The Advancing Oceanside Podcast, brought to you by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, hosts business & community leaders from all industries to help inform, better educate & ultimately advocate for a prosperous, economic climate here in Oceanside. Each episode features an industry leader who focuses on current topics influencing not only Oceanside, but all of North County. The Oceanside Chamber is working to serve as a champion for a stronger community, act as a convener for leaders and influencers and maintain a significant role as a catalyst for business growth.
Black History Month Special - Quantal Langford Talks Confidence, Authenticity & Removing the “Black-Owned” Stigma
Quantal Langford, owner of Langfordesign, joins us today for another special episode honoring Black History Month. Originally from Cleveland, TN, Quantal has always had a passion for creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Focusing on building great relationships and trust, Quantal has clients all over the nation who thoroughly enjoy him and his work. Being a small, black-owned business, Quantal discusses some of the challenges within his industry, and highlights the need to change the stigma sometimes associated with the phrase “black-owned”. Now, with over a decade of industry experience, Quantal explains how he is working to remove the stigma entirely using confidence, authenticity, patience and perseverance. Ultimately, Quantal hopes to inspire other black creators and entrepreneurs to be confident, stay authentic, create their own opportunities, and build relationships which will, in turn, build a future where the quality of someone's work is no longer defined by skin color.
15. Chris Weiner, OYPN Chair & Alphagraphics Outside Sales Manager, Emphasizes Business Relationships & Discusses the Future of Young Professionals in North County
Joining us on this week's episode is Chris Weiner. Professionally Chris is the Outside Sales Manager for Alphagraphics Oceanside, a local, veteran owned, full-service printing and marketing facility. For the Chamber, Chris serves as the new Chair for the Oceanside Young Professionals Network and is an active member in all the Chamber's networking groups. In North County, Chris is a member of the Carlsbad Chamber, a volunteer for MainStreet Oceanside, and co-chair’s OUSD's CTE Program. Chris emphasizes how important it is to make and maintain relationships to be successful, explains how the pandemic forced him to step outside the box to establish connections and reach potential clients, provides his tricks to creating memorable interactions, and discusses his plans and goals for the future of young professionals here in North County.
Black History Month Special - Rushell & Al Gordon, from Bliss Tea and Treats, on the Tea Experience, Oceanside's Culture & What Black History Means to Them
In honor of Black History Month, we’re joined by Rushell and Al Gordon, the brother and sister duo behind Bliss Tea Treats, a local Tea Room here in downtown Oceanside. Originally from Panama, Rushell and Al lived in Oceanside back in the 1980s. After spending some time away from the city, the two were excited to come back and see how Oceanside had economically transformed, but still had the same welcoming environment they experienced before. Rushell and Al start by diving into Oceanside's black history specifically, and then broaden their discussion sharing with us their perspective on black history overall. They explain that, to them, black history's significance lies in the appreciation for their ancestors and what they did to create opportunities and pave the way for generations today.
14. #WeAreOneUs - Chris Megison, Solutions for Change Founder & CEO, on Solving Family Homelessness through Personal, Workforce and Community Development
On the 14th episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast we’re joined by Chris Megison, founder of Solutions for Change. Solutions for Change is working to solve family homelessness, one family, one community at a time. Megison’s approach focuses on personal development, workforce development, and community development to rehabilitate once homeless families. Driven by the phrase “Get up. Suit up. And show up.” Chris has saved over 1200 families and over 2500 kids.
Solutions for Change is in the business of transformation, and got its start from a tearful experience. After a tearful encounter with a a 9 year old girl sleeping on the floor of a shelter, Founder Chris Megison and his wife, Tammy Megison made it their mission to solve family homelessness. Since then, Chris has changed the lives of thousands of families through his "no-handout" approach to rehabilitation. In essence, Chris is not handing these families a sack lunch; he'e giving them the tools to become prosperous members of society.
Solutions for Change is in the business of transformation, and got its start from a tearful experience. After a tearful encounter with a a 9 year old girl sleeping on the floor of a shelter, Founder Chris Megison and his wife, Tammy Megison made it their mission to solve family homelessness. Since then, Chris has changed the lives of thousands of families through his "no-handout" approach to rehabilitation. In essence, Chris is not handing these families a sack lunch; he'e giving them the tools to become prosperous members of society.
13. Inside Oceanside's Photography Industry with Marcy Browe Photography
The 13th episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast hosts a local from Oceanside’s thriving photography industry. Marcy Browe, founder and owner of Marcy Browe Photography, brings years of industry experience. She provides us with details on how to find your niche in the industry,
12. The SDNEDC Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for the Regrowth of North County
On this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host Scott Ashton sat down with Erik Bruvold, CEO of San Diego North Economic Development Council. The SDNEDC focuses on marketing economic development opportunities and amplifying positive news about the North County economy, helping North County employers grow by solving specific business challenges, and connecting K-16 educators and employers through events and individual meetings to strengthen workforce programs throughout North County. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center.
11. Innovate78 on Growing the 78 Corridor's Business Ecosystem through the Collaboration of 5 Cities
On episode 11 of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host, Scott Ashton, sat down with Kierstin Rielly with Innovate78 to discuss how the contract is growing the 78 Corridor's business ecosystem through the collaboration of five cities. Thank you so much to today's podcast sponsor, Frontwave Credit Union.
10. The Oceanside Charitable Foundation's Pooled Philanthropy Model and How It's Changing Oceanside
On this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host Scott Ashton sat down with Colleen O'Harra and Estela Mitrani representing the Oceanside Charitable Foundation. The Oceanside Charitable Foundation is an affiliate of the San Diego Foundation focused on creating and sustaining a local foundation to serve the community of Oceanside. Since its start around 12 years ago, the Foundation has donated $650,000 back into the community and awarded over 50 grants to local nonprofit organizations. Thank you to our sponsor Frontwave Credit Union!
9. Exploring MainStreet's Past, Present and Future with MainStreet Oceanside
On this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host Scott Ashton sat down with MainStreet Oceanside to discuss their history and what the future of downtown looks like post pandemic. MainStreet Oceanside is a self-supported, non-profit organization focused on organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring in downtown Oceanside. With the extremely loyal customer base in Oceanside supporting local small businesses combined with the growing restaurant scene, MainStreet Oceanside is hopeful about the future of downtown post pandemic. Learn more about their other efforts including the Downtown Oceanside Property and Business Improvement District, which has helped improve and maintain our downtown. Thank you to our sponsor Frontwave Credit Union!
8. Jodi Diamond, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside CEO, Emphasizes Education and Food Support During the Pandemic
On this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host, Scott Ashton sat down with Jodi Diamond, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside, to discuss how their organization transitioned to continue supporting the community despite difficulties stemming from the pandemic. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside is a youth development organization dedicated to providing a safe, fun and enriching environment for youth to spend time during non-school hours. With over 1,400 youth to serve daily, the BGCO recognized the necessity to continue serving the community and immediately transitioned their in-person programs online. They also provided free meals to all children 18 and under after realizing the closure of schools left many children hungry. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center.
7. The North Coastal Prevention Coalition Discusses San Diego County's Complex Opioid Epidemic
In this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host, Scott Ashton, sat down with two influential individuals from the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, Aaron Byzak, NCPC President and John Byrom, Vista Community Clinic's Prevention Specialist. Aaron Byzak, who also serves as the Chief External Affairs Officer for Tri-City Medical Center, has been a part of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition since 2003 and has served as the President of the organization for the past eight years. John Byrom has worked closely with the NCPC and explains that NCPC supports San Diego County’s four main prevention initiatives including Binge and Underage Drinking prevention, Marijuana Prevention, the Meth Strike Force and the Rx Drug Task Force. Recently, NCPC held the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and collected 741lbs of medications. The County continues to work towards deterring individuals from abusing drugs and helping those addicted receive proper treatment and have access to medical resources. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center.
6. Jim Floros, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, on Crisis Response and a Caring Culture
On this week's episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce hosts San Diego Business Journal’s Nonprofit CEO of the Year, Jim Floros with the San Diego Food Bank. The Food Bank was recognized for their work during the COVID-19 crisis, feeding a growing number of families throughout all of San Diego County. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center.
5. Advancing Oceanside Hosts Be the Resistance Club of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition
On this episode of the Advancing Oceanside Podcast, the Oceanside Chamber spoke with two student board members for the Be the Resistance Club at Oceanside High School. Oceanside High's Be the Resistance Club is supported by the North Coastal Prevention Coalition, an organization which aims to reduce the harm of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista through community action, education, support, and collaboration. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center.
4. Advancing Oceanside's Arts - Maria Mingalone, Executive Director for the Oceanside Museum of Arts
In this episode of the Oceanside Chamber's Advancing Oceanside Podcast, our host and CEO, Scott Ashton, discusses the growing and evolving arts district here in Oceanside. Maria Mingalone, Executive Director for the Oceanside Museum of Arts, gives audience members a look into Oceanside's efforts to keep the arts community alive and how the museum is implementing innovative ways to continue arts education during and after the pandemic. Thank you to our sponsor Frontwave Credit Union!
3. A Look into Oceanside's History with Kristi Hawthorne - Advancing Oceanside Podcast
On this episode of the Oceanside Chamber's Advancing Oceanside Podcast, Kristi Hawthorne, Oceanside Historical Society's President and Director of Events at the Oceanside Chamber, gives us a blast into Oceanside's past. Equipped with photographs and city trivia, Kristi's interview gives listeners with a plethora of information on Oceanside then and now. She also discusses how you can support the Oceanside Historical Society as they aim to preserve Oceanside's past. Thank you to our sponsor Frontwave Credit Union!
2. District 4 Candidate, Peter Weiss, Provides Insight on Plans for the Future Growth of Oceanside
The Oceanside Chamber had the opportunity to connect virtually with District 4 Candidate, Peter Weiss, to discuss what qualifies him as a representative for both the people of District 4 and the City of Oceanside as a whole. As the current Mayor of Oceanside, Peter Weiss has years of experience and knowledge in dealing with Oceanside's most complex issues including the homeless crisis, public safety, code enforcement and tourism in regards to beach sand depletion. The interview delves into Weiss's dedication to maintaining a stable and positive investment environment as he works towards enhancing the services provided to the Oceanside community.
1. District 3 Candidate, Ryan Keim, Discusses His Approach to Solving Oceanside's Complex Issues
The Oceanside Chamber connected with District 3 Candidate Ryan Keim to hear his thoughts on how to tackle important issues within the Oceanside Community. As a former Oceanside Police Officer, Keim offers a unique perspective on how to handle complex topics including the homeless crisis and general public safety. Additionally, Keim discusses how he plans to support and promote Oceanside's small businesses as the state moves through the COVID pandemic.