Aug-Sept 2016 • Volume 68 • Number 8 Business Outlook 1700 Adams Avenue, Suite 101, Costa Mesa CA 92626 • (714) 885-9090 • Fax (714) 885-9094 • www.costamesachamber.com EILEEN BENJAMIN, CEO Eileen Benjamin has more than 20 years’ experience in non-profit management including 6 years as Executive Director for the Foundation for the Children of the Californias (FCC) in support of the Hospital Infantil de las Californias which serves the mega-region of San Diego and Baja Mexico. She led the institution as a successful business with a focus on healthy infrastructure and meeting specific community needs. Eileen considers a career with an organization that fulfills the demands of the region as extremely gratifying and is committed to her work in the non-profit sector. THOMAS H. JOHNSON, PRESIDENT Tom Johnson was the long-time publisher of the Daily Pilot newspaper from 1991- 2008. In addition to serving in his new role as president of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Johnson also is an on-air radio personality on KOCI radio with the Tom & Lynn Sunday Brunch Show. Additionally, Johnson consults locally with a media, public relations, social engagement and marketing team. Clients have included Newport Beach Television, Orange County Register, Firebrand Media/ Newport Beach Independent and most recently the launch of a new local news product named StuNewsNewport. A MESSAGE FOR YOUR NEW CHAMBER LEADERSHIP Dear Chamber Members and Friends, It is with great optimism and enthusiasm that I introduce myself to you as your new CEO of the Costa Mesa Chamber. I am equally excited to announce our new President, Tom Johnson. Together we will set in motion a contemporary strategic vision for the Costa Mesa Chamber. The Chamber’s Board of Directors have tasked us to enact a forward thinking blueprint for the future, building on the Chamber’s 63 year-old foundation. Our goal is to create a first-class chamber that delivers value to its members through a contemporary and sophisticated member platform. The growth and success of your Chamber is made possible by the support of existing members, in addition to engaging new ones. We do not take this for granted. We are committed to bringing you value and return on your investment. Our strategic plan encompasses four primary operating directives and more than a dozen specific points of action: development of infrastructure; sustainability and growth of membership (by providing meaningful value); enrichment of community; and development of collaborations and advocacy. We have rolled up our sleeves and progress is underway! A few of the specific action points we will initiate in the coming year include: • Update website functionality and content; add membership only interactive features that advance business efforts. • Implement new communication tools on modernized platforms. • Provide more and better business tools to constituents. • Membership cultivation to develop new business, new leaders and innovative approaches for local enterprises. • Help businesses create mutually beneficial relationships. • Brand, enhance and expand Chamber events. • Establish and expand Chamber partnerships with organizations that help our members with business needs. • Be a resource and public voice on government and initiatives that help businesses. • Develop initiatives to bring positive exposure to Costa Mesa and its marketplace. As we build an active organizational infrastructure we, at the same time, intend to meet specific needs of our members as they arise. We welcome the opportunity to meet with each member that seeks our attention. We encourage your ideas and input. We are here to be a partner in your success. The reality is that a strong and collaborative membership means a strong chamber, which means a strong business environment in Costa Mesa. The businesses that operate within our vibrant city deserve no less! On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff, Ambassadors, and Supporters, thank you for your membership in the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce! Eileen Benjamin CEO Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 6
Transcript
Aug-Sept 2016 • Volume 68 • Number 8
Business Outlook1700 Adams Avenue, Suite 101, Costa Mesa CA 92626 • (714) 885-9090 • Fax (714) 885-9094 • www.costamesachamber.com
EILEEN BENJAMIN, CEOEileen Benjamin has more than 20 years’ experience in non-profit management including 6 years as Executive Director for the Foundation for the Children of the Californias (FCC) in support of the Hospital Infantil de las Californias which serves the mega-region of San Diego and Baja Mexico. She led the institution as a successful business with a focus on healthy infrastructure and meeting specific community needs. Eileen considers a career with an organization that fulfills the
demands of the region as extremely gratifying and is committed to her work in the non-profit sector.
THOMAS H. JOHNSON, PRESIDENTTom Johnson was the long-time publisher of the Daily Pilot newspaper from 1991-2008. In addition to serving in his new role as president of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Johnson also is an on-air radio personality on KOCI radio with the Tom & Lynn Sunday Brunch Show.
Additionally, Johnson consults locally with a media, public relations, social engagement and marketing team. Clients have included
Newport Beach Television, Orange County Register, Firebrand Media/Newport Beach Independent and most recently the launch of a new local news product named StuNewsNewport.
A MESSAGE FOR YOUR NEW CHAMBER LEADERSHIP Dear Chamber Members and Friends,
It is with great optimism and enthusiasm that I introduce myself to you as your new CEO of the Costa Mesa Chamber. I am equally excited to announce our new President, Tom Johnson. Together we will set in motion a contemporary strategic vision for the Costa Mesa Chamber. The Chamber’s Board of Directors have tasked us to enact a forward thinking blueprint for the future, building on the Chamber’s 63 year-old foundation.
Our goal is to create a first-class chamber that delivers value to its members through a contemporary and sophisticated member platform. The growth and success of your Chamber is made possible by the support of existing members, in addition to engaging new ones. We do not take this for granted. We are committed to bringing you value and return on your investment. Our strategic plan encompasses four primary operating directives and more than a dozen specific points of action: development of infrastructure; sustainability and growth of membership (by providing meaningful value); enrichment of community; and development of collaborations and advocacy. We have rolled up our sleeves and progress is underway!
A few of the specific action points we will initiate in the coming year include:• Update website functionality and content; add membership only interactive features that advance business efforts.• Implement new communication tools on modernized platforms. • Provide more and better business tools to constituents. • Membership cultivation to develop new business, new leaders and innovative approaches for local enterprises.• Help businesses create mutually beneficial relationships. • Brand, enhance and expand Chamber events. • Establish and expand Chamber partnerships with organizations that help our members with business needs. • Be a resource and public voice on government and initiatives that help businesses. • Develop initiatives to bring positive exposure to Costa Mesa and its marketplace.
As we build an active organizational infrastructure we, at the same time, intend to meet specific needs of our members as they arise. We welcome the opportunity to meet with each member that seeks our attention. We encourage your ideas and input. We are here to be a partner in your success. The reality is that a strong and collaborative membership means a strong chamber, which means a strong business environment in Costa Mesa. The businesses that operate within our vibrant city deserve no less!
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff, Ambassadors, and Supporters, thank you for your membership in the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce!
Eileen BenjaminCEO
Continued on Page 6Continued on Page 6
2016 Board of Directors
CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARDJennifer Farrell, Rutan & Tucker
PAST CHAIRMANTim Wigmore, Wigmore Insurance
DIRECTORSArthur Alderete, RE/MAX
Ray Arroyo, Los Angeles Times
Ivan Calderon, Taco Mesa
Kevin Coleman, Net Development Company
John Cunningham, Costa Mesa Nissan
Kathy Kramer, OC Fair & Event Center
Debbie Marsteller, Project Independence
Patty Mason, Mason Insurance
Sally Zajac, Mesa Verde Country Club
Diane Pritchett, South Coast Metro Alliance
Adam Schuster, Union Bank
Juan Gutierrez, Orange Coast College
Robert Redaelli
Rick Campo, West-Tech Materials
Paul Wilkinson, Linscott, Law & Greenspan-Engineers
David Vazquez, Vanguard University
Michael Vossen, Newport Mesa Unified School District
STAFFEileen Benjamin, CEO
Thomas H. Johnson, President
Rose Quinn, Director of Operations
Mary Ellen Cianciabella, Information Specialist
Linda Martin, Membership Representative
AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE 2015Arthur Alderete, RE/MAX
Balkar Bisla, Subway (Fairview & Wilson)
Becky Coté, CA Professional Fiduciary
Dr. Nicole Fujiyama, Nalani Natural Medicine
Terri Lee Glenn
John Graubner, Baker Fairview Self Storage
Jeff Hirata, Edible Arrangements
Jane Jensen, MoveMasters
Devin Lucas, Real Estate Attorney & Broker
Curt Owen, South Coast Family Funeral
BUSINESSOUTLOOK
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Bronze Level
Titanium Level
Silver Level
PAGE 2 BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016www.costamesachamber.com
The Costa Mesa Chamber is proud to recognize the following members of the Presidents Circle whose investment and steadfast support has been an
integral part in the success of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016 PAGE 3www.costamesachamber.com
SEPTEMBER 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thursday September 8 Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday September 13 Ambassadors Committee 12:00–1:00 pm Chamber office
Wednesday September 14 11:30 am–1:00 pm Costa Mesa Tavern & Bowl 1875 Newport Blvd., L-1-111
FREE w/purchase of meal. Self-introductions, 10-minute feature commercial, leads exchanged throughout lunch, testimonials and plenty of good-old fashioned face-to-face networking!!!
www.costamesachamber.com - 714/885-9090
Thursday September 15 90-Minute Breakfast Boost 7:00 am–8:45 am Costa Mesa Country Club 1701 Golf Course Drive
$15 prepaid or $20.00 at door. Self-introductions, networking before and after 30 minute featured speaker presentation. Roster of all PREPAID attendees distributed at place settings for easy contact later.
Wednesday September 28 Chamber/SCORE Dinner & Mixer 6:00–8:30 pm Canon Business Machines Address TBD Costa Mesa, CA
Renewing MembersThank you for your continued support and confidence!
60+ years!!!!!!AT&T
40+ years!!!!!Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel
30+ years!!!!!Newport-Mesa Unified School District
20 + years!!!!!Girls Inc. of Orange County
Answer NetworkHi Time Wine CellarsArnel Management
Office DepotSignature Awards
Goodwill Industries of OCMediterranean VillageMar Vac Electronics
15+ years!!!!Skosh Monahan’s
Rutan & Tucker, LLPBaker Fairview Self StorageMetro Pointe Shopping Plaza
10+years!!!!Tokyo Central
The Bone Adventure, Inc.IKEA
Costa Mesa United FoundationAssistance League of Newport-Mesa
Costa Mesa Newport Harbor Lions ClubLargest MixerHappy Photos
The Enclave Apartment Community
Welcome New Members!Thank you for your support and confidence!
Aqua-Tots Swim SchoolCaroline Yacu2200 Harbor Blvd, #120Costa Mesa, CA 92627949/464-4141www.aqua-tots.com
Bertha’s Income Tax & ImmigrationBertha Rodriguez745 W. 19th StreetCosta Mesa, CA 92627949/[email protected]
Mamu Eyebrow ThreadIndira Tripathi6971 Lincoln AvenueBuena Park CA 90620714/[email protected]
Orange County Transportation AuthorityRyan Maloney600 S. Main StreetOrange, CA 92868714/560-5451www.octa.net
Signature HeadshotsJohn Glover1835 Whittier AvenueCosta Mesa, CA 92627949/929-2513www.jglover-photograph.com
Wells Fargo BankPooja Arora2970 Harbor Blvd.Costa Mesa, CA 92626714/545-5543www.wellsfargo.com
336 Productions, LLCMarlow Stone2338 Cornell DriveCosta Mesa, CA 92626714.654.4133www.336 productions.com
Costa Mesa Smiles DentalManreet Grewal1700 Adams Avenue, #104Costa Mesa, CA 92626714/545-0429www.costamesasmiles.com
United States Postal ServiceJaquita Deter1590 Adams AvenueCosta Mesa, CA 92626714/546-5022www.usps.gov
1-9 years!!!West Coast School of the Arts
Newport Watch Jewelry & LoanMesa Verde Library
QSC, LLC3D Beauty International’
Paychex, Inc.Vivante on the Coast
Newport Mesa MagazineAdvanced Dental Care
Heritage & Heritage Dilday MortuaryCalifornia Scents USA
Newport Mesa Schools FoundationStaples, Inc.
TRELLISUrban WorkshopVaping Industries
BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016www.costamesachamber.comPAGE 4
2775 N. Main StreetSanta Ana, CA 92705(714)543-2584www.musclemakergrill.com
MUSCLE MAKER GRILLRIBBON CUTTING
Coast Community College District Earns Investment-Grade Ratings And Long-Term Stable Outlook From Moody’s Investors Service And S&P Global
CCCD Ranks among Best-Rated Community College District in United States; Ratings Affirms CCCD’s Position as a High-Performing Investment For California Taxpayers and Economy
COSTA MESA, CALIF., Aug. 17, 2016 – Driven by the district’s large and growing coastal California tax base, Coast Community College District is advancing its reputation as one of the most established, fiscally stable and highly regarded community college districts in the nation. In July, Moody’s Investors Service assigned an Aa1 rating to the District’s Election of 2012 General Obligation (GO) bonds, Series 2016C, affirming its previous rating issued in October 2015. In addition, S&P Global Ratings assigned its AA long-term rating to CCCD’s GO bonds.
“CCCD is uniquely positioned to adapt and grow in the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and serve California taxpayers and students as a smart investment in the local economy,” said Dr. John Weispfenning, chancellor of CCCD. “We’re pleased that both rating agencies affirmed that CCCD is a high investment-grade organization—a quality also confirmed by Economic Modeling Specialists International’s (EMSI) recent economic impact study and long-celebrated by administrators, educators and students.”
In April, CCCD published the striking results of the economic impact study conducted by EMSI, which concluded that CCCD is a high-performing investment for students, California taxpayers and California’s economy. The report revealed that for every $1 students invest in CCCD—in the form of out-of-pocket expenses, time, and money for tuition, they receive a cumulative of $3.30 in higher future wages. CCCD includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College and Orange Coast College.
EMSI also measured gross regional product (GRP) to develop an economic impact analysis on California and learned that taxpayers see more than a threefold payback. For every $1 of public money invested in CCCD, California taxpayers reap $3.90 over the course of students’ working lives. Orange County gets a boost, too. EMSI calculated that past and present CCCD students generated $1.6 billion in GRP in one year, a measurement of the size of the local economy. Plus, $313.3 million was added to the Orange County economy by CCCD students in 2013-2014.
To determine bond ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings considered CCCD’s economic impact and cited the district’s exceptionally large tax base, healthy resident economic indicators and strong coastal economic base as credit strengths.
According to Moody’s report, “The district’s tax base is among the largest assessed valuations for a Moody’s-rated community college district. The tax base continues to benefit from the strength of coastal Southern California’s healthy economy and new development. The economic indicators of the district’s residents are also above average.”
Moody’s rating includes the district’s financial position as well, “which has remained satisfactory and consistent with the expectations of our last review.
The district’s stable fiscal position is highlighted by very strong liquidity.”
In assigning and affirming its AA long-term rating to CCCD, S&P Global Ratings also confirmed a stable outlook for the district’s GO bonds, citing the strong Orange County economy and CCCD’s very strong fund reserves as factors. In addition, S&P noted “the flexibility of community college districts in general to manage their enrollment and programs in response to funding levels.”
This flexibility enables CCCD to respond to economic changes that impact higher education.
“For example, many people seek professional training, certification or advanced coursework when faced with insecure employment or downturns in the economy,” Weispfenning explained. “CCCD is able to accommodate fluctuations in enrollment with ease. As the rating agencies noted, our management practices and policies include frequent budget review and adjustment as needed, and the district makes three-year financial planning projections—this is beyond the current year at a minimum.” About Coast Community College DistrictThe Coast Community College District is headquartered in Costa Mesa and is the ninth largest district in the country. The District’s three colleges—Coastline Community College in Fountain Valley, Golden West College in Huntington Beach and Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa— serve nearly 50,000 students annually, providing traditional degree and transfer opportunities, career and technical training, basic skills, English as a Second Language and other community programs.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016 PAGE 5www.costamesachamber.com
PLEASE MEETCosta Mesa Urgent Care1190 Baker St., Suite 100Costa Mesa, CA 92626714/668-2500www.fccmg.com
Costa Mesa Urgent Care, managed by Family Care Centers Medical Group, has been providing quality healthcare to Orange County residents for over 20 years. Our mission is to provide you with the highest quality medical care by offering both reservation-based urgent care using our “Skip the Wait” technology and non-appointment “walk-in” urgent care at your convenience. Why wait for long hours in a crowded hospital emergency room for urgent medical attention? We offer immediate attention to walk-in patients with minor medical emergencies and other acute concerns Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm. Costa Mesa Urgent Care accepts most major insurance plans with contracts including Greater Newport Physicians, Monarch IPA, Regal Medical Group and others. We also offer competitive cash prices using our Prompt Pay discounts for the uninsured. Furthermore we provide various pre-employment services for employers as well as Workers Compensation. We invite you to connect with Costa Mesa Urgent Care on Twitter, Google+, Facebook and Yelp.
BREAKFAST PHOTO
Orange County Transportation Authority 600 S. Main StreetOrange, CA 92868714/560-6282www.octa.net
OCTA is the county’s transportation agency, responsible for planning, financing and coordinating Orange County’s freeway, street and rail development, as well as managing the countywide bus and rail service, Orange County’s Taxi Administration, the 91 Express Lanes and the soon to be constructed, 405 Express Lanes.
Transportation improvements to freeways keep commuters and goods moving within Orange County and to destinations beyond. With Orange County’s population projected to increase dramatically by 2040, change is needed today to ensure tomorrow’s mobility. Currently, the 405 Improvement Project is one of OCTA’s premiere projects. OCTA in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is widening the San Diego Freeway (I-405) between State Route 73 (SR-73) and Interstate 605 (I-605). The project will improve 16 miles of I-405 between the SR-73 freeway in Costa Mesa and I-605 near the L.A. County line. The project includes adding one regular lane in each direction from Euclid Street to I-605 and making improvements to freeway entrances, exits, and bridges. It also will construct 405 Express Lanes, two lanes in each direction from SR-73 to I-605. The new express lanes – incorporating the existing carpool lanes and connectors that opened in 2014 – will also give solo drives the choice to speed up their commute for a toll, and carpoolers will ride free or at a discounted rate pending the results of the project traffic and revenue study.
By 2040, it’s expected to take 29 minutes to travel during rush hour from SR-73 to I-605 in the general purpose lanes after improvements to the I-405 are complete. That commute can be reduced to 13 minutes if a driver chooses to take the 405 Express Lanes. Construction on the project will start in late 2017. If any businesses in Costa Mesa are interested in a one-on-one meeting for an update on the 405 Improvement Project please contact [email protected].
Website: www.octa.net/405ImprovementFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/405ImprovementFollow us on Twitter: @405Improvement
336 Productions is an award-winning, full service video production company that focuses on creating exceptional experiences – from the client collaborating with 336 during pre-production to the viewer’s experience watching the finished product. 336 Productions’ goal is to create positive, engaging, and compelling experiences. 336 offers services in pre-production, production, and post-production. They take projects from conception to completion, using the most modern workflows, newest equipment, and time-tested techniques. They are artists and business people who have a great appreciation for the balance that art and business have in their industry. Their specialty is to produce client branded, live-action and motion graphic videos. Their clients include small start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. Some of the types of videos they produce include: commercials, explainer videos, product videos, training videos, demos, educational videos, culture videos, and trade show videos.
Breakfast emcee Becky Cote’, CA Professional Fiduciary; sponsor, Dr. Alycia Borgman, DDS; Featured Speaker District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
www.costamesachamber.comPAGE 6 BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016
September Member of the Month
OC Fair, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Thank you for your support!
BENJAMIN (cont. from page 1)
JOHNSON (cont. from page 1)
A native of Southern California, Ms. Benjamin grew up in Huntington Beach and lived in San Diego for 30 years before returning to Orange County, CA in 2016 . She spent 6 years working with the Diocese of San Diego as the Capital Campaign Director to complete the $85 million Cathedral Catholic High School campus. She also served as the school’s Director of Development leading a comprehensive, mission centered development plan. Prior to her work in San Diego, Ms. Benjamin was the Director of Development for the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California. Ms. Benjamin is a current delegate to the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce California-Mexico Trade Initiative, Advisory Board Member for the Center for Peace and Commerce, University of San Diego and has previously served on the Board of Directors for Cathedral Catholic High School, the Foundation for the Children of the Californias and the Sullivan Children’s Foundation. She was Vice President of the Beach & Country Guild and was the past President of the Santaluz Women’s Golf Association. Ms. Benjamin earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.
While serving as publisher of the Daily Pilot, Johnson also oversaw the Los Angeles Times/Times Community News group that included eight community newspapers. During his tenure, the Daily Pilot won numerous awards, including General Excellence, the highest award presented by the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Tom’s involvement in the community has been extensive: two-time chairman of Hoag Hospital’s 552 Club; past president of Orange County Youth Sports Foundation; past president and long-time board member of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce; past skipper of the Newport Beach Commodores Club; past board member and two-time chairman of Visit Newport Beach; past board member, president and founder of CM 900; past board member of Costa Mesa United, Newport Harbor Area Boys and Girls Club, Choose Nursing/Choose Hoag, Irrelevant Week and San Diego State University’s Orange County Council.
He was named Newport Beach Citizen of the Year, 2011; Costa Mesa Man of the Year, 1998; Newport Beach Commodore of the Year, 1999; and received the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Silver Anchor Award in 2006, Hoag Hospital’s Presidents Circle Award in 2007 and Visit Newport Beach’s Partners in Progress Award for 2009-10.
Tom resides in Newport Beach. He has two grown daughters, Ashley and Victoria. In his leisure time, he enjoys golf, reading, playing cribbage and following University of Arizona sports.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK - AUG/SEPT 2016 PAGE 7www.costamesachamber.com
Costa Mesa Newport Beach Huntington Beach Santa Ana Laguna BeachCorona del Mar Lake Forest Huntington Park Laguna Niguel San Clemente Orange
FromMother to Daughter – Preserving Mama Avila’s Recipes for Generations
Maria Elena acquired
her mother’s love for the kitchen—
creating new dishes in
our Costa Mesa “test” kitchen.
Proud to be serving Costa Mesa since 19772101 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa
LAA1478756-1
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