The No on Measure H group is working feverishly to make sure 20 years of planning and future sports fields aren’t done in by a crazy ballot initiative. No on H Campaign leaders John Spatafore, Stacey White and Hillary Trout are a trio that inspires followers, and they’ve amassed an impressive list of supporters. Check it out and sign up to help at NoOnMeasureH.com … The Central Coast Economic Forecast group is well underway to producing a bang-up event November 5th. Save the date and earmark some dollars to help sponsor the program that keeps solid economic data coming our way. Speaking of economic data – the City of SLO offers a quarterly sales tax report that is full of info. And while the most recent report (first quarter 2010) showed a .5 percent decline, it was the lowest decrease in several years. We’re hoping that means things will continue to improve.
Seen and Heard
August 13th, 2010
Gauchos are gone, Central Coast rolls on: when UCSB made the tough decision it could no longer support a three-county economic forecast, an easy decision was made by the local board: we will live on! Led by Chair Terry Westrope (Ocean Park Hotels) with the help of Anita Robinson (Mission Community Bank) and a board of 20 dedicated community business leaders, the Central Coast Economic Forecast is born with barely a missed breath. Same great program (Embassy Suites, Nov. 5), same great forecasters (the straight-talking, sometimes politically incorrect boys of Beacon Economics) and, with a nod to business-can-be-fun-and-heck-let’s-laugh, the masterful MC’ing of funny money man Bob Wacker (RE Wacker Associates). Save the date and rev up your sponsor checkbooks – we need your help to keep a great thing going … More on economics: our friends at the Economic Vitality Corporation, under the leadership of Mike Manchak and new board chair Candy Markwith (Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center) are working full tilt on a countywide economic strategy project – and making real progress. Check it out …
Galaxy Theatres showing now at Movies in the Park
When a group of Atascadero community leaders trooped to Tulare to tour a Galaxy Theatre operation and get a feel for what’s in store at the new Colony Square development, BCA captured the outing on video. Now we’re using a snippet of the piece to welcome guests attending Atascadero’s “Movies in the Park,” a fun (and free) family movie series produced by City of Atascadero Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Galaxy Theatres. See what videographer Joel VanZeventer saw when he rode along to Tulare. … Uncommon architect provides common denominator: Thom Jess of SLO-based Arris Studio Architects is leaving a big imprint – architect of record for the new SLO Target Center, the New Frontiers store (moving into Circuit City’s empty space at Froom Ranch) and the aforementioned Colony Square development. Six degrees of separation?
Categories — Business Successes
July 29th, 2010
Avila Beach
The Economic Vitality Corporation has all kinds of interesting news about local companies. We loved the sound of this one: Penny Revolution™ Inc., based in SLO. This start-up company uses material from recycled plastic milk cartons to manufacture patented, reusable coin banks called Toggle Tubes ®. No more counting coins – just load, snap the ends and cash in … Talk about hands-on fun for the Leadership SLO class: a recent session on healthcare issues included a fun opportunity to try out the “DaVinci” surgical robot at Sierra Vista. This new darling of local surgeons is being used on procedures from hysterectomies to lung surgery. Note the leadership classmates never got near a real body … The Compact Gallery is just that – an intriguing space showcasing interesting art. Check it out at 1166 Higuera Street, open Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 6 … It’s a perfect time of year to get outside and pedal around our spectacular nooks and crannies. RRM Design Group’s current newsletter offers an easy guide to great bike rides. … And speaking of gorgeous scenery, enjoy a view of Avila Beach as seen recently through the eyes and artistry of BCA Creative Director Isaac Horton.
Categories — Business Successes, Promotions
July 16th, 2010
Welcome to the Railroad District Transitions-Mental Health Association, proud new owners of the “old Quaglino Hardware store” on Osos Street. Handsome renovations have been completed with special thanks to Thoma Electric Company for donating services to help wire the building into a suite of offices … Insurance agent Susan Polk must have a strong attention span. She is reading all 2,409 pages (and 153 page amendment) of the Health Reform Bill – 25 pages a day until Oct. 10 and updating her findings on Facebook and Twitter … Big hats off to a woman who wears a few – Ermina Karim, newly named VP of governmental affairs and economic development for the SLO Chamber of Commerce. The accomplished writer, mom and all around savvy local works hard to keep business humming here.
Categories — Business Successes, New Locations, Promotions
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.
Categories — Business Expansions, Events, New Locations
June 17th, 2010
Doug Swanson
Public relations professional-turned-Poly instructor Doug Swanson helped steer a winning PR curriculum for four years of students. His program included a student-run PR agency that offered help to local nonprofits and other interests. Great hands-on, real-life education and impressive outcomes. Doug is moving to Cal State Fullerton where he’ll exercise his muscle in a large PR program. He will be missed … Kardel Insurance Services welcomes Ann Hatley, who brings a number of notables to her post in client services and marketing: Texas native, USAF Academy grad and public relations officer, cycling team member – and holder of a law degree … Upcoming Mission Community Services “Brown Bag Dialogues” – all free and always informative: info at 595-1357. Seven Ways to Increase Your Business Income with local financial expert Melinda Thomas on June 18, and Marketing: Defining Your Competitive Advantage with business coach Christine Sommer on June 25 … Billboards 
on Highway 101 remind drivers of the stellar talent headed our way when the Mid State Fair kicks off on July 21. And on the topic of talent, we just have to brag on BCA Creative Director Isaac Horton and Graphic Designer Kristin Savage, who worked with Fair Marketing Manager Tom Keffury to create the billboard design.
Categories — Business Workshops
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.
