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WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Assemblyman Martin Garrick recognizes Susan Hall, founder of The Angel's Depot.
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vol. 29, no. 4
Journal
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VIDEO GAMES ARE BORN HERE See why gamers should love Carlsbad.
APRIL 2012
an award-winning, monthly publication of the carlsbad chamber of commerce
Report: Business leaders optimistic about growth By José A. López Editor | Carlsbad Business Journal
A report by the College of Business Administration at Cal State San Marcos suggests that local businessowners are starting to have more confidence in the economy — an important indicator that many experts say can help forecast
economic growth. The Business Confidence Report surveyed business executives from 200 companies from North County and San Diego about their economic outlook for 2012 as compared with the previous year. Nearly 60 percent of business leaders surveyed said they have a positive outlook for their industry
Education awards finalists unveiled
in 2012, and 28 percent predict that the economic performance will stay the same as 2011. The report suggests that this rosy collective outlook is the result of projections for employment, profit and revenue. One-third of the participants said they plan to hire more workers in 2012, while two-thirds predict increased revenue and 55
percent expect more profits. Jim Harmerly, director of business community relations for the College of Business Administration, said the outlook of business leaders is important, as it could be a predictor of economic trends. He explained that a southern California study has shown that executives trust the opinions of their
industry peers and overwhelmingly turn to them to make sense of the economy, more so than the media, politicians or business advisors. Those business to business exchanges can then influence an owner’s decision. Confidence — or the lack thereof — affects how business owners operate
SEE BUSINESS Page 14
Out of the wheelchair
Awards Ceremony is May 4 The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Partners in Education Foundation and Carlsbad Education Foundation have announced the finalists for the Outstanding Educational Program, an annual awards ceremony in which the business community celebrates the best and brigthest academic programs in Carlsbad schools. The ceremony, titled “Toast a Teacher,” will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at the La Costa Resort and Spa. Awards are given out in four categories: The Arts, Entrepreneurial Program, Innovative Program and Science Program. For more information about the awards, visit www.carlsbad.org
is the “ This one thing forward to every week.
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that I look
— Chris Massey
SEE FINALISTS Page 6
Project Walk gives hope to people who have suffered spinal cord injuries By José A. López | Editor | Carlsbad Business Journal
How do you measure hope? At Project Walk, it’s often measured in small movements, the kind most people take for granted — wiggling a toe, pedaling a bike or standing up, unassisted, for a few seconds. These milestones, colorfully chalked on a wall-sized blackboard near the entrance of
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Project Walk’s headquarters in Carlsbad, detail the odd-defying accomplishments of people who were told they might never be able to do those things again following spinal cord injuries. They are celebrated by everyone at Project Walk, said 30-year-old Chris Massey of Huntington Beach, who has been a client of the nonprofit organization since last September.
“When someone accomplishes a milestone, it gives us hope,” says Massey. “If they can do it, so can I.” LIFE CHANGED IN AN INSTANT The instant that changed Massey’s life happened in February 2011. After fixing his
SEE PROJECT WALK Page 14
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Assistance League volunteers come together to help locals in need In 1997, the Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito (ALRSD) was chartered as the 100th chapter of the National Assistance League. Since that time, the all-volunteer organization has helped thousands of FOR INFORMATION North County famiON THE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE’S UPCOMING lies through its philTEE AND GLEE anthropic programs, fundraiser, which are dedicated TURN TO PAGE 14 to making a positive difference in the lives of children and adults affected by trauma, violence and poverty. Their premier program is Operation School Bell, which seeks to help children from lowincome families perform better in school by outfitting them with new clothes at the beginning of the school year.
The chapter, along with five other chapters, sponsors a special School Bell event on Camp Pendleton every August, called “Chapters for Children.” Last year, more than 700 children from military families received new clothes and shoes for the start of the school year. Since 2008, over 2600 children have been served by this event. Other Assistance League programs include: • Hug-a-Bear, which provides cuddly bears to trauma victims. Since 1993, the chapter has provided more than 12,000 bears to local agencies, including fire and police departments and Ronald McDonald House in San Diego Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito's Operation School Bell helps families prepare for the school year. ALRSD has partnered with the Encinitas Target store for the past 5 years. Since 1998, they have provided clothes for 11,600 children through Operation School Bell.
• Knifty Knitters, which provides knit hats, sweaters, blankets and booties for babies of enlisted military families. ALRSD volunteers have also knit hats and scarves for the children served by Stand Up for Kids in Oceanside.
SEE VOLUNTEERS, Page 14