Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: September 16 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

Join Us TOMORROW!

"Shop & Dine La Mesa" on Saturday, September 24th

The public is invited to visit The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village shopping center and 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. Music will provided by ALL PRO LIVE SOUND AND DJ.

The “Shop & Dine” La Mesa event will offer a classic car show, the Live Well San Diego County van, a canine ambassador from the San Diego Humane Society, a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, games and prizes for everyone, as well as face painting and balloon artists to entertain children. The Chamber is encouraging guests to shop at the stores in the shopping center while there and enter into a shopping card drawing hosted by the Chamber to win valuable prizes. Join us in this FREE family-friendly activity and have some fun while there! 

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!

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Time: 11am - 4pm

Location: The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village, located at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Baltimore Drive, 5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.

The La Mesa Chamber Partners With the American Red Cross to Make a Difference in Our Community

The La Mesa Chamber is producing a community event, "Shop & Dine La Mesa” on Saturday, September 24th at the the Marketplace at Lake Murray Village shopping center located at the corner of Baltimore Drive and Lake Murray Blvd. (5550-5680 Lake Murray Blvd.) between the hours of 11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. During this family-friendly FREE event, we will be collecting blood donations to help save lives. The need for blood is constant and volunteer donors are needed to fill that need for patients in our community. Please see the interactions below to participate:

1. Secure your donation appointment now by visiting  tinyurl.com/shopdineblooddrive.
2. Ask others to donate.
3. Volunteer at the blood drive through Mary England at (619) 251-7730 or maryengland@lamesachamber.com.
4. Spread the word in social media, at community engagements, or at events with family and friends. Many know the value of donation and will relish the convenience our blood drive presents to donate.

Hooleys Mixer Was a “Full House” Crowd Pleaser!

On September 21st the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce welcomed members to their annual mixer held at Hooleys Public House, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive in Grossmont Center. Each year we are pleased to partner with Craig McDonald and Erin Turner and their staff to bring this mixer to our members. This year was no exception, we had an overflow crowd that was loud and lively. In fact, we needed to bring extra tables and chairs to fit them in the Guinness Room!

The crowd feasted on selections from the menu: Guinness Brats & Champ, Irish mashed potatoes, potato skins, boneless Chicken Wings and Donegal Salad. The room was full of laughter and conversation as people enjoyed each other’s company. Our photographer Sandy Small was there to capture the evening and we thank her for her dedication to our Chamber and members. We look forward t another great mixer at Hooleys Public House in 2023.

Photos Courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer.

Join Us Next Week for TWO Mixers and Welcome These TWO Businesses to Our Business Community - Great Food & Fun!

Pioneer BBQ Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Pioneer BBQ is welcoming Chamber members at this evening mixer and a ribbon cutting to celebrate their joining our Chamber. Join us and taste samples of their BBQ menu and let your taste buds be tantalized! Also enjoy their circular bar that boasts 14 beer taps and specialty cocktails, the popular “Pioneer” featuring Maker’s Mark, cognac, maple syrup, angostura and black walnut bitters and Applewood smoke.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Time: 5:30-7p.m. (Official ribbon cutting at 6pm)

Location: Pioneer BBQ - 8622 Lake Murray Drive (in the Navajo Shopping Center)

Cost: FREE to Chamber members 

Guests $15 each

RSVP so we prepare enough BBQ to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or Register Online.

Acapela Modern Mex Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Join us and welcome Acapela Modern Mex, a brand NEW restaurant in La Mesa! The owners saw an empty building and decided to renovate it and open this speciality Mexican restaurant. This food is a perfect “grad and go” location to eat some of the best speciality items they prepare fresh for you. Stop in to welcome the team and give them an old-fashioned La Mesa welcome!

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Time: 5:30-7p.m. (Official ribbon cutting at 6pm)

Location: Acapela Modern Mex - 5575 Baltimore Dr. #105A, La Mesa

Cost: FREE to Chamber members

Guests $15 each

RSVP so we can let the owners know how much t0 prepare in addition to their regular customers to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or Register Online.

La Mesa Chamber Launches a Brand New Raffle

“Show Me the Money” Raffle

Our members have enjoyed participating in our mixer and event raffles and drawings throughput the past 14 years. We decided to take the raffle concept to a new level and have created the “Show Me the Money” raffle.

This drawing will award the following cash prizes:

1st Prize: $2,500

2nd Prize: $1,000

3rd Prize: $500

Tickets are on sale NOW with the drawing taking place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 (right before the holidays). WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Donation Options:

1 for $10 |3 for $20 | 10 for $50 | 30 for $100

We are happy to answer your questions or sell you tickets.

Let the La Mesa Chamber “Show YOU the Money!”

14th Annual Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner

This evening is our opportunity to come together and honor those that are dedicated to the citizens of La Mesa and our community. The pandemic has given us a great opportunity to see our local heroes in action. We are celebrating those that serve our community in extraordinary ways from: the La Mesa Police Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue – La Mesa, AMR Paramedics, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. During this evening we will also install our Board of Directors.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Time: 5:30 – 8:45 p.m.

Location: Sycuan Casino Resort

5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019

Wachena Ballroom (property map)

Ticket Pricing:

Individual tickets: $95 ⟡ 2 for $170 ⟡ Table of 8 for $640

Complimentary Valet parking included ⟡ All reservations held at the door

For details: Call 619-465-7700 or email rsvp@lamesachamber.com or visit

Salute.LaMesaChamber.com

La Mesa Chamber Offers a FREE Social Media Class for Members on Thursday, October 20th

Do you use social media to enhance your business? Have you wanted to utilize social media more than you do now in your business? Do you need help understanding how to post on social media, connect with your current customers and potential customers? Well, we have the answer - join us on October 20th and learn from the social media team of Focuscom, Inc. how to make the most of your Instagram posts and publicize all of the great things you do for clients and tell people all about your business. 

Focuscom Inc. is a public relations agency that has experience working with people and delivering results that increase a company’s bottom line that is built on trust, expertise and value. Owner, Dan Hom set out in 2006 to establish a public affairs and public relations firm that makes connections and builds relationships.The Chamber has been partnering with Focuscom Inc. to promote our members and the goods and services they provide. In addition to that fact, we have had Focuscom Inc. attend our events and capture them via Instagram and other social media.

In our ongoing effort to assist our members and help them be the best they can be, we have asked the Focuscom Inc. staff members, Hanna Kim and Ben Lincoln to lead a training session for our members to share their social media expertise. This training session will help our members gain information, coaching and guidance to utilize social media in their day-to-day lives and business activities.

Thursday, October 20th

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Social - appetizers served

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Training

Location: Marie Callender’s (back meeting room)

6950 Alvarado Rd., San Diego 92120

Who: La Mesa Chamber members only

Cost: FREE

RSVP so we can prepare enough appetizers and bring enough supplies for each of you.

RSVP to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or register online.

From City of La Mesa: September 2022 | Monthly La Mesa Economic Development eNewsletter

La Mesa Green Business Network

The City of La Mesa is partnering with the San Diego Regional Green Business Network to offer a local green business certification program and implement the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) measures.

This partnership will create a La Mesa Green Business Network (La Mesa GBN), which will provide free resources, networking and educational events, and opportunities to be certified as a California Green Business at no cost to business owners. Businesses can join the La Mesa GBN at no cost to be connected with certification assistance, receive business evaluations and promotions, as well as obtain information from the City related to environmentally efficient business practices and the City’s CAP.

This free program will help business owners save energy and water, advertise their business, and become a Certified Green Business in La Mesa. The Green Business Network and Program aids with the process of getting a business certified, including efficiency checks for current practices and celebration of environmentally friendly achievements, all for free!

For a limited time only, new businesses who sign up for and complete certification with the Green Business Program by October 31 are eligible to receive priority support and a $500 cash or rebate incentive. $500 incentives are limited and first-come, first-serve, so get started on your green business certification today! For more information, please visit the La Mesa GBN webpage on the City’s website.

City of La Mesa Job Openings

The City of La Mesa is currently recruiting for open positions in the Community Development Department and Public Works/Engineering Department. Take advantage of career opportunities with the City of La Mesa by applying today! For more information, please visit the City's webpage at www.cityoflamesa.us. Just Click the "Jobs" link on the left hand side of the page.

La Mesa Farmers' Market Inverts

Under new management, the La Mesa Village Farmers' Market now boasts 60 total vendors including everything from farm fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, fresh fish, meats, dips & sauces, baked goods, bread, fresh flowers, local artisans, hot foods, live entertainment and much more. To create more synergy and cohesion with brick and mortar businesses in the village, on August 19th the vendor booths were inverted to face the businesses. This new layout has received positive feedback from customers with the addition of a shaded seating area at 3rd Street and pedestrian corridors across La Mesa Boulevard for easy access to both sides of the street.

The market is open rain or shine and parking is free at the adjacent Civic Center parking lot. The market is open from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Friday. La Mesa Boulevard closes from 1:30 pm to 8:30 pm between 4th Street and Palm Avenue to accommodate the market. For general Farmers Market inquiries, please email lamesafarmersmarket3@gmail.com.

You’re Invited to the SANDAG Community Fair on Sunday, October 9!

Join SANDAG for a free, family-friendly community event to learn more about the projects and programs we are delivering throughout the San Diego region: featuring food trucks, giveaways, art, live music, tech demos, and more!

Bring your friends and family to help us connect the San Diego region. You can make an impact! Get a sneak peek of cutting-edge projects, innovative technology, and the community partnerships that make it all possible. The event will have something fun for everyone – you won’t want to miss it!

What: SANDAG Community Fair

When: Sunday, October 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Ruocco Park in Seaport Village

National Preparedness Month Virtual Town Hall with Senator Brian W. Jones and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara

From SDG&E: Save 18% On Your Monthly Electric Bill With FERA

SDG&E recognizes this is still a challenging time for many customers. Even if you have never qualified for assistance before, you may be eligible now. If you have three or more people in your household and are having a hard time paying your electric bill, you may be eligible for an 18% discount on your electric bill. To apply, visit sdge.com/FERA. 

FEATURED! September 24 - Shop & Dine La Mesa : 11am-4pm at The Marketplace at Lake Murray Village | Details

September 28 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House for The Pioneer BBQ : 5:30-7pm at 8622 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego | Details/RSVP

September 29 - Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Acapela Modern Mex : 5:30-7pm at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

FEATURED! October 5 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon | Details

October 13 - Cabrillo Credit Union Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at 5454 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

October 20 - FREE Social Media Class for La Mesa Chamber Members : 5:30-7pm at Marie Callender’s | 6950 Alvarado Rd., San Diego 92120 | Details/RSVP

December 6 - Toy Drive for La Mesa Military Families & Party at BJ's: 5:30-7pm at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse | 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. in La Mesa |Details/RSVP

December 7 - Grand Prize Drawing for "Show Me the Money" Raffle | Details

NOTE: We recommend those that are feeling ill, or who have been exposed to someone who is ill – please stay home.

Acapela Modern Mex

American Medical Response

Angelo's Towing & Recovery

Barnes & Noble -

Grossmont Center

Benchmark Financial

Cabrillo Credit Union

Charcoal House

Restaurant & Bar

Community Spectrum

EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.

Focuscom Inc.

Frazier Farms

Kostedt Design & Marketing

Major Security Services

Mattia Law, APLC

McGee Mechanical

Park Station

PenChecks, Inc.

Productivity Plus Office Support

Reitz Heating & Air, Inc.

Sanctuary Cruises

Sensi Media

Studio M.I.F.

The Copier Depot

The East County Californian

Ultimate Catering Concepts

Warren-Walker School La Mesa

Whissel Realty Group

Workout With Kirk