member Discounts, click here
Would you like your business to participate in this awesome program? Of course you do - contact us now!
Stay Connected
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter 

24681 La Plaza Suite 115Dana PointCA.  
(949) 496-1555

 
Visit Our Website