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The Chamber Compass
Your bi-weekly guide to the news & happenings of Dana Point
August 1, 2014
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Message from Executive Director,
Heather Johnston
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 | | Heather Johnston, Executive Director |
We're halfway through 2014 and so many great things have been happening in Dana Point. I'd like to take this time to update you on some recent happenings at the Dana Point Chamber:
Have you seen our 2014/2015 Destination Guides? Each page is filled with information about Dana Point's history, annual events, parks, trails and beaches, and features our Chamber members. Fifteen thousand of these guides are distributed to the resorts, hotels, businesses and homes of Dana Point, plus they are sent out each time a potential visitor requests information relating to tourism, relocation and weddings. In addition to that, a digital Destination Guide is available on our Chamber website and on DanaPointTimes.com. Not only is it a beautiful piece, but it's a fantastic way to promote our members to all of Dana Point. If you'd like guides for distribution, additional copies are available at the Chamber office. With Turkey Trot just around the corner, staff has begun the logistical process of preparing for our 37th Trot. We're currently looking for various levels of sponsorship and if you are looking to expand your brand, we encourage you to partner with the Chamber for this event. It's not only an Orange County tradition, but proceeds go to local non-profits and support the efforts of the Dana Point Chamber. 
We recently sent out a mass mailer with some information about our new auto dues program. This program allows you to effortlessly renew your Chamber membership automatically, just like any gym or club membership. We'll keep your information on file and will automatically renew your membership on your Chamber anniversary date. Forms can be mailed, email or faxed to the Chamber office. Participation is optional. We're also implementing new software at our office and our staff is working diligently to make the transition smooth. Our new software will streamline emails, referrals, member dues and benefits, and will also feature a "Member's Only" section on our website, where you can update your information and renew online. We're excited to modernize our office technology and offer exciting new features to you.
We've partnered with the City of Dana Point to present FREE SCORE workshops for our member businesses. Starting in August, we will be hosting workshops every other month that are designed to inform and educate you on new business practices, help you build your marketing strategies, and even keep you advised of the newest software available for your business needs. Our first workshop will be held on August 20th at Capo Beach Church - more information is available here. As your business advocate, it is our focus to inform and educate our member's on regional issues that affect our business community. We want to represent our businesses interests and be proactive in the legislative process. Our Government Affairs Committee will host forums featuring local officials and representatives speaking on current issues and updates that effect our businesses and our community as a whole. We invite you to attend an upcoming Government Affairs Forum to keep up-to-date on what's happening in your neighborhood. We're never too busy for the needs of our members, and we encourage you to visit or call our office if you have questions, suggestions or are in need of any assistance promoting your business. |
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Attend a Town Center Lantern District
Community Workshop August 4th
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Infographic: 2014 Social Media Statistics
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Interested in learning more about current social media trends? Curious as to where people are spending their time online and what networks are best for you to focus your marketing efforts on? Click on the link below to view an infographic that covers all the latest social media facts, figures, numbers and statistics of 2014.
- Some of the mind-blowing facts are mentioned here:
- 75% of the engagement on a Facebook post happens in the first 5 hours.
- 53% of interaction between Google+ user and a brand is positive.
- 44% of users on Twitter have never sent a tweet!
- 84% of women and 50% of men stay active on Pinterest.
- More than 2 users sign-up for LinkedIn every second.
- 23% of teens consider Instagram as their favorite social network.
Read more.
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Member Spotlight: Barrett Solutions
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 Can you please tell us a brief history of your business?
I began as a sole proprietor in 1980, providing consulting and database setup/training work for businesses in the Los Angeles area. Small business accounting setup and solutions were already in our list of services when the business migrated to San Diego in 1985. Barrett Solutions grew into Orange County in 1991, and we are now 12 employees and 2 offices strong.
Our San Diego office is located in Carlsbad, just off Palomar Airport Road.
We are proudly crossing into year 34 this October having helped hundreds of small businesses get organized, get trained, and understand their financial statements.
Why did you join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce?
I grew up just 'knowing' that if you are a small business, you join the local Chamber of Commerce. If I am visiting a city, and looking for a particular service, I call the Chamber. I learned early on that I could count on the quality of the referrals coming from this organization, and I want to be a part of that.
The Dana Point Clock Tower building became our home office in September of 2005, and I joined this chamber soon after. Improvements to the website, more networking events (that have led to great working relationships) and the opportunity to help when my time permits has kept me coming back year after year.
In what areas of the Chamber are you involved?
I love to help in the area of education and mentoring. I have spoken at the breakfast meeting, and I sit in on the Finance Meetings to answer any questions that committee members may have about the financial statements. My husband and I like the mixers. It is a great way to unwind and enjoy the community of small business owners.
In what areas of the Chamber are you involved?
My Professional answer: We have a training center! We listen to our clients, and try to add value with complementary as well as fee based classes and workshops. It is great to see a team come together to learn more about how to run their business more efficiently and more effectively while working together to solve problems. On a more personal note: This entire staff LOVES sweets - especially baked goods. We even have one client who's contracted fee includes bringing us home-baked goodies, most often straight from the oven, (and yes, they are worth it!)
Do you have any piece of advice for new businesses owners?
Yes, here are my top 3: - Take full advantage of the RIBBON CUTTING opportunity from the team at the Dana Point Chamber. It is a great way to kick-start your name recognition in this town.
- Get your 'elevator speech' down. If you can effectively communicate who you are and what your perfect customer looks like, you will be ready in any situation to present the right first impression.
- Factor in about one hour each work day for marketing. I have done that since the beginning, Whether that means I am talking with prospects, attending a community event or making care calls to existing clients...and now there is social and internet marketing.
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Our Ridiculously Good Looking Members
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Ribbon Cutting:
DP Pilates & Barre
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Ribbon Cutting:
Sun Salute Yoga
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Ribbon Cutting:
Billy Blanks Ancient Arts
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Networking at Noon - Thai This
Thursday, August 7th 11:30am - 1:00pm
24501 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA
$20 Members $25 Non-Members
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and our Membership Committee invite you to join us for Networking at Noon at Thai This on Thursday, August 7th.
This event is open to members and non-members to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and eat a delicious lunch - while supporting a great chamber member restaurant!
Every attendee gets 30 seconds to stand up and introduce themselves and their business - it's a great way to learn more about your fellow Chamber members and generate new business leads.
The cost to attend is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes lunch, beverage and gratuity.
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Become a Social Media Maven
August, 20th 6:00pm Capo Beach Church
25975 Domingo Ave. Capo Beach, CA
Free to attend. Light appetizers and refreshments will be available, courtesy of the City of Dana Point. |
August Mixer - Fred's Mexican Cafe
Thursday, August 21st 5:30pm - 7:30pm
32431 Golden Lantern St, Laguna Niguel, CA
$12 Members $20 Non-Members
Please join us for our upcoming August mixer, hosted by Fred's Mexican Cafe on Thursday, August 21st from 5:30-7:30pm.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, discuss their business with others and generate new business leads - while enjoying live music and delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks from our generous host.
Help our Chamber grow stronger by bringing a friend - invite a local business owner or even a friend to attend the event!
The cost to attend is $12 for members and $20 for non-members.
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September Membership Orientation
Maximize Your Membership Investment
Wednesday, September 3rd 5:00 - 6:00pm
Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point
Do you know the value of your Chamber Membership?
Are you looking to get the most of out of your membership?
Come to our New Member Orientation! Join us on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5:00-6:00pm at Brio Tuscany Grille.
We encourage new members, new employees and current members looking for a "refresher" course to attend this event. Attendees will receive your New Member Packet and plaque, plus you'll get a detailed presentation of your Chamber member benefits.
This orientation is your opportunity to meet Chamber staff, Board members, Chamber Ambassadors and fellow new members, while learning about all the exciting opportunities your Chamber membership offers you! Click here to RSVP.
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September Mixer - Taste of South County
Hosted by Independence Bank
Thursday, September 11 5:30pm - 7:30pm
32291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
$15 Members $25 Potential Members
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 American Gothic Social
American Gothic Social, (AGS) specializes in social media content and management, utilizing some of the newest tools and platforms available in social media. The company is named after the painting, 'American Gothic' which symbolizes the old rules of marketing to consumers. Times are changing and so are the the rules. At one time Marketing was about pushing a message to convince people to take action. Now, social media has changed the way that we communicate to get the desired results. We must connect and engage with consumers on their terms and lead them to action by creating new value, influence and outcomes. AGS works with companies in a multitude of industries including; technology, retail, restaurant, hotel, service, art, products, real estate, and more. Service offerings include content strategy development, coaching & training, events, public relations, social media management, campaign development, product/content photography, and email marketing management.
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Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn by the Sea
The Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn by the Sea is located along the white sands of Doheny Beach, half way between San Diego and Los Angeles. Private getaways and romantic escapes are easy at this intimate getaway while family fun to the area's best attractions lead to Legoland�, Sea World�, San Diego Zoo�, DisneyLand�, Universal Studios�, and Hollywood. Southern California beach weather is simply unbelievable. Not too hot, it's the perfect temperature for sun bathing, trying out some surfing moves, or getting adventurous with a new water sport. The beach and weather at this beautiful, newly renovated, all inclusive Dana Point hotel is just one of the reasons guests keep returning. Water recreation opportunities abound, including stand-up paddling, kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, fishing, and whale and dolphin watching. However, many guests return just for the amenities, hot breakfast, and great service.
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 The Moulton Company
The Moulton Company was formed in 2007 to manage the assets of the heirs of the Moulton Ranch, primarily comprising Monarch Bay in Dana Point, a residential community, and various commercial and industrial properties, most located within Southern California. The Moulton family scattered throughout California with the sale of the ranch, but wish to renew their connection with Orange County,
 and along these lines have renewed their relationship with the Laguna Playhouse and LCAD.
The Moulton Ranch was a sheep and cattle ranch that stretched from present day Aliso Viejo to Laguna Hills, at one time approximately 22,000 acres. The CEO of MMB Management is Jared Mathis and the CFO is Scott T. Barnes, both great-grandsons of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, founders of the Moulton Ranch.
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Optivest, Inc.
Optivest, Inc. is a high-touch boutique investment firm founded in 1987 by Mark Van Mourick. We provide the following advisory services: fiduciary portfolio management, investment reporting, investment advice, financial planning, investment banking, retirement planning, direct ownership in commercial real estate, business exit and estate planning.
Mark Van Mourick and Leslie Calhoun work closely with clients to customize diversified investment portfolios utilizing sophisticated forecasting tools through our alliance with SageView Advisory Group.
Our primary service is to act as our clients' financial consultant and planner to steward their resources toward multi-generational financial goals.
We are located at 24901 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Suite 230 and may be reached at 949-363-8686. More information may be found on our website.
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members
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Member Since 1996
Member Since 1993
Member Since 2012
Member Since 2012
Member Since 2013
Judith Henderson, Civic Member
Member Since 1991
Marie Siegel, Civic Member
Member Since 2005
Preferred Solutions
Ron Sobel, Civic Member
Member Since 2012
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Member Since 1972
Dana Point Clock Tower Building
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The City of Dana Point & Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter are Hosting a Workshop on Waterwise Gardening
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Don't Miss This Sunday's
Concert in the Park
Hosted by the City of Dana Point
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 I s Your Garden California Friendly?
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Two Great Ways to Support Dana Point Relay For Life
Click on the Flyers below to learn more about how you can support the American Cancer Society and the local Dana Point Relay for Life.
Click here to learn more about how to create or join a RFL team, or to donate.
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Fundraiser at The Point Restaurant & Bar
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Shop at Macy's & Give Back
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Fundraiser at Rita's Ice Dana Point
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You're Invited: Laguna Beach Chamber Mega Mixer
Wednesday, August 13 5:30 - 10:00pm
You are cordially invited to the party of the summer!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
5:30 ~ 10:00 PM
ART, MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKS, PRIZES, NETWORKING & MORE!  
$15 CHAMBER Members / $25 Guests
The Laguna Beach Chamber has generously extended their member price
to all active Dana Point Chamber members.
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Put Your Claws Up! Get Your Tickets to the 5th Annual Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club's Dana Point Lobster Beach Fest
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Thank You to our Chairman Circle Supporters
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If you are a interested in becoming an Anchor Club Sponsor, contact [email protected]
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