BCA FYI

BCA FYI

Entries from April 2010

SEEN & HEARD

April 22nd, 2010

With today being Earth Day, it seems only right to mention an especially enviro-friendly product produced by Atascadero-based Impact Absorbents, Inc. that qualifies as simply brilliant – a paint solidifier. Paint can’t be taken to the landfill and haz mat disposal days aren’t always scheduled when you need them. The folks at Impact Absorbents have “Xsorb Rock Solid Paint Solidifier,” that turns unwanted paint into a disposable solid – an environmentally friendly option for disposing of latex and acrylic paints, even acceptable in landfills. You simply add the product to paint and shake or stir. The paint thickens into a disposable solid within minutes. How’s that for a top notch green idea right here at home? … Tickets are on the move for the UCSB Economic Forecast Project Mid Year Update. Wednesday morning, June 2. Paso Robles Event Center, and why not? Feisty presenters. Hot topics. And for attendees south of the grade, a free ride on the PG&E sponsored “Espresso Express” bus. Get over the hill, into the show and home before lunch. Space limited. Reserve a seat by calling the Paso or Atascadero chambers … There’s still time – State and Federal tax credits make for some fabulous opportunities for local home buyers. April 30 is the magic date for contracts, with up to $18,000 in tax credits and other incentives available. BCA clients’ Midland Pacific Homes and Trilogy Central Coast can tell you more.

Categories — Business Successes, Events

LOCAL BEAT

April 22nd, 2010

Heavy lifting comes naturally to Mike Zamar Robinson of MZR Fitness, a new gym and training facility now open next door to Mac Superstore in SLO’s Pacific Coast Center. And Mike offers a shout out to SCORE counselors who helped him realize a boyhood dream of creating his own business … Another dream-made-reality: Katie McCarthy-Cobler has turned her love of fashion into a downtown SLO business. Check out Retrofit at 956 Monterey Street for a fabulous collection of gently used women’s clothing and accessories … This is not your high school AV Club. The Hind Foundation’s support of the arts will be readily apparent this fall when the Performing Arts Center flips the switch on an upgraded technology that includes a movie theater-quality HD video projector, a state-of-the-art 40 foot screen, and satellites capable of receiving an array of live programming such as The Met: Live in HD … Share the wealth: California’s Travel and Tourism Commission wants to tip off visitors to the spots prized by locals. Share your top five Central Coast destinations, and then click on “CA Fives.” And please, nobody mention Bubble Gum Alley, ok? … Santa Maria is rolling out the red carpet to boost restaurant business. “Dine Out: Santa Maria Style” continues through April 25. Special menus discounts; visit here and click on Hot Travel Deals.

Categories — Business Expansions, Good Press, New Locations

GOOD WORKS

April 22nd, 2010

Kudos to Karen and Bryan Duggan of Playful Planet in Los Osos. The couple wrote and produced “Storyland Yoga,” a kids’ DVD recently honored by the prestigious Parents’ Choice Awards. The video was shot in Montaña de Oro State Park and features yoga instructor Ahmed Fahmy and a group of little local yogis.

Categories — Business Successes, Kids

BRAGGING RIGHTS

April 22nd, 2010

Dead battery, bad watch band, fogged up crystal – Bill Spring’s Watch Shop on Morro Street in Downtown SLO was the fix-it place. But now Bill’s working-man career, like the electric trains that motored around his old store, has arrived at the end of the line. He’s earned a happy retirement and we wish him the best as we welcome new owner Shawn Ceschini … We’ve got to plug Cal Poly Public Relations instructor and guy-who-gets it, Doug Swanson. He leads a student-run consulting effort called PRspectives, whose students provide hands-on marketing service to local businesses and non profit organizations. We are big believers in the program and can vouch for the high caliber of work Doug demands and the kids deliver. This quarter, students Evelyn Tam, Sarah Goodman, Jayne Scuncio and Kellye Statton have joined the BCA team to help the Food Bank and the Wellness Community.

Categories — Business Successes