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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
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, July 20, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 20JUL23
Hello Santee! Tuesday night was a special evening at the local American Legion and VFW Post. Naturally, most of us think we need to be a Veteran to belong to the post, but they offer memberships within their auxiliary groups and often times hosts events open to the public. This week was one of those times as they held their repeating Liberty & Libations from 6-9pm. They had several guest bartenders that were Santee favorites (Dean Velasco, Kristine Costa and Andy Lloyd) but my favorite of the evening
Thursday, July 13, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 13JUL23
Hello Santee! It's pretty often we get to brag about our first responders and city leaders in town, but I don't mind doing it once more. Santee has some seriously caring, involved staff from city employees, elected officials, to safety personnel and beyond. The Santee Sheriff's Department hosted another community coffee this week at Coffee Corner and to no surprise, had great support from our community. If you missed this week's gathering but want to still get connected to local law enforcement,
Thursday, July 06, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06JUL23
Hello Santee! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July this week. Thanks to the City of Santee and Waste Management for the presentation of the fireworks many of us enjoyed from various parts of town – what a show! Prior to the holiday, we were able to celebrate a past board member, Kyle Whissel, as he officially showcased his new office opening for Whissel Realty in La Mesa. Much like Kyle, this building was designed with intention and style to provide a space for professional growth,
Thursday, June 29, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 29JUN23
Hello Santee! Last week I attended the annual membership meeting for the East County Economic Development Council, hosted at Grossmont College. The ECEDC’s mission is to empower East County to create a thriving economic environment where education, business, government, and community can convene, collaborate, and compete. These ideals are a perfect partnership with any neighboring chamber of commerce as we are actively seeking out ways to fill the needs of businesses from the bottom up. It was my
Thursday, June 22, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 22JUN23
Hello Santee! Last week the City kicked off their Summer Concert Series. Although there was quite the excitement towards the end of the evening, the Santee Chamber was pleased to be a small part of the opening ceremony as we joined Mission Realty Group agent and Miss Santee Program Director, Lauren Gaines. We said goodbye and thank you to the titleholders of 2022 Miss Santee Heather Cantin, Miss Teen Santee Julianna Abrajan and Junior Miss Santee Ezrah Collier; their immense amount of community
Thursday, June 08, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 08JUN23
Hello Santee! Our staff became so consumed with the Santee Street Fair last month, I almost forgot to share about a night out with chamber member Ryan Purdy. Ryan is the Community Relations and Senior Resource Center Manager at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and an active participant on our Government Affairs Committee. He is as kind as he is intelligent, offering Sharp a perfect fit for his role. He was generous enough to open the invitation for me to join him at Sharp Grossmont's table at Fostering Futures'
Thursday, June 01, 2023Santee Chamber Weekly Update 01JUN23
Hello Santee! On Saturday the Santee Chamber hosted our annual Santee Street Fair on Riverview Parkway behind Trolley Square. This event is such a massive undertaking for our small staff and board members. I really appreciate every single volunteer (especially Mr. Volunteer, Charli Plavi who is pictured with our staff)… there is no way this event would be possible without the unwavering support of the community and those who help to pull it off with our team. Our staff gals work insane hours leading
Sunday, May 28, 2023Rio Seco Wins Again
The Roadrunners of Rio Seco School won top honors at the Santee Kiwanis Junior Olympic Track and Field meet held on April 29th this year. This annual event showcases both the fitness and competitive spirit of our 4th-8th grade student athletes and their schools. This year, the stands were filled with parents/grandparents cheering on their students as Rio Seco’s athletes won the 6th—8th grade school competition for the second year in a row. Well done to all the schools, their teachers and students who
Thursday, May 25, 2023Santee 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
Tuesday, May 16, 2023East 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
Thursday, May 11, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, May 04, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, March 23, 2023Santee 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
Wednesday, March 22, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, March 16, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, March 09, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, March 02, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, February 23, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, February 09, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, January 19, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, January 12, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, January 05, 2023Santee 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
Thursday, December 29, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, December 01, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, November 17, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, November 10, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, November 03, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, October 27, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, October 20, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, October 06, 2022Santee 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
Thursday, September 29, 2022Santee 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
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
