CARLSBAD ECONOMY GREW IN 2014 Gains seen in key industry clusters.
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SENIOR LIVING
BUSINESS WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG
A special section featuring members that offer senior services.
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JOURNAL
VOL. 32, NO. 1
AN AWARD-WINNING, MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JANUARY 2015
Historic sign makes comeback Chamber’s gift marks role business has played in Carlsbad’s success
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PRESORT STD U.S. Postage PAID Carlsbad, CA Permit #67
The images above show the construction processs of the Carlsbad archway sign, which will be dedicated on Jan. 8. The monument sign is nearly 82 feet long and is supported by beams that are 29 feet tall.
forgotten landmark has made a comeback in the Village of Carlsbad just in time for his sign, the start of the new year. The Carlsbad which will Chamber of Commerce and the City of be enjoyed by Carlsbad are poised to unveil an archway current and future sign that will span generations of Carlsbad Boulevard near the intersection Carlsbad residents of Carlsbad Village Drive. and those who The illuminated visit our city, adds marker will commemorate the important a distinctive touch role that business has played in the success to the Village area. of the city over the decades and also — Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber pay tribute to Carlsof Commerce. bad Boulevard’s role as part of the Historic U.S. Route 101, the Pacific Coast Highway. The entire sign will stretch nearly 82 feet across the street. Located in the middle of a truss system, the sign portion will be nearly 31 feet long and 5 feet 5 inches tall. Support beams will raise the sign more than 29 feet from the ground, and the clearance will be about 20 feet at its highest point.
SEE SIGN Page 15
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Turning tragedy into inspiration Carlsbad-based Mitchell Thorp Foundation assists families in their greatest time of need
5934 Priestly Drive 5934 Priestly Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Carlsbad, CA 92008
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The illness and passing of a child is the worst nightmare of any parent. Aside from the devastation of the loss, nearly 80 percent of families in these situations dissolve, with bankruptcy and family separation as frequent outcomes. Beth and Brad Thorp, long-time Carlsbad residents, have taken the strength demonstrated by their son Mitchell during his 5-year battle with an undiagnosed illness to form a foundation that honors him. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) provides financial and emotional support to families who desperately need to come through these tragedies. “When Mitchell passed, it was extremely difficult. But we felt that there was nothing out there supporting families in
The Mitchell Thorp Foundation provides financial and emotional support to families with children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. similar situations,” Beth said. “We wanted to provide a bridge for them by offering essential financial assistance as well as the vital emotional support they might not even realize they need.” MTF supports an average 10
families per month with average assistance of $2,500 a month. Even more impressively, they have been able to preserve 100 percent of the families that have come to the foundation since they started their services.
“We miss Mitchell every single day,” added Brad. “But we are fortunate to keep his memory and spirit alive through the foundation. He was such a kind, gentle spirit - he would be proud of all the children and families MTF has helped.” MTF has two primary programs – the Medical and Home Assistance program and the Healing and Wellness program. Each of these programs is tailored to provide customized services that families need to relieve the hardship in their situations. “We are overwhelmed with applications for assistance and it breaks our hearts to have to turn a family away,” commented Beth. “We would like to be able to serve 20 families per month. Our two signature events, and individual donations, are the key to meeting our goal.” The foundation is looking for corporate support in either direct donations or through sponsorship of their events.
SEE FOUNDATION Page 7