Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
October 9, 2014
Meet the Candidates!
City Council Candidate Forum TONIGHT 

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Civic Association, Dana Point Times and the League of Women Voters of the Capistrano Bay Area invite you to attend a Candidates Forum for those seeking election to the Dana Point City Council. Attendees will have a chance to submit questions for the candidates and learn more about the candidate's vision for our great city.

Please note that all of the candidate's have been sent the following rules: Standard non-partisan rules will apply:
(1) No alternate may be sent in your place.
(2) No campaign literature or items may be displayed or distributed in the building or in the parking lot, or 100 feet from the site.
(3) Time periods will be strictly observed; timers will warn speakers at second and maximum times.


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." :)
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.
Member Spotlight: Tutor & Spunky's Deli
Can you please tell us a brief history of your company?
Tom Blake, Owner
In August, 1988, I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own business. I saw a vacant storefront on PCH at Amber Lantern, next to the Donut Shop, across from Ruben's Imports, the Mercedes dealer. I signed a lease and five months later, on December 22, Tutor and Spunky's Deli opened its doors. We were at that location for 17 years. Eight years ago, we moved to the Blue Lantern Plaza, at the intersection of PCH and Blue Lantern. Initially, there were just two employees-myself and Teresa Gonzalez. A couple of months later, we hired Rosalinda Ceballos, and then slowly added employees from then on. Teresa and Rosalinda are still with me. In the 26 years, we have employed approximately 310 employees, many of whom were students at Dana Hills High School. Currently, Tutor and Spunky's has 18 employees. Each year, the deli sales have grown and now exceed $1,000,000, which is pretty amazing when considering how many sandwiches have to be prepared to reach that sales volume.

Why did you join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce? 
We initially joined the Chamber in 1988. We felt we needed an entity to help us present our point of view on signage and other issues to the county of Orange and then to the city of Dana Point. In today's business climate, there are too many challenges facing small business owners for them to go it alone. The Chamber provides a forum for us to get together, get to know each other, and enjoy each other socially. Without the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, there would be a void to fill that might not even be possible to do. The Chamber saves us time and energy, which helps us focus on putting money in the bank.

In what areas of the Chamber are you involved? 
Restaurant committee and I try to attend most Chamber mixers.

Can you tell us a fun fact about your business that most people wouldn't know? 
Although we've lost the exact count, we estimate that we have served in excess of 700,000 sandwiches. Some of our customers have been with us from day one. Most of our sandwiches are named after current employees and former employees, and some are named after local businesses that have been loyal to us. We have been voted best sandwich in Dana Point for the last five years in the Dana Point Times Lantern awards. 
Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners? 
If you are going to open your own business, be prepared for a seven-days-a-week commitment, at least for the first couple of years. Have some money stashed away to fall back on. Hire good employees and treat them well. When adversity happens, don't get discouraged, just dust yourself off and come back the next morning with a positive attitude. Have fun.
Upcoming Chamber Events
3rd Thursday Mixer at Coast Marketplace 
Hosted by Tavern on the Coast & Sundara Salon
October 16th  5:30 - 7:30 PM
34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Tavern on the Coast Exterior

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 enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host. 

 

This mixer will be held at the Coast Marketplace shopping center located at 34212 Pacific Coast Highway. Coast Marketplace is home to Tavern on the Coast and Sundara Salon - who are also our mixer hosts. 

 

The cost to attend is $12 for Chamber members and $20 for prospective members. Please help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend the event! 

 

Add to your Calendar

Dana Point Chamber Seeking Networking at Noon
& Mixer Hosts for 2015

Looking to get more people through your doors? 

We are currently searching for hosts for our 3rd Thursday Mixers and Networking at Noon events. Hosting an event allows you to promote your company/venue to business leaders in Orange County, is a fantastic networking opportunity, and also a way to showcase your services first-hand to fellow Chamber members. 

For more information on hosting an event, contact Vickie or call 949-496-14555

Welcome Our New Members!
American Saver Card South Orange County

American Saver Card's mission is to use a unique marketing vehicle to partner with local businesses for increased profits while supporting nonprofit and community organizations. Consumers save time, save money, and have more fun, thus creating a "WIN" for everyone! With discounts up to 50%, the A.S.K. card is for savvy consumers who like to save money and enjoy life too. Becoming an A.S.K. member enables you to save over and over again, all year long, on just about everything you do, from dining out, traveling, servicing your car, having fun, buying the latest fashions, and so much more! A.S.K., American Saver Klub, is a discount club that helps you save time, save money, and have more fun at your favorite places all year long! Use your A.S.K. card at over 20,000 locations with new merchants coming on board all the time.

Liberty Tax Service

Every year, Americans are faced with the prospect of tax return preparation. Although many will try to go it alone, every year more turn to a tax consultant like Liberty Tax. Our goal is to provide the feeling of a personal tax consultant alongside the security, confidence, and protection that a large company can provide.  

When you visit a Liberty Tax� office, you can rely on real help from real people - and products and tax service with real benefits. 

What makes Liberty Tax special? Our knowledge of income tax preparation, our enthusiasm, our commitment to our customers, and our selection of products is just the start of what we offer. Whether you choose Liberty Tax to prepare your personal taxes or small business taxes, you're getting a partner who will stand with you and actively seek out your best interests, biggest refunds or smallest legal tax liabilities. Our returns are backed by the Liberty Tax promise - friendly, accurate, and with a money-back guarantee.

Quality Inn and Suites at
Capistrano Beach Resort


Enjoy affordable rates in a convenient location when choosing the Quality Inn� & Suites Oceanview in Capistrano Beach, CA. Our smoke-free hotel is ideally located on the ocean, near many area points of interest.

Get refreshed in our inviting guest rooms, all of which feature expanded cable television channels, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, wake-up services, microwaves and refrigerators. Additional amenities include:
  • Beach access 
  • Free deluxe continental breakfast 
  • Free wireless high-speed Internet access 
  • Kitchen facilities 
  • Guest laundry facilities 
Take care of basic business needs with access to copy and fax services, and for added convenience, a meeting room is available that can accommodate up to 25 guests. 

Make your reservation today at the Quality Inn & Suites Oceanview in Capistrano Beach, CA for a memorable stay in a great location, all at an affordable price.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2013
 
Member Since 1993
  
Member Since 2000
 
Member Since 2001

Member Since 2012

Member Since 2012
Member Since 2013
 
Billy Tees, Inc.
Member Since 2005
     
Member Since 1999
 
Doug Chotkevys, Civic Member
Member Since 2008

Member Since 2007

Member Since 2012

Community News & Events
Dana Point Oktoberfest
October 11th & 12th   Sea Terrace Park
Two Great Ways to Celebrate October at Brio Tuscany Grille
Smart & Final Has Your Trick or Treating Needs Covered - Order Now!

Did you realize that Halloween is approximately 3 weeks away? Wow - where does the time go?! Before you know it, adorable ghosts and goblins will be running around your neighborhood or visiting your business, knocking on your door, and screaming "Trick or Treat!" Are you ready?

It's never too early to start stocking up on Halloween candy and our friends at Smart & Final make it easy. Smart & Final has all your Halloween candy needs covered - and for affordable prices!

Browse through their extensive list of Halloween candy - candy corn, gummi pumpkins, caramel apples, and so much more. You can thank us later - with candy!

Dana Wharf Boo Cruise

American Legion Post 281
Oktoberfest Celebration

Age 50+ singles Meet and Greet 
Thursday, October 30 at  Tutor & Spunky's Deli
Sun Salute Yoga New Student Special

Surterre Properties is Taking a Stand Against Hunger

Mathnasium Hosts 4th Annual Trimathlon
October 18th, 2014
22 Monarch Bay Plaza,  Dana Point, California 92629
Join us on October 18, 2014 for our 4th Annual TriMathlon! Test your math skills, receive awesome participant gifts, earn money for local schools, and be eligible to win additional prizes! 

This fun-filled event is open to kids in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Similar to the way a triathlon tests an athlete's physical fitness through three athletic challenges, the TriMathlon tests a mathlete's mental fitness through three exciting math challenges: 
  • The Counting Game - Tests your ability to count from any number, to any number, by any number. 
  • Magic Squares Challenge - Develop your own math problems to receive points. 
  • Mental Math Workout - Tests your Number Sense through solving problems without pencil and paper. 
Each challenge is tailored by grade and progressively increases in difficulty. All participants receive fun goody bags, a certificate of participation, and earn money for local schools. The top three scorers in each grade level at each center will receive additional medals and prizes. 

For more information and to register, visit our website. Don't miss out!

40th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

Ahoy, only 11 weeks away until the 40th Annual Boat Parade of Lights!! This year we are celebrating 40 years of the boat parade of lights. This year's theme is "FantaSEA Holiday" to showcase the rich history, abundant sea life and ocean-inspired lifestyle of our beautiful city. 

This year we are expecting enormous crowds with the addition of the electric and illuminating event presented by The Resorts of Dana Point, "IlluminOcean". Dana Point IlluminOcean will electrify the Harbor with 40 nights of holiday lights. This wonderland by the sea 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. 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 -some so large, visitors can walk through and inside the belly of a glowing 40-foot Blue whale! 

This is YOUR opportunity to be a part of this time honored and community loved event. Sponsorship is EASY! Sponsorship starts at $150 in cash/gift certificate and you get to make your own category and criteria as well as attend a night on the judging boat to pick your winner.

Click here to download a sponsor application.  
Thank You to our Chairman Circle Supporters
SoCalEdison Logo 
 If you are a interested in becoming an Anchor Club Sponsor, contact natalia@danapointchamber.com
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24681 La Plaza Suite 115Dana PointCA.  
(949) 496-1555

 
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