Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's Compass Newsletter
The Chamber Compass
Your weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point 
November 7, 2013
Dana Point Chamber Seeking
Networking at Noon & Mixer Hosts for 2014
Photo by Montgomery Photography

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
Prepare to Bid Farewell to the Elephant Parade 
While we've enjoyed having them here, the Elephant Parade Art Exhibition will be ending its ten week visit in Dana Point very shortly. The Elephants will move to Lantern Bay Park this Friday as they reunite for a free public display - their last appearance together before they are escorted to their new homes.

On Friday, November 15th, gather with your fellow residents and community members to say goodbye to the precious pachyderms. Led by community leaders, a candlelight tribute will be held at dusk so be sure to arrive at the park by 5pm.

Looking to get your hands on a piece of Dana Point History? Experience an exclusive charity auction at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa as select elephants from the herd will be auctioned to raise money for The Asian Elephant Foundation and their efforts supporting various projects across Asia. Entrance is $175 per person or $300 for couples. For ticketing and event information email Auction@ElephantParade.com

Can't wait until the auction? Small replica statues are available at The Country Fox, located in the Mariner's Alley of the Harbor retail area.

For more information about the closing ceremonies of the Elephant Parade, click here. 
Dana Point Harbor Director Brad Gross
Earns Third Statewide Honor

  Brad Gross, OC Dana Point Harbor Director, has become the first person in the 65-year history of the California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains to earn his third title as State Harbor Master of the Year.

The State Harbor Master of the Year award recognizes Gross' contributions to the County and to the state association. He has excelled by using his "unique background and skills," the group said, to effectively manage two large marinas, launch ramp and dry storage operations. Gross also directs the harbor's support facilities and its commercial component. 

Congratulations Brad!

Member Spotlight: Rita's Ice
Rita's Ice
Rita's offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Milkshakes, Sundaes with Unlimited Toppings, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO�, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto� and Blendini� creations.

Stop into Rita's Ice now, located in the beautiful Lantern Bay Village Shopping Center, and try some deliciousness for yourself!
Upcoming Chamber Events
November Networking at Noon
Luciana's Ristorante
Today  11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
24312 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
Sold Out!
You can try your luck at the door - we have a couple of walk-up spots available and will have more if we have any last minute cancellations!
Turkey Trot VIP Party
November 28th   5:30 - 7:30 PM
Mahe Restaurant


Ribbon Cutting Celebrations



Thursday, November 7th   4:00 PM
34212 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite B, Dana Point
 
Thursday, November 21st   5:00 PM
31281 Niguel Road, Suite A in Laguna Niguel
*Laguna Niguel Chamber hosting 
Welcome Our New Members!
California Designs & Awards, Inc.

California Designs & Awards, Inc. is a promotional product distributor and proud member of the Advertising Specialty Institute. Promotional products, also known as ad specialties, make up a nearly $17 billion dollar industry and are used by virtually every business in America. Why? Items like mugs, pens and t-shirts are memorable and provide a better cost per impression for advertisers than almost every major marketing effort like TV, magazines and the Internet. 

We are able to supply your company with every possible promotional product from over 3000 suppliers. With so many ad specialties available there is a huge opportunity for professionals like you to boost ROI and leave a lasting impression with your customers. 

Our mission is to help you create long-lasting relationships with your clients through the power of promotional products.

China Mountain Trading USA

China Mountain Trading Group with locations in China, Hong Kong and the USA provides buying office services, made to order merchandise and creative art designs for small and medium sized importers and retail outlets. We are polyglot, skilled in sourcing, drawing, negotiating, developing product, manufacturing, and getting the right merchandise to the customer at the right price and time. We enjoy what we do, working cross culturally and nationally, striving to understand our customers' needs and matching these with the right manufacturing and production solutions. 
 
China Mountain Trading was founded by Patrick Borkheim in 2008- I chose this name after seeing the stacks and piles and mountains of containers at the Hong Kong port. I have been in Asia and China since 1994 coming out by curiosity and staying because of the differences. Pleasing customers by navigating cultures, languages, and work habits is a challenging but fun endeavor. Thanks to the professionalism and skills of our USA based design, sales and logistics teams, coupled with the work ethic, spirit and dedication to customer satisfaction of our China Merchandisers - I feel fortunate to be working as we are today. Need a new look? Need product? Need good pricing, let us make a difference in your future.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Agent: Ann Ronan   

Ann Ronan of Expedia CruiseshipCenters vision is to live "Everyday a Vacation Day" and she wants you to have this too!  She provides stress free travel planning, hosts wine themed river cruises, and leads guided vacations to Europe.  She meets clients at her office in the historical Provincial Building at 31815 Camino Capistrano, #31. 

 

She specializes in group travel, meetings & incentive travel and destination weddings & honeymoons.   Group travel can be a memorable, rewarding experience...or a stressful nightmare...depending on whether you're the one that has to organize it!  Let Ann put together a seamless experience that pleases everyone - and leaves you off the "hot seat."

 

In between her travels, she's active in her community as Chair Elect of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, as a volunteer docent with Mission San Juan Capistrano and an architectural walking tour guide for the Friends of the Library.


GenKai 

Gen Kai has been serving the Dana Point community for over 30 years. Customers can find there find their favorite lunch special known as the Happy Meal by the customers because it makes them full and happy. They can also try new lunch items like the Poki Bowl and many customers often rotate, ordering the Happy Meal on day and the Poki Bowl the next. Customers now come from all over Orange County to have lunch and dinner at Gen Kai. Gen Kai's customers know that when they walk through the front door they will be great with a friendly hello, great customer service and amazing food.


The Real Deli

We are known for our house-smoked pastrami, prime-rib, turkey, ham, and provolone. We also make our own corned beef and brisket, butter, brown sugar, cookies, cakes, dressings, mayonnaise, mustard, potato salad, cole slaw, pesto pasta salad, and many, many more things. Come on over and give us a try today! We are a small delicatessen located on the southern edge of Dana Point, California. Most all of our food is made fresh, from scratch, daily. Give us a call to place an order for lunch, or arrange for a catering order.

Thank You to Our Renewing Members
Member Since 2001
Member Since 1995
Community News & Events
Join Independence Bank & Homefront America in Making This Holiday a Little Brighter for our Military Children
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Bella Collina
Sponsor our 5th Marines and Their Families
for a Festive 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. 

StillWater and Mahe Restaurants, will once again do the honors and join our Support Organization to host their third annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at StillWater Restaurant in Dana Point on November 28th.

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.
Cheers to Being Thankful!
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Laguna Cliffs Marriot


39th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7 & Friday, Dec. 13 & Saturday, Dec.14 
7:30pm by the Water's Edge
Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec 6, 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Boat Rides with Santa
Saturday, Dec 7 & Sunday, Dec 8, 10am - 2pm

Dana Wharf Sportfishing Docks Photos with Santa!
Friday, Dec 6, 5-7:30pm - Thursday, Dec 12 & 19 3-5pm

Strolling Carolers
Friday, Dec 6 & 13, 4:30-6pm
Saturday, Dec 14, 2-4pm

Santa Paws 
Saturday, Dec 14, 10am-3pm
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24681 La Plaza Suite 115Dana PointCA.  
(949) 496-1555

 
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