Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
January 21, 2014
2013 Business of the Year &
Citizen of the Year Announced
It is with great honor and privilege to announce the following recipients for the 2013 Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Business of the Year - Dana Point Auto Service
The award for Business of the Year is presented to Dana Point Auto Service, owned and operated by Richard Deffenbaugh. Established in 1969, Dana Point Auto has been a longstanding business in Dana Point, a member of the Chamber since 1971 (our oldest member business!) and a vital instrument in the community. Dana Point Auto has dedicated efforts to serve local students in the South County area; Richard spearheaded fundraising for and contributed to scholarships for local Dana Hills High School students and his staff is very committed to teaching youth about auto repair. In 2013, staff member Jason Smith received the Jack Heyler Award. This award is only presented to one technician internationally per year by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Additionally, Dana Point Auto was voted the #1 Auto Repair Shop in Dana Point by the readers of the Dana Point Times for the third year in a row. Richard lends his efforts to the Dana Point Chamber serving on the Education, Finance and Ambassador Committees, while maintaining a position as a member of the Board of Directors. He and his wife Geody are pillars of the Chamber and the local business community as a whole.

Citizen of the Year - Gene Burrus
This year's Citizen of the Year award recipient, Gene Burris also known as "The Voice of Dana Point", has contributed to the City's overall well-being. Gene's generosity spans to residents of all ages. For years Gene has volunteered at the Dana Point Senior Center and also participates in the Festival of Whales Parade as the Master of Ceremonies. In addition to that, Gene lends his time announcing league and tournament games for Dana Point Youth Baseball.

A huge thank you to our Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year committee members for choosing our winners. While the Chamber staff has absolutely no input on the outcome, we are pleased with this year's winners. The Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Ambassador of the Year will be honored at our upcoming Installation Dinner & Awards on Thursday, January 30th.
 
Community Meeting Notice:
City Street Construction in Town Center

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is urging all interested parties that own and operate businesses along PCH and parts of Del Prado to attend this meeting to learn more about construction and important Town Center updates.

It's an exciting time to see the City's Town Center is going to become a reality. But we do have to weather some construction to reach our goal.

As you are probably aware, South Coast Water District is constucting underground utilities on Pacific Coast Highway and a short section of Del Prado between Blue Lantern and Ruby Lantern.

When they complete their work, the City will begin the beautification effort and the return of PCH to two-way in the area depicted in this map.

Before beginning the City's construction on PCH & Del Prado, between Blue and Ruby Lantern, we would like to host an additional pre-construction meeting and respond to questions on the scope of work and receive input on how best to reduce adverse impacts and communicate work stats during construction.

 

Please join us on:

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 
9:00 - 11:00am

 

The meeting will take place at the Dana Point Community House, located at 24642 San Juan Avenue.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like project status via emai, Facebook or Twitter, please email Gail Enriquez or Matthew Sinacori.

    Please help us during our construction and forgive our dust!

Sincerely,

 
Brad Fowler
Director of Public Works and Engineering Services



Looking to Promote Your Business?
Join our Ambassador Committee!

The new year is already off to a fast start and there's no better time to get more involved with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and promote you and your business! 

We recently sat down with our 2012 Ambassador of the Year, Regina McGrath, and asked her to share her ambassador experience with us.

Ambassador Since:
2007

Membership Status:
As a resident of Dana Point, I personally joined the Chamber as an individual "Civic Member" about 6 years ago.

Most Enjoyable Benefit of Being an Ambassador:
I recently met one of the most fascinating men I've ever known in my life at a monthly Chamber of Commerce mixer... famous WWII Tuskegee Airman Mitch Higginbotham who lives right here in beautiful Dana Point! And he is just one of the fabulous contacts I have made.

"Variety is the spice of life" is what I've experienced as a volunteer Ambassador for our Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. I've met people from virtually every walk of life, profession and talent.

The exposure one gets from being involved in and associated with our Chamber is, quite frankly...... PRICELESS!

How Has Being An Ambassador Helped Me:
Did you know that you don't have to own a business in Dana Point (nor work in town for that matter) to become a member of our Chamber of Commerce or to be a Chamber volunteer?

I joined our Chamber as a Civic rather than a Business Member. Then I became a volunteer Ambassador and that was one of the best decisions I ever made!

I wanted to give something back to this beautiful community that I so love and appreciate. What a surprise to discover that I ended up getting more in return.

An Ambassador is a vital link between our Chamber and its membership and the community. The Chamber makes me feel like I'm an integral part of this community and that I can make a difference. I had no idea I would make so many new contacts among local business and political leaders. Going to the many events offered is fun too!

I highly recommend all Dana Point residents and businesses join and get involved in our Chamber Of Commerce. By volunteering for our Chamber, my life has become BETTER!
 
Click here to read more about our Ambassador Committee (and all of our committees) and submit a committee application form - or show up to our next Ambassador Meeting on Tuesday, February 11th at The Wine Bistro .
Register Now to be a Vendor for the
2014 Festival of Whales Street Fair

In conjunction with the Festival of Whales, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to indulge in culinary delights at the Annual Street Fair Festival for an unforgettable day of food, kid's games, music & entertainment for the whole family.

 

Click here to learn more about all the events that are a part of the Festival of Whales.

March 1, 2014
La Plaza Park 10 AM - 2 PM.

FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots to Dana Point La Plaza Park until 3:00PM.

There are many ways to participate in the Street Fair experience. We are looking for booth vendors, food vendors and volunteers for the event. Non-profits are also invited to participate at a discounted rate.

For more information on any of these options please call the Chamber office at 949.496.1555 or send us an email.

Vendor Forms:

Vendors & Non-Profit Application  

Food Vendor Applications 2014

Upcoming Chamber Events
2014 Installation Dinner & Annual Awards
Click here to make your reservations.
Networking at Noon - Salt Creek Grille
Thursday, February 6th   11:30am - 1:00pm
$15 Members     $20 Non-Members
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Membership Committee invite you to join us for Networking at Noon at Salt Creek Grille

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 $15 for members and $20 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage and gratuity. 

Please pre-register for the event as it helps us to give an accurate headcount to the kitchen. 

Our gracious host isn't typically open for lunch, so this is sure to be treat for our members! We strongly recommend that you pre-register for this event as walk-up registrations will be limited.



Ribbon Cutting Celebration


Friday, February 21st   4:00 PM
22 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629


Welcome Our New Members!
Jose Juarez, Civic Member
MetroPCS

MetroPCS is one of the leading providers of unlimited 4GLTE wireless service with no annual contract. We make wireless simple by offering unlimited talk, text and data plans with all applicable taxes and fees included - so there are no surprises. 

Experience the unmatched value we bring with many of the latest phones, including 4GLTE Android™ smartphones from today's leading manufacturers, along with innovative communication and entertainment services like joyn™ by MetroPCS, 4GLTE Mobile Hotspot and Rhapsody Unlimited Music. 

We have it all with the freedom and convenience of unlimited, affordable, no-contract rate plans starting at just $40 per month for 4GLTE, giving you more of what you demand and deserve from your mobile service.

Stop in to the local MetroPCS store in San Juan Capistrano to learn more about their awesome phones and service.

Prendiville Insurance Agency
 
Prendiville Insurance Agency was started in 1988. Our first four years started out in the personal lines arena, insuring many families with their auto, home, and life insurance needs. Gradually, we started integrating business insurance clients into the agency. Presently, we insure both personal and business clients throughout California. 

Over the years, we have been front and center on a variety of claims-from fire, auto, and health to assisting on major lawsuits. This experience has given us the skills to deal with an entire range of obstacles our clients may face. 

I am proud to say that many of our clients have been with us since the very early days. I truly love the insurance industry and recognize how beneficial a good policy is in protecting a family or a business. However, nothing has been more satisfying than the wonderful relationships I have developed with my clients, staff and insurance company personnel.

Renegade Racing
 
We produce a wide variety of running, triathlon and adventure sports events around Southern California. Our events are fun, professional, safe, and always have something for everyone. 

For running junkies, Renegade Racing has a very exciting race schedule to start your 2014 season with the New Years Hustle 5K and 10K and the iTRYathlon Sprint and Youth Triathlon in Laguna Niguel. Join us in the spring for the Coaster Run 5K, 10K, and Camp Snoopy Run, PCRF Reaching for the Cure Run and Ride, XTERRA Renegade Off-Road Tri, Off-Road Duathlon and 3 Mile Trail Run Challenge, and the City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Run. 

It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned triathlete or a newbie racer, the Southern California Triathlon Series will give you the best experience possible. Are 5K's & 10K's more your distance? Whether it is your first - or one of many - you'll enjoy our events where all 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run events welcome walkers, baby joggers and speedsters. 

All of Renegade Racing's events benefit a worthy charity, so get fit, get out there, and have some fun. You'll be doing something great for yourself and the community. Hope to see you on the road or on the trail this year!

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2001
 
Bill & Elizabeth Bamattre, Civic Members
Member Since 2009
 
Member Since 2010
 
Member Since 2011
 
Member Since 2007
 
Member Since 2010
 
Member Since 2011
 
R & D Design & Marketing 
Member Since 2012
 
Member Since 2011
 
Member Since 1996
 
Member Since 2005
 
 
Member Since 2005
 
Member Since 2003
 
Member Since 2006
 
Member Since 2000
 
Member Since 2013
 
Member Since 2009
 
Member Since 1981
 
Member Since 1982
 
Regina McGrath, Civic Members 
Member Since 2008
 
Rodney Howorth, Civic Member
Member Since 2002
 
Member Since 2003
 
Member Since 2007
 
Community News & Events
Dana Point Historical Society Annual Meeting and Guest Speaker Slated for January 22
 
Please join us for the Dana Point Historical Society Annual Meeting and Potluck Dinner at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22 in the meeting room at Gloria Dei Church in Dana Point. The potluck dinner will be followed by the presentation and approval of the 2014 incumbent officers. In addition, long-time DPHS Member (&DP Chamber) Jim Miller will be presented with the annual Pat Plepler Award for outstanding community participation and service. 
 
Chamber member Richard Deffenbaugh will be the evening's guest speaker. Mr. Deffenbaugh has generously donated and will officially present the RICHFIELD tower "beacon" to the Historical Society. He will talk about the beacon related to the 125 foot RICHFIELD sign that was dismantled in 1971. The tower was one of the first erected in 1928 as part of the planned chain of 36 aeronautical beacon towers running the entire length of the West Coast . Mr. Deffenbaugh has been in business in Dana Point since 1969. Please bring a dish to serve 6-8 people for the Potluck dinner as well as your own tableware. Drinks will be available. Gloria Dei Church is located at 33501 Stonehill Drive. Parking is available in the adjacent parking lot. 
Business News from Microsoft Mission Viejo


Upcoming Events and Workshops

Monday, January 27th

4pm-6pm - Touch Develop Workshop

 

Saturday, February 1st

9am-11am - Explore the World of 3D Printing

 

Thursday, March 20th

8am-10am - Growing Out of Your Current Accounting System

 

In addition to these events, daily workshops are held on topics like Windows 8.1, Office 365, OneNote and even Xbox One. Please check our calendar for the most up-to-date list as events are added daily.

 

Book Our Theater

Did you know that you can book our theater for your events or training at no charge? We can accommodate 40-50 attendees, have a 103" presenter screen and audio system and we can even hold your event early in the morning before The Shops at Mission Viejo open for business. In addition, we can also provide custom workshops for your group or host your team building event. For more information or to book the space, please contact us

 


Valentine Specials from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
A Night in Paris 
 
Join us this Valentine's Day as we celebrate LOVE under the stars. Our French inspired four-course menu and event will sure to leave you with long lasting memories. You will be greeted by a red rose as you walk into the French inspired pavilion on our Vue Lawn. Enjoy live music and dancing as well as special entertainment throughout the evening. Enjoy a special gift from Chef Thomas as we say bonsoir
 
Event will be held from 6:00pm-11:00pm 
~Four Course Menu 
~$99.00 per person (all inclusive)-Price includes taxes, gratuities, valet parking and a champagne toast 
~Reservations required-payment will be received at the door 
For more information or to make your reservation, please call 949-487-7516 or the Concierge at 949-487-7577 
*Regular menu will be offered at Vue Restaurant
 
Best for Romance Couple's Package 
 
 60-minute Couple's Massage featuring a blend of masculine & feminine massage oils. 
30-minutes in the Spa Suite featuring private outdoor patio with whirlpool, waterfall, fireplace, sparkling wine, refreshments, and a flower for her. 
$375 per couple 

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

 
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