La Mesa Chamber News | September 30, 2022

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Your Weekly La Mesa Chamber News

In case you missed last week's e-blast: September 23 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

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)

PRICING AND SPONSOR INFO FOR SALUTE - SOLD OUT

All reservations held at the door

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

Salute.LaMesaChamber.com

Lantern Crest Senior Living Annual Mixer for the La Mesa & Santee Chambers was a Classy Affair

On Thursday, September 15th the La Mesa Chamber and the Santee Chamber were hosted by the leadership team of Lantern Crest Senior Living to another great annual evening mixer. We have always enjoyed getting together with Kristine Dare and her staff of the Santee Chamber to attend this annual activity and this year did not disappoint! Chef Mario pulled out all the “stops” to serve the most delicious selections. If you like shrimp, it was served in a variety of ways, the fresh fruit trays were plentiful, and the desserts were magnificent. Chef Mario and his team must have had over 10 different types of dessert that we could choose from and the freshly made potato chips were a real crowd pleaser. The fun began at 5:00 p.m. for this opportunity to mix and mingle with members from these two chambers. All guests received two complimentary drink tickets, along with an opportunity to participate and have a chance to win raffle items provided by Lantern Crest Senior Living and the two chambers. We were hosted in the upstairs outdoor area that was magnificent. This outdoor setting was not only beautiful, but made guests think they were transported to a vacation destination. We want to thank Karina Cunningham, Chef Mario, and the staff for a fantastic evening – can’t wait until next year!

Photos courtesy of Focuscom Inc.

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Groundbreaking for Grossmont Post Acute Care Was a First-Class Event!

The community came together to celebrate the construction kick-off for the new 45,000 square foot Grossmont Post Acute Care center in La Mesa on Tuesday, September 20th.. This new facility will take over the corner that was vacated by 24-Hour Fitness and is poised on that corner to be a beacon to people entering La Mesa and traveling to Grossmont Center or the hospital and other businesses that surround this site. The building site is 5601 Grossmont Center Drive so as you travel around that area watch as this new facility emerges.

Grossmont Post Acute Care will build on its existing experience and expertise to offer premier inpatient short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, along with outpatient rehabilitation services. We were greeted by Executive Director of the facility, Katherine Oh who shared their vision for this facility. This special evening was attended by Assemblymember Akilah Weber who stopped by to share her good wishes. Tanner Kelly representing Fiona Ma, Treasurer of the State of California shared the Treasurer’s thoughts on this remarkable new facility. The shovels were poised and ready to dig into the dirt at 5:30 p.m. After this official groundbreaking occurred guests continued to mix and mingle and dined on appetizers and sip beverages until the festivities came to an end.

Photos courtesy of Yvette Zehner - Eviezphotography.com.

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La Mesa Chamber Welcomes the Pioneer BBQ Where the Fun and Food Flowed on September 28th

On Wednesday, September 28th folks came together to welcome The Pioneer BBQ to our business community. The Pioneer has raised the bar for great BBQ. Guests were treated to samples of the famous macaroni and cheese with spicy sausage. Others ordered ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and waffle appetizers, great beverages and more. The sides were delicious and filling as well. The Pioneer BBQ offers these menu items daily - a full rack of ribs including smoked meat combos, pork topped burgers, the party fowl, and a tangy twist on several barbecue classics. The Pioneer serves BBQ in-house, caters, and offers “take out” orders. They are offering eat in or carry out coupons that offer $5.00 off a lunch or dinner meal with a $25 purchase and $25 off a catering order with a minimum purchase of $200. A Restaurant week menu is available throughput this year’s Restaurant Week activities.

Guests were able to meet Manager, Galin Crist, the chef, Matt Michaels, and other staff members.

They were joined by La Mesa Council Member Laura Lothian, Miss La Mesa Teen, Samantha Luevano, and Miss La Mesa Brianna Quemuel. The Chamber presented Galin and Matt certificates of recognition from Assemblymember Akilah Weber, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostahis and the Chamber presented a welcome to our business community certificate.

The Pioneer BBQ is located at 8622 Lake Murray Drive in the Navajo Shopping Center. The Pioneer BBQ not only boasts great BBQ but has a circular bar that serves a broad range of cocktails and beers on tap for your pleasure.

Photos courtesy of Sandra Small/ Photographer

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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!”

Buy Tickets

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.

RSVP

From the City of La Mesa: September 23, 2022 City Manager Update

2022 La Mesa Oktoberfest is Here

Celebrating its 49th year, La Mesa Oktoberfest continues to top its traditions and present Bavarian festivities that La Mesans of all ages can partake in. This years Oktoberfest runs from Friday, September 30th through Sunday, October 2nd. Invite your family and friends to come together for an unbeatable weekend in a German paradise in the heart of La Mesa. For more information about the 2022 Oktoberfest event, please visit www.lamesaoktoberfest.org.

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.

CA Small Business Fund Revitalized by $15 Million Infusion

A renewed lifeline is available for small business owners still struggling after the pandemic - as the California Rebuilding Fund has announced it is making an additional $15 million available to fund fixed-rate low-interest loans.

The fund had almost run dry after making $80 million in loans over the past 2 years. Tony Beaman, president of Oakland-based Hacking Solutions, said the program provided his company much-needed capital in the first round.

"It was completely a lifeblood for our company," said Beaman. "We've grown significantly, we've been able to hire. We brought on several new clients. It set us up to really springboard our growth going forward."

To qualify, a company must be based in the Golden State, have fewer than 50 full-time employees, and be in business for more than a year. So far, the program has helped more than 1,300 small businesses.

To apply, go to caloanfund.org.

Luz Urrutia is CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund - a community development financial institution. She said the fund is expecting a stampede of applications, so business owners need to act fast.

"The small businesses that we're talking about generally don't get access to capital from the mainstream financial system," said Urrutia. "And so they're faced with having to access very high-cost loans. And this program is specifically focused on helping California businesses rebuild after COVID."

The $15 million to revitalize the California Rebuilding Fund came from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, JPMorgan Chase, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service; Photo via CNS

From SDG&E: Simple Tips to Reduce Energy Use at Home

Want to stay cool and reduce your energy use at the same time? Check out these helpful tips from San Diego Gas & Electric.

Pre-cool your home. Take advantage of lower-priced energy by using your A/C to cool your home before 4 p.m. During on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
Cool down with a fan. Turn off fans when you leave a room as fans cool people, not rooms. During warmer months, using your ceiling fan while your A/C is on allows you to raise your thermostat around 4 degrees and maintain the same level of comfort. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cool air down. In cooler months, run your fans clockwise at a low speed to draw room air up and force warm air down.
Block the sun. During the hottest part of the day, cover windows to block the sun’s heat. If you can, open windows at night and early mornings to let the cool air in.
Use small appliances. Instead of the oven, use small appliances such as a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. They use less energy and won’t add much heat to your home.
Power down. Switch off your electronic devices, such as computers and coffee pots, when not in use. Keep in mind, electronics in standby mode still draw power. Use a smart power strip to power down devices and appliances at one time.
Shift use. Shift some energy use, such as running a dishwasher or clothes washer, to outside of the on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Demand on the electric grid is typically highest during these hours and the cost of electricity is the highest.
Get paid to conserve energy. It pays to be flexible! Enroll in SDG&E’s Power Saver Rewards program at sdge.com/PSR. Receive a bill credit when you lower your electricity use when energy is most in demand.
Sign up for Flex Alert Notifications. These are voluntary calls for conservation when the power grid is stressed. This usually happens in the evening when solar generation is reduced and people are coming home from work and turning on air conditioners, lights and appliances. Do your part and sign up for notifications at FlexAlert.org.
Wash clothes in cold water. Did you know around 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to heating the water? To save even more energy, consider hanging towels and sheets outdoors to dry.
Lights out. Turn off all unnecessary lights and use task or desktop lamps with LEDs instead of overhead lights.

La Mesa Chamber Calendar

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.

SEE FULL CALENDAR

For local La Mesa news, visit lamesacourier.com

For East County news, visit ww.eccalifornian.com

Show Off Your Membership With Pride!

"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

company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable." Quoted from "The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce"

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.