Oceanside Chamber Monthly Digest Your Investment at Work
September, 2019
Helping Businesses Prosper and our Community Thrive!
Your investment in the Oceanside Chamber is making a difference in our community! The Chamber's mission is to "stimulate economic prosperity and foster a vibrant community." Here's a quick overview if what your investment in the Chamber allowed us to accomplish in the recent weeks...
Public Policy & Business Advocacy
The Oceanside City Council adopted the Chamber-supported removal of density caps for mixed use development projects in the downtown district. This will improve opportunities for more affordable residential development in downtown Oceanside.
The Chamber Board adopted the Public Policy Task Force's recommendation for a policy platform on Privacy and Cybersecurity and updates to the Health Care policy platform statements. This will expand the Chamber's ability to represent the Oceanside business community on legislative issues regarding these topics. View Full Public Policy Guidelines.
Chamber CEO, Scott Ashton, represented the Oceanside business community at Assembly member Tasha Boerner Horvath’s District Advisory Council on Jobs and the Economy. The Chamber will assist in facilitating industry roundtables with the Assembly member later this year.
Scheduled a legislative update for restaurant owners/managers with the California Restaurant Association in September.
The Chamber announced its official endorsement of the Better Choice measure, recognizing the measure’s creation of much-needed housing for San Diego County workers and their families. Overall, 62 percent of the 2,135 homes that are proposed under the measure will be affordably-priced for working families. The site is 1,985 acres of privately-owned land located alongside Interstate 15 and less than two miles from Escondido, Vista and San Marcos. Read More.
Economic Development
The Chamber entered into a partnership with the Small Business Development Center to offer one-on-one small business consulting at the Chamber. Consulting services will be free to the business community and are available on Monday afternoons by appointment. Call the SBDC at (760) 795-8740 for details.
Partnered in outreach with neighboring chambers and Innovate 78 to inform businesses about the opportunity to apply for the Cal Competes Tax Credit which closed in mid-August. The application process with open again in January. Program Details.
Participated with Carlsbad Chamber and North San Diego EDC in meetings with representatives from Taos Air as they prepare to offer service out of Carlsbad Airport. This opens new doors for business and leisure travel to and from North San Diego County.
Education & Workforce Development
The Chamber-supported Latino Young Men Success Initiative finished its first summer internship program with 11 young men participating in internships. As the students head back to school, they are re-connecting with their mentors and sharing great feedback about their internship experiences.
Applied for grant with Genentech to provide STEM related grants to Oceanside Schools. In each of the previous two years, the Chamber/Genentech partnership has provided $20,000 in STEM program awards.
Political Action
Began fundraising outreach to position the Chamber’s Business and Community Political Action Committee (BACPAC) to play an important role in the 2020 City of Oceanside elections. The mayoral seat along with Districts 3 and 4 will be up for election next year. The Chamber plans to endorse and support “business-friendly” candidates in these races.
BACPAC developed the content for candidate screening questionnaires and candidate interviews to be conducted prior to endorsements.
Military Outreach
Delivered Military Bags containing promotional materials from over 30 Chamber members to newly stationed servicemembers during the Welcome Aboard Briefings.
Assisted several transitioning servicemembers who inquired about our Associate Member program
Professional Development
Young professionals from Oceanside visited local and veteran-owned, Northern Pine Brewing this month. They met one of the owners, Anne Ortega who shared the story of how they started their co-op location with member, That Boy Good and continue to expand their business today. Representatives from H.G. Fenton shared details on the exciting, new Brewery Igniter project happening in Oceanside. This is a turn-key brewing facility that will offer an opportunity for serious entrepreneurial brewers to start a business without the startup risk of cost, time and logistics.
In This Issue:
Chamber Endorsement of the Better Choice Measure
Small Business Development Center Business Consulting
The North County Health and Wellness Fair was a great success. Because of its popularity, the Chamber sold out of booth space nearly three weeks before the event. With 80 exhibitors it had more to offer attendees than ever before. The North County Health & Wellness Fair is free to the public and a great way to receive free information, meet a new health specialist, take advantage of free screenings and learn more about healthy living.
Two event filled days of sun, sand and surf provide an outstanding opportunity for residents and neighbors to experience fun activities including a costume party for kids 12 and under (accompanied by parents) at Pirate Village, Arts, Crafts and Food booth areas, Nail 'n' Sail Competition, Military, Public Safety displays, music, a beer garden (patrons 21-years old and over with a valid ID showing proof of age required to enter) and more. Harbor Days is free to the public, so bring the entire family Sept. 21st - 22nd, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM!
Oceanside Chamber Monthly Digest Your Investment at Work
July 2019
Helping Businesses Prosper and our Community Thrive!
Your investment in the Oceanside Chamber is making a difference in our community! The Chamber's mission is to "stimulate economic prosperity and foster a vibrant community." Here's a quick overview if what your investment in the Chamber allowed us to accomplish in the recent weeks...
Public Policy & Business Advocacy
The Chamber joined the Fight for Prop 13 Coalition. The coalition is spearheaded by the California Business Roundtable, which has been working to protect Prop 13 on a variety of fronts
Oceanside Chamber CEO, Scott Ashton was among a group of business leaders that attended the SANDAG Board meeting in July to urge the Board to keep promises made to voters in the passage of the 2004 TransNet Extension. Story.
Joined coalition in opposition to ACA 14, an Assembly Constitutional Amendment that would prohibit the University of California from contracting out for support services unless specifically “authorized to do so by statute and only to the extent necessary to address one or more of the following needs.” This will raise costs for the UC system and prevent them from using their budget in the most efficient manner. The restrictions on contracting would not only affect the university campuses, but any UC medical centers, clinics and laboratories.
The Chamber-supported Brewery Igniter project passed Oceanside Planning Commission with a unanimous vote. The facility will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurial brewers to start a business without the costs and risks associated with starting on their own.
Wrote letter of support for AB 1607, which will provide notice to businesses at the time they obtain a business license of the Gender Tax Repeal Act, in order to help educate and protect the businesses from predatory lawsuits.
Chamber Board voted to support the Newland Sierra Project, a master-planned community that would bring over 2,100 much needed housing units to North San Diego County.
In his role as a member of the Downtown Advisory Committee, Chamber CEO Scott Ashton supported the removal of density caps for mixed-used residential projects in downtown Oceanside.
Education & Workforce Development
Summer internships for the Latino Young Men Success Initiative are currently underway, with 11 students participating. One of the students is interning at the Chamber and has had exposure to a variety of roles including event preparation, financial management, the Chamber’s Beach Sand task force and more. He has also had the opportunity to tour Cal State University San Marcos and visit the North San Diego Small Business Development Center to learn about their services in support of entrepreneurship.
Political Action
Chamber Board of Directors approved the Business & Community Political Action Committee’s (BACPAC) recommended Policies and Procedures for Endorsing Business-Friendly candidates. This will now be used as a roadmap by BACPAC in how we will engage in the 2020 elections.
Chamber CEO Scott Ashton attended a Political Action Committee Workshop hosted by the Western Association of Chamber Executives. Workshop content included best practices from Chambers engaged in political action, tips from political strategists, and the perspective of elected officials who have worked with their chambers.
BACPAC began working on fundraising strategies and candidate interview questions in preparation for 2020.
Military Outreach
Assisted several transitioning servicemembers who inquired about our Associate Membership Program.
Continued attending weekly Welcome Aboard Meetings on Camp Pendleton, delivering over 200 bags to newly stationed servicemembers, which feature coupons and discounts from approximately 30 Chamber members.
Professional Development
On Wednesday, July 17th young professionals from the Oceanside and Carlsbad Chambers of Commerce gathered in South O’ to learn about development projects happening in North County. Guests enjoyed local brews from Cutwater Spirits and Black Plague Brewing as well as street tacos from Dos Tierras and plant-based popsicles from The Populist. The event also featured presentations from Michael Murray, candidate for 76th Assembly District on community engagement and Integral Communities who shared details on the proposed development, North River Farms.More details.
In This Issue:
Fight for Prop 13 Coaltion
SANDAG updates
Opposition of ACA 14
Newland Sierra Project
Summer internships for the Latino Young Men Success Initiative
At its July 17th Award & Recognition Luncheon, the Oceanside Chamber recognized several chamber members for their outstanding contributions to our community. The event took place at the El Camino Country Club in Oceanside, with over 160 attendees. In addition to recognizing the “member anniversaries” of dozens of businesses, the Chamber honored six awardees that have served the community in a variety of capacities.
"The Chamber of Commerce has been a sense of support and community from the day we opened. Starting out as a new small business the Chamber was a great resource, voice, gave us a place in community affairs, and helped foster a climate in which our business could operate profitably." -
Oceanside Chamber Monthly Digest Your Investment at Work
June 2019
Helping Businesses Prosper and our Community Thrive!
Your investment in the Oceanside Chamber is making a difference in our community! The Chamber's mission is to "stimulate economic prosperity and foster a vibrant community." Here's a quick overview if what your investment in the Chamber allowed us to accomplish in the recent weeks...
Public Policy & Business Advocacy
We had our first victory on the beach sand erosion issue. Members of the Chamber's Save our Beaches Task Force had met with Congressman Levin's office earlier this year to ask for their support in getting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACE) to complete the Shoreline Feasibility Study. Congressman Levin's office subsequently reached out to Senator Kamala Harris to ask her to sign on to a letter to the USACE. Senator Harris agreed and that they sent a joint letter to the USACE on our City's behalf. Read Letter.
Met with North County Chambers to discuss a legislative alliance on behalf of our restaurant owners. Restaurants are severely impacted by minimum wage laws that don’t account for tips given to “front of the house” employees. We are researching potential racial and ethnic inequities caused by State policy.
Supported Brewery Ignitor project proposed for the old “Oceanside College of Beauty” location. Brewery Igniter is a turn-key brewing facility that offers an opportunity for serious entrepreneurial brewers to start a business without the startup risk of cost, time and logistics.
Met with co-chairs of Public Policy Task Force to review legislative items to bring to next Public Policy Task Force Meeting. Task Force will meet in July to begin updating Chamber’s Policy Platforms on a variety of issues including health care, military, and wage compensation and employment issues.
Began outreach to share Chamber’s newly adopted Housing Policy Platform with community members. With regard to housing, the Chamber continues to advocate for the North River Farms project.
Partnered with North County Chambers and the San Diego North in opposition of SANDAG’s proposal to modify TransNet funds approved by voters in 2004. We are advocating for the position that SANDAG must deliver what the voters asked for when they approved the ballot initiative. Read letter.
Partnered with the California Chamber to offer our business community discounted rates on the State’s mandatory Harassment Prevention Training which businesses with 5 or more employees are required to complete before the end of 2019.
Attended community scoping meeting for Wood Partners proposed development of “Main Attraction” site. Community had opportunity to give input on environmental and traffic impacts for the proposed mixed-use project.
Partnered with Carlsbad and Vista Chambers in sending letter to County Board of Supervisors in support a broad and regional approach to the on-going behavioral health needs within the county. Read letter.
Education & Workforce Development
Partnered with Oceanside Promise in the Latino Young Men Success Initiative to place 11 young men in paid internships that will offer 15-20 hours of professional opportunities over six weeks this summer. The Chamber is one of several organizations that has funded the internships and will also be hosting an intern. The internship sites include: The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, Primerica, City of Oceanside Fleet Services, North County Lifeline, Fagen, Feldman & Fulfrost, the Oceanside Museum of Art, and KOCT.
Chamber staff volunteered at the first two Love of Literacy events held at Libby Lake Park and Crown Heights. These events, four in total, are hosted by Oceanside Promise and aim to promote the importance of early literacy in our community. The event featured free books, free dental exams, guest readers and resource based education from community partners.
Political Action
Hosted the final of 6 focus group sessions giving Chamber members the opportunity to express their views on what they want to see in our future leaders. Member feedback will be used as we develop questionnaires and interviews for candidates for elected office next year.
Completed first and second draft of Policies & Procedures for Endorsing Business Friendly Candidates. These are expected to go to Chamber Board for approval in July and will then be distributed to candidates filing for the Oceanside City Council and Mayoral races.
Military Outreach
Partnered with USO Camp Pendleton in outreach to transitioning servicemembers to promote the Chamber’s mentorship program.
Continued attending weekly Welcome Aboard Meetings on Camp Pendleton, delivering bags which feature coupons and discounts from approximately 30 Chamber members.
Professional Development
Discussed an educational housing event for young professionals county wide. The event will be hosted by North River Farms and held in July.
Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) today honored veteran-owned PJ Graphics as the 2019 Small Business of the Year for the 36th Senate District.
“PJ Graphics embodies the spirit of service, perseverance, and hard work that define small business,” said Senator Bates, a former small business owner. “I congratulate Tom and Helen Hartley for their successful stewardship of PJ Graphics and for serving their customers with innovative service. It is also noteworthy that it is a veteran-owned business, which I hope will inspire other military veterans to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Oceanside Chamber Monthly Digest Your Investment at Work
May 2019
Helping Businesses Prosper and our Community Thrive!
Your investment in the Oceanside Chamber is making a difference in our community! The Chamber's mission is to "stimulate economic prosperity and foster a vibrant community." Here's a quick overview if what your investment in the Chamber allowed us to accomplish in the recent weeks...
Public Policy & Business Advocacy
Public Policy Task Force finalized Chamber’s Housing Policy Statements which were adopted by the Chamber Board earlier this month. These guidelines will provide direction in how we will interact with the City and State on housing related policy.
Met with Congressman Levin’s office to request assistance from the Congressman in getting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete Shoreline Feasibility Study. This would be a critical step toward a long-term solution of our beach erosion issue.
Provided testimony at the California Energy Commission meeting on behalf of our restaurant community that would be impacted by “electrification” proposal. The panel was discussing options for mitigating carbon emissions, including the possibility of moving in a direction that would involve shifting from gas appliance to electric appliance. Chamber CEO reached out to restaurant owners/managers for their input and shared their concerns with the panel.
Joined statewide coalition in opposition to AB 1066 (Gonzalez) – This bill would affect any business that pays unemployment. What it does: Allows striking union workers to seek unemployment after 4 weeks. Under existing law, a worker on strike cannot claim unemployment. The concerns about this legislation are: first, it incentivizes strikes and makes labor negotiations more difficult by placing a finger on the scale in favor of unions. Second, there are concerns it will jeopardize the health of the entire UI fund, which will cost employers more when federal loans are necessary.
Reached out to San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to express opposition for any modifications to the 2004 TransNet Extension Ordinance being proposed by SANDAG. We advocated for highway and road projects to be implemented in any new regional transportation plan and requested that SANDAG pursue new sources of funding for projects not listed in the 2004 TransNet Extension Ordinance. Will be participating in a coalition with other North County business organizations to further address how to protect the funding for our highways.
Joined coalition in opposition of SCA 5 (Senate Constitutional Amendment) which would amend the California Constitution to reduce the voter approval threshold from two-thirds to fifty-five percent for “parcel taxes” proposed by school districts and community college districts. This amendment will provide a more readily-available tool for school districts and community college districts to increase local revenues but may come at the price of increased taxes that specifically target and discriminate against employers.
Supported North River Farms at Oceanside Planning Commission as a much needed, forward-thinking project that plans for the next generation of Oceanside. We noted that the project makes a significant contribution to infrastructure and toward reducing Oceanside's substantial housing deficit.
Wrote letter of support to US Bureau of Reclamation for the City of Oceanside’s application to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) for WaterSMART: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) to support the Pure Water Oceanside project.
Education & Workforce Development
Partnered with County of San Diego and Oceanside on First Annual North County Employers Internship Workshop. Sixty plus people were in attendance to hear panels of employers and students share the important role internships play in the development of our future workforce. Chamber CEO, Scott Ashton, served as MC for the event and was involved in the planning and outreach.
Continued support of Oceanside Promise’s Latino Young Men Success Initiative as we work to find summer internships for the students.
Participated with the Oceanside Promise in support of their Early Childhood Success (ECS) program, finalizing marketing materials for their upcoming Love of Literacy - Summer Reading Events in June and July.
Political Action
Hosted focus group luncheons to gather feedback from Chamber members on the types of candidates they would like to see the Chamber endorse for elected offices. To date, 4 sessions have been held with 2 more planned, giving Chamber members the opportunity to express their views on what they want to see in our future leaders. Member feedback will be used as we develop questionnaires and interviews for candidates next year.
Began work on fundraising strategy for Chamber’s Political Action Committee so we will have funds to support candidates we endorse in the 2020 elections.
Began process of writing our policies and procedures for endorsing business friendly candidates. This process has involved researching best practices of Chambers in California and other parts of the country.
Provided 170 welcome bags to Marines and Sailors newly station to Camp Pendleton during weekly Welcome Aboard Briefings. Bags include Chamber publications and discount offers from Chamber members.
Professional Development
Held OYPN Committee meeting to discuss the direction the Young Professional Network would like to take.
Meet John Ashworth- the man behind both Linksoul & Goat Hill Park, and learn how he and his team not only saved but revitalized the self-proclaimed “people’s park of Oceanside”. Network with local young professionals and step up your golf game over drinks and appetizers. All equipment will be provided at no additional cost. The Playground, otherwise known as the kids course, will also be open for play.
In This Issue:
Advocacy updates
First Annual North County Employers Internship Workshop
Updates on theChamber’s Political Action Committee
18th Annual Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation
Organization of OYPN's Balls. Buckets. & Beers. event at Goat Hill Park
The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Emerging Issues Forum, held the first Thursday of every month, provides an avenue for Oceanside Chamber members to learn about key community issues, interact with legislative representatives and receive updates on legislative items impacting business. May’s forum educated attendees on the evolving energy landscape and why the State is transitioning eligible residential customers to Time-of-Use pricing plans. Providing the information was Katie Scanlan, Public Affairs Manager at San Diego Gas & Electric.
San Diego may be known nationwide for its beautiful beaches and unbeatable year - round weather, but what many people don’t realize is that many of the avocados in their tacos, the lettuce and tomatoes in their salad, and the potted plants for their yard are all grown right here in San Diego County.
With more than 5,500 local farms employing thousands of San Diegans, the local $4.8 billion agriculture industry is thriving – and it’s all possible because of the safe and reliable water supply provided by the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies along with our famously perfect climate.
What do we do when data tells us that a group of students could benefit from better aligned and focused support? You bring together some of the best Oceanside has to offer!
The Oceanside Promise's Latino Young Men Success Pilot is an innovative wrap-around collaboration involving the Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, MiraCosta College, North County Lifeline, Vista Community Clinic, Transformational Consulting, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego County Office of Education, Interfaith Community Services, Genentech, Oceanside High School, El Camino High School and more.
Oceanside Chamber Monthly Digest Your Investment at Work
April 2019
Helping Businesses Prosper and our Community Thrive!
Your investment in the Oceanside Chamber is making a difference in our community! The Chamber's mission is to "stimulate economic prosperity and foster a vibrant community." Here's a quick overview if what your investment in the Chamber allowed us to accomplish in the recent weeks...
Public Policy & Business Advocacy
Supported City Council’s proposal to direct City Staff to develop a tax incentive program to encourage Oceanside businesses to hire Oceanside residents for newly created positions paying over $60,000 annually.
Sent a letter to Oceanside City Council to encourage adoption of City Staff’s recommendations to convert the City Clerk and Treasurer roles to appointed rather than elected positions. City council voted to place this issue on the March 2020 ballot.
Met with Co-Chairs of Chamber’s Save our Beaches Task Force to prepare for next steps in addressing this critical community issue. Had follow-up meetings with Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss and Congressman Mike Levin’s staff regarding strategies to push for completion of Shoreline Feasibility Study by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Sent letter of support for AB1588 which will ensure military veterans transitioning into civilian water and wastewater operator occupations receive appropriate crediting for experience and education gained during military service.
Sent letter of support for AB522 which would raise the age requirement for the Cal Grant Transfer to 32 years of age, from 28 years of age, for a student who is a veteran.
Public Policy Task Force worked on Chamber’s Housing Policy to provide a strong foundation for lobbying City officials to address housing crisis.
Partnered with Visit Oceanside and MainStreet Oceanside on marketing materials to dissuade panhandling in Oceanside. Met with City and County leaders to discuss solutions to the issues surrounding homelessness and transiency.
Education & Workforce Development
Worked with County of San Diego and Oceanside Promise to plan a workshop to equip local businesses to host internships for Oceanside students. As our high schools seek to move students toward work-based learning experiences, we are working to prepare our businesses to partner in developing a strong workforce. North County Employers Internship Workshop will be held on May 8th and is open to all business interested in potentially hosting interns.
Hosted focus group luncheons to gather feedback from Chamber members on the type of candidates they would like to see the Chamber endorse for elected offices. We had great participation from members and received valuable feedback that will help in the development of our processes.
Researched candidate endorsement policies from other chambers to find the best practices to assist in our policies.
Began planning for fundraising for our political action committee.
Military Outreach
Assisted transitioning servicemembers with the signup process for the Chamber's Military Mentorship Program. Assigned various mentors to 3 different servicemembers.
Continued preparation for our annual Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation event in anticipation of providing a day of food, music and children's activities for active duty military families.
Provided 130 welcome bags to Marines and Sailors newly station to Camp Pendleton during weekly Welcome Aboard Briefings. Bags include Chamber publications and discount offers from Chamber members.
Held at Stone Brewing in Oceanside, 3 teams competed in the competition, the winners receiving a prize pack donated by Chamber members. Proceeds from the event went to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside.
The City of Oceanside is participating in the 2019 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, a national competition to see which cities are the most water-wise. Help our city win the challenge by taking a one-minute pledge online at mywaterpledge.com from
April 1-30.
El Camino High School Chosen as 1 in 500 Schools Selected to Compete in Vans Competition!
The Vans Custom Culture contest aims to inspire and empower student creativity through art and design, bringing attention to struggling arts education budgets. The nationwide contest encourages students to take a specific theme and let their imagination run wild on a blank Vans shoe canvas. Out of several thousand submissions nationwide, El Camino High School was selected as 1 of 500 schools to receive two pairs of Vans shoes to customize.
