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Friday, July 26, 2024
Santee Chamber Weekly Update 26JUL24
Hello Santee! I was a little embarrassed to say, that until recently, I had never attended the Santee Salutes event held by the City each Fourth of July. For me, this long-overdue tradition was such a treat, as my coworker and I were hosted in a special area for guests of the City. It was a place where Heather Jones (wife of our district Senator, Brian Jones) made you somehow feel as if you were at a family backyard party and not a public event with thousands of people. She curated a space for friends to
Wednesday, July 17, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 18JUL24
Hello Santee! Many of you have heard of redevelopment plans for our home golf course, Carlton Oaks. This course was established back in the 60s and even hosted the NCAA Western Region Finals and the NCAA Championship in 1974. Last month, the city held a Public Scoping Meeting. This is designed to provide an opportunity for agency staff and interested members of the public to submit written comments on the scope of the environmental issues analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public
Thursday, July 11, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 11JUL24
Hello Santee! Last month, Councilmember Laura Koval hosted a presentation at City Hall. Working with elected officials has always been a Chamber priority, so when she reached out to the Chamber to collaborate, it was an easy “yes” on our end. Connecting people, especially businesses, to government is a goal of ours for many reasons. This bridge can allow for our business community to advocate for our needs and interests and potentially influence policy when the decision-making process is happening.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024Navigating Inflation: Smart Strategies for Small Business Survival
In today's turbulent economic environment, rising inflation is a challenge that can't be ignored. With climbing expenses and volatile markets, small business owners may find themselves on the brink of financial uncertainty. But fear not! By applying smart, innovative financial techniques, you can overcome the hurdles and set your enterprise on the path to success. This article presents actionable tips designed to help you steer your business through the high tides of inflation. Embrace Digital
Thursday, June 13, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 13JUN24
Hello Santee! As the school year comes to an end for all students in Santee, I want to congratulate each class of 2024. It’s been an exciting two weeks for Santee and a special one for our family as our daughter promoted out of 8th grade yesterday from Rio Seco, ending our 15 years there as a family. At the heart of our mission lies workforce development, a cornerstone of opportunity for our community. So it was our honor (late last year) when we introduced a new event, spearheaded by board
Wednesday, June 05, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06JUN24
Hello Santee! Last night, we celebrated Santana High School's Class of 2024, and tonight, West Hills High School will do the same. Next week will truly put a bow on the end of the school year as the Santee School District dismisses over 6,000 students and promotes 8th graders from eight different campuses on Wednesday (my daughter being one of them!). The celebrations have been many, with several still ahead, but the first took place on May 21st. The Santee School District held their regular Board
Tuesday, June 04, 2024From Concept to Creation: Using AI to Design Eye-Catching Ads
In today's digital age, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create promotional images is not just innovative; it’s essential for staying competitive. AI offers unparalleled advantages in enhancing image quality, personalizing content, and streamlining design processes. This guide explores how you can harness AI to elevate your business's visual marketing efforts, ensuring every image you produce is both captivating and effective.Generate Attractive Images with AI Business owners should look for AI
Friday, May 31, 2024Grossmont Math Teacher Earns County's Top Honor
Media ContactCollin McGlashen 619-248-7193 (cell)cmcglashen@guhsd.net May 31, 2024 Grossmont Math Teacher Earns County's Top HonorKristen LoPrell named San Diego County Teacher of the YearEL CAJON - Grossmont High School Math teacher Kristen LoPrell has been named one of five San Diego County Teachers of the Year by the San Diego County Office of Education.Ms. LoPrell has served as a Grossmont High School (GHS) Math teacher since 2015 and currently serves as Math Department Chair. She has served as an
Friday, May 31, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 31MAY24
Hello Santee! Last weekend was incredible. We hosted our annual Santee Street Fair - a community event which boasted tens of thousands of guests, hundreds of vendors, dozens of volunteers, and one very special Gold Star Family. To those who contributed in any way possible, thank you. This event is put on by our small staff (thank you Jennae and Caitlyn!) and some impressive volunteers with the help of many sponsors, including our presenting sponsors: Pepper Farm Deli, Image On and iSquad
Thursday, May 23, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23MAY24
Hello Santee! Last week we had the pleasure of celebrating the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of HotWorx Studio, a unique 24/7 gym located right here in Santee. What sets HotWorx Studio apart is their innovative workout experience offering sessions in saunas or infrared rooms. Each sauna features video workouts to guide you, with a variety of machines including bikes, rowers, and more. They also have a Functional Exercise Zone (FX Zone), a fully equipped area with bands, weights and
Thursday, May 16, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16MAY24
Hello Santee! Last weekend the Santee Historical Society hosted their annual Butterfly & Bee Party at the Santee Historic Barn on Magnolia Avenue. This free-to-the-public event was a perfect way to spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day. With over 300 visitors, they were treated to free milkweed plants, face paintings, coloring and crafts activities and more! There were several for-purchase vendors there too with nature themed items available (my favorite were the natural soaps) and some community
Thursday, May 09, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 9MAY24
Hello Santee! Each month our Chamber has a Government Affairs Committee which meets to receive reports from representatives of elected officials, review potential impact on businesses, and recommend action, when needed, to the Chamber Board of Directors. Last month we were hosted at the Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s customer service building where we were treated to an overview of the East County Advanced Water Purification Program, then able to take an onsite tour of the current construction.
Wednesday, May 01, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 02MAY24
Hello Santee! The Santee Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to announce the award winners at the 2024 Santee Heroes Celebration from the work and impacts made last year. This annual event honors outstanding individuals from various sectors who have exemplified dedication and service within the community. The 2023 honorees include: Community Hero for the Santee-Lakeside Rotary: Bill PommeringCommunity Hero for the Santee Kiwanis Club: Paul StevensEducation Hero for the Santee School
Friday, April 26, 2024GUHSD: Governing Board Names Mike Fowler Superintendent Finalist
Media Contact Collin McGlashen 619-248-7193 (cell)cmcglashen@guhsd.net April 26, 2024 Governing Board Names Mike Fowler Superintendent FinalistOfficial approval of 28-year GUHSD educator's appointment expected at May 9 Board Meeting EL CAJON – The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board (Board) has named Mike Fowler as their finalist to replace retiring GUHSD Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan. The Board is expected to approve an offer of employment to Mr. Fowler at its
Thursday, April 04, 2024News Release: Santee Heroes Celebration 2024
Media Contact: Kristen Dare, ACE President/CEO Santee Chamber of Commerce 619.922.1031 dare@santeechamber.com Release Date: April 4, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Santee Chamber of Commerce Announces 2023 Person of the Year Santee, California - The Santee Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the recipient of the prestigious Person of the Year award. This esteemed honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the Santee
Thursday, April 04, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 04APR24
Hello Santee! Each year the Santee Chamber gives an award for our “Person of the Year”. This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community of Santee’s quality of life through their involvement in any variety of community activities. Such activities include charitable, service project, education, youth, civic, religious, or other comparable activities. The nominees may be made for current contributions or for those made over a period of time. It is with
Friday, March 29, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29MAR24
Hello Santee! This week we have the public schools on spring break so you may see a jolt in your retail business with extra kiddos from GUHSD and Santee School District around town with parents. Personally, I took my kids out of the area for a few days but made sure to stop into one of our favorite brunch spots before heading out. If you find yourself running errands or shopping in Trolley Square, be sure to stop into Broken Yolk for some great service and delicious food. My favorite new refresher is
Thursday, March 21, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 21MAR24
Hello Santee! Although we've already recapped our annual Business Awards Night, I believe it's important to once again highlight our 2023 Business of the Year, Sportsplex USA. Throughout 2023, Sportsplex USA Santee experienced unprecedented activity, hosting over 50 local, regional, national, and international tournaments. Weekly, they accommodate 750 children aged 3-15 in their soccer league, along with 230 adult softball teams and 130 adult soccer teams. Beyond sports, they generously contribute
Friday, March 15, 2024News Release: Business Awards Night
March 12, 2024 Santee Chamber Hosts Annual Business Awards Night EL CAJON – The Santee Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Awards Night last Thursday at Sycuan Casino Resort, as Sycuan was also the proud title sponsor of the event. Santee Chamber President/CEO, Kristen Dare, alongside past Board Chair, Eddie Vandiver, co-hosted onstage as the organization welcomed over 250 guests. Starting out with celebrating the top contributors to the Chamber of 2023, this elite group of just over two
Friday, March 15, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 15MAR24
Hello Santee! Last Thursday we hosted our annual Business Awards Night at Sycuan Casino Resort. Our MC for the night and Past Board Chair, Eddie Vandiver, got to double as best sidekick AND award recipient as Sportsplex USA took home the 2023 Business of the Year Award. We celebrated our Strategic Partners from last year and announced the much anticipated winners of the popular Santee's Favorites voting program. With over 250 guests in attendance, it was our highest attendance yet with an exciting
Wednesday, March 06, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 7MAR24
Hello Santee! Last week we hopped over to the neighboring city of La Mesa to join forces with their chamber and have some fun with a mutual member: Whissel Realty Group. Kyle Whissel had housed his office and his family in Santee for several years, getting deeply involved in our city and sharing much of his time and talents to the Chamber and several other (lucky) organizations. After Kyle and team moved over to La Mesa, we inherited the wonderful Bryan Koci from his team to step into a Director role on
Friday, February 16, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16FEB24
Hello Santee! A few weeks ago, Vice Mayor Dustin Trotter hosted a new mini-event called Trotter Talk. This was a great way for constituents in District 4 to meet their elected representative and get a pulse for what is happening around our city. Also in attendance was Assembly hopeful for District 75, Andrew Hayes, as well as current Santee Fire Chief, Justin Matsushita who provided insight on the department’s future goals to keep Santee safe. For those who missed this event, Vice Mayor Trotter will
Friday, February 02, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 02FEB24
Hello Santee! This Wednesday night we were so appreciative to host a large crowd at our joint Chamber mixer at Sportsplex USA. We partnered with neighboring friends, the East County Chamber, to start our year with a bang. Many vibrant connections, meaningful conversations, and a palpable sense of community made for a perfect evening among local business leaders. A special acknowledgment goes to the Santee Sportsplex for their generosity in hosting. Their fantastic venue and warm hospitality provided
Thursday, January 25, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 25JAN24
Hello Santee! Last month a 72-year-old man collapsed on a softball field at Sportsplex USA Santee. Bystanders initiated CPR and delivered 2 shocks with an AED. Santee Fire Department crews assumed care and placed the patient on the LUCAS mechanical CPR device, administered additional shocks, and gave Advanced Life Support medications. During transport to the hospital, the patient regained a pulse, and his care was transferred to emergency room staff. The patient was later discharged and was set to follow
Monday, January 22, 2024Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan Announces Retirement
Media Contact Collin McGlashen 619-248-7193 (cell)cmcglashen@guhsd.net January 19, 2024 Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan Announces RetirementAward-Winning 37-year East County Educator Will Leave Post on June 30 EL CAJON – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan announced that she will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year after 37 years of service to GUHSD. In a video message shared with GUHSD staff, Mrs. Kastan expressed gratitude for “the opportunity to
Thursday, January 18, 2024Santee Chamber Weekly Update 18JAN24
Hello Santee! The new year is well underway and with that comes a slight change in the tide. Our chamber of commerce has a diverse and unique board of directors in which a leadership change has allowed for some new additions and a new face at the helm. I’d like to officially welcome new Chair of the Board, Susie Parks (Coffee Corner), along with returning Director, Tim Staump (Staump Music School) and new Directors Karl Burris (Live Life Physiotherapy) and Stephanie Wooding (Best Day Ever Weddings +
Friday, December 22, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22DEC23
Hello Santee! This week was a special time in Santee as we saw longtime local non-profit, Santee Santas, crank out their annual delivery day, giving to those in need right here in town. They saw an increase in applicants this year which tells us how important it is to continue to pitch in when/where possible for this organization. The Santee Chamber staff jumped in for box building day and got together last week to help “shop” for families and prepare and wrap gifts that were taken to homes this week.
Friday, December 15, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 15DEC23
Hello Santee! Last Wednesday the Chamber hosted an inaugural event to compliment needs we are seeing with local employers: Party with a Purpose was a night of fundraising with efforts going to support bridging a gap between young adults and trade careers as we provide scholarships to high school students looking to enter vocational schools after graduation. Jimmy’s of Santee was such a delightful host for this private event (we highly recommend!). From their festive décor, amazing staff and tasty
Thursday, November 30, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 30NOV23
Hello Santee! Earlier this month while we were hosting our annual Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament, I was able to sneak in a visit while golfers were having their fun on the course. Nick Ortiz, Vice President of Small Business Advocacy for the California Chamber of Commerce, was in the San Diego area and making his rounds with a few local chambers. I was grateful to be one of them. Nick has an impressive resume and his experience is the perfect match for his role at CalChamber. I often credit our
Wednesday, November 22, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22NOV23
Hello Santee! Recently, some of you may have noticed the newest addition to Trolley Square had opened their doors: Macy's small format department store welcomed a long line of first customers on Saturday November 11th. The guests were welcomed in with live music, a light breakfast, a chance to spin a prize wheel, and many happy employees who were ready to share their expertise on the array of merchandise available. The store is beautiful and boasts many favorite, well-known brands of clothing,
Thursday, November 16, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16NOV23
Hello Santee! Last Thursday was our 5thannual Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament held at Carlton Oaks Golf Course. I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude from support and kind words, hearing from several people how good the event is and yet how it still “gets better each year”. I don’t say that to brag, but since I was able to work with such an amazing team, I will. Starting with my volunteer event Chair, Mike Aiken: Mike has an incredible work ethic and a drive to get things done. He is responsible
Thursday, November 02, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 02NOV23
Hello Santee! With our community and surrounding region being rich in active military personnel, it’s no surprise that we also have a high population of veterans. Some of these vets are right here in our neighborhood and it’s our pleasure to learn about more of them in our chamber family. On this season’s opening night for the San Diego Gulls, local resident and Carlton Oaks Golf Tournament Director, Max Wiltz, was honored as their Military Hero of the Night. Max was a former Electronic Warfare Technician,
Thursday, November 02, 2023Santee Public Hearing Notice Zoning Ordinance
The City of Santee will be holding a City Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at 6:30pm. This hearing will be used to advise the public of a proposed change to the Santee Municipal Code that will allow vehicle storage yards in the Light Industrial Zone with a minor conditional use permit.
Thursday, October 26, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 26OCT23
Yesterday the County of San Diego recognized recently retired but longtime County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Ernest ”Ernie” J. Dronenburg, Jr. The Santee-based East County Office and Archives located on Mission Gorge Road (which opened to the public in 2019, replacing the El Cajon location and expanding into the County Archives) dedicated their reading room, renaming it after Ernie who has devoted his career towards the betterment of others and is often referred to as “Mr. Prop 13” for his notable
Saturday, October 21, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 21OCT23
Hello Santee! Last week we had the pleasure of spending an evening with longtime members, Bob and Ailen Lloyd (and family), at their newest acquisition, Sparky’s Transmissions. This ribbon cutting ceremony was extra special, not just because we all know and love this community-centric family, but because they made who they are at their core part of the celebration. In partnership with some local businesses and non-profit, they were able to gift a well-deserving family a car after suffering a tragic
Thursday, October 12, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 12OCT23
Hello Santee! Last week Senator Brian Jones hosted a grand opening and legislative open house of his new Scripps Ranch office. As some of us still get used to new district lines and the fact that we are now represented as District 40, it was a good reminder to see how vast the area is that he serves (which includes the Cities of Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, San Diego City communities of Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Sorrento Valley, and
Friday, October 06, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06OCT23
Hello Santee! This week the East County Economic Development Council hosted their annual manufacturing expo atGrossmont College. This yearly celebration of National Manufacturing Day hosts local manufacturers to showcase their industry to students and job seekers. The area was flooded with campus students as well as hundreds of local high school students bused in from around the region. Great job by James Sly and team and a special thank you to Terry from Handel's Ice Creamfor letting me sneak to the
Thursday, September 28, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 28SEPT23
Hello Santee! As autumn enters the air (briefly in the mornings if you are lucky to catch it), I am thankful for the turning of seasons and the excitement that comes along with holidays approaching. For our household, it also means competitive sports and light traveling. As we embrace this busier-than-usual time of year, it means we need to be proactive in our health. Some of this means getting the kids’ orthodontist appointments scheduled around other commitments, prepping meals in advance or menu
Thursday, September 21, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 092123
Hello Santee! Last week we had our long-awaited Business After Five mixer as we joined forces with the Alpine and La Mesa Chambers at Lantern Crest for a safari themed sunset mixer. We had a great turn out with an incredible spread of appetizers, desserts and drinks put on by Chef Mario and the amazing staff at Lantern Crest. Be sure to check out additional photos from the evening on our Facebook page (thank you, Lynda Marrokal!). We are so thankful for these gatherings for business connections at
Thursday, September 14, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 091423
Hello Santee! Last night an exciting City Council meeting was held with several exciting topics for Santee. My main area of interest fell on agenda item 9 when they hosted a public workshop on the Town Center Specific Plan Update maybe more commonly referred to in the public as the development of the "Arts and Entertainment District". This workshop provided input on preferred concepts (from public feedback), proposed boundary lines, land uses and more as the City staff sought direction of the project
Wednesday, September 13, 2023Padre Dam Board Appoints New Board Member to Division 4
For Immediate Release Contact: Melissa McChesney Communications Manager (619) 572-1490 (cell) mmcchesney@padre.org Padre Dam Board Appoints New Board Member to Division 4 September 13, 2023 - Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors has appointed Ivan Andujar to fill the Board vacancy in Division 4 as the result of the recent passing of August Caires. Mr. Andujar was sworn into office and officially seated on the Board of Directors immediately following the Board appointment at
Thursday, September 07, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 07SEPT23
Hello Santee! I hope you all were able to enjoy the long weekend celebrating Labor Day this past Monday. Observed each first Monday of September, this is an annual celebration of achievements made through social and economic advancements of American workers. We proudly celebrated, closing our office and giving our staff a well-deserved day off. However, before we stared our long weekend, we were sure to make our quarterly visit to the post office to bundle our most recent (Fall) issue of The Santee
Thursday, August 31, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 31AUG23
Hello Santee! Our city is the best mix of "big and small" sometimes. We have that big city access with a small town feel. How many of you can't leave the house without seeing someone you know? It's secretly one of my favorite things about Santee. Many of us know each other and our lives overlap in several areas. This is so true for small business. Many of their vendors and clients are also their neighbors, their kids attend the same school, you belong to the same service organization, the list can go
Thursday, August 24, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 24AUG23
Hello Santee! As our Santee School District students just started their school year yesterday, I had the opportunity to help distribute backpacks at Buddy’s Backpacks & School Supply Drive on Saturday. There was many other volunteers from the Santee-Lakeside Rotary, the Santee School District, City Council Members amongst many other community partners. This is one of my favorite feel good moments and has been since I started to help with this program back in 2017 during my Miss Santee reign. This
Thursday, August 17, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 17AUG23
Hello Santee! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to West Hills on Saturday for our first Santee Children’s Business Fair. We were invited to partner with teams from Momentum Tutoring and the Santee Kiwanis Club to host this awesome display of youth entrepreneurship. With over 40 vendors, kids from age 7 to 17 showed off their creative skillsets offering items from handmade jewelry, crocheted hats, sewn purses, miniature aquariums to original art and more. This was such a joy to watch come to
Thursday, August 10, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 10AUG23
Hello Santee! Last week our community was able to Join the San Diego County Sheriff's Departmentfor National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes law enforcement-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. You had the opportunity to meet your local Sheriff's Deputies and receive public safety resources. Crime Prevention Specialists shared tips on how to keep your families safe. You also got to meet members of their Sheriff's specialized and volunteer units such as
Wednesday, August 09, 2023Padre Dam Board Vice President August A. Caires Passes Away
For Immediate Release Contact: Emma Shea Communications Coordinator (619) 599-6774 (cell) eshea@padre.org Padre Dam Board Vice President August A. Caires Passes AwayAugust 4, 2023 – Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board Vice President and former General Manager August Caires passed away on August 2. Board President Bill Pommering shares, “Augie served this District and his community with outstanding distinction for nearly 30 years. He was a good friend and colleague to many of us. He will
Thursday, August 03, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 03AUG23
Hello Santee! I feel as though I catch myself bragging often about our community partners and leaders, so in true Kristen-fashion, I’ll continue that trend. I wanted to thank Cox Communications for hosting me and several guests at a Padres game last week. We have a dedicated representative (hey Allen Young!) who serves on our Government Affairs Committee and who regularly offers their support and insight for telecommunications solutions for our businesses and community at large. Of course, this leads
Thursday, July 27, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 27JUL23
Hello Santee! Last Wednesday the Padre Dam Municipal Water District held their regular meeting of the board of directors at their customer service center on Fanita Parkway. However, this was far from “regular” as they also held a dedication ceremony for the August A. Caires Customer Service Center, honoring and commending Director Caires for his many accomplishments and dedicating the building as the “August A. Caires Customer Service Center" in appreciation for his 29 years of outstanding public
Thursday, March 04, 2021Santana High School - 20 Years Later
When people experience a traumatic event, the date of that event can sometimes live on with them, even plaguing them with anxiety as that date nears. For years, I have watched calendars end out the month of February and I immediately felt uneasy as we knowingly entered into the month of March. This year, that anxiety struck me a tad early as I sat in early February realizing that next month, March 5th marks the 20-year anniversary of the shooting at Santana High School. I'm not alone in the acknowledgement