Business is off to a good start for the year according to comments being shared by BCA biz buddies. John Ewan at Pacific Energy and Don Idler at Idler’s report robust activity and a surge in home improvement and upgrade projects. Windows on the Water in Morro Bay had record crowds for New Year’s Eve dining and the Event Center at the California Mid-State Fairgrounds is booked with everything from equestrian and roping events to home shows. And the news isn’t just local – Mindbody reported 2011 holiday gift giving for health and wellness services increased 22% over 2010, with 2,300 gift cards purchased as last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve. Keep it coming … Actress Glenn Close had a very personal reason to create the BringChange2Mind campaign, an effort focused on removing the stigma from mental illness. Glenn’s sister, Jessie Close, and Jessie’s son Calen Pick have both struggled with mental illness. The mother-son duo will tell their moving story in person at Transition Mental Health’s “Journey of Hope” event on Feb. 1 at New Life Church in Pismo Beach. Find out more … 2012 is starting with a big-daddy wave of excitement for Neal Maloney and crew at the Morro Bay Oyster Company. Their locally farmed products are being sold in Whole Foods in the Southern Pacific Region stores from Hawaii to Santa Barbara and down to San Diego. Take a peek at the gorgeous video produced by Whole Foods.
