2021 ANNUAL REPORT
This Chamber is your... ADVOCATE
In 2021, the Oceanside Chamber continued its active partnership with other business organizations throughout our region and state to ensure that our business leaders had strong representation on issues impacting their businesses.
2021 Highlights
Oceanside Chamber Joins Coalition to Successfully Oppose the Vehicle Mileage Tax - Last summer, 18 Chambers of Commerce came together to form the San Diego Business Coalition. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) was looking to impose a new vehicle mile tax on drivers. This particular tax was eventually taken off the table for SANDAG’s December 2021 vote, but may re-emerge in the future. Coalition members will continue to monitor this issue. For more information, visit www.SDBusinessCoalition.com.
Job Killers Defeated – The Oceanside Chamber signed on to numerous statewide coalition efforts to defeat harmful legislation. The California Chamber of Commerce identified 25 job killer bills in 2021. Of particular concern were proposed labor and employment mandates that would have hit small business employers especially hard as they attempted to recover from losses experienced due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Just two job killer bills passed the Legislature. The Governor vetoed one and signed the other.
Supported AB 927 which helps California Community Colleges to proactively meet the changing workforce needs of our businesses. The legislation will make the current 15 community college baccalaureate degree programs permanent and allow for the expansion of the program into other communities. The pilot program, which allowed MiraCosta College to offer a baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing, has been a huge success for our region. The bill passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor.
Supported AB 61 which supports restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing temporary regulatory flexibility to help facilitate outdoor dining, and take-out and delivery options in a manner consistent with public health guidance. The bill passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor.
Protecting the local Sportfishing Industry – The Chamber actively participated in a coalition to support Oceanside’s sportfishing and whale watching businesses. The group opposed regulations that would disproportionally impact commercial passenger sportfishing boats who will have to comply beginning January 2023. The Chamber’s letter requested that the Administration work with the sportfishing industry to develop air quality regulations that are economically feasible, take into account existing technology and does not put the safety of passengers and crew at risk. The outcome is still pending.
Homelessness and Safety Issues – The Chamber supported Oceanside’s hotel/motel voucher program and anti-camping ordinances to give our public safety officials more options to address a growing problem. The Chamber’s digital advocacy platform helped engage our businesses on this issue, with over 230 participants emailing the City Council. The Chamber also provided a support letter for the City of Oceanside’s request for funding to establish a year-round shelter to address homelessness in North San Diego County. The shelter will provide up to 50 beds and wrap-around services to assist persons with case management specific to their needs and assistance in moving forward into permanent housing suitable for their situation to help prevent future homelessness.
Unemployment Insurance Relief - The Oceanside Chamber joined in a letter to Governor Newsom seeking the state’s participation in resolving the looming insolvency in California’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UI Fund). The specific request of the coalition is that the 2022-23 Governor’s Budget including plans to pay down to UI Fund. While this didn’t gain traction in 2021, it has momentum and support from the Governor in early 2022.
Oceanside Chamber Joins Coalition to Successfully Oppose the Vehicle Mileage Tax - Last summer, 18 Chambers of Commerce came together to form the San Diego Business Coalition. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) was looking to impose a new vehicle mile tax on drivers. This particular tax was eventually taken off the table for SANDAG’s December 2021 vote, but may re-emerge in the future. Coalition members will continue to monitor this issue. For more information, visit www.SDBusinessCoalition.com.
Job Killers Defeated – The Oceanside Chamber signed on to numerous statewide coalition efforts to defeat harmful legislation. The California Chamber of Commerce identified 25 job killer bills in 2021. Of particular concern were proposed labor and employment mandates that would have hit small business employers especially hard as they attempted to recover from losses experienced due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Just two job killer bills passed the Legislature. The Governor vetoed one and signed the other.
Supported AB 927 which helps California Community Colleges to proactively meet the changing workforce needs of our businesses. The legislation will make the current 15 community college baccalaureate degree programs permanent and allow for the expansion of the program into other communities. The pilot program, which allowed MiraCosta College to offer a baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing, has been a huge success for our region. The bill passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor.
Supported AB 61 which supports restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing temporary regulatory flexibility to help facilitate outdoor dining, and take-out and delivery options in a manner consistent with public health guidance. The bill passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor.
Protecting the local Sportfishing Industry – The Chamber actively participated in a coalition to support Oceanside’s sportfishing and whale watching businesses. The group opposed regulations that would disproportionally impact commercial passenger sportfishing boats who will have to comply beginning January 2023. The Chamber’s letter requested that the Administration work with the sportfishing industry to develop air quality regulations that are economically feasible, take into account existing technology and does not put the safety of passengers and crew at risk. The outcome is still pending.
Homelessness and Safety Issues – The Chamber supported Oceanside’s hotel/motel voucher program and anti-camping ordinances to give our public safety officials more options to address a growing problem. The Chamber’s digital advocacy platform helped engage our businesses on this issue, with over 230 participants emailing the City Council. The Chamber also provided a support letter for the City of Oceanside’s request for funding to establish a year-round shelter to address homelessness in North San Diego County. The shelter will provide up to 50 beds and wrap-around services to assist persons with case management specific to their needs and assistance in moving forward into permanent housing suitable for their situation to help prevent future homelessness.
Unemployment Insurance Relief - The Oceanside Chamber joined in a letter to Governor Newsom seeking the state’s participation in resolving the looming insolvency in California’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UI Fund). The specific request of the coalition is that the 2022-23 Governor’s Budget including plans to pay down to UI Fund. While this didn’t gain traction in 2021, it has momentum and support from the Governor in early 2022.
The Chamber is developing your..... WORKFORCE PIPELINE
In early 2021, the Chamber launched a workforce development department with a full time Coordinator supported by a Workforce Development Task Force. The task force is focused on championing awareness of diverse industry positions & needs, while convening resources at all stages of talent development and facilitating business growth through talent pipeline development, skill building, and advocacy to promote individual and community economic empowerment.
2021 Highlights
SOCAL Workforce Development Project Launches - The Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning, or SOCAL, is a joint project of the San Diego North Economic Development Council, Tri-City Medical Center and the Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce. The project originated over two years ago at Tri-City Medical Center as a way to advance its long-standing priority of strengthening North County’s Healthcare workforce pipeline. TCMC originated the concept of occupational videos on demand, the name, the logo and look of the SOCAL brand.
Phase one of the project, funded by a grant from Supervisor Jim Desmond, aims to inform students and those in career transition of unfamiliar professions and what educational path they might take close to home. The project went live in December and featured nearly 40 videos. The videos are housed on a website library at www.SocalWorkforce.org for high school students and teachers to use in career education and exploration. The project team will seek to expand the video library in 2022.
Chamber Launches Rising Star Student of the Month Program – In November, the Chamber launched its Rising Star Student of the Month program. The program aims to champion students that have overcome significant challenges in their life, but have managed to keep, or get back on track, with their education. The Chamber honors one high school senior each month from each of our area high schools at a breakfast event. At the end of the school year, student who have been recognized will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, due to a generous $20,000 grant from Genentech.
Job Fair Delivers Timely Connections - The Oceanside Job Fair, a partnership of the Oceanside Chamber, City of Oceanside and Visit Oceanside took place in September. Close to 40 employers as well as resource partners were on site to promote employment and training opportunities for those looking to re-enter the workforce. An estimated crowd of 300+ job seekers were in attendance.
Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez, a strong advocate for the event, was in attendance and expressed appreciation for all the employers that participated in the fair. While the job fair was a one-day event, the Chamber is committed to continuing to provide avenues for local businesses to connect with the pipeline of prospective employees. The Chamber maintains a job board at www.OceansideCareers.com which now features links to more than 20 local businesses seeking employees.
SOCAL Workforce Development Project Launches - The Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning, or SOCAL, is a joint project of the San Diego North Economic Development Council, Tri-City Medical Center and the Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce. The project originated over two years ago at Tri-City Medical Center as a way to advance its long-standing priority of strengthening North County’s Healthcare workforce pipeline. TCMC originated the concept of occupational videos on demand, the name, the logo and look of the SOCAL brand.
Phase one of the project, funded by a grant from Supervisor Jim Desmond, aims to inform students and those in career transition of unfamiliar professions and what educational path they might take close to home. The project went live in December and featured nearly 40 videos. The videos are housed on a website library at www.SocalWorkforce.org for high school students and teachers to use in career education and exploration. The project team will seek to expand the video library in 2022.
Chamber Launches Rising Star Student of the Month Program – In November, the Chamber launched its Rising Star Student of the Month program. The program aims to champion students that have overcome significant challenges in their life, but have managed to keep, or get back on track, with their education. The Chamber honors one high school senior each month from each of our area high schools at a breakfast event. At the end of the school year, student who have been recognized will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, due to a generous $20,000 grant from Genentech.
Job Fair Delivers Timely Connections - The Oceanside Job Fair, a partnership of the Oceanside Chamber, City of Oceanside and Visit Oceanside took place in September. Close to 40 employers as well as resource partners were on site to promote employment and training opportunities for those looking to re-enter the workforce. An estimated crowd of 300+ job seekers were in attendance.
Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez, a strong advocate for the event, was in attendance and expressed appreciation for all the employers that participated in the fair. While the job fair was a one-day event, the Chamber is committed to continuing to provide avenues for local businesses to connect with the pipeline of prospective employees. The Chamber maintains a job board at www.OceansideCareers.com which now features links to more than 20 local businesses seeking employees.
The Chamber is your source for … CONNECTIONS AND INFORMATION
Business owners need regular access to timely information and new connections. The Chamber continued to prioritize the delivery of high-quality events and critical business information throughout the year.
2021 Highlights
Annual Meet the City Reception –The Chamber’s Annual Meet the City Reception continues to be one of the community’s top gatherings of business, civic and elected leaders. Our 2021 event was held at Oceanside's brand-new William A. Wagner Aquatic Center and included a celebration of the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary of serving the Oceanside business community.
Emerging Issues Forums – Our Emerging Issues Forums provided updates on key issues impacting our community. Key topics covered in 2021 Covid-19 updates, the redistricting process, Oceanside’s General Plan Update, South Morro Hills Community Plan, the County’s Regional Transportation Plan and introductions to Oceanside’s new Police Chief and to the new Dean of Extended Learning at California State University San Marcos. We also brought back our annual favorites including Oceanside’s Economic Development Update and a federal legislative update from the U.S. Chamber.
Advancing Oceanside Podcast -In 2020, we launched our Advancing Oceanside Podcast to provide a platform for our local non-profits and small businesses to share their message to our community. The Chamber continued to add to its podcast library which is now share across more than a half dozen platforms.
Networking Events – After a year of virtual events, Chamber members were eager to re-engage with in-person events. Chamber mixers, Tuesday Coffee events, the Oceanside Young Professionals Network (OYPN) and Plates for 8 Luncheons all returned, providing our businesses with great ways to make new connection.
Timely Information – In 2021, the Chamber picked up where it left off the previous year and continued to provide its members with timely access to important information regarding Covid, changing labor laws and more.
Annual Meet the City Reception –The Chamber’s Annual Meet the City Reception continues to be one of the community’s top gatherings of business, civic and elected leaders. Our 2021 event was held at Oceanside's brand-new William A. Wagner Aquatic Center and included a celebration of the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary of serving the Oceanside business community.
Emerging Issues Forums – Our Emerging Issues Forums provided updates on key issues impacting our community. Key topics covered in 2021 Covid-19 updates, the redistricting process, Oceanside’s General Plan Update, South Morro Hills Community Plan, the County’s Regional Transportation Plan and introductions to Oceanside’s new Police Chief and to the new Dean of Extended Learning at California State University San Marcos. We also brought back our annual favorites including Oceanside’s Economic Development Update and a federal legislative update from the U.S. Chamber.
Advancing Oceanside Podcast -In 2020, we launched our Advancing Oceanside Podcast to provide a platform for our local non-profits and small businesses to share their message to our community. The Chamber continued to add to its podcast library which is now share across more than a half dozen platforms.
Networking Events – After a year of virtual events, Chamber members were eager to re-engage with in-person events. Chamber mixers, Tuesday Coffee events, the Oceanside Young Professionals Network (OYPN) and Plates for 8 Luncheons all returned, providing our businesses with great ways to make new connection.
Timely Information – In 2021, the Chamber picked up where it left off the previous year and continued to provide its members with timely access to important information regarding Covid, changing labor laws and more.
The Chamber is supporting … ECONOMIC RECOVERY and PROSPERITY
In March, the Chamber launched a new Economic Recovery Task Force. Key focus areas for the task force include promoting economic recovery and development through the cultural arts, encouraging City leadership to dedicate resources to the beautification and safety of Oceanside’s “gateway” entry points, creating a year-round “stay and play local” culture and providing timely resources to our small businesses.
2021 Highlights
Small Business Grant Program - In 2020 and 2021 The Chamber partnered with the City of Oceanside and MainStreet Oceanside to administer three small business grant programs. The Chamber distributed nearly $700,000 in grants to more than 250 businesses.
Stay and Play Local Features – The Chamber created a new “Stay and Play Local” feature in its Best of Oceanside Magazine to highlight many of our smallest businesses. The magazine is mailed to 30,000 Oceanside homes and businesses each quarter.
Shop Local Programming - The Oceanside Chamber and MainStreet Oceanside partnered to develop a Digital Treasure Hunt during 'Tis the Season to Shop Local’ sponsored by City of Oceanside Economic Development Division. The mobile app was heavily used during its initial rollout, bringing potential customers to the doorsteps of participating businesses. Additional programing is expected to take place throughout 2022.
Chamber Supports Ocean KAMP Development as a Positive Economic Driver for Oceanside - Ocean KAMP, at the site of the old drive-in theaters on Hwy 76, will feature a wave pool, a 300-key resort hotel and airstream glamping village, 126,000 SF of office, retail and restaurants and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting space. The project will preserve 20 acres of onsite open space and plan for 700 much needed housing units. Over the next ten years, Ocean Kamp is projected to contribute over $80 million in revenues to the City of Oceanside and will immediately create more than 1,500 new jobs, improved infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art wave pool that will generate international attention.
Small Business Grant Program - In 2020 and 2021 The Chamber partnered with the City of Oceanside and MainStreet Oceanside to administer three small business grant programs. The Chamber distributed nearly $700,000 in grants to more than 250 businesses.
Stay and Play Local Features – The Chamber created a new “Stay and Play Local” feature in its Best of Oceanside Magazine to highlight many of our smallest businesses. The magazine is mailed to 30,000 Oceanside homes and businesses each quarter.
Shop Local Programming - The Oceanside Chamber and MainStreet Oceanside partnered to develop a Digital Treasure Hunt during 'Tis the Season to Shop Local’ sponsored by City of Oceanside Economic Development Division. The mobile app was heavily used during its initial rollout, bringing potential customers to the doorsteps of participating businesses. Additional programing is expected to take place throughout 2022.
Chamber Supports Ocean KAMP Development as a Positive Economic Driver for Oceanside - Ocean KAMP, at the site of the old drive-in theaters on Hwy 76, will feature a wave pool, a 300-key resort hotel and airstream glamping village, 126,000 SF of office, retail and restaurants and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting space. The project will preserve 20 acres of onsite open space and plan for 700 much needed housing units. Over the next ten years, Ocean Kamp is projected to contribute over $80 million in revenues to the City of Oceanside and will immediately create more than 1,500 new jobs, improved infrastructure, and a state-of-the-art wave pool that will generate international attention.
The Chamber is your source for … BUSINESS PROMOTION
Through its print publications, website and social media, The Chamber leverages it expansive network to help our members promote their businesses.
2021 Highlights
Best of Oceanside Publications - The Chamber continued to provide strong avenues for local businesses to connect with prospective customers. The “Best of Oceanside” series of publications include an Annual Community Guide, Quarterly Magazine and City Map, provide businesses with a variety of options for reaching visitors, locals, other businesses and more. The Best of Oceanside Magazine now reaches 30,000 Oceanside homes and businesses by direct mail each quarter.
Best of Oceanside Publications - The Chamber continued to provide strong avenues for local businesses to connect with prospective customers. The “Best of Oceanside” series of publications include an Annual Community Guide, Quarterly Magazine and City Map, provide businesses with a variety of options for reaching visitors, locals, other businesses and more. The Best of Oceanside Magazine now reaches 30,000 Oceanside homes and businesses by direct mail each quarter.
The Chamber is your … CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY
Both small and large businesses utilize the Chamber as a platform for connections in order to expand their presence in the community. Several of the Chamber’s community events, provide avenues for business-to-business, business-to-community and business-to-military connections and relationships.
2021 Highlights
Operation Appreciation Returns – After missing our Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation event for the first time in nearly 20 years, 2021 provided an opportunity for our business community to say “thank you” to our local military families.
Honoring Local Heroes - In August, the Chamber held its Annual Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton Dinner. We were pleased to recognize representatives from the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Police Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Healthcare
Workers and Teachers/Staff from the Oceanside Unified School District for their outstanding contributions to the well-being and advancement of our City.
Promoting Health and Wellness – Two of the Chamber’s most popular events were back up and running at full speed. The North County Health Fair provided a much-needed opportunity for healthcare providers to connect with community members. The Active Lifestyles Expo offered valuable resources for our local senior citizens.
Harbor Days Returns – In September, the Chamber was pleased to bring back one of Oceanside’s largest annual events, Oceanside Harbor Days. After a 1-year Covid hiatus, the community was excited to participate in this local favorite.
Operation Appreciation Returns – After missing our Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation event for the first time in nearly 20 years, 2021 provided an opportunity for our business community to say “thank you” to our local military families.
Honoring Local Heroes - In August, the Chamber held its Annual Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton Dinner. We were pleased to recognize representatives from the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Police Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Healthcare
Workers and Teachers/Staff from the Oceanside Unified School District for their outstanding contributions to the well-being and advancement of our City.
Promoting Health and Wellness – Two of the Chamber’s most popular events were back up and running at full speed. The North County Health Fair provided a much-needed opportunity for healthcare providers to connect with community members. The Active Lifestyles Expo offered valuable resources for our local senior citizens.
Harbor Days Returns – In September, the Chamber was pleased to bring back one of Oceanside’s largest annual events, Oceanside Harbor Days. After a 1-year Covid hiatus, the community was excited to participate in this local favorite.
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