News

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 25MAY23

Hello Santee! Last week I had the pleasure of attending CalChamber’s Capitol Summit in Sacramento. As a first-time attendee, I was so excited to finally make it to this event as the only East County Chamber represented onsite. The program opened with remarks from veteran journalist Dan Walters, columnist for CalMatters, followed by a panel session which focused on housing/homelessness. The keynote speaker was ever-impressive Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to the Governor, director of the Governor’s Office

East County Boys & Girls Club Hosts Annual Golf Day

It’s almost that time of year the 2023 East County Boys & Girls Golf Event is around the corner. I've been working with the East County Boys & Girls Club for the past nine years helping create one of the best golf experiences in San Diego.  This event wouldn’t be possible without your help.   This annual event will be held on Friday, June 2th at Sycuan Golf Resorton the newly renovated Oaks Glen Course.  I ask you to consider a foursome, sponsorship, on course participation or giveaway for our opportunity

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 11MAY23

Hello Santee!   We are still buzzing off the good energy that came from our Santee Heroes Celebration at the end of April. Carlton Oaks Golf hosted a beautiful evening of Santee Service Organizations, Local Educators, First Responders, Healthcare Workers, Community Leaders, and Elected Officials to receive recognition for their personal and group impact in our region and honor their contributions over the past year.    It was a huge pleasure to honor our past Board Director, Jim Peasley, as his family

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 04MAY23

Hello Santee! Last week was busy with the Chamber having events back-to-back at Carlton Oaks Golf Course so let me start by saying thank you to our staff and volunteers for the extra work, it didn’t go unnoticed. Additionally, I’d like to thank San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson for taking the time to get Santee on his schedule as we co-hosted a community coffee last Wednesday. His impressive staff and team of interns put together an organized evening of resources and Supervisor Anderson stayed

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23MAR23

Hello Santee! Our annual Business Awards Night is a wrap, but we are still buzzing from the exciting night we had last Thursday. Sycuan Casino Resort was a perfect host to us as we had over 200 guests gather in their Heritage Events Center for an evening of celebrating the incredible business community we support. Honoring our Chairman’s Circle contributing members and the winners of our Santee’s Favorites program, we also announced and awarded our Community Impact recipient (Santee Lakes Recreation

Santee Chamber Hosts Annual Business Awards Night

Media ContactKristen Dare 619-449-1515 info@santeechamber.com   March 22, 2023  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, where they were 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 200 guests. Starting out with celebrating the top

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16MAR23

Hello Santee! This Tuesday the City of Santee held a meet-and-greet for local Congressman Darrell Issa, as he and some of his staff invited chambers and city officials from the East County region to a listening session. Here he spoke briefly on some of the actions he is taking in 2023 including fighting the fentanyl epidemic, regaining control of the border, cultivating California agriculture and more. He opened the floor to those in attendance who had questions, concerns and comments and listened

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 9MAR23

Hello Santee! I started the week off with our neighboring Chamber in El Cajon, the East County Chamber of Commerce, as they celebrated their 111th East County Honors program at Sycuan Casino Resort. It was a beautiful night full of many dual members and community leaders who also represent Santee. It was a perfect example of how close knit our region is and how we genuinely are all here to support each other. Thank you to Allen Young of Cox Communications for including the Santee Chamber (myself and

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 2MAR23

We are just two short weeks away from our annual Business Awards Night at Sycuan Casino Resort. As our staff puts in the hours to prepare for an evening of celebration, it also isn't possible without some incredible volunteers. We are so grateful to have Mike Clinkenbeard of Clinkenbeard Insurance serving another year as Chair of this event.    For the business community, we invite you to join us at our premier celebration for the year. It's 200+ guests including business leaders, entrepreneurs, chamber

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23FEB23

Hello Santee!  Last week I was able to spend a few days across the street from our beautiful state capitol in Sacramento. It has become my favorite time to connect with peers in my industry as we gather for CalChamber’s Western Association of Chamber Executives Conference each winter. Almost 400 chamber employees gather to take on exciting information in the most beneficial professional development courses in the west. Here I was able to reconnect with industry leaders I am lucky enough to call

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 9FEB23

Hello Santee!  I’m sure all of you in town know about Santee Lakes, how could you not?! For me, it’s been a place I’ve frequented since I was a child and still enjoy immensely as an adult. Just about a mile away from my home, it makes for the perfect place to go on walks/runs, sightsee, or take family when in town for all they have to offer, especially their newest enhancement for onsite dining on their deck: Angry Pete’s Pizza.    I had the pleasure of meeting Pete last year when he came to our

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 19JAN23

Hello Santee!   A few weeks ago, we got a call from a very ambitious 25-year-old, Megan, explaining she would be opening her doors soon in town. As the conversation went on, she explained the types of services she would be offering at Flashy Lash. From facials, waxing and eyelash extensions. We then booked a quick coffee date to learn more about her and her future business endeavors. It wasn’t hard to believe the type of woman she is today is due to being instilled with such great work ethics from her

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 12JAN23

Hello Santee!   We are off and running in 2023!   This morning Santee Chamber Staff and the Board of Directors convened for our 2023 Retreat. This annual meeting is our way to begin a calendar year together as a team. We had great conversations on a variety of topics and spent time reviewing goals, forming working groups and committees, discussing events, brainstorming, and communicating our strategic plan.   A huge thank you to Jimmy’s of Santee for hosting. The recently remodeled interior was

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 05JAN23

Hello Santee! Yesterday we started the new year off exactly how I hoped to: highly caffeinated. Thanks to Susie and her staff at the Coffee Corner, we had about 30 chamber members who were served some of the most delicious coffee in town as we networked during the slight morning mist. We had staff, directors from our board, city employees, Mayor Minto, long time members, new and prospective members, and even the Sheriff’s Captain along with some of his staff there today. A special thanks to two of our

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29DEC22

Hello Santee!  With Christmas in the rearview mirror and the new year around the corner, I am (once again) overwhelmed with gratitude for this community and the job that I have which serves within. Our staff is small, but my appreciation for what they do is always on a large scale. These ladies work hard and deserve so much credit for their continuous efforts towards the businesses of our region.   The Chamber staff will be taking an extended holiday break and will be unavailable from December

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 01DEC22

Hello Santee! Welcome to the final month of 2022. We spent this Giving Tuesday among some of our favorite company, our non-profit members who serve our community with great purpose. Lantern Crest was the most generous host for our annual Taste of Santee where we welcomed the restaurant community and community partners to share in an evening of celebration as we jump into the holidays.   As the final days of the year approach and we look at the season ahead, I encourage you to get to know some of these

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 17NOV22

Hello Santee! It has been a week since our 2022 Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament and it is crazy to think how fast it came and went. We were able to kickoff the tournament and show our appreciation to our Veterans with an aerial flyover. Which is a favorite portion of our whole tournament. Everyone in attendance had lots of fun and it could not have been done without our sponsors! In addition to the hole sponsorships that were purchased we had over two dozen host a hero sponsorships which allowed us

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 10NOV22

Sometimes we have business visits that come with perks. Last week, holding a ten day old bunny was among those perks for me. But on a grander scale, it was a lovely visit back to the sister-businesses of FURology and PURRology on Cuyamaca Street. Their CEO, Lindsey, was kind enough to take me behind the scenes of her operation. Starting with just Furology, she was known in town for having a successful grooming business where animals were treated as well as humans who go into salons for high-end

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 3NOV22

Hello Santee!   I’m a tad late on this, now that Halloween has passed and November has begun, but I had to give a quick note of gratitude to see the Santee Twilight Brews & Bites Festival come back this year. For those of you confused on what this event is, maybe you remember it as the “Bluegrass Festival” last held in 2019. Santee Twilight Brews and Bites Festival has participants take part in an evening filled with fine wines, a bevy of brews, tasty treats, bidding bazaar and live music. Your event

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 27OCT22

Hello Santee! This city is full of amazing business women and I am so thankful I have many in our chamber family. One in particular is Sarah Wood, owner of Allegiance Heating & Air. Sarah is a Santee native who took a family loss and allowed it to change the trajectory of her entire future. She took on her father’s business with zero experience in that field, modernized their business model, became an industry leader and eventually grew her business so successfully, it allowed her to purchase a second

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 20OCT22

Hello Santee!   This past week we were able to celebrate a big win for a small business. Lonesome Rider Coffee has gone from a home-based business, to Santee farmers market regular, to fulltime occupant at Parkway Plaza mall in El Cajon! This veteran-owned coffee brand has taken big risks and we are so proud to see the big rewards. It was a joy to welcome Joe and his team to their new stand in the food court area of the mall, previously occupied by Starbucks. Watching businesses conquer new territory

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 6OCT22

Hello Santee!   How about them Padres? For those paying attention, our hometown team has clinched their spot in the postseason and we are all thrilled. Before we knew they’d be playing so many October games, the East County Young Professionals decided to catch one of their final homestands in the regular season as they took on their rivals to the north. I love these kind of nights… not only because this job allows us to do fun stuff like catch a baseball game downtown, but also because it brings

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29SEP22

Hello Santee!   How many of you noticed our skies full of practice flights last week as preparation was underway for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show? Or better yet, maybe you made it over to the base and experienced the fun firsthand at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. For me, I was one of the lucky guests in attendance alongside Santee Chamber Director, and President of the East County EDC, James Sly. We were grateful to be hosted by business and community partner, Cox Communications as guests of Allen

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22SEP22

Hello Santee!   Thanks for those who were able to join us last week at our Business After 5 mixer hosted by Lantern Crest alongside one of our favorite neighbors, the  La Mesa Chamber! We have been joining forces annually since Lantern Crest came to town and it has been so rewarding for all involved. Each year there seems to be a new space we occupy, showcasing different parts of this amazing property.    If you haven’t been by yet, it is a premier senior residential facility with independent living,

Grossmont Union High School District to Unveil State-of-the-Art Transportation Center

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 15SEP22

Hello Santee!   Last week the Santee Chamber was honored to have two staff members included in a special celebration: the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics for their Pacific Southwest/San Diego region. Chamber member and local jewel, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve was among some of the well-respected finalists in this elite showcase. The application for consideration outlines the character of the organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company

Padre Dam Board Appoints New Board Member To Division 5

Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors has appointed Rocky Qualin to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy in Division 5 as the result of the recent passing of James Peasley. Qualin took the oath of office at the Board meeting on September 7, 2022 and then participated in his first meeting. Qualin will hold office for the balance of the unexpired term which expires December 2, 2022.     “My interest in being part of the Padre Dam board is to ensure that my community is provided

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 8SEP22

Hello Santee,    With the Labor Day holiday, and office staff having the day off, I was able to spend some time with my younger brother, Jason at Disneyland! Despite all the fun that was had being a child for a day, I was eager to hammer out some important tasks this short work week! One task being spending Tuesday afternoon at the post office getting the 24,000 copies of our Fall issue of The Santee Magazine prepped to be mailed out yesterday! It was definitely a hot day but to see the finished product

Momentum Tutoring is a San Diego Community Grant Partner

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 25AUG22

Hello Santee,  With our local K-12 students starting their 2022-2023 school year, on Saturday, students had the opportunity to attend the Buddy’s Backpacks event where 900+ backpacks were handed out filled with school supplies graciously donated by our community. This event was envisioned and created by our 2018 Santee Person of the Year, Buddy Rabaya back in 2015. Although, Buddy is no longer with us, his legacy still shines through Buddy’s Backpacks. It’s folks like Dustin Trotter, John

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 12AUG22

Hello Santee,  About two weeks ago, Lloyd’s Collision & Paint Center entered a new era. The next generation will be taking over the family business in Santee and Lakeside. Since 1984, Bob has been building his empire in the automotive world by making customers feel like family and having family part of every pocket of his business.  Bob, his wife Ailen, and their entire family have all been active servants to our region, involving themselves in volunteer roles and making countless generous contributions to

April Baker Introduced as West Hills High School Principal

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 4AUG22

Hello Santee,  It is with great sadness that this week’s update I share the news of the passing of Director Jim Peasley. Jim has served on the Padre Dam Water Board since December 2010, serving as Board President in 2014 & 2019 and Vice President in 2013, 2018 & 2022. Jim had over 35 years of experience in water, recycled water, and wastewater industries as a Registered Professional Civil Engineer.  Jim has served on our Board of Directors at the Santee Chamber since February 2016. His regular contributions

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29JUL22

Hello Santee! On Sunday we had the honor of hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony during the grand opening of the new location of Raymond's Barber Shop. After 8 successful years in Santee, this third-generation business was ready for a bigger and bolder location, boasting an additional 1100 square feet in their new home. Located on Town Center Parkway close to Chuze Fitness, Raymond's has quickly become busier than ever offering chairs for about a dozen barbers. Their open concept is true to traditional shops

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 14JUL22

Hello Santee!  It is a simply joy of mine to grab coffee as often as possible. It’s been no secret that I often use Coffee Corner’s second location (on Town Center Parkway) as one of my go-to meet up spots in town. They are also the gracious host of our monthly Morning Buzz networking mixers that take place each first Wednesday of the month. Although it’s not uncommon for me to see familiar faces while in there, it was a nice change of pace to have quite a few new folks in attendance this past event.  A

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 07JUL22

Hello Santee!  Last week Jennae (our Office Manager) and I took a Friday field trip to the San Diego County Fair. I had to retype that as I first wrote “Del Mar Fair” – old habits die hard. This is an annual pilgrimage the Chamber makes that originated from Community Days the fair used to host where Chambers of Commerce would come and set up booths at the pavilion on the infield area. It then merged into a hosted luncheon where they would invite local chambers to come in and hear all about how this fair is

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 30JUN22

Hello Santee!  Last week I was invited out to the best ballpark in America with one of our members, Mission Realty Group. Owned by Daniel Buksa (who serves on our Board of Directors), I hung with Team Hughes for the day and enjoyed a Padres win over the Diamondbacks. If you live or work in Santee, I’m sure you know a real estate agent. If you know one who works for Mission Realty Group, consider them blessed. This group of individuals shows me what it is to work hard, play hard and always give back. Their

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 23JUN22

Hello Santee!  On Tuesday afternoon our East County Young Professionals group hosted a lunch and learn to “spark your momentum”! I’m so grateful to have this group reactivated this year… we’ve been focusing on networking, professional development and finding opportunities to give back to our community. We are looking forward to doing a padres game this summer with the group and creating a book club to help continue our personal growth (which we see also positively impacting our business lives).  I want to

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 16JUN22

Hello Santee!How many of you went out to the first of the City’s Summer Concert Series last Thursday? By the looks of it, A LOT of you! I’ll be back again tonight from 6:30-8pm at Town Center Community Park East. For those who were there last week, thank you for your patience as the City and the Chamber formally thanked the outgoing reign of young ladies who have served out community over the past year. These volunteers have impressed me many times over and have been a joy to be around.  To Junior Miss

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 10JUN22

Hello Santee!The East County Advanced Water Purification Program broke ground on June 1st and I was honored to be among those that were invited to the Groundbreaking Ceremony. Marking the important milestone, Program partners Padre Dam MWD, City of El Cajon, County of San Diego and Helix Water District to celebrate this key milestone on the project that will provide up to 30% of East County’s drinking water supply. We are so excited to see this project come to fruition, thank you to all the partners for

Santee Chamber Weekly Update 03JUN22

Now that we are almost a week since our 2022 Santee Street Fair took place us 3 staff members would like to thank everyone that helped us put on this event! Charlie Plavi was a rockstar volunteer and was there on Friday in addition to Saturday from the early morning hours until we were done with the cleaning of the street late Saturday evening (you can see him driving away behind us!). We could not have done it without him! Thank you to Susie Parks from Coffee Corner and Greg Gagnon with The UPS Store for