Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
June 19, 2014
Message from our Executive Director,
Heather Johnston
Heather Johnston, Executive Director
Can you believe we are halfway through 2014? This year has flown by so fast and your Chamber has been working hard to keep Dana Point's economic development our mission.

What's New 
It's important for our members to know their return on investment with the Chamber. That's why we launched our first New Member Orientation, giving our new and veteran members an in depth look at member benefits and the overall worth of their Chamber membership. We invite all our members to attend the next Orientation, July 2nd at 5:00 pm at Brio Tuscany Grille. Whether you are a veteran member, a newbie or a new employee, we encourage all to attend! 

Be on the lookout for our 2014/2015 Destination Guides in mid-July, your guide to everything Dana Point. This is one of our most beloved member benefits, putting your business info in the hands of visitors, resorts and hotels, neighbor businesses and homes in Dana Point (approx. 10,000 distributed). 

Advocacy 
As your business advocate, we strive to support and promote the general welfare of our communities. This week, we reaffirmed our support for the Lantern District/Town Center funding and development. City Council voted 3-2 to reallocate $7.7 million to fund the second phase along Del Prado Avenue. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce stands with Lantern District Businesses and support its funding to the final phase. 

Currently we are working closely with Doheny Village businesses and the Sheriff's Department to ensure their neighborhood is safe and secure for their staff and customers. Earlier this year we hosted several Doheny Village Forums, to hear the concerns of local residents and businesses. Because of these efforts, the City's created a Homeless Task Force to ensure the safety of Doheny Village. We are also excited to announce the launch of the Capo Beach Farmer's Market next month. More info coming soon!

Tuesday, City Council unanimously voted to move forward with the $140 million Harbor project, bringing Dana Point Harbor one step closer to construction. Your Chamber supports the Harbor's revitalization and we are pleased to see progress being made in this monumental project.

Chamber Chatter
As you all know, I have some of the best staff a Chamber Executive could ask for. Their hard work and dedication is evident in the success of our Chamber and the progress this Chamber has made in the last few years. In the upcoming weeks our office will be celebrating two milestones. We will be celebrating the ONE YEAR anniversary of our Community Relations Coordinator, Natalia Odebralski, and the TWO YEAR anniversary of our Senior Operations Manager, Vickie McMurchie. Join me in congratulating Natalia and Vickie on these wonderful accomplishments!

Dana Point's busy summer season is just about to launch, and there is no shortage of great events to attend this summer! If you're looking for something to do in our beautiful city or would like more information on how you can promote your business, please stop by our Chamber office - we'd love to tell you about all that Dana Point has to offer.
California's Upcoming Minimum Wage Increase - Review Your Practices
On July 1, 2014, California's minimum wage increases to $9 per hour from the existing minimum wage of $8 per hour. This is the first increase to the state minimum wage since January 1, 2008. The minimum wage will increase a second time to $10 per hour on January 1, 2016.

Employers need to prepare for the minimum wage increase. Also, employers should remember that state enforcement agencies have made it a top priority to stop employers from engaging in so-called "wage theft," which includes not paying the minimum wage for all hours worked.

Employers should examine all pay practices that might be affected by the minimum wage increase. Hint: There are more than you might think!

Are you ready?
Dana Point Chamber Membership Awards $5K in Scholarships to Dana Hills Students
The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce champions business prosperity, economic vitality and community engagement, promoting a high quality of life in and around destination Dana Point. This includes the necessity to promote the success of our future business leaders. For over 20 years the Dana Point Chamber has raised money dedicated to scholarships for the students of Dana Hills High School.

This past year we set our sights on raising $5,000, the most money raised in our history. Because of the generosity of our members, we were able to award five $1,000 scholarships to five deserving Dana Hills High School students. We will be honoring all scholarship award recipients at tonight's mixer at The Fountains at Sea Bluffs, we hope that you can join us this evening in celebrating and congratulating them.

On behalf of our Board of Directors and Staff, THANK YOU for investing in the youth and future leaders of Dana Point!
Job Killer: California Lawmakers Advance Bill to Mandate Paid Sick Leave
Businesses in the state are facing significant cost increases: increased taxes under Proposition 30, increased workers' compensation rates, a loss of the federal unemployment insurance credit, increased energy costs, and next month the $1 increase to the minimum wage takes effect, which will significantly increase employers' costs. 

Now, AB 1522 (Gonzalez; D-San Diego) seeks to pile on even more economic burdens on businesses

The bill increases employer mandates by requiring all employers, large and small, to provide all employees in California with paid sick leave, and threatens employers with statutory penalties as well as litigation for alleged violations. 

The bill requires that all employers provide any employee who has worked in California for seven days with paid sick leave, at an accrual rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. Any unused sick leave accrued in the preceding year could be carried over to the next year, which is a significant change in existing law. While many employers voluntarily offer sick leave for full-time employees, expanding this to a mandate on all employees to temporary, seasonal, and part-time employees will create a huge burden on employers. 

AB 1522 passed Senate Labor and Industrial Relations, 3-1. 

Action Needed 
AB 1522 will be considered next by the Senate Judiciary Committee. CalChamber is urging members to contact their senators and committee members to ask them to oppose these bills.

Our Ridiculously Good Looking Members
2014 State of the City
St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
April 29, 2014

2014 State of South County
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
May 16, 2014

Ribbon Cutting
Mathnasium 


Ribbon Cutting
So Cal Boot Camp


Ribbon Cutting
Doheny State Beach Interpretive Center 

Upcoming Chamber Events
June Mixer - The Fountains at Sea Bluffs
TONIGHT, June 19th   5:30pm - 7:30pm
25411 Sea Bluffs Dr, Dana Point, CA 
$12 Members     $20 Non-Members
Please join us for our upcoming June mixer, hosted by The Fountains at Sea Bluffs on Thursday, June 19th 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.
 
The event will be hosted outdoors, so please dress in layers. Valet parking will be available (tipping is encouraged).
 
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.
 

July Membership Orientation 
Maximize Your Membership Investment 
July 2nd    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, July 2nd 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. 
 
"Even though I have been a member and ambassador of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce for several years, I attended the new membership orientation, and was blown away by all I learned pertaining to membership value.  I left the meeting recharged with new information on how I can get more involved in the community, and market my business more effectively and efficiently through opportunities the Chamber offers .  The meeting was insightful, useful, and well-organized.  It was not only a valuable experience, it was an enjoyable evening, thanks to the informative, friendly style of the chamber staff and the incomparable hospitality of Enzo, and his staff at Brio." 
-Marsha Prentice, Broker 

Prentice Realty


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.
 
Networking at Noon - The Point Restaurant & Bar
Thursday, July 10th   11:30am - 1:00pm
Blue Lantern Plaza    34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA
$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 Point Restaurant & Bar.

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. 


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Welcome Our New Members!
Blown Away Beauty Bar, LLC
 
Key the music, pop the champagne, clink the fluted glasses, and rev up the blended chorus of humming blow dryers, running water, laughter and rich conversation as Dana Point's very own Blown Away Beauty Bar, opens its doors to celebrate its women in June, 2014. 
 
Have you heard of the new "blowout" hair salon trend that is sweeping the country; salon-perfect hair sporting the latest trends and fashions without the high price of a salon? Blown Away Beauty Bar is the latest and most advanced of the Blowout salons but offers Dana Point something more; complete beauty. Blown Away Beauty Bar has ten chairs providing "celebrity stylist-quality" hairstyling and treatments, makeup application, waxing, brow shaping, lashes, and extensions plus consultation on wardrobe, accessories and products in an elegant, VIP lounge-styled environment. Clients are pampered like Hollywood "A-List Superstars" for under $40 and in about an hour. Complimentary champagne, wine and soft drinks, personal ipad's, soothing music, movies and good conversation complete the experience.

Be Beautiful. Be Empowered. Be Blown Away.
The Captain's Chair
 
Located in the southwest corner of the Monarch Bay Plaza, The Captain's Chair Barbering and Salon is a full service barber shop and hair salon. The staff has been servicing the Monarch Beach area since 1965 (formally "Monarch Barbers" and "Haircutters"). 

Our customers always leave in high spirits from experiencing top-notch service. We welcome out-of-towners for a spruce-up during your getaway. For Captains about to head to the altar, we offer a "Walking the Plank" package for you and your crew. This fun experience can be customized for any sized crew. 

Look to The Captain's Chair for your hair styling and barbering needs.
 
DP Pilates and Barre
Desa Prana is a fitness studio located in Capistrano Beach, CA. Instructor Jeannie Mccormac teaches yoga classes, pilates classes, barre classes, and zumba classes. 

Jeanne has been teaching movement for 30 years. Her movement foundation was acquired in her early dance training under the tutelage of LaRue Allen, executive director of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Additionally, Jeannie studied ballet at theJoffrey School of Ballet, NY. Shedanced with Contemporary Dance Company at Pennsylvania State University where she earned her B.S., and professionally with Pennsylvania Dance Theatre. For schedule of all classes, visit this page.
 
Dana Point Women's Club House
 
Have you heard about Dana Point's best kept secret - the Dana Point Women's Club House? This 2300+ sq. foot club house is available to rent to the public. Located in the Lantern District and only a few minutes from the Dana Point Harbor, this space features an updated kitchen, private parking and beautiful grounds.

For rental information, please contact Property Manager Tim Johnson of Lantern Bay Realty at (949)661-6441 or Sandy Condello at (949)279-3975.

Divel Insurance Agency - Ryan Divel
 
Hey friends! 

I'm excited to be a new addition to one of the most envied groups around. 

I'm a 4th generation South County native currently living along the Monarch Beach Golf Course with my beautiful wife (Michelle) and 8 yr old daughter (Riley). I come from a 20 yr background in action sports, but most recently switched over to the Insurance industry and now feel as happy as a clam! I really hope to get to know everyone personally and as I will be representing Dana Point as their next City Councilman! When I'm not helping people you can find me in the ocean surfing, fishing or on my SUP, but I also love traditional ball sports and having fun riding motorcycles or anything with an engine. Thanks for the opportunity to allow me to get to know you and please make the effort to come say hello!
 
ReFinds Consignment Shop
 
An Exceptionally Unique Boutique! Looking to buy or sell custom, one of a kind pieces? Enjoy an eclectic mix of consignment home decor & furniture- from modern or classic to retro, vintage or antique... all things you won't find at Ikea. Our selection updates daily, so you'll come across new treasures every time you stop in. We've got art, frames, vinyl records LP's, mirrors, desks, dressers, wine & baker's racks, tables, chairs, purses, jewelry, lamps, vases, china & glassware, toys, Hawaiian shirts, clothing, collectibles, man cave, holiday and decorative items galore. Gifts for everyone on your list... come see to appreciate. Find that special gift for the person who has everything.
 
Jody Payne, Civic Member


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Correction: In the June 5th edition of our COMPASS we incorrectly stated that name of one of our new members. We welcome Evolve Personalized Fitness, LLC to the Dana Point Chamber family. We apologize for our error.
Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2009
 
Norm Denton, Civic Member
Member Since 2012
  
Member Since 1987
 
Ruth Clark, Civic Member
Member Since 1998 
 
Member Since 1971
 
Olvera Research
Member Since 2007
     
Member Since 1998 
 
Member Since 2009 
Community News & Events
Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, June 21st    12:00 - 7:00pm    Sea Terrace Park
ADMISSION: Free
 
Food Pricing: Food can be purchased directly from the various restaurant stands at the event. Restaurants provide their own menus and pricing which will be advertised at each booth. Restaurants and various other vendors will be selling water, soda, etc. at their booths as well. 
 
DRINK PRICING: Gold Level (VIP) & Silver Level (Unlimited Sampling) packages are available as well as individual drink tickets at the event. For more info see Drink Pricing drop down menu under the menu bar labeled Info on this website. (Unlimited Sampling 
 
CHARITY: A portion of the proceeds from your drinks purchases will be donated to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

Dana Point Historical Society Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
Please join us for a casual, fun June event that has become a Dana Point tradition. This fun event includes parking at Doheny State Beach, tours of the DSBIA Visitor Center from 5 - 6:00 pm and Jack Saunderson catering Lucy's El Patio Cafe's best Fiesta fare. There is a no host bar for "donations" and an opportunity prize raffle. Proceeds benefit two $1000.00 scholarships and you will meet the scholarship winners. We look forward to seeing you there. Your early reservations help us plan ahead and you save money for the raffle. Thank you! 
 
Doheny Surf Festival
June 28-29      Doheny State Beach
Dana Point Yacht Club America's Cup Trophy Event
On July 19 the "Oldest Trophy in All Sports" The America's Cup, makes an unprecedented return visit to Dana Point Yacht Club. In addition to having the most coveted sailing trophy in the world at the Club the schooner "America" will be here in Dana Point for this event. Tickets are also available for a sunset cruise on "America" at 5:30pm. For more information visit their website or call 949.496.2900.
Bella Collina Barkn' Breakfast
June 28th   10:00am - 12:00pm

50+ Meet & Greet Singles Night
Tutor & Spunky's Deli - 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suites 116/117, Dana Point 
Thursday, June 26th  5-7:30pm
FREE Business Community Night for the DP Chamber
Live music, complimentary hors d'oeuvres & vintage poster, drawing for prizes and best of all meet the artists and view this year's extraordinary collection of beautiful artwork at reasonable prices. 
 
Discover one of Southern California's best kept secrets -Art-A-Fair- a journey into world class art. Unique among local cultural events, Art-A-Fair features 125 juried artists and master craftsmen. Increasingly popular among artists and visitors alike as a showcase of emerging talent, Art-A-Fair has become one of Laguna's must-see summer affairs. 
 
Celebrating its 48th anniversary, Art-A-Fair is the city's only international art festival and offers guests the chance to experience firsthand the passion of artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, pencil, drawing, mixed media, photography, ceramics, wood, glass, jewelry, and digital art. 
 
Discover all Art-A-Fair has to offer Sunday-Thursday 10:00am-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm. 
 
Call 949-494-4514 or visit their website for more information.
 Art-A-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna Cliffs Marriott 
4th of July BBQ Buffet and Fireworks Show
Join us this 4th of July for an all American BBQ buffet, complete with live entertainment and a fireworks display you won't want to miss. 

*Adults: $95.00      *Children ages 6-12: $40.00 
Price includes tax, gratuity and valet parking 

MENU 
Summer Salads:
Mixed exotic greens - Heirloom tomato salad and asiago cheese with roasted garlic vinaigrette Cranberry Cole slaw - Balsamic roasted mushrooms and frisee Organic fingerlings with pancetta, coriander and manchego cheese Vine ripened tomatoes and hot house cucumber with lime/orange vinaigrette 

From the Grill: 
Prime New York steak - Angus burgers or cheese burgers - Bacon wrapped hot dogs Louisiana style barbequed chicken - Kansas city baby back ribs El Paso baked beans - Roasted corn con queso - Corn muffins - Buttermilk biscuits - Bread sticks 

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese:
Cook to order with a variety of condiments: Asparagus - Mushrooms - Ham - Scallions Cheddar, Swiss, Dana bleu or Parmesan cheese 

Desserts: 
A festive display of cakes, pies, cookies and dessert bars Fresh Fruit

Bob Welch Benefit  All-Star Surf Legends      
June 29th   3:00 - 7:00pm     The Tee Room, Newport Beach Golf Course
One of our beloved members - Bob Welch of Bob Welch Electrical Designs - has had a serious stroke. There is a benefit on Sunday June 29 from 3 - 7pm at the Tee Room at Newport Beach Golf Course which will feature his band the Chantays and many other bands joining together for an afternoon of music to raise funds to help Bob and his family. There is no fee for admission, but donations are encouraged. 
Put Your Claws Up! Get Your Tickets to the 5th Annual Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club's Dana Point Lobster Beach Fest
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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