BCA FYI

BCA FYI

Entries from March 2009

SEEN & HEARD

March 19th, 2009

BCA sends best wishes to Dave Congalton who was hospitalized March 17. We wish you a speedy recovery … New show. Familiar face. Former KSBY news anchor Lynn Diehl is back in front of the camera with a new venture, “Wine Region News Weekend,” airing 5 p.m. Saturdays on KION and Sundays on KCOY. Loud buzz about the show at this month’s World of Pinot Noir event … Speaking of wine, San Luis Sourdough founders Dave and Charlie West will soon uncork the first release for their Westbound Wine label: “Anticipation,” a 2006 syrah/cab blend. Grapes are from Denner Vineyards west of Paso and Jacob Toft is the winemaker. They’ll start with 88 cases, with bottles to be available online. Dave and Charlie will add their new offering to the 20 or so “old” wines from their cellar that they’ll be serving at their annual Old Wine Dinner, April 23, at Bistro Laurent … You’re sure to thrill at the resonance of the Forbes Pipe Organ at the PAC during an onstage Champagne reception April 21 to support FPAC and Cal Poly Arts. Premiere organ master Olivier Latry of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will give an improvisational performance. Prepare for goose bumps.

Categories — Business Successes, Celebrations, Fundraising

LOCAL BEAT

March 19th, 2009

Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business is using Dialogr, a virtual idea-generating and ranking tool developed by faculty member Jeff Danes, to launch a marketing symposium and foster ongoing discussions between faculty and marketing executives … California Fine Wire and CFW Precision Metal Components found success on their first foray into the trade show world. The Grover Beach companies made more than 100 new contacts at the Medical Design and Manufacturing West Expo in Anaheim, with several contracts expected in the next few months … Help is on the way for first-time homebuyers at Midland Pacific Homes, where the staff is ready to share their knowledge about new federal and state tax credits now available to novice buyers. Find out more at Midland’s Mission Meadows, Apple Valley or Del Oro neighborhoods … About 40 hoteliers, restaurateurs, bankers and others took part in the Arroyo Grande Chamber tourism promotion workshop led by John Dunn a couple weeks ago, and the ideas and wish lists for attracting visitors to the seaside village are still pouring in. A visitor survey and branding effort are next on the to-do list.

Categories — Business Successes

BRAGGING RIGHTS

March 19th, 2009

The VCB’s SLO County Visitors Guide has been nominated for a Maggie award for the fall 2008 issue. Something like the “Oscar” of magazines, the Maggies are handed out by the Western Publishers Association … The Monarch Club at Trilogy Central Coast celebrated its one-year anniversary Mardi Gras-style Feb. 28 with a Cajun feast from Adelina’s Bistro and dancing to “Unfinished Business” … Moms, preheat your ovens and rev up your rolling pins. For the 25th year, Idler’s Appliances is searching for the next award-winning baker during its annual Mom & Apple Pie contest in April. Sign up at an Idler’s Appliances store in SLO, Atascadero or Paso Robles.

Categories — Awards, Celebrations

GOOD WORKS

March 19th, 2009

The Sister Soldier Project, founded by Myraline Morris Whitaker, has shipped more than 1,000 care packages (5 tons) containing ethnic hair care products to African American female troops serving in the Middle East. Now, Myraline has partnered with manufacturers of several popular products to supply even more. Visit new Sister Soldier Project Web site … The SLO County Senior Nutrition Program serves 900 free meals daily. Call 541-3312 to get tickets for their May 16 “Night of a Million Meals” fundraiser at Madonna Inn … The “new” Old Mission School thrift store, named A Peek in the Attic, has opened at 4620 Broad St., with a fascinating display of vintage clothing and household goods. Kudos to OMS parents Carol Paquet and Wendall Hall and their team of volunteers.

Categories — Business Successes, Charity, Fundraising, New Locations