In case you missed last week's e-blast: April 8 Eblast See more past email blasts here.

The Chamber mixer held on April 6th at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, hosted by Federal Realty (the new managers of Grossmont Center) and BJ’s, was a standing room only activity! The crowd was happy, loud and joyous! During the evening the Chamber held raffles with prizes awarded by the Chamber and Grossmont Center. We were introduced to Julie Neward, Property Manager of Grossmont Center and Rosemary Reed, Marketing Coordinator of Grossmont Center. Julie was a gracious host and kept replenishing the refreshments for the hungry guests. They enjoyed the great tasting food as soon as it was delivered. Julie also discussed the operations of Grossmont Center and that changes will occur, but those changes are still being determined. Rosie Reed, the Marketing Coordinator addressed the crowd and let us know that Grossmont Center is poised and ready to host events that are good for the community. The Easter Bunny and friends will be featured at a booth in the middle of the Courtyard, so stop or hop by and see the bunny! A good time was had by all - thank you to the crowd who attended and our hosts, Federal Realty and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse!

Photos by Sandra Small/ Photographer.

In the Chamber’s ongoing effort to continue to promote our businesses and our community, we wanted to create a video that focuses on our strengths and highlight our business community. We are proud to represent you and are constantly amazed at the strength and commitment each of you have shown throughout the pandemic. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you!

In case you missed our Business Expo, here are some highlights of the evening. We hope you will mark your calendar now and join us at our "Summer Bash Business Expo” set for Thursday, August 18th.

Join us and welcome Haley Kremensky at Oakwood Escrow and her team to our Chamber. Meet this dynamic team and learn why they are successful and Haley is so involved in our community. Delicious bites will be served and chilled beverages will be available to please your palate. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. when the open house begins, with “official” ribbon cutting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss out this great opportunity to get together with other fun loving business owners and network - don’t forget to bring your business cards!

Time: 5 p.m., Ribbon Cutting: 6 p.m.

Location: 8697 La Mesa Blvd., Ste. D, La Mesa

RSVP online or to: rsvp@lamesachaber.com so Haley can prepare enough refreshments for you.

This family-friendly FREE community event celebrates the strength of our business community! “Shop & Dine La Mesa” was created to shine a spotlight on different businesses in shopping centers in various areas in La Mesa. The Chamber applied for and was granted ARPA funding to promote businesses in La Mesa from the County of San Diego. The first shopping center being highlighted under this pilot program is the Marketplace at Lake Murray Village Shopping Center, at the corner of Lake Murray Boulevard and Baltimore Drive between the hours of 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This program encourages the public to visit this shopping center and meet the businesses that are located there, as well as businesses within the surrounding area. This fun-filled afternoon will have activities like face painting, balloon artists, bubble blowing and other entertaining games with perks. The La Mesa Chamber will offer prizes to guests that visit a percentage of participating businesses that day via a shopping card or a QR code for each of those businesses that will be designed by our digital Marketing Sponsor HUMBL, Inc. Come see our community safety partners - the La Mesa Police Department, our ambulance service, American Medical Response and our team from Heartland Fire & Rescue. 

What is the DEKA DOT laser? Learn more here.

Dr. Ellyn Levine | Trilogy Health | 5290 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa | www.trilogyhealth.net | (619) 567-6914

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.

www.workoutwithkirk.com | 24/7 By Appointment Only. | Ages 10 to 105 welcomed.

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.

lamesaflooring.com | M-F 9am - 5pm, Sat. 9am - 3pm Sun - Closed

We love our veterans, and we have a unique opportunity to honor three that are over 100 years old. We believe these young men would greatly appreciate a birthday card from all of you. What a way to put a smile on their faces. Let us know if you send them so we can inform our partners that track our efforts. This is a “once in a lifetime” birthday wish so please consider participating.

April 13th – Peter Sanzo is turning 100 years young. Cards can be sent to 1219 Crystal Springs Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

April 16th – Vernon Ricks is tuning 102 years young. Cards can be sent to 919 Marguerite Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011.

April 30th – Theo Logan is turning 105 years young. Cards can be sent to 230 W. Laurel St., #305, San Diego, CA 92101.

With a commitment to tackling aging infrastructure, the City of La Mesa has tapped Michael Throne to be the new Director of Public Works. Throne, who started on April 11, has more than three decades of experience in reimagining engineering in the public sector. 

 

“We are excited to welcome Michael to La Mesa,” said City Manager Greg Humora. “His knowledge and experience working for past cities in California will be crucial as he directs our Public Works Department, one of the City’s largest and most diverse departments.”

 

A registered civil engineer in the state of California, Throne comes to La Mesa from the City of San Marino, a full-service city in Los Angeles County, where he was the director of parks and public works/city engineer. He also served as the director of public works for the Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, American Canyon, and Benicia. Michael has bachelor degrees in civil engineering and architectural engineering, as well as a master’s degree in public administration.

 

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the new Director of Public Works for La Mesa,” Throne said. “I look forward to working with La Mesa staff and City Council to serve our community.”

 

Throne’s responsibilities in La Mesa will include planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including engineering, the maintenance of streets, parks and public buildings, fleet maintenance, traffic engineering and safety, wastewater and storm drainage systems maintenance, as well as coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.

 

Thorne and his wife have four grown children living in four different states and are expecting to be grandparents of twins in May.

 

The Public Works Department, a combined department with Engineering, Operations and Environmental Services, has a $22.4 million budget and 63 permanent employees, who engineer, construct, and maintain the city's infrastructure in an efficient and effective manner while involving the community.

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.

Topics include:

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) don’t claim it. The County is part of a regional coalition that’s helping eligible San Diegans put more money in their pocket and alleviate some financial stress. Call 2-1-1 or visit them online to find out if you qualify for the EITC or any other tax credits.

Team Fletcher had a great time visiting the Veterans of Foreign Wars & American Legion in La Mesa to learn about the services they offer to our local veterans. They regularly provide community programs for families of those currently serving in the military. They also serve food several times a week for veterans and their families.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden announced he is taking action to address the proliferation of untraceable “ghost guns” across the United States. Ghost guns cause tragic losses in our communities, and the County has worked to limit the sales of these weapons. We look forward to working with President Joe Biden to continue to prevent further gun violence from occurring. Read Our Full Statement

Earlier this year, we broke ground on a new housing project that has 100% affordable residential rental units for over 120 San Diego families. The complex will have a community room, outdoor gardens, an enclosed play area for children & outdoor seating. It will also allow people to live close to the MTS Trolley and bus lines for an easy connection to school, work & errands.

Every child deserves a loving family, and for many that will not be with their biological parents. Fostering or adopting children can be one of the most rewarding things to do so children can have the loving home they deserve. Foster families are a vital way for these children to be supported and cared for in a chosen family. The County’s Faith in Motion program right now works with 19 local congregations to help youth in the foster system find families, but we’re looking for more – meet with the Faith in Motion Coordinator and Schedule a presentation for your congregations by calling 1-877-792-KIDS (5437) or visit them online.

As gun violence continues to harm communities across the country, we are committed to implementing better safety standards & banning the production of ghost gun parts to prevent further tragedies from occurring. This week, our Board took another step forward to develop an actionable gun violence reduction program. In February, the County ordinance our office developed requiring that all guns be safely stored took effect that requires all guns in homes or structures near a home to either be secured with a trigger lock or be locked away in a container.

Getting a booster shot is the best way for San Diegans to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19 and any possible future variant. Find out where you can make an appointment here.

The County is committed to using every opportunity to continue efforts to build more housing units across the region and helping our unsheltered San Diegans transition into permanent housing & have a roof over their head. This week, our Board voted to receive nearly $12 million from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. Read more.

Leading economist Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., is the featured speaker at the Torrey Pines Bank Spring Economic Forum focusing on San Diego County from 9-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20. The forum will be held virtually and is open to all. Attendee registration is required.

What: Torrey Pines Bank Spring Economic Forum with Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D.

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20

Where to Register: https://events.torreypinesbank.com/economicforumforsandiego?gz=none 

Join Torrey Pines Bank for the 2022 Spring Economic Forum to learn about how the economy is faring after Q1 2022 and the experts’ outlook for the rest of the year and beyond. Featuring keynote speaker and noted economist, Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., this virtual educational event will share an insightful analysis of the impact of rising fuel costs and continuing inflation, supply chain challenges and more on our national and local economies and zero in on the latest business trends affecting leading industries in San Diego. 

“Torrey Pines Bank continues to value our partnership with Dr. Thornberg, who for many years has shared his economic insights with our clients – and now a broader regional audience as well, thanks to virtual access,” said John Maguire, Torrey Pines Bank Division CEO. “His particular expertise including economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, and labor and real estate markets here in Southern California, is highly useful to us and the businesses we serve.”

Thornberg is a founding partner of Beacon Economics, LLC. His revenue and economic forecasts are sought by business leaders, government agencies, and financial cooperatives across the United States. 

Torrey Pines Bank is a division of Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC. With ten offices throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County, along with Western Alliance Bank’s powerful array of specialized financial services, the banking division is a valued resource for Southern California’s business, real estate, professional, municipal and nonprofit communities.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) consumes approximately 40% of a building’s electricity. In fact, it’s one of the most significant factors in the operating expenses of a business. That’s why it pays to pinpoint HVAC energy waste and reduce it. Here are 3 common HVAC waste areas and proven ways to help your business become more energy-efficient and control costs.

Blocked vents require up to 25% more energy to distribute air. Take a close look around your business. Are vents blocked by furniture, paper, tools or equipment? Those blocked vents are preventing vital airflow and making your system work harder to heat or cool your business. That’s unnecessary waste and it’s costing your business every month.

Solution: Clear air distribution is essential to contribute to energy efficiency. It’s also important for maintaining a good comfort level for your employees and customers. Carefully assess the area around each vent for proper ventilation. Is air flowing from the vent circulating freely throughout the room? If there are obstructions that prevent adequate airflow, such as cabinetry or drapes, move them to allow for clear circulation. Don’t keep vents closed as an effort to save energy; doing this can change the way air is distributed and cause an imbalance to the operation of the HVAC system. Remember to also check any vents on the floor. It can be more difficult to keep these areas clear of obstructions.

Up to 80% of energy can be recovered from exhaust air. Exhaust air from inefficient HVAC systems wastes a major opportunity for more efficient heating and cooling. That’s because more energy is required to heat or cool incoming outside air. But there are smart ways to prevent that waste.

Solution: Heat-recovery technology transfers energy from exhaust air to incoming outside air. This greatly reduces the energy that’s required to heat or cool incoming air. As a result, businesses can recover 50% to 80% of energy waste. It’s important to note the percentage of outside air that can be used for efficient ventilation is based on a few factors, including project scope, technology selection and design. A qualified contractor can educate customers on available recovery technologies. For example, an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can be a suitable solution for maintaining comfortable temperature, depending on area location and climate. Businesses can turn to their HVAC contractor to decide if an ERV is appropriate. Heat-recovery technologies can include heat exchangers, recuperators, regenerators, passive air pre-heaters and waste heat boilers.

Advanced controls can reduce energy use by 40%. Ever feel cold when you’re in a big conference room or eating in the cafeteria with just a few other people? That may be because the ventilation system is running at maximum operating power, as if the room was at capacity. It is a huge waste of energy.

Solution: Installing advanced control sensors can improve a ventilation system’s operating power for energy efficiency. These controls can count the number of people in a room and then adjust the heat and air conditioning accordingly. When the sensors are integrated into a building’s HVAC system, the advanced controls can reduce energy use by almost 40%. That could save a typical 500,000-square-foot office building tens of thousands of dollars each year. Such buildings in the U.S. take up more than 4.4 billion square feet.

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.

Some of the highlights are below:

We suggest that you go to the website sdivsbdc.org/county-of-san-diego-micro-business-grant-program-application/ to review ALL of the particulars of this funding.

Small Business Stimulus Grant Funding is Available from the County of San Diego – We Are District 4

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:

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.

Here is the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and the link: tinyurl.com/smallbizstimulusgrant

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.

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

June 8 - Evening Mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto : 5:30-7pm on the “Lake” at Anthony’s Fish Grotto | 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa

June 21 - "Taco Tuesday" Mixer : 5:30-7pm at Thoughtful Creations | 8270 La Mesa Blvd. #101 in La Mesa

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

Commercial Real Estate

5565 Grossmont Center Dr.

La Mesa, CA 91942

858-549-2874