Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
December 10, 2014
2015 Dana Point City Council Sworn In & New Mayor Selected
Photo: Andrea Swayne | Dana Point Times

Sitting Councilman Carlos N. Olvera was appointed the new Dana Point mayor early last week, following a unanimous vote by the five-member City Council. It was a changing of the guard, as longstanding council members left the dais and three residents new to public office took their place. John Tomlinson, a business owner, took first in the election. He was followed by federal appeals attorney Richard Viczorek and fellow business owner Joe Muller. Tomlinson and Muller both work in property management, while Viczorek is a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Mayor Pro Tem Steven Weinberg has termed out, while Mayor Lisa Bartlett and Councilman Bill Brough have been sworn into their new positions as 5th District County Supervisor and 73rd District State Assemblyman, respectively. 


The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our three departing council members and wish them luck in their new endeavors. Chamber staff very much looks forward to working with our newly elected City Council members and continuing our wonderful relationship with Mayor Olvera, Councilman Schoeffel and the entire City of Dana Point staff.
Paid Sick Leave Law: A Look at Employer Compliance Options

Effective July 1, 2015, under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, all California employers must provide their California employees with at least 3 days (24 hours) of paid sick leave per year. 

Unlike several other California leave laws, there is no exemption for small employers. The new law applies to employees (exempt and non-exempt) who work in California 30 days or more in a year. This includes temporary, part-time, and seasonal employees, and out-of-state employees who work in California 30 or more days in a calendar year.

With the signing of this legislation many employers are questioning what options they have to comply with the new law and how existing or newly adopted employer policies will coordinate with this new mandate. 

AB 1522 (Gonzalez; D-Sherman Heights; Chapter 317) provides employers with three options by which to satisfy the requirement to provide employees with paid sick leave, thereby offering employers some flexibility to implement a new or existing policy.

Click here to learn more about the three options employers have.
Dana Point Chamber Seeks Nominations for
Business of the Year & Citizen of the Year
2014 Business of the Year

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2014 Business of the Year & Citizen of the Year. Nominations must be submitted no later than January 6, 2014. 

The awards will be presented at our annual Installation Banquet and Awards ceremony taking place on January 29, 2015 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott.

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.

 

Download a Nomination Form

View a List of Past Recipients 


2014 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 2014. 

 

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.

 

 

Download a Nomination Form

View a List of Past Recipients

Mark Your Calendar:
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! The deadline to sponsor is January 15, 2015.
Member Spotlight: Sun Salute Yoga
Let's face it - we could all use some more relaxation in our life. Whether it's family or long days at the office, it's important for us to take a moment to remember the importance of breathing and to focus on our health and wellness. Recently, while discussing the important changes coming to Del Prado, we sat down with our member, Sun Salute Yoga to talk about their business.

Can you please tell us a brief history of your business?
After teaching in Orange County and the Dana Point/San Clemente area for 8 years, Troy Cox decided it was time to bring his own brand of Yoga into a unique studio. After being a personal trainer and fitness instructor at gyms and small studios in the area, he saw a real need to offer personal Yoga instruction in classes. Combining Personal Training and Yoga Instruction so that each student felt like they were understanding the way the postures helped restore health and wellness but do them safely was something unique. Helping students to practice safely and correctly and understanding what they are doing and why has been the mission of Sun Salute Yoga. Being 47 years old, Troy also wanted to work with students that were looking to improving their health instead of what was fun and trendy. Sun Salute Yoga 'The Safe Place to Practice' was born and has been voted 'Best of Golden Lantern Award' every year since they opened.

Why did you join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce? 
The Chamber of Commerce is a big stamp of approval from the citizens and other business owners in the community. The Chamber holds its members to a standard and works on their behalf with the city. Being a member keeps one involved in the community events. I grew up around the world and in San Diego, but my family is from a small town. I like that small town feeling the Chamber creates.

Can you tell us a fun fact about your business that most people wouldn't know? 
While some see Yoga as a religion or something serious, I try to keep it light and fun. We keep the religion out of it and make sure everyone is safe and happy. We ask students to interact during class, to ask questions, whether it's about a posture or they want the lights bright or the temperature up or down. Its not a library. Its fun. Were a fun community of people who have the same objective: to feel better.

Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners? 
Be sure you have a strong community of supporters and customers before opening. Join the Chamber and genuinely get to know the other owners in your community.

The Safe Place to Practice
Deadline Extended: 2015 Dana Point City Maps
Promote Your Business to Visitors & Residents  
We are proud to announce that we are producing the Official 2015 Dana Point City Visitors Map and we want to promote your business! We will be printing 50,000 maps which will be distributed to local hotels, visitor centers, new Dana Point residents and will of course be available to our city visitors at the Chamber of Commerce offices.

This is the official map from the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and will be full of informational highlights, historical points, things to do, restaurants, shopping, places to stay and much, much more!

Space is limited so act fast. The deadline to reserve space for the January publication has been extended and is now December 31, 2014. 

Details are available here.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Deck the Halls with the Dana Point & San Clemente Chambers TOMORROW at Aventura Sailing Association
Holiday Mixer at Aventura Sailing
December 11th   5:30 - 7:30 PM
24707 Dana Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Members $20   Guests $25

Join us and members of the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for an evening of holiday cheer at our 2014 Holiday Mixer! Enjoy the festive lights in the Harbor, dine on scrumptious food, sample some delicious libations (including beer generously provided by our friends at Left Coast Brewing) and strike a pose in our holiday photo booth - all while networking with your fellow Chamber members.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy and receive a free raffle ticket.  All toys will be donated to Hope 4 Kids and Family Assistance Ministries

The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members* and $25 for prospective members. Please help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend this wonderful event!

Add to Your Calendar
*Please note that Member Gold Cards are not valid for this mixer.
Kick off 2015 Right - Attend the January Membership Orientation
Maximize Your Membership Investment 
Wednesday, January 7th   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, January 7th 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.
 
Welcome New Business to Dana Point: Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Ribbon Cutting 2
Ribbon Cutting Celebration 


Friday, January 9th, 2015   11:30 AM
24655 La Plaza Ste A, Dana Point, CA 92629
2015 Installation Dinner at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
SAVE THE DATE: 
 
 Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
Annual Member Meeting & Installation Dinner
 
Thursday January 29, 2015
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
 
Member Since 2008
  
Member Since 2013

Senior Wish
Member Since 2011

Member Since 2006
Member Since 2012
 
Dana Point Times
Member Since 2006

James Goecks, CPA
Member Since 2010

Regina McGrath, Civic Member
Member Since 2013

Member Since 2012

Community News & Events
"The road to success is always under construction"
Shop Del Prado and support small business owners! 

Remember to take photos and post about shopping local in Dana Point by using the hashtags #ShopDelPrado or #ShopDanaPoint
Shop Local

Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar
Get Involved: The Holiday Spirit of Dana Point
Decorating Contest Aims to Spread Holiday Cheer & Tourism throughout City

lluminOcean, hosted and presented by The Resorts of Dana Point, will debut in Dana Point for the 2014 holiday season.  This unique event will feature a magical festival of lights staged amongst the spectacular coastal setting of our Dana Point Harbor.  IlluminOcean is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Dana Point during its 40 Nights of Holiday Lights.  While the first year will see the majority of the lights in the Harbor, IlluminOcean has plans on expanding each year into other areas of Dana Point to create a citywide attraction.  Additionally, the City of Dana Point is adding new holiday lights at the entrances of Town Center and new citywide holiday pole banners. 

 

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage our local businesses to get in on the fun and help spread the magic of IlluminOcean throughout Dana Point during the Holiday Season.

 

We are pleased to announce a new business holiday lights contest, the Holiday Spirit of Dana Point. The contest is focused on including and showcasing our local businesses during the holiday season and encouraging shopping and dining in Dana Point.  We invite you to be creative in decorating for the holidays and help us show what makes Dana Point such a special community.

 

To help you get started and play on the IlluminOcean theme, the City of Dana Point has purchased a limited number of light covered dolphin sculptures to give away for free to our local businesses to use them in their decor.  Numbers are limited so hurry and pick up your dolphin.

 

To participate in the Holiday Spirit of Dana Point business decorating contest, contact the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce to sign up and pick up your free lighted dolphin starting November 18, 2014 at the Chamber office.  Dolphins are also available at the Public Works Office in City Hall.  

 

Judging will take place between December 19th and 22nd.  Judging will be limited to businesses within the city limits of Dana Point, on exterior decor only and must be completely installed by December 19, 2014.  Contest rules subject to change without notice.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice?
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Hosting Two Great Holiday Events 
December 14, 2014 8:00am-11:00am

Join us in the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom for a morning filled with treats. Breakfast will be served and children will enjoy a fun-filled time as they do arts and crafts, decorate cookies, or watch a movie. Face painting will also be available and don't forget a photo opportunity with Santa. 
Adults: $35.00 all inclusive   |    Children ages 6-12: $15.00 
Reservations required.


New Year's Eve Dining
December 31, 2014 5:00pm-10:00pm

Join us in Vue Restaurant as we count down to 2015! Enjoy a prix fixe menu and live entertainment this New Year's Eve.

$109 per person
Prices not inclusive of tax or gratuity.
Discounted valet parking rate $5.00 
New Year's Celebration
December 31, 2014 9:00pm-1:00am

Ring in the New Year at OverVue Lounge.
Live entertainment and a champagne toast await you as we count down to 2015!

$25.00 Admission Fee

No reservations required.
First come, first serve.
IlluminOCEAN: 40 Nights of Holiday Lights
The Majestic Sealife of Dana Point Shines Bright in a Dazzling Holiday Display 

The holidays will shine bright this year as Dana Point IlluminOcean debuts 18 large scale lighting attractions for forty nights of holiday lights at the Dana Point Harbor! This wonderland by the sand - created and funded by The Resorts of Dana Point to become an annual winter tradition - features a brilliant spectacle of 18 oversized lighting sculptures with over 225,000 LED lights, and is free to the public for viewing nightly at sundown beginning November 26, 2014.

As the whale watching capital of the world, and proud stewards of the coastal ecosystems which drives most of the destination's tourism traffic, the sea-themed holiday lighting sculptures showcase the city's devotion to ocean preservation.

From octopus and sharks, to starfish and surfers, the dazzling displays are highlighted by a towering glow-motion tree, light tunnels stretching longer than a football field and over a dozen gigantic lighting sculptures - so big visitors can walk through and inside the belly of a glowing 40-foot Blue whale!

As visitors stroll through the colorful collection of immersive attractions, every step is filled with vibrant sights and sounds while roaming street performers entertain crowds, glow merchandise shines and "Whale Eyes" 3D glasses give a must-see holographic look at this holiday spectacle. See the lights. Explore the sights. This year and every year, only at Dana Point IlluminOcean. For additional information, visit IlluminOCEAN.com.
40th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Boat Parade by Water's Edge
Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 6; Friday, December 12; Saturday, December 13 at 7:30pm


Holiday in the Harbor Open House 
Friday, Dec 5, 4:30pm - 7:30pm 

Boat Rides with Santa 
Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7, 10am - 3pm 

Dana Wharf Sportfishing Docks Photos with Santa! 
Friday, Dec 5, 4:30-7:30pm & Thursday, Dec 11 & 18 3-5pm 

Santa Paws 
Saturday, Dec 13, 10am-3pm

Great Offers from Your Fellow Chamber Members
Dana Point Jet Ski Collecting Toys for Tots
Bring a Toy & Enjoy a Free Rental!

Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club
Membership Specials

Cast Your Vote: 7th Annual Best of Dana Point
It's that time of year again! The Dana Point Times "Best of Dana Point People's Choice Lantern Awards" voting has begun! 

To vote, visit the Dana Point Times website and click on the link on the right, entitled Vote Here: The Best of Dana Point. Make sure to direct your friends, family and customers to vote as well - every vote for your business helps!

Click here to download a "VOTE FOR US" flyer for you to use in your storefronts or in marketing materials to get the word out to all your customers. 

Polls close December 21st, 2014 at midnight.

Also, don't forget about your friendly Dana Point Chamber of Commerce when voting for "Best Customer Service." :)
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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