BCA FYI

BCA FYI

Entries from April 2011

BCA SOCIAL

April 29th, 2011

Online Relationship Lessons from a Prince and His Bride

This morning’s royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton teaches us that building relationships, no matter the sphere of influence you hold, takes effort, dedication and a little guts. (And heck – sharing a big, gorgeous party with the entire watching world doesn’t hurt either.) Same goes with your online presence. You’ve opened your Facebook account and you are learning to write a tweet with 140 characters. But building relationships takes time and effort. Be present in your online presence. Aim to have 75 percent of your tweets and posts be personal responses to potential customers. Stay engaged to build your relationships and see whether your business can someday rule a country.

Categories — Marketing Tips

SEEN & HEARD

April 29th, 2011

Forward motion: not only are the long-ago unfinished condos on the South Street Hills now being completed, but an exciting new project is arriving in downtown SLO. Garden Green condominiums, slated for the lot located at 1323 Garden Street, will boast classic Italianesque exteriors and high-end “green” amenities throughout. The condos are designed by multiple-award-winning architect Thom Brajkovich. Check out this beautiful downtown living experience … Local Chevron rep Suzanne Parker is a Tuscaloosa native who was on the phone with her mom when the tornado hit the family home. Suzanne’s mom escaped unharmed but suffered extensive property damage in a neighborhood that was completely wiped out. Suzanne notes that social media was the “go to” tool that helped people find each other, with Twitter and Facebook relays providing peace of mind. Her message for how to help: donate blood, contribute to the Red Cross and remember to always keep gas in your car and cash on hand in case of need to evacuate during power outages … On the Move: James Shammas has joined Neal Truesdale as a sales executive, and Terry Veal, he of the great announcer voice, has joined the sales team at Community VW of Santa Maria and BMW of Santa Maria. Welcome to new KSBY/The CW General Manager Kathleen Choal. And we are bummed to lose the talents of Amy Jacobs on KSTT Radio and Dave Schermer, KSBY News Director … Kudos to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for having its neurological services recognized with a Gold Certification as a Primary Stroke Center. And remember this about strokes: fierce headache and other symptoms need to be addressed immediately by skilled medical professionals to avoid permanent damage. Don’t delay.

Categories — Contracts, New Locations, Promotions

LOCAL BEAT

April 29th, 2011

Flipping through this month’s Sunset magazine and out pops a fun full-page ad for California avocados – starring one of our county’s best: Bill Coy. Bill is the fab multitasker who is a former county supervisor, the current vice chair of the Mission Community Bank board of directors and whose resume includes posts with Sears followed by Farm Supply. And oh yeah, he is a noted avocado farmer … Paso Robles keeps popping up with good ideas. A recent review of the Main Street program’s offerings include a home and garden consignment store (Consignage, located across from Farm Supply on Paso Robles Street;  and a Downtown Paso Guided Wine Walk that showcases more than 22 wineries and includes chocolate, cheese and ice cream tastings. 239-5920 for info … We know there are all kinds of enterprising home-based web businesses in the local market, but we have to brag on one in particular. “Cookie and Curly” is the artistic brainchild of Molly Trapp, wife of BCA’s own Brian Trapp. Handmade in SLO by the enterprising mom of two young kids, the products offered include bird mobiles, baby blankets, jewelry and more … There’s still time to check out the SLO Botanical Garden’s “Eco Art in the Garden” exhibit – nearly 30 local artists’ work using reclaimed materials are on display through May 28 … Lots of hot topics on deck for Mission Community Services’ speaker series: “Mastering Email, Your Time and Your life,” “Responding to an Invitation for Bid” (i.e., snagging government contracts) and Planning a Family and Business Legacy” … There are all kinds of springtime fun events going on this weekend – take your pick. The Young Professionals Networking Group is hosting a Monte Carlo Night tonight at the SLO Children’s Museum … Judy Wallace is back with another “Remnants of the Past” Vintage Show (50+ vendors) on Saturday at the Dana-Powers property in Nipomo. The show was featured in the April edition of Country Living magazine; proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity … Drs. Edwin and Howard Hayashi are being honored at a benefit dinner for Enhancement, Inc., Saturday at Edna Valley Winery … FPAC celebrates 10 years of local dance company Variable Velocity with performances at the PAC on today and Saturday, 8 p.m.. Check out this amazing promo video for the event.

Categories — Business Successes, Events

GOOD WORKS

April 29th, 2011

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center’s education and outreach programs got a generous $30,000 boost from the ConocoPhillips’ Santa Maria Facility. Facility Manager Tim Seidel and Health, Safety & Environment Superintendent Kristen Kopp made the presentation … The enterprising folks at Achievement House never run out of great ideas. When the City of SLO was looking for an operator for food service at the Laguna Golf Course, Achievement House put together a plan to operate a snack bar staffed with adults in the program’s vocational services division. The “11th Hole Grill” is open for breakfast and lunch and deserves our support. You won’t find a more excited group of employees and you’ll enjoy a great meal in the deal.

Categories — Charity