August 13th, 2010
The Giving Bean Co., special gifts for special clients
You’ve been looking for a fresh alternative to a gift basket to give your clients. We’ve found something extraordinary. The Giving Bean Gift Co., launched by Maalaea Quirk, provides custom gift boxes filled with classic home and office décor gifts, edibles and gift certificates. The gifts are presented in The Giving Bean Gift Co.’s signature black box with satin ribbon and delivered for you. Your clients will love it and remember you. Visit Maalaea’s website to place your orders today … In September a documentary on the local fashion industry will be screened at the Palm Theatre. Two BCA pals are prominent in the credits; filmmaker Robin Chilton, who produced the trailer promoting the film, assisted by videographer Joel VanZeventer. Take a peek for yourself … The ConocoPhillips Battle of the Blazing BBQ’s pits refinery chefs Tim Seidel, Jim Anderson, Derron “Bubba” Johnson and Dane Underwood against some of Santa Maria’s best grillers on Aug. 27. It’s a BBQ throwdown at the Santa Maria Airport, part of the “Thunder Over the Valley” air show. High stakes cooking – winner takes a ride in an A-6 (a very cool jet for you lacking in aeronautical knowledge). The dueling mitts prep food for air show pilots and flight crews. Up, up and away and come on, ConocoPhillips, do us proud.
July 29th, 2010
Eight companies with big dreams and solid business plans will make a case for investor funding at an inaugural event produced by SLO Seed Ventures and Cal Poly’s Innovation Quest. The hopefuls present Friday, July 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business … Drowning in e-mails? Grab a Mission Community Services Corporation life vest on Aug. 6, when ORGANIZE coach Erin Hoffman offers a brown bag session on managing that pesky inbox. RSVP to info@mcscorp.org (hmmm…they must have e-mail under control) or by phone to 595-1357 … Grade Potential Tutoring, a tutoring service founded by then-Cal Poly student (and now owner) Dave Serwirtz, knows something about making the grade. The SLO and Santa Barbara offices of Grade Potential were joined last week by a third location, this one in San Diego. We give Dave an A for ambition and drive.
July 1st, 2010
Call it dessert for the Sunset Magazine “Savor the Central Coast” extravaganza unfolding Sept. 30-Oct. 3: a finale at Avila Beach that includes fireworks and a concert by rock musician Chris Isaak. Find out more … It’s getting harder to avoid the decadent baked goods of Utopia Bakery on Broad in SLO: a second devilish location is about to open on Price Street in Pismo Beach … Not just for ice and potato chips. We hear former Food for Less owner Milt Souza’s new Oak Hill Market on the way to Oak Shores is a most inviting place. Fabulous meats, bakery and deli; open seven days a week 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. … Two great organizations and the beautiful sculptures of artists Allen Root and Ann Bernhardt converge on July 10 when the SLO Botanical Garden and Hospice Partners of the Central Coast debut an inspirational site at the garden. The Life Celebration Garden honors and remembers families and friends.
May 20th, 2010
Molly "Triker Chick" Kight with Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Even if you’re not one of the minions of Harley-lovin locals, you can appreciate Molly Kight, aka “Triker Chick,” whose articles on all things motorcycle are popping up in magazines and blogs. The engaging Molly attracted the attention of another Harley devotee, radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger, on Dr. Laura’s recent ride through Arroyo Grande. Sorry about the closed-eye photo, Molly, but we couldn’t’ resist … When Hunger Awareness Day 2010 rolls out on June 3, it will feature an all new “Text to Give” option, thanks to savvy Food Bank staffer JoLin Rosa. Text “FEEDUS” to 20222 – it’s live now … Smokin’ success follows hard work for Nina and Ray Cattaneo of Ray’s Own Brand. Their sausage and jerky, longtime local faves, are now available in California grocery stores including Mollie Stone’s, Raley’s, Ralphs and Albertsons from Costa Mesa to San Francisco and throughout the Central Valley. Find out more at www.raysownbrand.com … Ours is a small town with big city food, thanks to Robin Covey whose menu at Chow in Downtown SLO features intriguing new items including Banh Mi, a French-Vietnamese ciabatta sandwich, Korean beef burgers and fish “tacos” prepared in a seaweed wrapper. Even better: lunch specials starting at just $8 … Sustenance Studio offers a fun way to boost employee or other group morale using shared cooking experiences. Consider it a cooking party that produces fab food, a painless lesson in teamwork and always a laugh or two: 234-1691 … And a big “welcome back” to local chef and fab restaurateur Maegen Loering, who has opened the Neon Carrot on South Higuera in SLO.
May 4th, 2010
Great news we just can’t wait to share: Mission Community Bank CEO Anita Robinson has built a bank based in financial savvy and a fierce commitment to the local community. That tradition continues with the announcement of a new member of the board of directors who readily shares MCB’s vision – Jim Lokey, former president of Rabobank. Jim will work with Anita and MCB President Brooks Wise to lead Mission Community Bank in a significant central coast expansion. Jim will succeed North Coast rancher and former County Supervisor Bill Coy as executive chairman of the board. Bill will move to vice chair, replacing current Vice Chair Roxanne Carr, who is retiring from the board following 13 years of service that began with the bank’s founding in 1997. As for Jim and Anita, not only are they banking colleagues and longtime friends, but each also held the president position at the California Banking Association. In fact, Anita passed the gavel to Jim when her term ended and his began in 2008. Kudos and thanks to Roxanne for her service, welcome back to community banking, Jim, and congratulations to Anita and her board for a fine find.
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.
March 4th, 2010
Consulting guru Lee Johnson of Collaboration, LLC
The talented
Michael Gunther has added more talent to his team at
Collaboration, LLC.
Lee Johnson, vice president of consulting services, comes to the post after a fast track and dizzyingly successful career with
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company and logistics provider with offices in more than 125 countries and more than 60,000 employees worldwide. Lee is helping to expand Collaboration’s consulting and coaching services nationwide … The
Duggan Smith law firm has added a name and a new address to its letterhead: congratulations to new partner
Jane Heath, who likely will help hang the
Duggan, Smith and Heath sign at the firm’s new offices at 560 Higuera, Suite B … A lot of readers likely know the engaging
Rob Bean, husband of
Arroyo Grande Chamber Exec
Judith Bean and all around terrific guy. What you may not know is that Rob and his bowling partner,
Earl Miller, beat out 11,000 members of the
California State Senior Bowling Association to be rated 21st for doubles in California. Those are some smooth moves … Recent
Cal Poly design grad
Kristin Savage is on a roll. The stellar designer interned with BCA and was so terrific we scooped her up as an employee. She received a diploma in December and just added a lovely diamond ring from fiancé and engineering whiz-kid
Mike McCarty … More love-ly news:
Atascadero Mutual Water Company’s conservation manager,
Jamie Lien, and husband-to-be
Joe Hendrickson are headed to wedding land in April.
