Your Weekly News from the La Mesa Chamber |
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“Homekey” Project Application for Converting the Holiday Inn to Transitional Housing for the Homeless Will Not Go Forward! |
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The location of the La Mesa Holiday Inn, our only 3-star hotel was not ideal for this proposed project. The Council and community had very little time to review this proposed project, but the comments on Monday, September 21st at the Special City Council meeting were overwhelming against this project at the Holiday Inn site. Based on public comment and the action of the La Mesa City Council, the Mayor delivered that message to the Board of Supervisors at their Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 22nd at 3 p.m. After discussion and the feedback from the City of La Mesa (shared by Mayor Arapostathis), the Supervisors, led by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, (our representative) voted to rescind the application for this project. We thank Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Supervisor Kristin Gaspar and Supervisor Jim Desmond for supporting the message from the La Mesa City Council and members of the community. The City of La Mesa has committed to addressing the issue of the homeless and most vulnerable within our community, through the adoption of the HOME Program and has dedicated over $1.3 million over the next five years in grant funding to provide outreach, mental health services and housing to La Mesa’s homeless population, as part of the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program. |
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Joint Chamber Oktoberfest Virtual Mixer Being Held on October 8th -
Join Us and Digitally Connect with 5 Chambers in East County
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Celebrate Oktoberfest in a virtual way, by joining the Chambers of: La Mesa, San Diego East County, Lakeside, Santee and Spring Valley and connect with other business owners and community members and socialize. Since March we have not been able to socialize and mix and mingle with others and this is the perfect opportunity to meet people from five chambers and talk and share information about your business. This special evening is limited to the first 200 members that RSVP so what are you waiting for? Register online: tinyurl.com/EastCountyMixer. |
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The $1 million in CARES Act Funds to Local Businesses is Completed! |
The applications have been completed and all businesses that applied and were approved for an individual amount of up to $5,000 of CARES Act funding will soon be receiving their checks. These grants were given to eligible small businesses from the total funding given to the City of La Mesa. |
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STATE ANNOUNCES SAN DIEGO STAYS IN THE SUBSTANTIAL RED TIER OR TIER 2 |
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The COVID-19 case and trends are allowing San Diego County to stay in the Red Tier or Tier 2, of the state’s system of assessing COVID-19 risk. The change means that indoor activities that recently reopened can continue for at least two more weeks. However, two consecutive weeks of tier 1 data could move us backwards to the "Widespread” Purple Tier 1. The same applies with moving forward from Tier 2 to the “Moderate” Orange Tier 3. It is highly recommended that everyone should receive a flu vaccine this year. |
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Payroll Tax Deferral Takes Effect September 1st |
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The IRS issued guidance on President Trump’s payroll tax deferral to defer tax from September 1st until December 31st. This guidance includes the following highlights:
- Employers can defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of certain payroll taxes on wages paid from September 1st through December 31st.
- Interest penalties, and additions to tax will begin to accrue on unpaid taxes starting May 1st, 2021.
TO CLARIFY:
The deferral is on the employee share (6.2%) of social security payroll tax. This is only a deferral,
the guidance does not indicate taxes will be forgiven.
What determines if an employee is eligible for the deferral? Taxes may only be deferred for employees whose applicable wages are less than $4,000 on a bi-weekly pay period (or equivalent amount in other pay frequencies), the deferral eligibility is based on a pay period by pay period basis.
What’s the role of the employer? Employers are not required to offer the payroll tax deferral to employees. Employers are responsible for collecting and paying back any deferral taxes. Payments would be due between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021. Penalties and interest on unpaid amounts begin accruing May 1, 2021. It will remain the employer’s responsibility even if they are unable to collect the deferred amount from their employee(s).
Employees who partake in the payroll tax deferral will receive a temporary boost for the remainder of the year, but smaller paychecks early next year as employers withhold and pay the deferral amounts to the IRS.
The deferral applies to any employee whose pretax wages or compensation during any biweekly pay period generally is less than $4,000 – the equivalent of $104,000 a year.
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Movie Theaters Remaining Open
Movie theaters can remain open in the current red tier. Case rate and testing positively must both meet the state’s tier requirements to move to a less restrictive tier.
Maximizing Telework
It is recommended to work remotely if possible. If essential businesses are not able to work remotely, they can allow employees to work in person as long as the building is following sanitation, temperature checks, face coverings and physical distancing.
Hotel Hosting Group Meetings
If a meeting is associated with essential business or critical infrastructure, it is allowed. If it’s not tied to an essential business, it is not permissible by the state.
Live Entertainment at Restaurants/Private Clubs
Live entertainment in restaurants and bars is currently still prohibited by the state, due to their ability to be a catalyst for COVID-19 spread.
Fitness Centers
The County will continue to align with the State’s classification of fitness centers as non-essential. In the current red “substantial” tier guidance, indoor fitness centers are allowed to be open at 10% capacity.
SDSU Population Included Within the County’s Population
SDSU students are included in the CA Department of Finance (DOF) population estimates/projections used for the California Department of Public Health’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy and in the SANDAG population estimates that the San Diego Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch uses for our public reports.
Hair Stylist/Barber Bringing Client in Private Residence
Services provided by Hair Stylists and Barbers are not allowed in private residences. These types of services should only be offered at the physical hair stylist/barbershop location.
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UV Products for Disinfectants
The FDA recognizes UVA and UV-C disinfectants as effective in a hospital setting, but not in a home or office setting. In a home or office setting, using UVA and UV-C disinfectant kits could be ineffective as they are smaller in terms of concentration and power.
Confirmed Case and Asymptomatic Individuals
While the county is not currently reporting the metric for symptomatic positive COVID-19 cases, the number of asymptomatic cases versus symptomatic cases have fluctuated due to the change in who can get tested. Since testing capacity and availability has increased, it is likely that there will be an increase in positive cases that are asymptomatic.
Data on Symptom Severity and Recovery
COVID-19 recovery is currently only measured by comparing positive case to the fatality rate, and symptom severity is measured using hospitalizations.
Quarantine Guidance for Travel
Domestic vs. International – There is no current requirement in the Public Health Order that employers quarantine after domestic or international travel, but employers and HR can set their own employee quarantine requirements.
County of San Diego’s Youth Emergency Readiness Ambassadors
Educational materials are being produced for a county-wide outreach initiative to prepare San Diego youth for natural disasters, a health crisis like COVID-19, and more. If your organization serves youth, and would like to disseminate youth-focused materials about COVID-19 and emergency preparedness may fill out forms
SDSU Testing
SDSU has ramped up their capacity to test up to 1,000 individuals each day this past week. All community members are welcome to get tested for free at he SDSU Alumni Center located at 5250 55th Street, San Diego, CA. 92182, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. No appointment necessary.
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San Diego Projects $300M in Lost Tax Revenue |
The COVID-19 pandemic will cost San Diego about $300 million in tax revenue by next summer, including $48 million in hotel tax losses beyond previous estimates, according to projections. San Diego used $248 million in federal virus relief money last spring to close projected gaps in the $1.6 billion general fund budget the City Council adopted for the fiscal year that began July. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune -David Garrick.
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Rolling Stones Cancel SDCCU Stadium Show |
The Rolling Stones will not be able to play their concert due to the closing of SDCCU Stadium. Refunds will automatically be processed via Ticketmaster. The promoter, Concerts West, is working to secure a suitable SoCal venue for the show. Ticket holders for the cancelled SDCCU Stadium show will be offered an exclusive pre-sale to the rescheduled concert. The San Diego concert had been the only scheduled California date on the Stones’ 14-city North American 2020 tour. |
San Diego Tourism Industry is in a Deep Depression |
As the coronavirus continues to linger more than anyone expected, San Diego’s tourism industry is struggling to find any heartening news that will help reverse that will help reverse the economic devastation that so far has cost local businesses more than $3 billion in visitor spending. Because California continues to bar large gatherings and meetings, many groups are cancelling or holding off scheduling meetings in the first quarter of next year, even as cities in other parts of the country are starting to host group gatherings again. The most recent tourism forecast for San Diego shows hotel room revenue down nearly 60 percent this year and improving to a 31 percent decline in 2021. Hotels and convention centers have been working on plans for reopening for months. The competitive landscape for luring leisure travelers has grown even keener. People will still want to drive from Arizona and parts of Nevada. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.
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San Diego’s Neurocrine Brings New Parkinson’s Disease Drug to Market |
San Diego biotech Neurocrine Biosciences will market a new drug aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s disease better manage their symptoms, the company announced. The drug, known as Ongentys, works alongside existing treatments to help patients spend less time dealing with tremors, aches and difficulty moving. Nearly 1 million people in the United States may be living with Parkinson’s disease, according to one estimate. Those who do have unusually low amounts of dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates body movements, among other things. Without enough dopamine, many Parkinson’s patients struggle to write, speak and generally move about. The most common treatment is a molecule that gets converted to dopamine in the brain. But the body has specialized proteins called enzymes that break this molecule down. Ongentys blocks one of these enzymes to help minimize disease flare-ups. Neurocrine has priced the once-a-day pill at $590 for a one-month supply. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Jonathan Wosen.
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Hotel Sales Near Standstill |
The dollar volume of San Diego County hotel sales plummeted by 70 percent during the first half of this year, yet another indicator of an industry facing huge financial challenges amid a pandemic that has already forced some properties to default on their loans. In a recent report there was a slowdown in lodging properties changing hands, with the dollar volumes of sales statewide down by more than 53 percent during the first six months of the year. Statewide, the dollar volume of hotel sales during that same period fell 82 percent. Some 32 hotels representing 1,539 rooms sold between April and June of this year in contrast to the 58 properties accounting for 4,585 rooms that sold a year earlier. Given the continued economic tell COVID-19 is taking on hotel industry performance as far fewer people are traveling, it is predicted that 2020 will go down as the worst year on record for hotel sales, with a return to normalcy still several years off. Source: The San Diego Union Tribune – Lori Weisberg.
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Public Comment Opportunities for Proposed
Light Pollution Chapter Amendment
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The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Department would like to invite you to provide comments related to proposed changes to Chapter 2 of the Regulatory Ordinance, the Light Pollution chapter. The proposed changes include new lighting standards in the Community Planning Areas of Borrego Springs and Julian to decrease light pollution by regulating light shielding, light levels, light color, and sign illumination. The proposed changes include a 10-year “grace period”, during which residents and businesses will be allowed to bring applicable lighting into conformance with the proposed standards. County-owned lighting will be retrofitted to comply with the updated lighting requirements within 5 years of the update.
Below is information about two upcoming opportunities for public input on the proposed Light Pollution Chapter amendment. These opportunities include:
- Public review of the proposed Light Pollution chapter amendment
- Live webinar with a presentation on the proposed changes and a question-and-answer period
Public Review of the Proposed Light Pollution Chapter Amendment
Comments from the public are requested by Sunday, October 4, 2020.
Or mail to: County of San Diego
Planning & Development Services Department
Attn: Rouya Rasoulzadeh
5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92123
Live Webinar
In addition to the public review period, the County is offering a live-hosted webinar on the amendment and recommendations related to the Light Pollution Chapter. This webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will include a presentation and interactive question-and-answer period with County staff and their consultant team.
How to Join the Webinar:
- Online: To join the webinar on September 29th, Click this link
- By Telephone:
- Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
- US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656
- Webinar ID: 932 9027 9652
- Participant ID: 193533
- International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/achSfVc1Np
How to Ask Questions Before/During/After the Webinar:
Staff will address as many questions and comments as possible during the webinar depending upon the number submitted. Options to give comments include:
- BEFORE the webinar: e-mail your comment or question to Rasoulzadeh@sdcounty.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m., on Monday, September 28, 2020. Include your name and phone number. Your question will be read by staff for discussion during the question-and-answer period.
- DURING the webinar: If participating online, use the “Q & A” feature to type in your comments or questions. If joining by phone, to indicate you would like to speak you may dial *9 on your phone’s dial pad to raise your hand.
- AFTER the Webinar: e-mail your comments or questions to Rasoulzadeh@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The presentation will be recorded and will be made available on the project website after the webinar.
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From the County of San Diego: Climate Action Plan e-newsletter September 2020 |
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County vehicle fleet emissions are down by 13%, exceeding the 2020 target!
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October 7th is California Clean Air Day! We can all contribute to clean air.
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The CALeVIP San Diego County Incentive Project offers incentives for the purchase & installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at publicly accessible sites in the region.
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As a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, group events have been canceled, postponed, or transferred to a virtual format. While we strive to have current information, circumstances may change unexpectedly so please consult individual event pages for additional information.
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From Town and Country: Introducing ARLO Restaurant |
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INTRODUCING ARLO
Taste will be the
ENVY OF ALL YOUR OTHER SENSES
Town and Country Resort has a new destination restaurant, ARLO. Here, Chef Josh Mouzakes (French Laundry, Joel Robuchon, Mirabelle New York), transforms fresh, local ingredients and a mosaic of flavors from both sides of the border into delicious culinary experiences. From wood-fired flatbreads to flame-grilled main courses and vegetarian delights, you'll discover taste buds you never knew you had.
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Cal Coast Cares Foundation Day of Golf |
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This year, the Foundation is thrilled to announce the Cal Coast Cares Foundation Day of Golf, which will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020. This exciting experience will include a day on the links at the Maderas Golf Club in Poway, followed by a box lunch and virtual silent auction.
Support our Foundation and promote your business at our Day of Golf by becoming a partner and joining us for a round of golf. 100% of the proceeds from the Day of Golf will support the Cal Coast Cares Foundation and help transform lives by funding educational opportunities in our community.
COVID-19 Update: State and local safety guidelines will be fully enforced throughout the day and the proper precautions will be implemented to ensure all are protected during the round.
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How SDG&E is Helping Business Customers During COVID-19 |
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Many businesses, especially small businesses, are facing new challenges due to COVID-19 and still have ongoing expenses during the pandemic. SDG&E wants to help during these difficult times and offers these solutions and resources.
- Flexible payment arrangements are an option. Call SDG&E’s Business Care Center at 1-800-336-7343 to set up.
- Find the right pricing plan for your business at sdge.com/bizplans.
- SDG&E’s Economic Development Rate (EDR) Program offers a 12% electric discount to businesses to help retain jobs and continue or expand operations instead of moving your business out-of-state. Learn more at sdge.com/EDR or email EDR@sdge.com.
- Visit SDG&E’s Business Recovery page at sdge.com/recovery and get information on how to:
- Improve your cash flow and working capital with links to loan programs and the Supplier Quick Pay Program.
- Connect with suppliers offering Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
- View or sign up for free training webinars on topics like the power of social media, green building design, home performance and rebate and incentive programs.
- Check out various external community organization and chamber resource lists for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
5. If your income has been impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a discount on your home energy bill of 30% or more. Learn more and apply at sdge.com/care. |
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- Bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries not serving food
- Live theaters
- Nightclubs
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Schools, for in-person instruction
- Theme parks (Zoos and aquariums are 25% capacity)
- Offices for non-essential businesses
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Member Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Dine by the Lake and enjoy the ambiance from 11:30am - 8pm.
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Our patio is open daily from 8am to 3pm! First come first served. No reservations required.
Online ordering through Clover | Take out
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cucina Basilico
Patio service Tuesdays - Sundays: 4.30pm-9 pm
(619) 825-3171
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Dine under the (3) tents right by the restaurant.
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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La Mesa Wine Works
A cooperative Tasting Room featuring Premium Wines from San Diego County Wineries
8167 Center Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Thursday - Saturday 3-8 & Sunday 12-5
Little Roma
Dine on the patio that surrounds the restaurant.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations, or carry out
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Sycuan Casino Resort
Enjoy the Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen patio!
Restaurant & Bar | Thursday - Sunday: 5PM-10PM
Brunch | Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-2PM
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tue - Fri: 7:30am - 2:00pm | Sat: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
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Member Restaurants Offering Take Out / Delivery |
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Anthony's Fish Grotto
Takeout & dine-in: 11:30am - 8pm
Retail market: 11:30am -7pm
9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse
7 days a week from 11am-10pm - Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Curbside Service, & Delivery. Walk-in, first come, first serve service.
5500 Grossmont Drive
Brew Coffee Spot
Patio open 8-3 daily | online ordering | take out
(619) 246-1244
6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa
Cali Comfort BBQ
Take out: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days a week.
619-337-0670
8910 Troy Street in Spring Valley
Cucina Basilico
Takeout: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(619) 825-3171.
7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa
Dream Dinners
Easy, Homemade Meals
5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa
Edible Arrangements
Free delivery! 8237 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
El Pollo Loco
10 a.m. - 10 p.m. for drive through meals.
4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Himalayan Cuisine
Take out: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
(619) 461-2503
7918 El Cajon Blvd #P in La Mesa
Hooleys Public House
Patio dining, takeout & delivery
Tue - Thur 4 - 9 pm | Fri 4 - 10 pm | Sat 11 am - 10 pm | Sun 11 am - 7 pm
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277
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Little Roma
Patio dining or delivery.
Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm | Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm
Delivery hours: M-Sat 11am- 9pm | Sun 4-8:30pm
5575 Baltimore Drive, Suite 104 in La Mesa
Los Pinos Taco Shop
Takeout: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 9pm.
Sunday 4 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
(619) 462-5031
5646 Lake Murray Blvd in La Mesa
Marie Callender's
Patio dining,take out and delivery available!
Mon-Thur & Sun: 11am-8pm | Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
6950 Alvarado Rd. in San Diego
Nonno's Ristorante Italiano
Dine in with reservations or carry out.
5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa
Red Lobster
Takeout: Sun - Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
(619) 463-4449 | 8703 Murray Drive in La Mesa
San Pasqual Winery
Mon - Thur: 12 - 6 PM | Fri - Sat: 12 - 8 PM | Sunday: 12 - 5 PM
Order pick ups and bottles to go. Limited wine service on our patio. Visit La Mesa Wine Works, for service on our spacious patio! 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Surf Rider Pizza Co.
Takeout: Tuesday - Sunday 11:30am - 7:30pm
8381 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
The Lunch Box Cafe and Deli
Dine-in service, takeout or delivery!
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am - 1:00pm
8751 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa
Valley Farm Market
Fresh meat, chicken and fish, as well as milk, eggs, bread and fresh produce. Products are available on a “first come, first served” basis.
9040 Campo Rd. in Spring Valley
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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
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. |
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Special Thank You to Our Premium Members |
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Grossmont Center
At Grossmont Center, you’ll be reminded why our center has thrived since 1961 because it’s where friendships are made, family bonds are strengthened and memories are created.
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #213 in La Mesa
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Boston Beer Company
Edible Arrangements
Power Plaques.com
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Sandra Small/ Photographer |
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SMIB Management, Inc.
The Little Warehouse
Self Storage
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AAA Imaging
American Medical Response
Barnes & Noble -
Grossmont Center
Benchmark Financial
Community Spectrum
Discovering My City Magazine
DMZ Visual Marketing
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EDCO Waste & Recycling Corp.
Frazier Farms
Hallman Jewelers
Kostedt Design & Marketing
Magnaglobe Enterprises
Mobility Works
Park Station
PenChecks, Inc.
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Productivity Plus Office Support
San Pasqual Winery
Sanctuary Cruises
Studio M.I.F.
The East County Californian
Vision Studio Concepts
William H. Sauls
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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 ∙ 8080 La Mesa Blvd. Ste. 212 ∙ La Mesa, California 91942
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Copyright © 2020 All Rights Reserved. |
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