Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
November 20, 2015
Small Business Saturday is November 28 
#ShopDanaPoint
Dana Point Businesses Are There For You. On November 28, 
Will You Be There For Them?
The holidays are right around the corner and there's no better time to start your shopping. 
Skip the mall and support your local Dana Point small businesses - keep your tax dollars in Dana Point and help to support the businesses who have been such great supporters of our amazing city.

Shop small. Shop Local. Shop Dana Point.
Five Ways to Use Facebook to Drive Traffic to Your Store on Small Business Saturday
American Express' Small Business Saturday has quickly become a holiday shopping tradition, with more people than ever showing their support for local businesses by "shopping small" on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2014, an estimated 88 million people in the US spent $14.3 billion with small businesses on Small Business Saturday, and more than two-thirds of the US population were aware of Small Business Saturday last year. T

his year, the sixth-annual Small Business Saturday is on November 28, which means right now small businesses everywhere are prepping for the event. The Facebook Business team has compiled a list of six different (and easy!) ways you can use Facebook to drive people into your store on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holidays.

Member Spotlight: McCool Flowers
Celebrating 20 years in business, McCool Flowers has offered fresh flowers to south Orange County residents since 1995. The family-owned business features over 40 varieties of fresh cut flowers every day including a huge selection of tropical flowers and Ecuadorian roses. Owner Cathy McCool and her knowledgeable staff are dedicated to providing the ultimate flower-buying experience.

Can you please tell us a brief history of your business?
McCool Flowers opened 20 years ago in Ocean Ranch Village in Dana Point as a full-service florist. We evolved to provide not only flowers, but also gifts and household product lines as trends changed. Continuing the evolution, we became less of a gift store and developed an excellent reputation for weddings and events. With our move to our new location at Clubhouse Plaza, we've continued to solidify our brand.

Why did you join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce? 
After a 20-year career as a retail executive travelling across the country, I joined to meet people, take advantage of networking opportunities that the chamber offers and to learn how to become a "local gal."
  
In what areas of the Chamber are you involved? 
I've worn several hats over the years -- started as an Ambassador and soon thereafter was named Ambassador of the Year. Became Mixer Chair and quickly gained the reputation as "Microphone Girl." Then served on the Board for 5 years working on numerous committees as a worker bee. Served as Chairman of the Board in 2001.

Can you tell us a fun fact about your business that most people wouldn't know? 
In addition to being the recipient of many community awards, two of our designers at McCool Flowers have won the Cal State Floral Association's Top Ten competition and we are consistently recognized in California Floral Industry.

Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners? 
Just joining the Chamber won't make you successful -- you must take advantage of the opportunities and get involved. Your Chamber membership is your ticket to involvement in the business community. Go to as many events as possible, be seen, don't be shy....mix, mingle, and tell everybody what you do.

Meet Cathy and her team for yourself - stop by today and wish her a "Happy Anniversary!" There will be festivities and giveaways all day today including raffle drawings and free roses - and don't forget about 20% off in-store purchases (and they are decked out for the holiday season).
Give Thanks: Sponsor our 5th Marines
& Their Families this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time of "Giving Thanks" for all our blessings. The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is working to sponsor a special day of "Giving Thanks" to our Marines, Sailors, and Families who have chosen to dedicate their lives to protect and serve the freedoms of all Americans. Designated as the Crisis Response Team, Our Fifth Marines are the 1st to fight if the Nation calls and may be deployed at a moment's notice. 

Many of our Marines are far away from their families and we wish to provide them the hospitality of Thanksgiving with their Comrades in Arms and other families in their adoptive city of Dana Point. 

On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015, Waterman's Harbor Restaurant will again be hosting for the 5th year a complete plated Thanksgiving Dinner for our Marines.  The cost to sponsor a Marine or family member is only $35/Person. You can click on the secure PayPal tab at the  Dana Point 5th Marines Regimental Support Group website , or you can send a check. 

Please make and send your check to: 
The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group 
Attention: Thanksgiving for Marines 
P.O. Box 471 
Dana Point, CA 92629-0471

Click here for more info.
Tis the Season to Give Back
The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce respectfully requests that you open your hearts (and your wallets)in the coming weeks as you conduct your holiday shopping - we're happy to host donation boxes in our office for the following worthy causes:

Family Assistance Ministries
Show your spirit of giving by helping the hungry and homeless during this holiday season. Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) has a number of ways for you to get involved this holiday season. Click here to learn how you can adopt a family this Christmas, host a food drive, make a donation or simply make a toy donation. Provide a memorable Christmas to kids who may otherwise not get to enjoy the holiday by delivering gifts to families in need.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley
Join the Chamber in our support of Operation Holiday Homework , benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano ValleyThe organization collects toys from businesses and individuals in the community for this annual event. Children enrolled in their "Power Hour" homework help and tutoring program earn points during the year, which they can redeem to "purchase" donated holiday gifts for family members through Operation Holiday Homework. The organization requests gifts suitable for boys, girls, babies, teens and parents.

Suggested gift types include but are not limited to Legos, board games, Barbies, remote control cars, gift cards, lotions, nail polish, tools, sports equipment, etc.

Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group
Donate a new toy for a military child or gift card/goodie box items for our troops. Once again, members of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group are looking to create some holiday magic for our Marines, Sailors and Families and we know Santa never disappoints! We hope his workshop will be filled with toys for the small children and lots of gift cards for our Marines and families again this year. Click here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested toys/gift cards list.

If for some reason you don't have a chance to come to our office to make your donation, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to our upcoming Holiday Mixer on December 10th. For every toy donated we are happy to provide you with two free raffle tickets (limit 10).

Are You Taking Advantage of Your Member Benefits?
Job Board - Post for FREE until the End of the Year!
Did you know you can post your job openings on the Chamber website? It's just another one of your chamber member benefits!

Our website is viewed by residents, visitors and people looking to relocate to our beautiful city - in fact, approximately 150K unique individuals visit our website every year. Our website is the perfect place to post your current job openings. 

Because we value our members and know that this is an incredibly busy time of year, we invite you to post all of your current or seasonal job openings to our site now for FREE.

To post an opening, contact us and we'll get your listing up asap!

Event Calendar Listings
A new benefit to our Chamber members is our interactive Chamber calendar. 

Hosting an upcoming holiday event? Our members can now feature their events on our Chamber website events calendar! Whether it's a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Holiday party, we invite you to share your event on our calendar with our members and the local community. PLUS, you can subscribe to our calendar's RSS feed and receive up to date information on upcoming events. 

This is a feature for Chamber Members Only. All submission are subject to approval.

Upcoming Chamber Events
38th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is One Week Away!
Time is running out to take advantage of our discounted online pricing -  Online registration closes Monday, November 23rd at 11:55pm. 

You can register for Turkey Trot in person in the Dana Marina Plaza parking lot on November 25th from 12 - 7pm and on race day, November 26th starting at 6am. 
 
We expect a sell-out crowd this year. Don't delay, register online today!

Can't run this year, consider volunteering! 
Run! Cheer! Volunteer! Each year the Dana Point Turkey Trot has over 400 helping hands that assist with making the event spectacular. Volunteers dedicate their time to help before, during and after the race with a variety of duties from assisting with bib pick up to awarding medals at the finish line. If you are not able to participant in the race this year but still want to be a part of the fun, join Drumstick and the  SoCal Gas Volunteer Team. Make a difference this holiday season! 

Visit  our Turkey Trot Volunteer page to sign up today.
 
Please Note:
Starting Tuesday, November 24th, Chamber staff will be out of the office prepping for Turkey Trot and will not return until Monday, November 30th. Please contact us prior to these dates if you need assistance.
Deck the Halls with the Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano 
& San Clemente Chambers 
$15 Members | $25 Non-Members
Join us for our annual joint holiday mixer hosted by the Outlets at San Clemente

This event is open to members and non-members to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads while enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host. 

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy - we will be donating to local area non-profits like FAM, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

This is a joint mixer with the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Chambers of Commerce - please note that this mixer will be held on the second Tuesday of the month, instead of our normal 3rd Thursday date.

Dana Point Chamber Seeking Networking at Noon 
& Mixer Hosts for 2016
May Mixer
Looking to get more people through your doors? 

We are currently searching for hosts for our 3rd Thursday Mixers and Networking at Noon events. Hosting an event allows you to promote your company/venue to business leaders in Orange County, is a fantastic networking opportunity, and also a way to showcase your services first-hand to fellow Chamber members. 

For more information on hosting an event, contact  Vickie or call 949-496-14555


Welcome Our New Members!
Core Connection
 
Core Connection's unique studio is designed for private and semi-private instruction. Working with smaller groups maintains a private feel and permits us to focus on proper body alignment. Each session is structured with sensibility, integrating a complete Mind-Body connection. 

At Core Connection, our instructors are highly skilled. Their individual styles create a non-competitive environment, which supports a fun and balanced lifestyle. 

We specialize in creating a program appropriately designed for YOU and your body.

Salon Revelation
 
We invite you to come in for an extraordinary hair treatment from one of our talented stylists. We're located in South Orange County in the wonderful coastal community of Dana Point, CA. 

We offer a wide selection of hair services. Each of Salon Revelation's stylists has years of experience in all aspects of hair care. Our professional services include precision cuts, custom coloring, perms, hair straightening, and deep moisturizing treatments. 

Join us for the most exceptional salon experience available in the Dana Point and surrounding area. Make an appointment today by calling 949.248.8595, and we will exceed your expectations.

Total Wellness OC
 
Dr. Tracey Diner has been a chiropractor for 23 years. She was the founder and operator of Total Wellness Center in Studio City, Ca for 15 years where she was well renowned and respected as a leader in her field. She was the "Chiropractor to the Stars" with many of her patients in the movie industry both in front and behind the camera. She has been the chiropractor to professional athletic teams as well as professional players in football, track and field, rugby, basketball and Olympic athletes. 

Dr. Diner spent years in post graduate studies to better her ability to help her patients. She is certified in Applied Kinesiology ( muscle testing ), Cranial adjusting, S.O.T technique (a very gentle approach to relieving low back pain) and nutrition. She is an expert in relieving Migraines and headaches. Dr. Diner studied cranial adjusting because she had close friends who suffered with migraines and no one was able to help them, so she searched until she found the solutions to help them. She delivers both gentle and safe manual diversified adjusting or can use more gentle means of adjusting with the activator technique or use mechanical adjusting tools; the Arthrostim and Percussor. 

Dr. Diner received her doctorate degree, Cum Laude, from Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1992 and received her BA in Psychology from UCLA. 

Dr. Diner's interests include traveling the world, scuba diving, skiing, biking, and learning. She fulfilled a dream of giving back and a few years ago went on a medical mission to Kenya where she traveled with the medical director of Kenya and delivered medications, wheel chairs, mosquito netting, microscopes to 15 remote villages throughout Kenya.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2013

Member Since 2009

Dr. Bob Sears, Inc
Member Since 2012
Member Since 2008

Member Since 1994

S&L Catering Company
Member Since 2014

Member Since 2013

Member Since 2005

Member Since 2014
Community News & Events
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
November 20th
McCool Flowers 20th Anniversary - All Day Celebration with Giveaways!

Smart & Final Turkey Giveaway Drawing
Nov. 21st Nature Interpretive Center - History Walk

Farmers Market
Nov. 22nd Gene Burrus' Memorial
Nov. 23rd Planning Commission Meeting
Nov. 25th Dana Point Turkey Trot Health & Wellness Expo
Nov. 26th DANA POINT TURKEY TROT

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa'sThanksgiving Buffet

Outlets at San Clemente hosts Moonlight Madness on Thanksgiving Night
Nov. 27th Outlets at San Clemente Black Friday
Nov. 28th Farmers Market
Dec. 1st City Council Meeting
Dec. 3rd Assemblyman Bill Brough's Holiday Open House
Dec. 4th Holiday in the Harbor - Open House
Dec. 5th Winter Festival & Tree Lighting

Holiday in the Harbor: Photos with Santa

Dana Wharf: Boat Rides with Santa
Dec. 6th Ritz Carlton Yappy Howlidays

Dana Wharf: Boat Rides with Santa
41st Annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights 
to be Held  December 11, 12 & 18,19
Celebrate the Holidays with
Your Fellow Chamber Members
Dana Point Harbor
2015 Holiday Events
Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter 10th Annual Holiday Party

Suit Up This Holiday Season with Savings from Friar Tux Shop

Cast Your Vote: 8th Annual Best of Dana Point Voting is Now Open!
It's that time of year again! The Dana Point Times "Best of Dana Point People's Choice Lantern Awards" voting has begun! 

To vote, visit the  Dana Point Times website and click on the link on the right, entitled Vote Here: The Best of Dana Point. Make sure to direct your friends, family and customers to vote as well - every vote for your business helps!

Click here to download a "VOTE FOR US" flyer for you to use in your storefronts or in marketing materials to get the word out to all your customers. 

Polls close December 20th, 2015 at midnight.

Also, don't forget about your friendly Dana Point Chamber of Commerce when voting for "Best Customer Service." :)
Thank You to our 2015 Chairman Circle Sponsors








    

If you are interested in supporting our business community, join the Dana Point Chairman's Circle! Please contact Heather Johnston for more information.

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