Hilton Garden Inn - Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce

TRI CHAMBER MIXER
I
Hilton Garden Inn
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
581 Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-4382 PH
(805) 773-6772 FAX
What’s inside
♦ From the desk of your CEO
♦ From our Chamber President
♦ Ambassador of the Month
♦ Business of the Month
♦ Our New Members
♦Your Chamber Working for you
♦ City Council Vote
May Happenings
18th—Tri-Chamber Luncheon
12 Noon to 1:00
South County Regional Center
2nd— Clark Center for the Performing Arts 10th Anniversary Kick-Off,
Business Mixer/Open House, 5 to 7 pm.
6th—Art in The Park, Dinosaur Caves
13th— Pacific Breeze Concert
Dinosaur Caves Park 1 to 4 pm
24th—Classic California Golf
Tournament, Cypress Ridge
28th—Memorial Day Ceremony
Pismo Pier, Time TBD
♦ May’s Happenings
25th—Tri-Chamber Mixer
5:30-7:30 pm
SeaCrest Ocean Front Hotel
26th—27th
AG Strawberry Festival
17th-20th Vintage Trailer Ralley
Pismo Coast RV Resort
Beach Bum Holiday Rentals
Edgewater Inn
Jamie Clark Insurance Agency
State Farm #0A94199
KCOY 12 & Fox 11
Martin Resorts
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PISMO BEACH, CA
PERMIT NO. 1
Pismo Lighthouse Suites
Avila Lighthouse Suites
Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge
Pacific Leisure Marketing
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
581 Dolliver St.
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
Rabobank
Sea Venture Resort
Shell Beach Law Group
Splash Café
WHO IS FOOLING WHO?
It is that time of year again, when the popular April Fool’s Day allows
everyone a fair shot at pulling a prank on someone else. Of course, odds are the
prankster may be the one fooled. Where did this custom come from anyway, and why do
we all love a good joke, especially if someone else bears the brunt of the humor?
No one can say for sure how this all started. The most common theory is that it dates
from 1582; the year France adopted the Gregorian Calendar, which shifted the observance of New Year's Day from the end of March to the 1st of January. According to
popular lore some folks, out of ignorance, stubbornness, or both, continued to ring in the
New Year on April 1 and were made the butt of jokes and pranks on account of their
foolishness. This became an annual tradition which ultimately spread throughout Europe.
A major weakness of the calendar-change theory is that it fails to account for an historical record replete with traditions linking this time of year to merriment and tomfoolery
dating all the way back to antiquity.
Many different cultures have had days of foolishness around the start of April, give or
take a couple of weeks. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, rejoicing
in the resurrection of Attis. The Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has
Purim. Perhaps there's something about the time of year, as winter turns to spring and a
light heartedness evolves with the gloom of winter’s passing that makes people want to
have some fun at another’s expense.
April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world. Practices include sending
someone on a "fool's errand," looking for things that don't exist; playing pranks; and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things. April Fools' Day is celebrated in different
countries around the world on April 1 every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools'
Day, April 1st is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day
when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness. The day is marked by the
commission of good-humored or otherwise funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes
on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc.
We may never really know the origin of April Fool’s Day, but what does it really
matter? The fact is, with all the turmoil in life, it is nice to know we have one day
a year when we can pull a prank on someone else without feeling guilty about it. However, we must also remain good-natured when the tables are turned and we are the ones being fooled. Remember, no matter how alert you are you can be the victim of a hilarious
joke. Be ready to receive as well as give because turn-about is indeed fair play.
Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar
Tolosa Press
April 2012
Informational Orientation on the July Cuba trip on April 10th.
Please contact Rochelle at (805) 773-4382 to reserve your spot.
Page 2
The Source
From the Desk of the CEO
PETER CANDELA
On March 20, 2012 the Chamber and the City Council had its annual Joint
meeting. This is the time for the Chamber to formally request funds for the 4th
of July, Clam Festival & Band review. It is also the time we poll our members
for community concerns that the Council may consider adding to the short
term goal list. After polling our members the following were the top three:
1. Uniform look to the business area and street ordinance.
2. Street repairs
3. Sidewalk maintenance & aesthetics
I’m very pleased to share with you that the Council not only approved the funding for the three
events but will also provide additional support for the 4th of July Celebration. In addition to approving funding requests, the City Council has approved support for the VIC printing costs. This
support will allow the VIC to provide a more detailed list of information, highlighting more of our
businesses and activities that Pismo Beach has to offer.
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Candela
peter@pismochamber.com
Executive Assistant
Rochelle Bento
rochelle@pismochamber.com
Visitor Information Center
info@pismochamber.com
Courtney Raye
Aveda Stafford
Beth Stewart
Newsletter Editor
Tommie O’Donoghue
As for the three items listed above:
Uniform look to business area and street ordinance – Has been completed and the copy of the
New sign ordinance can be found on the City’s web site. See the link on the Chamber web site or
view a physical copy at the Chamber office.
Street Repair – A detailed plan for the street repairs is in effect now; see the link on the Chamber
web site or view a physical copy at the Chamber office.
Sidewalk maintenance & aesthetics – Public works is on top of this as we speak. A scheduled
maintenance program is in effective now.
Visitor Information Kiosk
Paul Lacey
Louis Montalbano
April Thomas
The Pismo Beach Chamber appreciates the City’s efforts to resolve the communities concerns
and becoming a partner to our businesses.
Mike Ebinger
From the Desk of the President
Roger Wightman, General Manager/Sandcastle Inn
Chamber Ambassadors
Gary Stone
Mackey & Mackey Insurance
Robin O’Hara
Keller Williams Realty
Peter Ward
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
Hello Fellow Chamber Members.
Spring is in the air and Spring Break is right around the corner! As you already know, this
time of the year is the “warm up” for our busy summer season and I trust that you are all
prepared.
As you are fully aware, our beautiful city is a magnet for beachgoers over Spring Break.
This year will be even more so as we have the greater San Joaquin Valle schools as well
as our local schools on break at the same time. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and
gas prices will remain somewhat reasonable so that our cherished visitors will arrive in
droves, ready to visit all of your wonderful businesses.
If there is anything that your Chamber can do to assist you in helping prepare for “our”
season, please don’t hesitate to call us or stop by. Our Chamber staff is more than willing
to help in any way that we can.
Don’t forget our Premier event, The Taste of Pismo, is less than a month away; the weekend of April 20th & 21st. Purchase your tickets now and mark your calendars as you
won’t want to miss this “one of a kind” event. Great food, great wine and great fellowship.
I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
Chamber Volunteers
Judy Burrows
Cheers.
Brett Gibbs
Cottage Inn by the Sea
Sean Dasmann
AMS Entertainment
Arlene Gonzales-Gee
Associate Member
Narlene Carter-Keenan
Keller Williams Realty
Tamara Burnes
Re/Max Del Oro
Deena Peak
Fidelity National
April 2012
Page 7
The Chamber’s Business of the Month
The Boardroom Pub, 160 Hinds, Pismo Beach
(805) 295-6222
Bob Kuntz & Steve Norwood
There is a warm ambiance that embraces you when you first enter the pub and are greeted by the very friendly
faces of Bob and Steve. On the front of their menu are the words “The Boardroom offers a public meeting place
that allows us to relax, mingle and rejuvenate ourselves…where we can kick back to a casual vibe with food that
nourishes the body, and an environment that nourishes the soul.”
The Boardroom Pub opened in July 2009, but Robert Kuntz and Steven Norwood didn’t take over ownership until Memorial Day weekend, 2010. Bob worked at the Graduate in San Luis Obispo for over 21 years, 10 of them
as the manager. Although born in Japan, his family moved to Port Hueneme in 1973 and he came to the Central
Coast in 1989 to attend Cal Poly. Steve was born in Clovis where he lived until 2002 when he moved here. He
worked as a bartender at the Graduate during the day and when the Boardroom opened, worked nights at the
Boardroom Pub.
Steve was offered a chance to buy the Boardroom and invited Bob, his boss at the Graduate, to come down and
check the place out. Both of them recognized the potential and purchased it. Since taking over, they have added
their special touch and increased the clientele to include locals and Central Valley visitors alike. While waiting
for an interview with Bob and Steve, a couple came up to me and stated that they had driven all the way from
Tehachapi just to come to the Boardroom to enjoy a tasty lunch and try some new brews.
They have the largest selection of beers on the Central Coast, offering choices from over 11 foreign countries and
8 states. In addition, the Pub proudly features local wines. The variety doesn’t stop there. The menu is packed
full of healthy and different delights that you can’t find anywhere else in Pismo Beach. The most popular item
on the menu is their personal-sized flatbread pizzas, 7 varieties in all. They also offer 5 different salads, from
chicken & feta cheese to a delightful insalata caprese of sliced fresh mozzarella, roma tomatoes and fresh basil,
seasoned with balsamic glaze. If you are looking for a little more substantial lunch or dinner, their sandwich
menu offers Paninis, or a large variety of healthy breads stuffed with ingredients such as goat cheese and roasted
peppers, turkey & brie, chicken, beef and even a tempting veggie burger called The Tree Hugger. If you just
want a little something to go with your beer or wine, indulge in the spicy Buffalo wings, flat grilled chicken,
chicken strips with BBQ or ranch dressing dipping sauce or bruschetta.
The Boardroom is open every day but Tuesday during the winter months, and every day during the summer from
noon until 10 pm, except Bob and Steve stay open later on the weekends if the visitors want to linger a little later.
When asked what their favorite thing about working in Pismo Beach is, Bob cited that sense of community and
the support of their local customers. Steve agreed with Bob but added that he enjoys the people from foreign
countries as well as the regulars that visit from the valley.
Stop by and be prepared to relax and enjoy all the football and baseball games on the Pub’s 65” LED television or
one of the 3 other flat screen televisions. If you aren’t a big sports fan, try your hand at one of the dart boards, or
just sit back and relax while enjoying great food, the huge selection of beer and wine and watching the scenery
pass by the large view windows. They live up to their motto of offering relaxation and nourishing food. It is definitely the place to be in Pismo Beach!
April 2012
Chamber Board of Directors
Page 6
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Flyers for the Newsletter
Do you have a special event planned for spring? Place a flyer in our
May newsletter. We need 450 copies by April 26. The cost is
$75.00 for handling and mailing. Any questions, please contact
Rochelle at (805) 773-4382 or rochelle@pismochamber.com.
Member to Member
Discounts
Have you joined our Member to Member program yet?
Now is a great time to submit your application to offer
fellow members discounts to your business. Contact
Rochelle at (808) 773-4382 for more information and
check out the list on the Chamber website for your
discounts on food and merchandise.
Front Display Windows
Hospitality Board
Catch visitor’s attention by placing your photo ad on our Hospitality
Board. We still have a few spaces available. Contact Rochelle at
(805) 773-4382 or rochelle@pismochamber.com. for more information.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Check out www.pismochamber.com
for our Membership Directory.
Chamber Explorations
Afrodite Pastroumas
2615 190 th. St. Ste. 200
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Port San Luis Harbor District
Steve McGarth
3950 Avila Beach Drive
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Shell Café
Charles Brunetti
1351 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Main Squeezed Lemonade
Frank & Karen Hunsaker
2624 Holladay Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Our front window display areas are booked up
through November, but now is the ideal time to sign
up for your holiday winter display. It’s a perfect way
to advertise your Christmas specials! Contact
Rochelle at (805) 773-4382 for more information.
RENEWING MEMBERS
Avila La Fonda Hotel
Laura Lopez
101 San Miguel Street
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Old West Kettle Korn
John & Lola Balestra
171 Ash Street
Cayucos, CA 93430
Beach Bum Holiday Rentals
Tony & Marcia Spinelli
702 Dolliver Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Pismo Beach Premium Outlets
Monica Siles
333 Five Cities Drive
Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
Best Western Casa Grande
Hotel & Suites
Matthew S. Martin
850 Oak Park Blvd.
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Sandbar Surf Company
Heather Blast
791 Price Street #210
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Marie Calenders
Scott Page
2131 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Associate Member
Martin Meltz, PHD
2545 Solano Road, #D
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Associate
Mike Spangler
3990 Shell Beach Road
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Spyglass Restaurant
Doug Redican
2703 Spyglass Drive
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
President
Roger Wightman
Sandcastle Inn
Vice President
Marc Lebed
Law/Disputed Solution
Medicine, DPCS
Treasurer
Rick Turton
Pacific Leisure Marketing
Page 3
YOUR CHAMBER WORKING FOR YOU
The Chamber Staff made the following referrals in February, in person,
on the phone, by requested mailings and through email responses:
VIC
VIK
Lodging
448 Events 674
Walk-Ins
976 Walk-Ins 907
Dining
730 Wine
170 Total Referrals 3821
Phone Calls 801 Out of Country 67 Recreation 1197 Camping 161 Total Contacts 2684
Emails
87
Real Estate 53
Mailed Info 1142
Retail
388
Brochures 943
Out of Country 122
Every visitor to the VIC and VIK is your potential customer.
The Chamber held 13 ribbon cuttings in March
Secretary
Paul Jones
Associate Member
Board Members
Anthony Wells
Beach Walk Resort, LLC
Joseph M. Scott
Associate Member
Ross Currie
Splash Café
Century 21 Hometown
Suzanne M. Tracy
Edward Jones—Joe Brittingham
Tony Renteria
Narlene Carter-Keenan
Keller Williams
Keenan-Carter Group
Dr. Robert Higginbotham
Pacific Eye
Mike Spangler
Associate Member
Oceano-Five Cities Elks
Hampton Inn Suites
Associate Ian Parkinson
Carla Soares
Rabobank
Ash Mehta
Tastes of the Valleys Wine Bar
J.G King
King Ventures
Chris Ohara
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
Associate Adam Hill
Associates Merilee Hyman
& Tony Hyman
Associates: Renee Fortier Smith
Joe Smith, Mary Ann Reese &
Mayor Shelly Higginbotham
Don’t forget about the Tri Chamber Luncheon at the South County Regional Center
12 to 1 pm on Wednesday, April 18th. Groups of eight will be discussing their ideas
for improving businesses, and each table will vote on the best idea and present it to
the rest of the attendees. Get your reservations early so you won’t miss this productive event.
Page 4
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There’s still time! Go on-line at www.pismochamber.com or call (805) 773-4382 to purchase
tickets for all three fantastic events.
Friday, April 20, 5:30 –8:30 pm: Farm to Street, a glorious evening, featuring a delicious meal and a bottle of
wine. Tickets are $60 per person.
Saturday, April 21, 12:00– 4:00 pm: Our 8th Annual Taste of Pismo, featuring the best wine and food our
Central Coast has to offer. Showcasing 20 restaurants and 30 popular wineries. Tickets are $50 for person, $25
for designated drivers.
Sunday, April 22, 8-11 am: Join the Pismo Beach Firefighters Association for a fantastic breakfast by the sea
while benefitting local charities. Adults, $8 each, children 12 & under, $3.
Bring your golf clubs and 3 friends and join us at Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande for
the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce Classic California Golf Invitational on May
24, 2012. Pre-registration is required.
Contact Rochelle at (805) 773-4382 or at Rochelle@pismochamber.com. We still have
room for sign ups, but you better hurry. This fun event fills up fast!
Noon Shotgun Start, 4 Person Scramble and an Awards Dinner at the Pavilion following the tournament This is a fundraiser benefiting The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 4th of July Celebration.
Ambassador of the Month, April 2012, Tamara Burnes
April 2012
Page 5
City Council Decision on Leasing the Benson Lot
On March 1, 2011 after careful consideration and multiple City Council Closed Sessions, Mayor Higginbotham announced that the Council had determined that it was not fiscally sound for the City to acquire the property commonly known as the Benson Lot. Therefore, the
City Council directed the City Manager not to pursue the property.
The City Council made the above decision after multiple Closed Sessions held on December 21, 2010, January 18, 2011, February 15,
2011 and March 1, 2011.
Later in 2011, at the July 19th Council Meeting the Council also considered leasing the Benson Lot, but ultimately decided not to enter into
a lease agreement.
“Marty’s Pismo Beach Community Corner” By Martin L. Meltz, Ph.D.
The “Good Neighbor Program”
As many of the residents of the City of Pismo Beach “mature,” or become medically fragile with age, there comes a time of
possibly increased isolation. According to the California Department of Aging, San Luis Obispo is undergoing a 100-149%
increase in elderly population aged 60 and over, and a 200-299% increase in Elderly population aged 85 and over.
Willshire Community Services has in place a Senior Services program, with focus on 3 areas involving volunteers: Caring
Callers, where volunteers provide friendly visits to isolated older adults who do not have many opportunities for social engagement; The Good Neighbor Program, where volunteers provide essential services to support the independence of older
adults and adults with disabilities (Services include: transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, yard work, and
shopping and errands); and Senior Peer Counseling, where volunteer counselors, age 55 and over, provide in-home counseling to older adults who are experiencing difficult transitions associated with aging.
Tamara is a tremendous asset to the Ambassador Team. She is very generous with her time
and is always a team player. Thank you Tamara for being part of the Pismo Beach Chamber
Ambassador team. We are pleased to name Tamara as our Ambassador of the Month for
April.
There is a critical need for Volunteers for all programs in the Pismo Beach and Five Cities area! The growing needs of the
community far outweigh the number of volunteers presently in the program. Currently, the biggest need is driving and housework. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, or if you would like to find out more information about receiving services, contact Wilshire Community Services for more information. The WCS volunteer coordinator, Kimberly
Hudson, holds trainings monthly throughout SLO County and is always willing to answer questions. The WCS staff would
also be happy to do a short presentation for any organization that is interested in volunteering. Kimberly can be reached at 547
-7025 X 26.
Tamara Burnes, owner & founder of ARTISAN Real Estate Group, is a CA native & Central Coast resident since 1989. Her area of
expertise is south SLO County.
If you know of a non-profit organization serving Pismo Beach, please email its name, the name of a contact person for that organization and his/her email
address to martinLmeltz@sbcglobal.net. I will look into each such organization, and hopefully be able to write a column about its work.
After leaving a successful 16 year sales & marketing career in 'Corporate America' for a more meaningful life, Tamara has been a
Central Coast leader in real estate sales & service since the inception of her career over 9 years ago. She's consistently ranked in top
5-10% of ALL San Luis Obispo County Realtors, has earned countless sales & service awards. She is honored to be one of a handful
of 'Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist' & 'Million Dollar Guild' designees in the United States, and to have been hand selected to help launch three real estate brokerages in San Luis Obispo County!
She & "soul mate" Mark Burnes, have been inseparable since 1987. They share a comfy home in Shell Beach with 3 adopted dogs &
2 adopted bunnies. They strongly believe in giving back to the community that has so blessed them; volunteering for various nonprofits, contributing to the local Arts community & numerous local dog rescue organizations. They endeavor to be good neighbors on
every level.
Tamara says she is dedicated to "serving her clients, her community & her Creator". Being a Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador is an honor & a designation she doesn't take lightly. "Helping clients relocate, move-up or buy their first home here;
helping new businesses prosper & grow; seeing families make the Central Coast their forever home, & all of us being part of a thriving, vibrant community is a joy beyond measure!"
Meet Our Farmers Market Vendors
By Violet Cavanaugh, Native Herb & Honey Co
Pismo Beach Farmers Market has new spring time hours 3-6pm. PBFM features over 25 vendors and a wide selection of produce including; fish, flowers, See Canyon apples, local honey, berries, eggs, tomatoes, avocados, peppers and winter vegetables.
We have a wide selection of foods including tamales, homemade pastas, kettle corn, roasted corn, olives and olive oils, cookies,
pastries, fresh breads and preserves. We are excited to provide the community with the opportunity to support local vendors, eat
healthy and live locally. Applications for the market are available online.
Stacy and Finney are the owners and sole employees of LavenderSmiths. Their 40 acre lavender farm is
located in Castro Canyon near Avila Beach. LavenderSmiths not only grow all their own lavender they
handcraft and sell all kinds of lavender products. Products include fresh and dried bouquets, essential lavender oil, various body products, eye pillows, culinary lavender and lots more cool lavender stuff... even lavender dog treats. Come by and say hi to Finney and Stacy at Pismo Beach Farmers Market every Wednesday or get in touch with them at www.lavendersmiths.com.
Stacy & Finny Smith