BCA FYI

Seen and Heard

January 26th, 2012

Jennifer Thoma is tackling cancer treatment with the help of friends and family – and a gift of 1,000 paper cranes hand folded by her pals and former colleagues at Cal Poly. Japanese legend holds that the recipient of 1,000 cranes will have a wish fulfilled. The spectacular four-panel array now hangs in the Thoma home … A non-stop SLO-Denver flight could be a very real possibility – that is, if enough locals let the airlines know the idea’s a good one. Help the SLO County EVC show support. Take a survey by Feb. 17 … Noticed along Tank Farm Road: a new business, “Rental Dept,” serving the construction industry (a good sign). Third location for this family-owned business with operations in Paso Robles and Monterey … Movie viewing pre-Oscars is in high gear, and Galaxy Theatres in Atascadero makes it even more inviting with a “$5 Tuesdays” – all movies, all day $5 … What a difference a letter makes: The Washington Post’s Mensa Invitational asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Some faves: Intaxicaton: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with; Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it and, one that got extra credit; Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease.

Categories — Good Press, Promotions

January 12th, 2012

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.

Categories — Business Successes

December 15th, 2011

‘Tis the season, so FYI is keeping it even lighter than usual this week. Still in search for some unique gift ideas that say Central Coast and support some great causes? We offer a selection: Cal Poly cheeses come in seven varieties (order at www.calpolycheese.com by Friday; pick up or have shipped) and award winning Cal Poly wines (chardonnay, pinot, syrah) are available www.calpolywine.com … Devin Rossi’s experience with his grandpa’s Alzheimer’s led the Mission School 8th grader to create a campaign to raise funds and awareness about this brutal illness. The enterprising student worked with Josh Jacobson at J Carroll to produce a stylish t-shirt to “Help Keep the Memories Alive.” $20 per shirt; order through mom Shelly at shellyrossi@mac.comand receive a personal delivery from Devin … The product line for From War to Peace’s jewelry (made from the cabling that connected nuclear missile sites) has grown to include ornaments and key chains in addition to necklaces. Stocking stuffers under $20…mention coupon code “sothisischristmas” and you’ll find out that it indeed is Christmas – with a 10% discount to boot.

Categories — Events, Good Press, Kids, Promotions

December 1st, 2011

The tragic death of KSBY employee Tricia Rittger in an accident just days ago leaves our community saddened. KSBY and Chili’s restaurants are offering a way to help: print the attached flier and head to Chili’s in Arroyo Grande, Paso or Goleta today (Thursday) or Friday and 15% of your meal proceeds will be provided to the fund set up for Tricia’s family … SLO High alum Ricky Villa is a whiz kid working in San Diego for Naughty Dog, a Sony company. And he’s added quite a feather in his gamer hat – he was on the team that developed Sony’s new video phenom, “Uncharted 3” … A good one got away: longtime local John Zuchelli has left his position as news director for KCOY-TV/KKFX in Santa Maria to be the assignment editor for KNTV, the NBC affiliate for the Bay Area … Our friends at Longcrier and Associates CPA’s remind us that now is a great time to offer year end contributions to the many nonprofit organizations that serve locally and beyond. And if you plan to claim the gift as a charitable contribution for tax purposes, get proper documentation so the IRS doesn’t go Grinch in the new year.