Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News |
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Breaking News!
The Chamber Announces Funding to Assist Local Businesses
In Partnership with the County of San Diego
Through a Small Business Stimulus Grant
“Shop & Dine La Mesa” Will Hold its First Activity!
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The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce applied for a Small Business Stimulus Grant with the specific goal of using these funds to promote businesses in different geographic areas of La Mesa. This pilot-program is called “Shop & Dine La Mesa.” The first use of these funds will be able to promote businesses located in The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village, located at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Baltimore Drive, 5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.
“Shop & Dine La Mesa” will host a FREE family-friendly event on May 21st at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village shopping center between the hours of 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The public is invited to visit the shopping center tour some of the tenant locations, as well as those businesses that surround the Center. All attendees will be given a “shopping card” that will guide them to the local businesses and have their visit checked off the card. Shopping cards when completed with a set percentage of businesses visited will be entered into a drawing for valuable prizes. This historic first-time activity will provide entertainment by Boffo Entertainment throughout the day that will include face painting, bubble blowing, balloon artists and a spinner contest for prizes. The Chamber has incorporated a public health and safety component to this event and to date have confirmed that representatives from the La Mesa Police Department, AMR and Heartland Fire & Rescue will be on site to share valuable information to the public.
Mark your calendars now – Saturday, May 21st come out and meet these small business owners in the Lake Murray area of La Mesa and have fun, win prizes and meet some of our local small businesses that are looking forward to meeting you!
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Urbn Leaf – Grossmont Joins the La Mesa Community |
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A welcome and ribbon cutting was held on Friday, April 1st for Urbn Leaf - Grossmont at their second recreational and medical cannabis dispensary in La Mesa. This grand opening gave attendees an opportunity to meet and welcome Urbn Leaf - Grossmont’s energetic team. Urbn Leaf Founder Will Senn attended, along with Chris Crouch, V.P. of Retail Operations and the rest of the team. They were joined by La Mesa Council Member, Bill Baber and La Mesa Chamber President & CEO Mary England., Urbn Leaf - Grossmont is located at 8939 La Mesa Blvd. in a recently renovated building. |
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Council Woman Laura Lothian Wants You to Advise the City
on How the Balance of the ARPA Funds Should be Spent
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Below we have a report from Council Member Laura Lothian along with a video explaining the distribution so far, of millions of dollars of COVID-19 relief funds from the government. This is free money to the City of La Mesa to offset the damage that the pandemic has caused. The Council Woman wants to hear from you. You have an opportunity to share your thoughts on where this money should be spent. Obviously, the business community needs some assistance. With food product to restaurants up 30%, with still no help in sight of hiring workers, retail still needs assistance in keeping their doors open as well. There are many areas of this city that could use an investment of these funds, so have your voice be heard! Read below to submit your opinion. Remember - we are ALL in this together!
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The City of La Mesa has been allocated $10.8M in American Rescue Plan Act money. $3.5M has been spent, over $2.7M has gone to the city:
- $988,000 in City Employee Bonuses.
- $615,000 in COVID Leave (in addition to sick leave).
- $860,000 in Homeless Funding.
- $240,000 in Unbudgeted City Expenses
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ARPA Funds are intended to help struggling households, small businesses, nonprofits and industries impacted by the COVID Lockdowns.
$7.5M remain in ARPA Funds & should be used to benefit ALL La Mesans, such as:
- Grants for Small Businesses
- Blight and Garbage Cleanup
- Expediting Permits
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The Hospitality Industry suffered greatly during the COVID Lockdowns and needs help recovering. |
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Garbage, blight, and graffiti in La Mesa are a disgrace and must be eradicated. |
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Obtaining permits in La Mesa is notoriously difficult. Is hiring more Community Development staff the solution?
Your Feedback, Opinions and Ideas are ALWAYS Welcome!
Laura Lothian, La Mesa City Council | 619-380-4941
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Join Us and Welcome New Member, Oakwood Escrow! |
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The La Mesa Chamber invites you to join them in welcoming Oakwood Escrow to our business community on Wednesday, April 27th. The open house begins at 5 p.m., with the “official” ribbon cutting scheduled for 6 p.m. Join us and meet owner, Haley Kremensky and her team. Refreshments and delicious beverages will be served. Haley and looks forward to meeting you. |
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Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Time: 5 p.m., Ribbon Cutting: 6 p.m.
Location: 8697 La Mesa Blvd., Ste. D, La Mesa
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Welcome to Our New Chamber Member! |
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LASHBAR La Mesa
La Mesa's premier lash salon featuring synthetic mink lashes and YUMI keratin lash lifts.
We provide the best so you can look your best. Wake up beautiful La Mesa!
5208 Jackson Drive Ste 110, La Mesa
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Easter Specials From Our Members! |
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Workout With Kirk TM.
Health - Fitness - Rehab
La Mesa’s Number One Personal Trainer. One on One or Semi Private Personal Training Session. Including a Mini Functioning Movement Screen. One hour initial encounter meeting including comprehensive health history review. Special Populations Encouraged. Over 30 years of experience in health field. Must be a member of the La Mesa Chamber or live in La Mesa. Subject to availability. Only Five (5) spots available. Please call for price & availability and more information 619.851.6980.
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La Mesa Flooring Company
Spring is in the Air! It is the perfect time to refresh your space, and we're excited to help you upgrade your flooring. During our Refresh Your Space Sale from April 12th through May 31st, save up to $1,000 on select Shaw Flooring styles.
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Applause & Accolades
A column dedicated to share acts of kindness and philanthropy
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North Island Credit Union
Stands with Ukraine
North Island Credit Union has created the Ukraine Relief Fund, “North Island Credit Union Stands with Ukraine.” To show support North Island Credit Union will do this – for very dollar donated by their employees and members, they will match up to $100,000 to WFCU’s “Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund.” To show support visit: northisland.ccu.com/Ukraine by April 30th. |
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From Teague Financial Insurance Services, Inc.: WEBINAR: Managing Workers Compensation, Employee Leaves, and Disability Accommodation |
When employees take time off for medical reasons, California employers are confronted with a dizzying array of confusing laws and regulations. This presentation will sort through those laws and offer recommended best practices to ensure that employees return to work without the threat of legal liability.
Join us for a presentation and live questions and answers with San Diego employment law attorney Chris Olmsted.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Click on the Register Now link below to sign up for this free webinar on April 21 at 8:30 AM PST.
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City of La Mesa Celebrates Earth Day with Free Fair
Activities, resources & educational materials focus on ways to invest in our planet
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The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation and other sponsors, is ramping up efforts for the annual celebration of Earth Day at MacArthur Park on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will showcase fun, educational, and sustainable activities, products, and services.
“We are thrilled to offer hands-on, fun Earth Day activities for our residents,” said Misty Thompson, Executive Director of the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation. “This annual event is a way to bring families together and share resources and tools to invest in our planet.”
These activities include a tree planting demo, garden tour, bike rodeo and interactive vendors. The Kid’s Zone will have fun hands-on earth day activities with take home projects, arts and crafts, bean bag toss, and jumper obstacle course. Children will also have an opportunity to participate in a bicycle skills course (bring a bike and helmet) and win a bicycle (with helmet). Helmets will be provided while supplies last.
In addition, event goers will receive resources and educational materials on recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, mobility and transportation. There will also be an electric car display, along with a Fix It Clinic for repair of broken, nonfunctioning items.
Families can enjoy delicious food from Simply Fresh Gourmet food truck while watching performances by Flavor Company Dance Entertainment.
These are just a few of the activities and topics that will be featured at La Mesa’s Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Dr. in La Mesa. This FREE event is made possible by the La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, City of La Mesa, Laurie MacDonald of Coldwell Banker and the La Mesa Village Association.
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SAVE THE DATE!
13th Annual “Taste of San Diego – East” – Monday, July 18th, 2022
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The Chamber’s 13th annual popular “foodie” event is set for Monday, July 18, 2022. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will happen between 5-8 p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The popularity and crowd of this annual event has outgrown the La Mesa Community Center, where it was held for the first 10 years. So, make plans to join us and “Taste, Savor and Mingle” in one ballroom, with plenty of room to stroll throughout the food and business vendor tables. Enjoy great food samplings, free prizes from business sponsors/vendors, a silent auction and raffles during this fun-filled evening. Visit taste.lamesachamber.com. |
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Statewide Evictions Extended |
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Acting Gvernor Eleni Kounalaki signed legislation extending statewide eviction protections on the last day of Women’s History Month. She is the first woman in California's history to sign a piece of legislation into law. This relief has assisted more than 220,000 households across the state. This will allow thousands more to apply for relief. See the article below. |
Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis Signs Legislation Extending Statewide Eviction Protections
Acting Governor Kounalakis becomes the first woman in state history to sign a piece of legislation into law
State’s $5.5 billion rent relief program, the largest in the nation, has assisted more than 220,000 low-income households
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On the final day of Women’s History Month, Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today signed legislation that extends eviction protections for Californians participating in rental assistance programs, making her the first woman in California’s history to sign a piece of legislation into law.
"California’s nation-leading rent relief program has provided much needed relief for more than 220,000 households across the state. Today’s action will provide additional time to thousands more who are in the process of acquiring emergency relief,” said Acting Governor Kounalakis. “I am deeply humbled to take this action and to be part of history today as the first woman in state history to sign legislation into law. I remain more determined than ever to ensure that while I may be the first to do so, I will certainly not be the last.”
AB 2179 by Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) extends eviction protections through June 30, 2022 to help ensure housing stability for eligible tenants who apply for assistance from state or local rental assistance programs by March 31, 2022.
“California is leading the nation's economic recovery from the pandemic, and we’re committed to ensuring all of our communities can access the supports they need to get back on their feet,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Today’s action preserves important protections so that struggling families can keep a roof over their heads as the state works to provide critical assistance to thousands of households across California.”
Acting Governor Kounalakis was joined today by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assemblymembers Grayson and Wicks, Senator Josh Becker, and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio.
California’s $5.5 billion COVID-19 Rent Relief program is the largest statewide renter assistance program in the country and covers 100 percent of past-due rent payments for qualified low-income Californians. The state program has to date assisted more than 220,000 low-income households, with thousands of additional households assisted by local rent relief programs. Under the state program, tenants can access rental funds directly if their landlord chooses not to participate, and landlords can receive compensation even if their otherwise income-qualified tenants have already vacated a unit. Additional program information is available at the Housing Is Key website.
Acting Governor Kounalakis today also signed SB 504 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), which will allow military and overseas voters and voters with disabilities to complete a same day voter registration and cast a ballot. Additionally, it provides the Secretary of State more accurate voter rolls and streamlines the process for the state’s universal vote by mail system by removing a number of unnecessary provisions.
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Cal Coast Cares Foundation Launches Campaign to Benefit Local Teachers and Students |
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The Cal Coast Cares Foundation is kicking off a new campaign, Spark Success, to help provide local educator grants and student scholarships for college-bound high school seniors, current college students and former or current foster students in San Diego or Riverside counties.
From April 1 through May 7, community members can visit any local Cal Coast branch to purchase a paper star in the amount of $1, $5, or $10 which will be displayed throughout the campaign. Online donations can also be made through the Spark Success webpage: calcoastcu.org/sparksuccess. By design, Spark Success culminates during National Teacher Appreciation week as a way to honor the lasting positive impact that teachers make on the lives of students. “100% of the Spark Success donations will go toward funding the Cal Coast Cares Foundation’s scholarships and grants program,” said Nickie Behdin, foundation and school partnerships manager. “The foundation has committed to awarding $200,000 this year, with Cal Coast Credit Union donating $50,000 as in past years. We know these funds will be impactful for innovative classroom learning as well as providing much-need financial support toward students’ goals and dreams of graduating from college.”
All donations made for the Spark Success campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 by California Coast Credit Union.
Established in 2015, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for local students and grants for educators. Learn more about the Cal Coast Cares Foundation here: https://bit.ly/3gSrjtZ. |
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From Lamplighters Community Theatre: Rumors by Neil Simon |
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Friday, April 8, 2022 - Sunday May 1, 2022
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
Directed by O.P. Hadlock
Synopsis: At a large, tastefully appointed Sneden’s Landing townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken, and wife, Chris, must get the “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity!
STARRING: Eric Trigg, Andrea Roebuck, Marley Bauer, Kellen Gold, Brendan MacNeil, Anna
Poteet, Steve Jensen, LakesAnne Deal and Joe Zilinski. Click Here for promo photos.
Adults: $23.00 Seniors (62+) /Students/Active Military: $20
Groups of 10 or more to the same performance: $18
Box Office Tel: (619) 303-5092
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From Sycuan Casino Resort: Make It SPLASH with this special Hotel Offer! |
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From SDG&E: 3 Reasons Electric Vehicles (Evs) Are the Perfect Choice For You |
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Celebrate Earth Month when you drive an electric vehicle (EV)! You might not realize it, but there are lots of reasons an EV could be the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re looking for the ideal road trip companion or just looking for something you can rely on day-to-day, there’s an EV that has just what you’re looking for. Here are three reasons to LOVELECTRIC and embrace the EV lifestyle.
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EVs go wherever you want to go. EVs are more than capable of taking you on your daily drives. Many EVs have ranges of more than 200 miles per charge. Plus, there are over 3,000 public chargers in SDG&E’s service territory. You can find them at Park & Ride locations, plus there are many chargers already available at schools, parks and beaches.
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EVs are low maintenance. EVs have significantly lower maintenance costs because they don’t need oil changes, coolant, transmission fluid, belts or costly engine parts. Estimates show EV drivers can save up to 30% on annual maintenance costs. Check out more savings at sdge.com/EV-Compare.
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There are many low-cost options. With federal, state and local incentives, the cost to buy or lease EVs are lower than you might expect. Make sure to check out what’s available at sdge.com/EV-Incentives including the statewide Clean Fuel Reward that offers up to $750 when you purchase or lease a new EV.
Falling in love has never been easier! For more resources and information about why it’s time to love electric vehicles, visit sdge.com/LovElectric. |
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A Grant Program for Small Businesses Available |
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The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded $4,175,000 in funding to the County of San Diego for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. This program will provide grants of $2,500 to County of San Diego microbusiness owners who were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
Some of the highlights are below:
- Self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors and corporations with no more than 5 employees in 2019.
- Currently have no more than 5 employees
- Gross revenue under $50,000 (as reported for 2019)
- In operation before December 1, 2019 and still in operation in 2022
- Demonstrated decline in revenue or service demand due to COVID-19 in 2020 or 2021 as compared to 2019
- Operating within the County of San Diego
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Don't Forget to Apply for the Small Business Stimulus Grant |
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The County of San Diego has received funds from the federal government’s American Recovery Plan Act. This grant is to provide economic assistance to help businesses and non-profit entities impacted by COVID-19. This financial assistance will be allocated to eligible, qualified small businesses and nonprofit entities based on the availability of funds, program guideline, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation.
Chambers have been asked to assist with the paperwork for small businesses to complete the submission application. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is happy to help. The La Mesa Chamber has decided to take an extra step in this grant funding process and the recovery of our businesses in La Mesa and announce immediately:
All Businesses in La Mesa - Whether a La Mesa Chamber Member Or Not - Can Contact Mary England for Assistance in Applying for This Grant
The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce believes that assisting ALL businesses in their recovery from the pandemic and ability to obtain funds from the American Recovery Plan Act should be a priority. We are ALL in this together! Chamber Members and Non-Chamber members, effective immediately, may receive help from Mary England, President & CEO of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce in filling out all paperwork and answering any questions you may have. Mary may be reached 7 days a week – Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or 619-251-7730 to assist you.
If you are NOT sure of how to answer questions on the application or need assistance on clarifying what documents you need to submit – contact Mary England at Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or (619) 251-7730, we are happy to help!
NOTE: If you applied for and received county funds under the other Small Business Stimulus Grant, allocated from the CARES Act funding – YES you may apply for these funds, you just need to list the amount you received from the county on the application.
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April 27 - Oakwood Escrow Ribbon Cutting : 5pm at 8697 La Mesa Blvd., Ste. D in La Mesa | Details/RSVP
FEATURED EVENT! May 21 - "Shop & Dine La Mesa" : 11am-4pm at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village | 5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd. | Details
FEATURED EVENT! July 18 - "Taste of San Diego - East" : 5-8pm at Town and Country San Diego | 500 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley | Details/Buy Tickets
FEATURED EVENT! August 18 - "Summer Bash" Business Expo : 5-8pm at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon | 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon | Details/Buy Tickets
September 15 - Joint Mixer with La Mesa and Santee Chambers : 5-7pm at Lantern Crest Senior Living | 300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071 | Details/RSVP
FEATURED EVENT! October 19 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon | Details
NOTE: We recommend those that are feeling ill, or who have been exposed to someone who is ill – please stay home.
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Show Off Your Membership With Pride! |
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"Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a
Not only do we provide members a physical plaque to display at their place of business, we also provide a way to further brand your business by providing a Virtual Plaque to display right on your website. Membership in a chamber of commerce has come to signify corporate citizenship and excellence, and your website is your storefront to the consumer and the world. Just place it on your website with a link back to www.lamesachamber.com or to your personal business page in our directory. |
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Special Thank You to Our Premium Members |
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Diamond Member:
Cush Plaza La Mesa
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Cush Plaza La Mesa
Commercial Real Estate
5565 Grossmont Center Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
858-549-2874
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American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Cabrillo Credit Union
Community Spectrum
EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
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Focuscom Inc.
Frazier Farms
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Major Security Services
McGee Mechanical
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
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Productivity Plus Office Support
Sanctuary Cruises
Sensi Media
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Ultimate Catering Concepts
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Thank you for being a member and for your support!
Mary England
President & CEO
Cell: 619-251-7730
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La Mesa Chamber of Commerce ∙ P.O. Box 94 ∙ La Mesa, California 91944
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Copyright © 2022 All Rights Reserved. |
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