Carlsbad Business Journal - September 2012

CITIZENS OF THE YEAR NAMED

Two familiar Chamber faces honored for giving their time to the community.

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SPECIAL MILESTONE DIRECTORY

Chamber businesses come together to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of their headquarters.

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BUSINESS WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG

JOURNAL

VOL. 29, NO. 9

Chamber members among fastestgrowing businesses

TM

AN AWARD-WINNING, MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SEPTEMBER 2012

The lobby of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 5934 Priestly Drive, as it appears today.

BY JOSÉ A. LÓPEZ Editor | Carlsbad Business Journal

In what many categorize as a tough economic climate, Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 | 5000 is a list of good news, highlighting the stories of America’s fastest-growing private companies.

The companies that make the list are set forth as examples of the independent entrepreneurs that are doing things right, helping the economy to grow.

The 2012 edition of the list came out late last month, and six members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce are on it.

The six companies are: Sullivan Solar Power (number 1,102), the Samuel Scott Financial Group (1,630), ACD, formerly known as AutoClaimsDirect (1,712), Stone Brewing (2,063), Peek Packaging (3,234) and Oceanside Photo and Telescope (4,360).

This is Sullivan Solar Power’s third consecutive time on the list. Over the course of those three years, the company, which was founded in 2004, has added 59 employees (it currently has 67 on its payroll). It’s growth over the past three years has been 288 percent. The company had $16.7 million in revenue in 2011.

“Our company is one of the longest-standing locally-headquartered solar firms in the region and has more than 1,000 customers,” said Erica Johnson, director of community relations and development for Sullivan Solar Power. “Our commitment to quality workmanship, in the residential sector and for high profile institutional projects, such as SDSU, UCSD and the Port of San Diego have allowed for us to build the company

Gary Hill, the Chamber's board chairman in 2002, and Chairman-Elect Workers put up the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's name atop the Fred Arbuckle unveil the Chamber's donor wall. building in 2002.

A HOME ALL ITS OWN Chamber celebrates 10-year anniversary at 5934 Priestly Drive

5934 Priestly Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

PRESORT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #67 Carlsbad, CA

SEE INC 5000 Page 8

BY JOSÉ A. LÓPEZ

Editor | Carlsbad Business Journal

Sept. 27 will be a special day for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

That’s when the Chamber will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its headquarters at 5934 Priestly Drive. It’s not just the celebration of a building, though. The flattopped, rust-colored home, with its airy, modernistic interior design, is more than offices for Chamber staff and a hub for Chamber members to gather for workshops and events — it’s an integral part of the identity of the Carlsbad Chamber

of Commerce, which next year will celebrate its 90th anniversary.

It’s purchase is a testament to the steady leadership that had guided this organization — the second-largest of its kind in San Diego County and 10th-largest in the state — through nearly nine decades of leadership and excellence. In short, the Chamber would not be what it is today without this, its home. It is in this place that the Chamber as been able to solidify its commitment to excellence and strive to be a true reflection of its members.

Though some might find it hard

to believe, this is the first building the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce has owned.

Since it’s inception in 1923, the Chamber went through a series of homes. Up until the early ‘60s, the Chamber was housed in the old train depot. In the last 20 years, the Chamber has moved three times.

There used to be the office space on Avenida Encinas where staff meetings had to be held in a hallway. Then there was the storefront in what is now the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, occupying a space

SEE ANNIVERSARY, Page 14

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Help your business take a bite of the $8 billion tourism pie GETAWAY San Diego wants to help hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses “be found” by tourists visiting our area.

How do they make that happen?

By using multi-media tools to showcase who you are, what you do, and what you offer. Their goal is to make you successful. Where other media companies just ask hotels to place their product in their rooms, GETAWAY considers them to be a partner and a member of the GETAWAY family, not just a distribution channel.

GETAWAY is an in-room magazine that gives tourists the information they need to find the best of what our area has to offer. Filled with editorial content, local listings and advertisements that are relevant to the San Diego area, the GETAWAY San Diego travel magazine offers the inside tips on what to do, where to go, and most

Andy Seeley, Publisher 888-803-1147 ext. 6 andy@PlanMyGetaway.com ww.PlanMyGetaway.com importantly, where they should spend their money, which estimates say is $8 billion in San Diego.

A COMBINATION OF NEW AND TRADITIONAL MEDIA GETAWAY encourages hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses to use every outlet they have to reach out to tourists.

Through the use of their website (PlanMyGetaway.com), their quarterly print magazine, Youtube videos, podcasts and anything else

they can come up with, your business will “be found” by people who are visiting this area.

Not just a magazine, GETAWAY San Diego also seeks to educate you about the tourist market and how you can tap into it to help your business grow. The media products that GETAWAY offers support the various ways tourists like to receive

travel information. However, it’s the editorial philosophy and code of ethics behind these products which makes them highly effective for your business.

GETAWAY’s goal is to become the local friend to visitors who travel to the San Diego area. They openly

SEE GETAWAY, Page 8

PAGE TWO

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E A T U R E

Summer may be coming to an end, but if you’re an art or music lover – or if you just want an excuse to do one big thing before your attention turns toward fall – then Carlsbad has just what you’re looking for.

Both the ArtSplash Chalk Art and Entertainment Festival and the Carlsbad Music Festival take place on the fourth weekend of September. Here’s an overview of both events:

CARLSBAD MUSIC FESTIVAL Date: Sept. 21-23, various times Location: Various indoor and outdoor locations in Carlsbad Village Cost: Prices vary. Some events are free. Tickets for select events

ARTSPLASH When: Saturday, Sept. 22 (from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.); Sunday,

Sept. 23 (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Location: Armada Drive above The Flower Fields.

Cost: Parking, admission, the music and entertainment is free.

Tickets for Taste@ArtSplash (Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.) are available onsite and in advance by emailing kathydennett@att.net More information: www.carlsbadartsplash.org

T

his year, ArtSplash will celebrate its 10th year of supporting art and music education in North County Schools and celebrating the fine arts in all of its representations.

The event features hands-on art activities. Its signature sight is the chalk art replicas of famous works that come to life on the street as people watch.

It also offers music, entertainment (such as the Animal Crackers Conspiracy puppeteers); a children’s area; sand sculpting; graffiti art; competitions on flower décor and cake decoration; and fine art vendors.

As the event draws to a close on Sunday, Studio 2 artists Ron Juncal and Phyllis Swanson will complete a portrait of the iconic Marilyn Monroe fashioned from 1,000 recycled plastic water bottles.

The event’s top mission is to raise funds for art and music in North County schools (to see the list of 2012-2013 grants, see our story on Page 17). Since its inception, the event has donated more than $29,000 to local schools.

range from $15 to $20; a festival pass is $85.

More information: www.carlsbadmusicfestival.org

C

alled “one of the area’s most innovative music showcases” on KPBS and lauded as “magnificently enlightening” in the Los Angeles Times, the Carlsbad Music Festival will celebrate its ninth year of presenting “adventurous music by the beach” this year.

World-class performers and a lineup of the most interesting musicians in the genres of classical, folk, jazz and world music come together to create an eclectic event, one that this year earned a prestigious Artworks Grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.

This year’s performers include the Calder Quartet with its contemporary take on the string quartet, to Sara Watkins, formerly of Nickel Creek, who offers a contemporary take on bluegrass and pop, to Wu Man’s international take on the traditional Chinese pipa (He’s part of Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble).

The festival will also offer composer Michael Gordon’s “Timber,” a work that features six percussionists playing amplified and tuned two-by-fours.

The event begins Friday, Sept. 21 with a free Village Music Walk. Free and admission-based programs are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at several locations, including Carlsbad Village Theatre, St. Michael’s by the Sea and the Harding Community Center.

The Calder Quartet plays at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Carlsbad Village Theatre (Tickets are $20), while Sara Watkins will perform a free concert (with priority seats available for $20) at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday at Magee Park.

Visit the festival’s website for complete details.

SEPTEMBER 2012

The City of Carlsbad has chosen the recipients of its Citizens of the Year awards, which recognize members of the community who have dedicated themselves to improving Carlsbad through their outstanding service.

And you know what this year’s honorees have in common? Well, they’re both active members — and former chairs — of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, of course.

KUDOS to Stephen “Hap” L’Heureux and Gina McBride, Carlsbad’s Citizens of the Year for 2012.

Let me tell you a little bit more about them.

Stephen “Hap” L’Heureux has been committed to serving the City of Carlsbad since he and his late wife, Ann, arrived in the city in 1972. Ann, who died in 2005, was named a Carlsbad Citizen of the Year in 2003. The Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park was named in her honor.

L’Heureux, runs the Law Offices of Stephen M. L’Heureux.

According to a release for the City of Carlsbad announcing his selection, L'Heureux is a "low-key activist who sees himself as someone who puts his shoulder to the wheel when times call for people to start pushing.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of things behind the scenes, and I don’t like to get kudos,” L’Heureux said.

L’Heureux has served three stints on the Carlsbad Planning Commission, 18 years total.

He was president of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce during his second term on the planning commission, when voters approved the Growth Management Plan in 1986 to ensure that needed public facilities keep pace with new development in the City of Carlsbad.

“Whether it’s the city or the chamber, I had my fingers in those pies.

You either complain or roll up your sleeves and get it done, my family has always believed,” he said in the statement.

Gina McBride is my immediate

INDEX CITY UPDATE................................4 VILLAGE BEAT..............................5 EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE.........6 LEGISLATIVE CORNER...................6 LEGAL LINES................................7 MEMBER DIGEST.........................9 EDUCATION NEWS.......................16,17 REAL ESTATE UPDATE...................19 BUSINESS BUZZ...........................19 MILESTONE DIRECTORY...............14-15 MEMBER MARKETPLACE..............19

CHAIRMAN’S KUDOS

Chairman of the Board CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

predecessor, and we all know her dedication to helping people in need.

“To me everyone can be a philanthropist, everyone can be a giver,” said McBride of McBride Financial Advisory.

McBride service is widespread and includes being on the board of the New Village Arts Theatre, being chairwoman of the Mottino Family YMCA in Oceanside, serving on the board of Interfaith Community Services, and being a member of the Cal State San Marcos President’s University Council.

She was a founding member of Imagine Carlsbad and the city’s Envision Carlsbad Citizens Committee.

She also has served on the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation board.

She is a member of the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club.

In 2010, she launched the Starfish Leadership Award to recognize area residents who has made a difference in the lives of others.

Gina McBride and Stephen "Hap" L'Heureux, Carlsbad's Citizens of the Year.

WORDS OF WISDOM TED OWEN

McBride and L’Heureux, lauded for their service

CARLTON LUND

Carlsbad's Citizens of the Year have strong ties to Chamber

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President & CEO CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thoughts for leaders Times are still tough, but some progress is beginning to blossom, at least with those people who do not let fear, falsehoods or negative thoughts permeate their road to success.

We have enough people who tell it like it is — now we could use a few folks who tell it like it can be.

Here are some observations that add to my shopping list for success and motivation.

Read these and see how many you can commit to trying or implementing.

• The nation is full of qualified coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players.

• You cannot lead where you have never been or go.

• Do-so is more important than say-so.

• Why is there such a big difference between these four-letter words, “Said” and “Done”?

• Let’s not simply talk about our company values, let’s simply put them into action. Let’s not memorize the plan, let’s live it.

• Rule for a leader: Innovate or abdicate. Rule for companies: Innovate or evaporate.

• The best leaders are not interested in selling their own ideas, but in finding the best ideas. They are not interested in having their own way, but finding the best way.

• We are all born originals—why is it so many of us die copies?

One last comment before I end this column.

A great future leader was born Aug. 29 at 8:04 a.m. His name is Graham Allen Lund, son of Tyson and Jennifer Lund and grandson to Carlton and Sandy Lund. Watch for him in the future.

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CARLSBAD BUSINESS JOURNAL

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CITY UPDATE

New projects show confidence in Carlsbad’s future KATHY DODSON

CITY NEWS

Economic Development Manager CITY OF CARLSBAD

The Palomar Commons at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, is scheduled to open next summer. It will have a Lowe's home improvement store, as well as other retail outlets including a California Bank & Trust and a Chipotle Mexican Grill.

“W

“

I took a drive around Carlsbad recently and was struck, as I often am, by our city’s natural beauty.

But I was struck by something else as well — the large number of construction projects that are in progress in our lovely city. In every corner of Carlsbad, someone was moving dirt, sinking utilities into the ground or putting walls and roofs on new buildings.

The City of Carlsbad is attracting investment dollars, which displays a vote of confidence in Carlsbad’s economic future. Investors are saying with their checkbooks that Carlsbad is a good place to do business.

On the retail front, Palomar Commons is taking shape at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. Due to open next summer, this project will be anchored by a 150,000-square-foot Lowe’s home improvement store, and will include 31,000 square feet of other retail outlets, including a California Bank & Trust, a Chipotle Mexican Grill, a service station and car wash, and other stores and services.

Palomar Commons will occupy 16 acres formerly taken up by the Olympic Resort, which closed in 2009. Colton Sudberry, president of Sudberry Properties, the developer, said that after the hotel closed and plans for an athletic club did not move forward, his firm studied the site to find its highest and best use.

hat attracts companies to Carlsbad is the fact that it's a well-planned, well-run city.

— Tim Stripe, co-president, Grand Pacific Resorts

“It was determined that the best use of the site was for retail,” Sudberry said. He also noted that the city of Carlsbad doesn’t have a largescale home improvement store, and that residents were taking that business out of town.

“Lowe’s thought it would serve the community and so did we,” Sudberry said. He noted that Carlsbad’s approval process went smoothly, but it took time to get other approvals because the site is across the street from McClellan-Palomar Airport and needed federal approval.

“The city was great to work with,”

Sudberry said. “They have tough requirements, but they were very judicious. They were quick in their review times and straightforward. It was a good process.”

The project is expected to generate more than $450,000 in tax revenue annually for the city, which will help pay for such everyday services as police and fire protection, libraries and parks.

Another project that we’re pleased to see is the new Pizza Port company headquarters and brewpub, which is under construction in Bressi Ranch. Pizza Port already

has an award-winning brewpub in Carlsbad Village, and three others in San Diego and Orange counties.

The city also is seeing some residential projects in progress, including the La Costa Village Townhomes, which consists of 53 condominiums at El Camino Real and Dove Lane.

This project, near the Carlsbad City Library, was approved in 2006 and addresses a growing demand for condominium housing in the city.

On the tourism front, LEGOLAND California is building a new hotel that will feature 250 LEGO-themed rooms. The park has grown its attendance every year and sees the hotel as a way to improve the LEGOLAND experience for its core customers— families with children ages 2 to 12 years old.

“I’m very glad to say we have been able to continue our volume growth story despite the economy, which has been great not only for our continued expansion plans but for an increase in our employment

Introducing ... the Carlsbad

numbers as well,” said Peter Ronchetti, Legoland general manager.

The hotel is expected to open next year.

Adjacent to LEGOLAND, Grand Pacific Resorts is building an amenities center that will serve its Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa, which will offer 350 timeshares when completed. The center will include two 5,000-square-foot swimming pools, three 200-square-foot spas, a 2,000-square-foot clubhouse, a 2,100-square-foot fitness center, an indoor game room, an outdoor bar and grill and deck that can seat 700 people.

Tim Stripe, co-president of Grand Pacific Resorts said that 80 of the 350 timeshares have been completed.

“What attracts companies to Carlsbad is the fact that it’s a wellplanned, well-run city,” Stripe said.

“When our organization looked at where we wanted to do things 20 years ago, we liked the Carlsbad area.”

Business Academy

Presented by the

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the City of Carlsbad Learn about how the city government works, what the city is doing for business and the vision for Carlsbad’s future. Get to know elected officials and the city’s management staff.

Join us for four breakfast sessions, including an introductory session with a bus tour overview of Carlsbad’s newest developments. n n n n

Tuesday, Oct. 2 Tuesday, Oct. 16 Tuesday, Oct. 30 Tuesday, Nov. 13

7:30-10:00 a.m.

7:30-9:00 a.m.

7:30-9:30 a.m.

7:30-9:30 a.m.

Overview & Bus Tour Policy & Leadership Quality Services for Businesses Starting & Growing a Business in Carlsbad

For more information contact Kathy Dodson, economic development manager, at kathy.dodson@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-2744.

SEPTEMBER 2012

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VILLAGE BEAT

ASHLEY WESTMAN

A downtown with many voices is not heard VILLAGE BEAT

Project Manager URBAN PLACE CONSULTING GROUP

Communication is key when it comes to running successful downtowns. The message should be consistent, reliable and come from one source. And because people seek information in different ways, downtowns must communicate their message in a variety of formats. We’ve been working to improve communication in Carlsbad Village over the past few months in a number of different ways: • A full-color business directory.

The directory lists more than 350 Village businesses and was distributed to hotels, local businesses and visitor information locations. We also have some at the Village Workshop, 530-A Grand Ave. • A newly launched website: www.carlsbad-village.com. The directory above is also online! This is a great way for locals and tourists alike to see everything the Village has to offer, including upcoming events. Be sure to check out the blog by clicking on “What’s New.” • Updated social media. Our new Facebook page (“Carlsbad Village”) replaced the “Carlsbad Village Association” page to serve a broader audience. Be sure to “like” the new page to stay up-to-date on events, deals, and revitalization news.

• Village Works e-blasts. If you’re on our mailing list, you’ve received our periodic email newsletters with recent projects and upcoming meetings and events. If you haven’t

UPCOMING VILLAGE EVENTS Carlsbad Village’s new business directory.

ARE YOU A VILLAGE BUSINESS OWNER?

Here’s how you can help us expand the communication network in the Village: 1. Visit the new website at www.carlsbad-village.com.

2. “Like” the “Carlsbad Village” Facebook page using your business’ page.

3. We’ll “like” your business in return.

4. V erify your business information in the online directory. If we missed your business or made an error, click “Add or update your business listing” at the top of the Directory page to let us know!

5. K eep us informed of your business’ events, photos, and videos by emailing me (contact information below) or posting on the Facebook wall.

received these, be sure to visit our website and click “Join Our Mailing List” from the menu.

• The Village Workshop. Stop by our workshop at 530-A Grand Ave. to see what’s new or put your thoughts on our “Idea Wall.”

Minimum office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and by

appointment.

• Village Voices meetings. With a revised format and frequency, Village Voices covers different topics each month and involves all Village stakeholders. Held the fourth Wednesday of every month from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Village Workshop.

• This column! Coordinating with local partners, such as the Carlsbad

Chamber of Commerce, helps us reach a broader audience.

There are many ways to stay in touch, and this is just a start. With thoughtful communication and your help to grow the Village network, we can ensure everyone is aware of all that Carlsbad Village has to offer!

Westman can be reached at ashley@urbanplaceconsulting.com.

Certified Farmers’ Market Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1 - 5 p.m.

Roosevelt and Grand Parking Lot Village Faire Art Festival Sept. 1 - 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Village Faire Shopping Center 300 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad Music Festival Sept. 21 - 23 Times vary Throughout the Village Village Voices Sept. 26, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Village Workshop 530-A Grand Ave. Cruising the Art Scene Sept. 27, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Village Faire Shopping Center 300 Carlsbad Village Drive

Visit Carlsbad launches Internet marketing campaign

A still image from the “Carlsbad is Where...” video posted on YouTube that features Justin Jachura, co-founder of Señor Grubby’s.

Visit Carlsbad recently launched a new digital and social media marketing campaign.

The “Carlsbad is Where...” campaign is built around the idea that Carlsbad is where great stories are made, encouraging the community to share their own narratives. “‘Carlsbad is Where...’ is the perfect campaign for us,” said Sam Ross, Executive Director of Visit Carlsbad. “We are already amazed by incredible fan response and are thrilled with the high level of interactivity involved.”

Inventive digital assets support the campaign across all of Visit Carlsbad’s marketing platforms. A new landing page features a teaser video of natives, business owners, and

visitors completing their “Carlsbad is Where...” stories. The teaser will lead into four individual videos, set to be released on visitcarlsbad.com and social media pages.

In Visit Carlsbad’s active social media community, the “Carlsbad is Where...” conversation is going strong. Within just a few days, creative engagement content has received more than 50 comments, more than 20 shares, and more than 70 likes on Facebook and continues to garner new involvement each day.

Visit Carlsbad also devised a contest asking audience members to create a short video detailing their “Carlsbad is Where...” story.

If you have a Carlsbad tale to tell, here is how you can get involved:

• Tweet to @VisitCarlsbad, including the hashtag #CarlsbadIsWhere • Join the Visit Carlsbad community on Facebook to become part of the conversation.

• Connect to the contest microsite through social media and visitcarlsbad.com to share their own “Carlsbad is Where...” stories.

• All videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winner will be announced via visitcarlsbad.com, Facebook and Twitter in early October. There will also be a “Fan Favorite” determined by community votes.

•“Carlsbad is Where...” can be experienced visitcarlsbad.com/ carlsbad-california-video-contest; www.facebook.com/CarlsbadCA and www.twitter.com/visitcarlsbad.

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EXPANDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

With the recession, many traditional sources of investment capital either turned the taps down to a trickle or dried up completely. With hedge funds, venture capital groups and angel investors scarce, inventors and small start-ups began looking elsewhere. For many, that led to Kickstarter and other crowd funding sites.

Crowd funding draws its roots to the creativity shown by several rock bands in the late ‘90s which, lacking money to pay for tours and albums, reached out to their fans for support prior to the concert or album.

Indie movies also got into the act, soliciting donations, again from fans and followers, to pay for the movie to be created.

Ten years later, organizations such as Kickstarter began offering inventors and entrepreneurs the platform from which they could pitch their ideas and projects to the general public, focusing on enticing a stranger to invest as opposed to relying on a pre-existing fan base.

Kickstarter is one of the most popular crowd funding Internet sites today.

To get on Kickstarter, an inventor

ERIC HANSCOM

The ins and outs of crowd funding STAY INFORMED

Managing Attorney InterContinental IP

submits a proposal. If the proposal is accepted by Kickstarter (and not all are accepted), the inventor can put up a video or other media describing the product, the inventor, and what they are going to do with the money requested.

Next to the video is a list of different “pledge” amounts and what the investor gets for his or her investment.

The inventor also has to set a time limit for pledges; if the investment requested is reached by the deadline, the project is “funded.”

If the deadline passes without enough money pledged, the project dies on the vine.

Crowd funding, however, is not without its drawbacks, and there have been many inventors who

have either been turned down by Kickstarter or not made their goals.

Another problem inventors face by using crowd funding is that their videos and other promotion would count as “prior art” under 35 USC 102 (yeah, I know, you thought we’d get through an entire article without the boring lawyer citing a boring law), which means that you should really be patent pending before you put this out on Kickstarter.

There also may be a cloud on the crowd, in that the federal government is still trying to figure out if, and how, securities laws may apply to these sites.

As a result, many crowd funding sites are actively (actively sounds better than “frantically”, doesn’t it?) re-working their terms to try to stay within the law, but inventors should be keeping a wary eye on new federal regulations and interpretations thereof.

At the same time, crowd funding is alive and well, at least for now, so if you have an invention or are trying to get a start-up off the ground, it is definitely worth considering.

Hanscom can be reached at eric@ iciplaw.com

When a neighbor at a backyard barbeque jokes that we can’t wake up in California without breaking a law, you know the luster has been stripped from the Golden State.

Even more troubling is the sheer number of unnecessary, costly and burdensome bills known as “job killers” that pass the legislature.

This year alone, we reviewed bills that would regulate dog groomers, prohibit the use of Styrofoam containers for food-to-go and add new mandates on businesses looking to hire the unemployed.

Since my election to the State Assembly in 2006, more than 15,650 bills have been introduced.

Time and valuable resources are spent on hundreds of lack luster bills that crush business and create economic chaos.

I believe one way to mitigate the damage resulting from years of over-regulation through this type of “bill factory” is to return California to a part-time legislature. That’s why I introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 28 (ACA 28) in hopes of restoring California to a state known for its expanding economy, emerging entrepreneurs and employment opportunities.

Many are unaware that until 1966, California legislators only met in Sacramento for a portion of the year, earned a fraction of what they do now and returned to their districts to live under the laws they created.

California, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York are the only states with full-time legislatures and these states are all in financial trouble. Texas and Florida, the two most populated states next to California, operate with part-time bodies.

Under my proposed ACA 28, elected officials will spend fewer days in Sacramento, submit fewer

MARTIN GARRICK

Making the cause for a Part-Time Legislature DISTRICT UPDATE

Assemblyman ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER EMERITUS

bills and pass fewer new laws providing regulatory and financial relief for those who live and work here.

Additionally, ACA 28 will create a two-year budget cycle and significantly reduce legislator salaries.

At a time of chronic budget deficits, the discovery of $54 million in surplus funds hidden in the State Parks Department and the governor’s call for tax increases, it’s critical the legislature focus on getting its house in order.

Following the state parks debacle, the Department of Finance reviewed other accounts only to uncover more than $233 million in reserves hidden in 18 other special funds. It’s unconscionable that voters will be asked in November to support raising taxes while parks and other state agencies may be hoarding taxpayer funds.

I believe ACA 28 will force the legislature to focus on priorities beginning with accurate budgeting and appropriate oversight. The outcome would mean the overreaching arm of state government would be severed and over $200 million in taxpayer savings realized.

If the state is truly looking for ways to run more efficiently and cut expenses, saving millions of dollars by returning to a part-time legislature is one solution that is hiding in plain sight.

SEPTEMBER 2012

LEGAL LINES

ESTATE LAW

BUSINESS LAW

PATRICIA L. ANDEL, ESQ. | Law Office of Patricia L. Andel, a Professional Corporation

IAN MCDANIEL | The McDaniel Firm

How can a disabled family member inherit from me without jeopardizing the disabled person from qualifying for public assistance?

A properly structured special needs trust (“SNT”) allows a disabled person to have access to family funds without being disqualified from federal and state public benefit programs. Such trusts generally are funded upon the death of the donor and typically are drafted as part of a living trust, although a stand-alone trust document can be drafted and structured to receive gifts from several donors.

Assets that ANDEL can be owned by the SNT include real property, personal property, cash, stocks and bonds. Moreover, the SNT can be named as a beneficiary of life insurance policies.

The trustee of the SNT will have full discretion to determine how to best utilize the funds to supplement the basic benefits provided from government public assistance agencies.

The SNT is drafted so that the inherited funds will not be considered

as belonging to the beneficiary in determining eligibility for “needsbased” or “means-tested” public benefits; rather, the trust itself holds title to the property for the benefit of the disabled beneficiary.

“Needs-based” public benefits include SSI, Medi-Cal, IHSS (inhome support services), and Section 8 housing.

“Special needs” are defined broadly and include anything necessary to maintain the beneficiary’s health, safety, and well-being when such benefits are not provided by public assistance agencies. These needs include rehabilitation/training programs, education, entertainment, recreation, social outings, vacations, home repairs/improvements, cleaning/laundry services, telephone, television, internet, computers, adaptive equipment, companion services, home health aides, personal hygiene, furniture, clothing, cigarettes, transportation, legal advice, burial expenses and certain medical needs not covered under Medi-Cal. Proper estate planning with the SNT will balance family resources with those available from public agencies, enhancing the beneficiary’s quality of life without jeopardizing the receipt of valuable public assistance.

Andel can be reached at Patricia@ AndelLaw.com

What are the filing and record-keeping requirements for my corporation?

There are numerous filing and record-keeping requirements for California corporations. In this space, I will only discuss the basic filing and record-keeping requirements related to the corporate form.

In addition to the following, corporations must comply with securities laws and regulations, state and federal tax codes, and other state and local laws.

The articles of incorporation are the first document typically filed with the secretary of state. Within 90 days of the date on which the articles of incorporation are filed, the corporation must file an initial statement of information. A statement of information must be filed annually thereafter. Publicly traded corporations are subject to additional filing requirements. Other corporate acts, including merger, conversion, and dissolution, must be accompanied by a filing with the secretary of state.

A California corporation is required by the California Corporations Code to maintain certain records of its internal proceedings and governing documents at its principal executive office.

These records are the corporation’s

This column gives you the opportunity to tap into the expertise of attorneys who are members of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. If you’d like to submit a question for consideration, send it to jlopez@carlsbad.org. The responses provided in the article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. A response in this article by an attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship between the attorney and the reader. The opinions expressed at or through this article are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the Chamber, its employees, agents, directors or members — Lee Sterling, guest editor

bylaws, minutes of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings and actions by written consent. The directors and shareholders MCDANIEL of many corporations choose to act by written consent, rather than holding a formal meeting of directors or shareholders.

Whether actions by shareholders or directors are approved by resolution at a meeting or by written consent, a written record of the action must be maintained by the corporation.

A record of all of the shareholders, along with each shareholder’s name, address and the number and classes of shares held, must be maintained at the corporation’s principal executive office. The record of shareholders may be kept in written form or a form capable of being convertible into clearly legible tangible form.

An attorney with experience in this practice area can help you ensure that your records and filings comply with the law.

McDaniel can be reached at i.mcdaniel@themcdanielfirm.com

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NC 5000 › IContinued from Page 1

Overall, the company is ranked 92nd in the financial services category and 32nd in San Diego. The 30-employee company, which had $3.5 into a local household name and a word-of- million in revenue in 2011, mouth reputation. In 2012, Sullivan Solar has experienced 180 perPower launched a countywide solar incentive cent growth in the last three program that allows homeowners the oppor- years. tunity to get paid to go solar. This has been “Being recognized on the instrumental for our firm’s growth this year.” Inc. 5000 list is an absolute The company said its inclusion in the list honor for a locally-owned is a great accomplishment, one that inspires company,” said Todd Pianin, the team to continue its work to help its cus- owner and president. “It’s a tomers and the country move toward energy testament to our hard work independence. and superior customer ser- This is the first time that the Samuel Scott Financial Group has This is the first time that the Samuel Scott vice. We’ve been able to made the Inc. 5000 list.

Financial Group, which provides “boutique grow steadily because we stay mortgage services in the residential financing true to our foundation and treat people with we can and helping them grow by increasing area” has been included in the Inc. 5000. respect. We don’t think of our sales team as their industry-related education,” said CEO loan originators. They are mortgage advisors. Ernie Bray. “This is a motivator for our employThey do a lot more than just take orders, they ees, and it makes them feel they’re part of guide clients to a financial solution that truly a very successful company and their work makes sense for their life.” hasn’t gone unnoticed. Really, we all share ACD, which has 34 employees, has made in this award.” the list four consecutive years. This year it’s This is also the fourth time that Peek Packranked 20th in the insurance category and 34 aging, a five-employee company that designs in San Diego. It reported a revenue of $8.6 mil- custom, environmentally-friendly packing lion in 2011 and has experienced 167 percent materials for retail, industrial, food and biogrowth in the last three years. tech industries has been included in the list. It “This is a testament to what we’ve done, had revenue of $5.2 million in 2011 and has Sullivan Solar Power was ranked 1,102 in the and to our philosophy of hiring the best people grown 63 percent over the last three years. It is ranked 61st in growth in San Diego.

Inc. 5000 list.

CEO Bob Peek says that from his perspective, the economy is booming. He sees people buying everywhere.

5055 Avenida Encinas Suite 130 “I think weak companies that were bloated (760) 931-1021 were the ones that ran out of money,” Bray License # 0F06620 said. “Lean companies that were stealthy and info@brubakerassociates.com could react to market conditions swiftly are “Your Local Insurance Agency for All Your Needs” doing fine.”

As for his company, Peek said his company • Auto • Home • Life • Health • Boat • RV • Business • Business Auto • Worker’s Comp is a leader in its niche market.

“We worked our market and keep adding new accounts, and that seems like it worked.”

BEST VALUE in coverages This is the eighth time that Stone Brewing designed for your needs and has been included in the list, and it has been comprehensive protection included for the last six years. This year it’s ranked 56th in the food industry and 43 in San EXCELLENT, TOP RATED Diego. It reported revenue of $83.9 million in 2011 and has 424 employees. It’s grown 127 companies to choose from percent in the last three years. for your benefit Oceanside Photo & Telescope has been on the list twice, the last time in 2008. OceansRESPONSIVE, PROFESSIONAL ide-based OPT has 30 employees and has service from people you grown 26 percent over the last three years.

KNOW & TRUST! It’s reported 2011 revenue is $17 million, and www.brubakerassociates.com it’s the 85th fastest-growing company in San Diego, according to the magazine.

ETAWAY › GContinued from Page 1 interact with the reader to provide recommendations in a friendly, approachable and understandable manner.

By doing so, it makes it easy for readers to embrace what’s being said, and get excited about all of the fun places to go, things to do, and places to eat.

Before an advertising partner is selected for the magazine, they are fully reviewed by the GETAWAY staff to make sure it’s a place they would spend their money. So, you know if you see them mentioned online or in print through GETAWAY, then it’s worth a visit. There are several advertising opportunities with GETAWAY, through display advertising ranging from full-page to one-sixth page, video production and online exposure.

Working hand-in-hand with their website, visitors can view in their hotel rooms on their nightstands an interactive magazine, which includes a full up-to-the-minute event calendar, and listings for restaurants, activities, shopping, lodging, and past articles all linked from print to online through QR (Quick Response) Codes.

GETAWAY San Diego staff are also very social – you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube where they encourage conversation and interaction with tourists, and where they guide customers to your business. They also offer you the chance to not only “be found”, but to “be seen and heard” too. Through video, audio, and tourism consulting services, GETAWAY can help you become more involved and available to your clientele. GETAWAY proudly puts their on-air talent to work for you with tourism video packages.

You also have the option of using them to help you create your own marketing team through their Tourism Consulting Services. If you’re ready to be found, be seen, and be heard, then be confident that GETAWAY San Diego can make it happen.

The spotlight is a paid advertorial feature. To get your company in the spotlight, contact Julie Miramontes at julie@carlsbad.org or call 760-931-8400.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY. Las Villas de Carlsbad is a community that cultivates friendship and inspires an adventurous spirit, where caring is what we do for each other. That’s a real community. That’s an Elmcroft community.

Independent Living | Assisted Living Skilled Nursing | Respite Care

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Schedule your personal visit and ask about our

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760.434.7116 For more information visit

ElmcroftSeniorLiving.com

1088 Laguna Drive | Carlsbad, CA 92008 | ElmcroftSeniorLiving.com Lic# 374602545, 080000515

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Meet some of the Chamber's newest members and those celebrating milestones.

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MEMBER DIGEST

SEPTEMBER 2012

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WHAT'S INSIDE

› Sundowner › First Friday › On The Move

› Renewals › Ribbon Cuttings › New Members

› And More...

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Applications must be submitted by September 17 Do you envision yourself as a leader? Do you know someone who is a devoted member of the chamber and would enjoy contributing even more?

The Chamber’s Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors vacancies for 2013. If you are interested in a director position, or if you want to nominate someone, please contact the Chamber by September 17, 2012.

The board represents all segments of the local business community, including hoteliers, family-owned companies, corporations, educational institutions, hospitals, and civic agencies.

For more information, contact Toni Padron, executive vice president/COO at the Chamber at (760) 931-8400 ext. 212

MEMBERSHIP COUNTS

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Vice President, Corporate and Member Relations CARLSBAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Expo is a great venue for attendees to interact with a company. They can ask questions and find out about a product without feeling that they’re setting themselves up for a hard sell.

You might be able to do some fact-finding easily on the web, but you can’t compete with the immediacy of the personal interaction.

This year, we have some exciting new features, in addition to the business booths that have signed up for the Expo.

We have a Windows 8 Preview Party, which is sponsored by Microsoft.

Small business owners turn to the Microsoft Store as a resource for the latest technology, as well as technical advice and expertise to help them grow and thrive. At the Carlsbad Business Expo, small business specialists from the Microsoft Store will host a device bar where Expo attendees can explore and test-drive devices including lightning-fast ultrabooks, laptops and Windows Phones, as well as preview the much anticipated Windows 8 operating system on touchscreen slates.

2012

Want to find out about some great products and services from a selection of trusted Chamber members, do some networking and get a first look at Microsoft’s eagerly-anticipated Windows 8 operating system?

Then make plans to attend the 22nd Annual Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, which will take place from 1-6 p.m. at the La Costa Resort and Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road.

The 2012 Expo is the place to be if you want to find out about some really cool products.

Exhibitors often use the Business Expo as an opportunity to showcase their newest offerings.

I, personally, get great joy in watching the interactions that take place at the annual expo between the members of the public and the exhibitors. Those who come up to a booth and ask questions or look around learn things about the companies that they never knew before.

BEV JORGENSEN

Do you have what it takes to join our board?

It’s time for the 2012 Business Expo B U S I N E S S

EXPO

California Fruit Wine, On the Tracks Brewery and Menchie’s Frozen yogurts will be giving out samples of their products.

For members of the public, we’re offering the opportunity to attend the event for free!

Just use the coupon on Page 13 (or scan the QR code) to get free admission ($10 value).

There is free parking for the event.

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Expo!

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MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Cassidy Turley San Diego has announced that Jack Harris has joined the company as an associate vice president with the multi-family investments team. Harris joins the company with nearly a decade of experience in multi-family real estate including asset acquisitions and dispositions, process evaluation and reorganization, and data management and analysis.

He will work out of Cassidy Turley’s Carlsbad office.

HARRIS

Hospice of the North Coast has appointed Christine Knutson, a skilled health and wellness professional with more than 40 years of nursing experience as director of community education and outreach.

In this newly created position, Knutson oversees the community liaisons and HNC’s Pathways Program, designed for support and education for people with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

KNUTSON

Daniel Foster has been appointed executive director of the Oceanside Museum of Art. He starts on Oct. 1. Over the past nine years, Foster has raised well over $25 million and has become recognized nationally for his leadership in the fields of art and philanthropy.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS For complete listings visit www.carlsbad.org

Accessories

Elder Care

Purse Party Online

My Mai 714-933-5865 www.pursepartyonline.com We are a family owned business operating for over 30 years. We specialize in women’s purses, wallets and accessories.

Attorneys

Mortlock Law Group

Bryan Mortlock 760-930-0546 www.mortlocklaw.com The Mortlock Law Group is based in Carlsbad and serves the entire North County community in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury.

Clothing - Men’s & Women’s

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH MICHAEL SHEA | AdviCoach | www.mseah.advicoach.com

Q. How has your business

benefitted from your Chamber membership?

Primarily from the relationships it has allowed me to develop. After a successful career in the corporate world, I decided to spend the rest of my working years helping small businesses. The only issue was 30 years in the corporate world hadn’t helped me build any relationships with local small business owners.

The Chamber provides a significant number of platforms to meet and get to know other business people in the community. My favorite events are the First Friday breakfast and the Table for 8 because you get a chance to meet and learn a lot about 7 new people. The tables are hosted by trained facilitators to

ensure that everyone gets equal time. There are a myriad of other opportunities to network including the SHEA Sundowners, Coffee Connection, ChamberNet10 and workshops.

If you haven’t been to one of these events in a while plan on attending one this month. There are new businesses joining the Chamber all the time and you’re guaranteed to meet someone new.

Shea can be reached at mshea@ advicoach.com

Erin Green 760-431-8806 www.tommy.com As one of the world’s leading premium lifestyle brands, Tommy Hilfiger delivers superior styling, quality and value to consumers worldwide. The brand celebrates the essence of Classic American Cool and provides a refreshing twist to classic, American fashion.

Consultants

Inner Edge Consulting

Eileen Mendel 619-368-1770 www.inneredgeconsulting.com I offer transformational mind, body, spirit life coaching, inspirational public speaking, workshops, and am currently writing a book.

Foods - Specialty Frutopia

Garett Shandler 213-361-0153 Selling delicious chocolate covered fruit on a stick, crepes & fresh squeezed juices at street faires & festivals..

LaserAway

Brock Heckmann 760-929-9944 www.laseraway.net LaserAway - we are the leaders in cosmetic laser & aesthetic services.

Internet Marketing

Start Ranking Now, Inc.

Nicole Munoz 760-494-7883 www.startrankingnow.com We offer search engine optimization and online marketing services including Lead Generation from Inbound Marketing. As Infusionsoft and Hubspot Consultants, we will help you set up an automated marketing system that will turn your leads from prospects to clients.

Investments & Investment Banking Harrison Capital

Dog Training

Whole Dog Sports Center

Lyssa Noble-Dennis 760-931-2600 www.wholedogsports.com A 6,000-square foot indoor dog sports facility specializing in agility and other dog sports. We also offer behavior clinics, canine chiropractic and acupuncture therapy and social events.

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magine walking into a small, quaint house and finding yourself in the magical world of Geppetto’s toy cottage as seen in the animated movie “Pinocchio.” You have just entered The Smiling Elephant Children’s Toy Shop.

Located in the beautiful historic Carlsbad Village next to the Farmer’s Market, this charming little shop offers a great variety of toys, with low prices, matching those of long ago.

What makes it possible for The Smiling Elephant to offer quality, unique toys at these incredible prices? Simple…Among the new and novel toys, you will also find recycled and restored toys. We appreciate the innovate ideas in the toy industry, but we also have a love for vintage and traditional toys.

The name of the shop was inspired by the maternal wisdom and strength represented by the elephant, characteristics many times possessed by teachers.

Our child-friendly staff are former teachers who consider the needs and abilities of all children when selecting toys for the shop.

The owner, Norma Rathgaber, has 25 years teaching experience and holds a master’s

William Soukup 760-494-7800 www.assistedtransition.com/northcounty We provide FREE senior living placement and referral services & take away the confusion & help you understand what option is best for you: assisted living, independent living, nursing homes, or home care. We offer FREE GUIDED TOURS to our clients.

Hair Removal

Tommy Hilfiger FOSTER

Assisted Transition North County

Leslie Robins 760-602-1986

Life Coach

Dorie Gerber Enterprises, LLC Dorie Gerber, PhD 760-730-5551 Life coach for senior care, life coach, trainer and minister-at-large.

Mobile Home Community

Organizations & Clubs

Lanikai Mobile Home Park c/o Ocean Park Estates, LLC

NCPA

Troy Shadian 949-797-9133 Lanikai Lane Mobile Home Park is an all-age mobile home park located across the street from Carlsbad State Beach.

Non-Profit Organizations Carlsbad Music Festival Matt McBane 760-518-9598 www.carlsbadmusicfestival.org The Carlsbad Music Festival is an annual event that features world-class adventurous performers and composers in the seaside Village of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad Republican Women Federated Marlene Towns 760-546-8434 www.carlsbadrepublicans.com Carlsbad Republican Women Federated is a local chartered unit of the National Federation of Republican Women and the California Federation of Republican Women.

Water 4 Life Ministry Nikki Neal 760-805-2550 www.water4lifeministry.org Provide portable lightweight Sawyer water filters to 3rd world countries to help stop the rapid rate of death in children ages 5 and under from contaminated drinking water.

Office Furnishings & Space Planning Furniture For The Office Mark Christy 760-975-1175 Office Furniture - sales and service, installation design/space planning, new and used furniture sales.

Suzanne Whitlock 858-587-3119 www.ncpasd.org ‘Where Today’s HR Leaders Shape Tomorrow’. NCPA is an association of HR leaders in North County. These leaders have been shaping our busine community for over 35 years.

Postal - Packaging & Shipping The UPS Store 3085

Donna Evans 760-944-9441 www.theupsstorelocal.com/3085 Our family-owned The UPS Store has served Encinitas/Carlsbad for over 15 years. One of the top The UPS Stores the U.S., we pride ourselves on good old fashioned customer service. Come see us for all your printing, copies, laminating, binding, freight, shipping and other needs.

Recycling Products & Systems Advantage Bio Fuels Group Scott Swain 619-888-3915 www.abfgrp.com Provides all restaurants & hotels a resource for collecting all the used cooking oil and grease. We provide new containers to store and hold the used oil. We recycle the old oil into bio- diesel.

Tradeshow & Promotion al Displays Zilla

Chris Russell 760-720-5311 www.zilladisplay.com Zilla is an ever-advancing design stud We conceptualize, advise on, and build 3-dimensional spaces. Exhibit conceptualization, trade show progra development, retail spaces, museum environments, and graphic design.

Expertly.

MEMBERS I

S THE SMILING ELEPHANT 2956 Roosevelt St., Ste. 1, Carlsbad 760-805-9447 www.thesmilingelephant.yolasite.com

degree in gifted education. We pride ourselves in being community service oriented and are always looking for ways to serve children and families in Carlsbad.

The Smiling Elephant also holds community events and has contributed to worthy causes and charities. It also holds workshops for a nominal fee on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. in Spanish, etiquette, science experiments, drawing, painting, sewing, cooking and dancing.

trategic IT Group is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of Kaiser & Associates, IT Consulting and Peiser Solutions. They have run information technology firms for the last 10 to 12 years. That along with another 10 to 15 years each of engineering and technology experience and you have a powerhouse team delivering strong IT services. By combining forces, they can offer a broader array of services while still providing the most responsive IT support in an outsourced package.

Beyond maintaining computer network systems, Strategic ITG services include systems design, project management and implementation, managed services, and complete outsourcing for businesses demanding high productivity systems and solutions in-house, or cloud-based.

Their managed services plan is particularly attractive to small businesses due to the high-level service at a fixed monthly fee. It’s designed to stabilize costs, improve system performance and minimize business risks associated with technology.

Those new to the managed services plan will be greeted with an in-depth evaluation of their existing infrastructure, hardware,

STRATEGIC IT GROUP 630 Alta Vista Drive, Ste. 204, Vista 760-598-5005 www.strategicitg.com

applications and technology vendors. Vulnerabilities are assessed, best practices are applied and then an IT ongoing support plan is put in place. Since the plan is based on a fixed monthly fee, costs are predictable.

Strategic ITG shoulders the technical risk so owners and managers can focus on running their business – a true partnership.

The owners, Cliff Kaiser and Dave Peiser, have been working together for several years but only recently entered into this cooperative effort. Strategic IT Group provides contract IT services to San Diego businesses with 15 to 75 people.

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SEPTEMBER 2012

CHAMBER WORKSHOPS

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EVENT CALENDAR

Power Networking returns for October First Friday Power Networking will return to the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Breakfast on Oct. 5.

This popular round-robin styled event introduces like-minded professionals and helps them make strategic business connections, resulting in expanded opportunities and broadened horizons. There’s no speaker to give you time to meet other chamber members and take control of your network-building future.

As attendees arrive, they are assigned to a table where they meet seven new people. Each person gives his or her own 17-second ‘commercial.’ The table facilitator keeps the conversation going by asking each person questions.

OCTOBER 5

Based on the answers, the facilitator recommends participation in one of the Chamber’s many committees, and suggests creative referral and partnership pairings among table members.

Following this energetic exchange, each person moves to a

different table to meet seven new people. This lively interactive setting gives attendees the chance to meet up to 14 other people, instead of the usual seven.

First Friday Breakfast is the Chamber’s premiere networking and

business promotional event, and one of the most regularly attended monthly programs. The breakfast will be from 7 to 9 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. The cost is $30 for Chamber members who register before Sept. 28. Afterward, the preregistration cost is $50 and $55 at the door. Prospective members must contact Kristina McMahon at 760-931-8400.

Tabletop exhibits or Soapbox presentations are available to promote your business for $70 each, which includes one breakfast, and must be reserved in advance by calling Kathy Steffen at 760-931-8400.

To register for October’s First Friday Breakfast, visit us online at www.carlsbad.org.

THE CHAMBER SALUTES ITS JULY 2012 RENEWALS AKT, LLP Advicoach Age Advantage Home Care Services Allied Information Resource, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. The Angel’s Depot B.A. Worthing, Inc. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse California Bank & Trust (Carlsbad Branch) California State University San Marcos Casa de Bandini Cassidy Turley San Diego Charter Oak Preserving Company Cornerstone Wealth Advisors, Inc. Costco Wholesale Curtis Management Company, Inc. Dave’s Auto Service & Repair FMT Consultants, LLC Fairen Del Farrow Realtors

The Fields Church Fine Technology Solutions Fish Window Cleaning FlooringAmerica

by PicketFence Design Foundations for Reading & Learning GIA Wellness Gateway Dental Group Gems of La Costa Global Source Products Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc. ITT Technical Institute The JR Phillips Group Inc. JoS. A. Bank Clothiers Kids Smile Pediatric Dentistry Kleene & Green: Janitorial, Paper & Food Service Supply George Kuck Office Software Training and Consulting La Costa Towne Center Landis Real Estate

Leichtag Family Foundation Liberty Tax Services (Carlsbad) The Magical Gemstone Manpower McClellan-Palomar Airport McDonald’s of Palomar Airport Road McMillin Communities Minuteman Press Mission Electric Supply, Inc. Morrison Insurance Services, Inc. My Hooves and Paws My Plumber Myron L Company North County Times Pacific Marine Credit UnionPalomar Investigative Group, Inc. The Plus Factor, LLC Point Loma Credit Union Poseidon Resources

Real Living LifeStyles Realty Ryan Companies US, Inc. Sandwritten Scripps Aviation Shadowridge Golf Club Kevin & Tracy Sharrar, Realtors-Terra Maris Realty Slice of Heaven Catering Smart Home Remodeling, Inc. Solatube Global Marketing, Inc. Sudberry Properties Surya, Inc. Time Warner Cable Business Class Touch of Health Chiropractic Tri-City Medical Center Trinity Biotech, Inc. (MarDx Diagnostics, Inc.) ViaSat, Inc. Vista Gardens Memory Care Weseloh Chevrolet Kia YMCA (Magdalena Ecke Family)

IN ACTION

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ocated in Carlsbad, Playdek, Inc. is comprised of veteran console video game developers, with a passion for tabletop gaming. Playdek is a premier developer, publisher and platform for the world’s best tabletop gaming.

With our development roots in the video game world and our hearts in gaming, the team at Playdek is poised for success in the expanding worldwide Smartphone and tablet gaming market. In less than a year, Playdek has set the standard for the emerging digital tabletop gaming space, and is set to merge the sophistication and depth of the hobby gaming world with the ease of interaction provided by digital platforms. By partnering with publishers and designers from the analog game world and bringing to bear our considerable digital game expertise, Playdek will introduce the entire world to the best of tabletop gaming Playdek is a leading publisher and developer of digital tabletop games, games based on licensed properties, and completely original games. Within Playdek’s first year, our award-winning titles have set the quality bar for digital table-top gaming.

Playdek has partnered with, licensed or created highly recognizable game brands,

Chamber Events F ree Score Business Counseling by Appointment Mondays & Fridays Chamber Closed For event details visit www.carlsbad.org

Sept. 4 Business Resource Committee Sept. 5 Government Affairs Committee Sept. 7 Business Expo Sept. 11 Sustainability Committee Sept. 12 Ambassador Committee Sept. 13 Social Media Workshop | Pinterest and Instagram Sept. 14 Coffee Connection Sept. 18 Technology Advisory Committee Sept. 20 Social Media Workshop | The Technology of Business Presentations Sept. 20 Russia Trip Orientation Sept. 25 Armed Services Committee Sept. 26 Education Committee Sept. 27 Social Media | Get Smart Web Marketing Boot Camp

S PLAYDEK, INC. 2382 Faraday Ave., Ste. 130, Carlsbad 760-804-9466 www.playdekgames.com

representing many audiences. Playdek’s growing portfolio offers products ranging from games for children and the mass-market to products targeted at core gamers.

Playdek is a multi-platform publisher with proprietary technology that positions us to deploy our products to any appropriate digital platform. Our internal product development expertise matches any in the industry and we develop, market and distribute our games globally through our offices in southern California.

ilvergate Bank has opened a new full-service branch in Carlsbad to enhance service to its growing North Coast customer base.

The branch, located at 5810 El Camino Real at the corner of Faraday, specializes in serving businesses and residents with innovative, competitive products and services, “We are very excited to be part of the Carlsbad and North Coast community,” said Silvergate Branch Manager Steven Ahlquist.

“We look forward to providing our customers with innovative financial products and services along with the refreshing and rewarding banking experience for which Silvergate is known.”

Carlsbad and North Coast customers now have access to the full range of Silvergate Bank services including, but not limited to, commercial loans and lines of credit, owneroccupied commercial real estate loans, small business lending, business and personal deposit products, cash management services, ATM and night depository.

All customers have access to the full complement of online banking services.

SILVERGATE BANK 5810 El Camino Real, Ste. D, Carlsbad 760-931-1001 www.silvergatebank.com

The Carlsbad branch is staffed with a dedicated team of business banking experts who are able to tailor customized banking solutions to help companies grow. Business customers benefit from fast, local decision-making, personal oneon-one attention, and convenient banking, including deposits from their office (Silvergate Office Deposit).

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MEMBERS IN ACTION

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USTOpharm is a small business selffunded and co-owned by Frederik Defesche and Dave McCleary. It started operation as a one-man company in 2005 and has grown every year since, despite the economic downturn. The company has 10 employees and more than 4,000 square feet of space in their current location.

This year, CUSTOpharm opened a laboratory which is allowing the company to transition from a strictly service-based company to a true pharmaceutical company. Its primary area of focus is sterile generic drug products, many of which are currently on the FDA’s drug shortage list.

CUSTOpharm’s goal is to make affordable generic medicines available to all Americans so no one should go without proper treatment for their diseases. The company can develop and file with the FDA sterile drug products with unique specialties including auto-injectors, suspensions, and lyophilized (freeze dried) formulations. CUSTOpharm has developed and filed more than 50 injectable products to date.

CUSTOpharm has worked to be at the forefront of the FDA’s electronic initiatives

W CUSTOPHARM, INC. 2325 Camino Vida Roble, Ste. A, Carlsbad 760-683-0901 www.custopharm.com

and within these objectives offers a regulatory service for customers throughout the world. It works with customers both domestic and abroad, both multinational and small business organizations. CUSTOpharm’s founders filed the first eCTD (electronic Common Technical Document) Generic Drug Application that the FDA ever received in March 2004 and have filed more than 100 generic applications since.

hen you’re out dining in Carlsbad look for the new vodka on the shelf: Venom Vodka.

This Carlsbad-based company was the 2012 Gold Medal winner of the Micro Liquor Spirit Award in taste and the Bronze Medal winner in package and design.

Venom Vodka was created by two firefighters who had a vision of creating a small batch of distilled, ultra premium vodka using a unique filtration process. Venom Vodka is made from the freshest all natural corn base grain and pure Cascade Mountain spring water.

Every batch is distilled five times and filtered six times through a small batch distillation process using crushed lava rock, onyx and genuine diamonds. This time consuming process imbues Venom Vodka with the characteristics that define its distinct and ultra smooth taste distinguishing it as “Top Shelf Martini Vodka.”

Venom Vodka can be found at many of the local restaurants, bars, liquor and grocery stores in Carlsbad and surrounding areas.

VENOM VODKA Carlsbad, CA 760-666-4976 www.venomvodka.com

Look for the sleek bottle design depicting a Medusa holding a diamond. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle of Venom Vodka sold is donated to support firefighter charities.

SEPTEMBER 2012

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The photos above show the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's headquarters under construction. The Chamber moved into the brand-new facilities in the September of 2002.

NNIVERSARY › AContinued from Page 1

time was employed by Wells Fargo and served as vice chairman of governmental affairs on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “I really think moving out of the commercial space and coming into the business park was the right decision.”

Toni Padron, currently the Chamber’s executive vice president and COO, experienced the last three

that is now a Rubio’s.

“We had very limited space, and it was in a commercial area so we always had to vie with the out-oftown shoppers,” said Jeff Segall of Tri-City Medical Center, who at the

R ATIN

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1923-2013

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to invest that money,” Padron said.

“It was less expensive to purchase a building and pay the mortgage than it would have been to continue paying a lease.”

The way the Chamber went about the process was made easy because the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce had always been fiscally responsible, Padron said.

“It’s really a symbol of how wellrun the organization has been in managing the resources of our members.”

Very early on, it was decided that the Chamber would have to move into a new building where the layout could be determined from scratch, instead of moving into a place where space was already laid out.

CELEBRATING CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

G

This month marks 10 years since the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce moved into its headquarters at 5934 Priestly Drive. The move has allowed the Chamber to offer more services and to change to meet the needs of its members. Since the strength of the Chamber comes from its loyal and committed membership, the following businesses have come together to celebrate their relationship with us in this special section, one in a series of events that will celebrate the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s 90th anniversary in 2013.

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offices. The process of securing a building started in 2000, following a retreat of the board of directors in which they discussed the impending expiration of their lease in what was then the Carlsbad Company Stores Center, and faced the prospect of a steep rent increase.

“It was then decided that since we had money in reserves, it was time

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The Chamber held several events to commemorate its new home in 2002. The photos on the far right show the Chamber's home in the old train depot (on top) and at its permanent location.

“We wanted the building to reflect the members, the staff and all of the organization,” Padron said.

“In researching for a building, we realized that nothing said, ‘This is your chamber of commerce.’ Everything else said, ‘These are offices.’”

Padron said the general consensus is that the goal was accomplished.

“Every time someone walks in here, they’re wowed,” Padron said. “It’s vibrant and exudes great energy, and it is representative of

our members.”

With a stable home, the Chamber was able to grow. The ample conference room has allowed the Chamber to form more committees and workshops. That regularity has allowed the committees to thrive, Padron said.

“Before, all of our workshops and committees had to be held outside of the office,” she said. “But there was no continuity and we were constantly moving around because we

didn’t know where we would be every month.”

Segall, who served as board chairman in 2004, noted that the large conference room with a partition allowed the Chamber to expand its Board of Directors to bring in representatives from the City of Carlsbad, Camp Pendelton, the Carlsbad Unified School District, tourism and the Village of Carlsbad, and the added representation has shaped the direction of the board — and

helped the Chamber bring the community together.

“I always thought that the size of our board shouldn’t be dictated by the size of the room” Segall said.

“Because we have the right building and the right space, we’re able to open up the board to more businesses and have them participate than we could ever have done in the past.”

Wisely, Chamber leadership left room for growth. In these past 10

year, the Chamber has welcomed the Small Business Success Center and created several offices and a communications center.

In 2009, the building became more sustainable with the addition of a Solatube daylight system, which decreased the Chamber’s energy consumption.

And so, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce looks forward to its next 10 years, which will coincide with its 100th anniversary.

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CARLSBAD BUSINESS JOURNAL

WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG

EDUCATION NEWS

CSUSM program for former foster youth helps ensure college success

“A

HIGHER LEARNING

DR. JAN JACKSON

Celebrating five years of service this year, ACE Scholars Services is a one-of-a-kind program at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) that provides former foster youth with assistance in obtaining a university degree.

“Most foster youth dream of going to college and think it is not possible,” said ACE Scholars Services Director Jim Mickelson. “Getting the message across to these youth that college is attainable is top priority.

Like all young people, they need support, guidance and encouragement to get into college; and that’s where we step in.”

Without a family safety net, foster youth face higher odds of poverty, homelessness and imprisonment.

Nationally, about 58 percent of children with backgrounds in foster care graduate from high school, compared with 88 percent of the general population. Only about three

Vice President of Community Engagement CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS

Working from a place of trust and understanding, ACE Scholars Services becomes “home” to former foster youth, helping students connect with other resources and services on campus in order to not only get to but get through the university with a degree.

From assistance with often confusing college entrance and financial aid forms to academic, career and personal counseling, ACE seeks to

s of this fall, former foster youth enrollment will reach nearly 50 students, making CSUSM the university serving the highest number of former foster youth, per capita, in the nation.

“

percent will earn a college degree, compared with 23 percent of the general population.

Successfully bucking these trends, CSUSM has signed memorandums of understanding with San Pasqual Academy and San Diego and Riverside counties guaranteeing that any foster youth who meets CSU admission standards will go to the top of the admissions list at the university.

fill the gap left by absent parents or other supportive family members.

And the program is working.

As of this fall, former foster youth enrollment will reach nearly 50 students, making CSUSM the university serving the highest number of former foster youth, per capita, in the nation.

“For the last four years ACE Scholars Services has had an 88 percent

From left to right: Debra Zanders-Willis, child welfare services deputy director, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency; Karen Haynes, president, CSUSM; Jim Mickelson, director, ACE Scholars Services, CSUSM; and Greg Cox, vice chairman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. student retention rate,” said Mickelson. “We do anything we can to help them reach their goal of a college degree.”

This summer, the County of San Diego honored ACE Scholars Services with a special proclamation,

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EDUCATION NEWS

Childhood health and nutrition has gained national attention in recent years.

According to a study conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 38 percent of children in California and 34.5 percent in San Diego County are overweight or obese. Although Carlsbad has one of the lowest child obesity rates in the entire county at 16.8 percent, the unfortunate news is that one in six of our youngsters is vulnerable to weight-related health problems, now and in the future.

Our district’s wellness program is focused on good nutrition, physical activity and healthy living to combat these statistics.

In April, we also launched a World-Class Wellness program that promotes healthy habits among our staff.

SUZETTE LOVELY, Ed.D.

CUSD’s Nutrition Program Focuses on Healthy, Tasty Food CARLSBAD SCHOOL NEWS

Superintendent CARLSBAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

We Have Great Taste in Nutrition

During a recent state audit, Carlsbad’s nutrition program received very high marks.

According to Michelle Johnson, the CUSD director of nutrition and purchasing, “Before certain requirements became law, we were ahead of the nutrition curve. For example, we have never used deep fryers. Our food has

Valley Middle students relax at lunch. no trans fats. The kids love our baked crinkle-cut potatoes, not because they’re healthier than fast-food fries, but because they taste great!”

Beginning this fall, students at all elementary schools will enjoy a tempting salad bar, while secondary students will be able to choose from a variety of mixed salad options.

Additionally, our daily menu consists of a meat/meat alternative, whole grain bread, fruit, milk and five different vegetable subgroups. Menu selections are low in fat and sodium and high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

The Business of Health

Carlsbad High Nutrition Assistants Elia Gomez and Wendy Villanueva are ready to serve

Nutrition Director Johnson not only keeps up with nutritional guidelines, but also taste-tests the food our students eat.

“Basically, we operate 13 restaurants – one at each site,” said Johnson. “The revenue we earn from food sales covers all expenses, from

Pacific Rim Elementary Kitchen Manager Janine Zambetti, pictured here with a few of her many fans, dishes up nutritious food at six lunch periods. food costs and labor to equipment.”

The District is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our 11,000 students. We hope

our healthy eating habits campaign filters into every household.

Follow Dr. Lovely at www.twitter. com/SuptLovely.

ArtSplash gives grants to 17 school art programs From preschoolers exploring creative dramatics to elementary students fashioning mosaics in the style of Niki de Saint Phalle to middle schoolers creating a Mural of the Masters to high school singers getting their musical groove on, ArtSplash grants totaling $8,672 will fund 17 innovative and enriching programs in North County schools in 2012-13. Program recipients include teachers from Carlsbad Unified School District, Encinitas Union School District, San Dieguito Union High School District, San Marcos Unified School District and Vista Unified School District as well as the La Costa Valley Preschool.

To date, ArtSplash, an annual community celebration for arts education taking place this year on Sept. 22-23 in Carlsbad, has contributed more than $29,000 to diverse visual and performing arts and music school programs. As in the past, proceeds from this year’s chalk art and entertainment festival will support the ongoing grant program.

ArtSplash Chair Joni Miringoff reports, “This year’s crop of recipients is one of our most special. With 30 applications and so many deserving programs, the selection process was particularly challenging. Our grants are modest – primarily in the $400-$700 range – but these amazing educators always find ingenious ways to make the most of every dollar. We love checking back during the year to marvel at the imaginative activities in which students are fully engaged.”

Two first-time ArtSplash grant recipients reflect the student-centric enthusiasm and high caliber of teachers who are committed to enriching their students’ academic experiences despite the budget shortfalls that continue to plague

• Jackie Meza, Carlsbad High, Color Guard Supplies ($400) • Jackie Solomon, Carlsbad High, Xcalibur Nationals Dance Competition ($500) • Sue DeWulf, Valley Middle, Ceramic Creatures ($700) Encinitas Union School District • Pat Keene, Park Dale Lane, Puppet Theatre ($500) San Dieguito Union High School District • Carissa Mattison, La Costa Canyon High, Introductory Music for Students with Special Needs ($161.37)

The Valley Middle School Band and Orchestra received a 2012-2013 ArtSplash grant. It's one of 17 recipients. public school districts.

Washington Middle School Special Education teacher Heather Williams will work with students to plan, prepare and paint a mind-expanding Gestalt Mural. She explains, “The WHOLE is greater than the sum of the parts is a wonderful theme, especially for middle school. It conveys the importance of our RELATEDNESS to each other, to nature, to the environment and to all LIFE. I feel grateful for the grant. My peers and administration are very thrilled with the funding, too. We’re all really uplifted,” she notes, saying that she always attends ArtSplash.

Valley Middle Band and Orchestra director Amanda Boer, who also attends the festival each year, says the ArtSplash grant was not only welcomed, but desperately needed. She reveals, “This year’s

program budget was cut drastically by 65 percent. The ArtSplash grant will help sustain activities that the instrumental program requires to develop strong musicians. It will provide reeds for beginning musicians to try two reed instruments plus quality reeds for the instruments they choose. The grant will also provide percussion stick bags for musicians to check-out if they are unable to purchase the required materials.”

Boer’s summation of ArtSplash support is echoed by other recipients.

It is a key reason that the ArtSplash grant program exists. She says, “It is important for students to be able to experience the visual and performing arts without having to worry about having the money for materials. “ This fall, ArtSplash celebrates its tenth anniversary of drawing people together. For more information on

the free, family-friendly weekend event, please visit www.facebook. com/carlsbadartsplash or www.

CarlsbadArtSplash.org.

Miringoff says that many new features will energize the vibrant blend of arts, music and entertainment offerings, including floral décor and cake competitions, Marilyn Monroe artwork created from recycled water bottles and a free Saturday evening concert. She promises, “It’s going to be TENtastic!”

2012-13 ARTSPLASH GRANT RECIPIENTS: Carlsbad Unified School District • Amanda Boer, Valley Middle, Band Accessories ($700) • Christy Owen, Carlsbad High, Chamber Singers, Encore Sound Express, Lancer Choir ($1,000)

San Marcos Unified School District • Carrie Downs, San Marcos Elementary, Boomwhackers ($279) • Cici Groupe, La Costa Meadows Elementary, Orff Music ($500) • Faith Bird, Richland Elementary, Niki de Saint Phalle Mosaics ($300) • Michelle Breyer, San Marcos Middle, Georgia O’Keefe Shade Sculptures ($700) • June York, Woodland Park Middle, Metal Tooling ($481.99) Vista Unified School District • Heather Williams, Washington Middle, Gestalt Mural ($300) • Heidi Madden, Mission Vista High, Young Printmakers Speak ($550) • Kathy Lally, Roosevelt Middle, Mural of the Masters ($700) • Ralph Ewell, Vista High, JV Color Guard ($500) Other • Joan Ross, La Costa Valley Preschool, Portable Arts Stage ($400)

18

CARLSBAD BUSINESS JOURNAL

WWW.CARLSBAD.ORG

REAL ESTATE UPDATE

Sellers strike back: Rising prices push recovering market TYSON LUND

HOUSING TRENDS

$

Broker Associate THE LUND TEAM

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M

any

homeowners will go on [a] “first date” with a potential home buyer without combing their hair

“

or ironing their clothes.

In 2012, the pendulum of the North County real estate market has swung in favor of the home seller, out of the hands of the home buyer.

Record low, fixed-rate mortgages, some as low as 3.35 percent, are pushing many buyers into the market and increasing the demand for housing and investment property. Average sale prices in North County are moving higher, with more buyers bidding on fewer and fewer homes.

The current market bodes well for homeowners, as persistent low-inventory is expected to continue through the year.

With the help of today’s low mortgage rates and government refinance programs, the flood of foreclosures has dwindled. Future homes for sale are expected to come from traditional sellers, who will remain reluctant to list their properties until prices are above their current levels.

The question for many homeowners is, “If I sell, where will I go?” So many are foregoing selling their homes and choosing instead to refinance into a lower fixed-rate mortgage and lower their expenses.

Those owners that sell are getting fresh advice from their brokers to price their homes higher than the most recent comparative sales. The average single family home in Carlsbad under $1 million is now listed for $675,000 versus $654,000 during the same period last year. Homeowners are also securing more of their asking price: an average 98 percent of asking versus 97 percent in 2011.

Non-distressed property is averaging around 46 days to sell. But it is not an ‘easy’ market for home sellers. Homeowners must find the ‘right’ buyer amidst possible multiple offers, work through a low appraisal on the buyer’s loan and do battle with the always cancerous buyers’

agents who plot to renegotiate terms during the escrow period.

Homeowners are finding today’s homebuyers remain fearful of ‘over paying’ in the current real estate market. A buyer may offer on many homes simultaneously or continue to look and offer on other homes while in escrow. This buyer is likely to initially offer below-asking price; sometimes as much as 5 percent or 6 percent below the listed price.

A homeowner is wise to remain steadfast in their asking price for the first 45-60 days. Ignore low offers and unrealistic buyers fishing for a ‘deal’. North County home prices are not declining as they were from 2006-2009. There are fewer competing homes and choices for homebuyers.

Brokers are finding buyers making an offer on property, breaking negotiations when terms are not met, only to have the same buyer circle back and accept the seller’s counter offer two weeks later.

Properly understanding buyer motivation is a key element of success in today’s marketplace. Great selling agents will find out how long has the buyer been looking for a home, what have they offered on and what are the buyers wants versus their needs. If the property backs up the open space and the buyer highly favors a view, the pool of competing property just got smaller.

If a deal is made, today’s homeowner should prepare for the buyer to renegotiate terms within the escrow. With fewer homes for sale, a buyer may make an aggresive offer to avoid losing the home to a competing buyer. However, it is becoming increasingly common for that same buyer to then use the 17-day inspection contingency period, often called the “free look period,” of an escrow to make back some of the ground lost in the offering phase.

Buyers’ agents may ask for a reduction in sale prices or credits in lieu of repairs to roof, flooring, appliances, etc. They may even use a conservative, low buyer loan appraisal to ask for a price reduction.

With the threat that the same challenge will remain for the next buyer. Every case is unique, but today’s owners are finding they can push back against such requests or find a reasonable middle ground to create a “win-win” scenario.

(760) 599-6111

Three easy steps to a higher selling price Too few homeowners realize the importance of preparing a home for sale.

The process of homebuying is impulsive. Judgment is rendered in moments of walking through a property. Yet many homeowners will go on this “first date” with a potential home buyer without combing their hair or ironing their clothes.

The importance of the homebuyer’s first impression of the property is paramount and will assure the owner the best possible outcome. Homeowners can help maximize their sale price with some of the following steps.

1) Depersonalize the property. Family portraits and personal mementos should be stored and/or replaced with non-distinct decorations. It is difficult for many buyers to walk through a highly personalized home and picture themselves making it their home.

2) Remove excess furniture or kitchen appliances. Open up walkways and thin large pieces of furniture to create an open feeling in living areas.

Declutter a kitchen by removing the coffee maker, blender or other excessive appliances. Work to create a clean, open feel in the areas of the home that buyers typically pay attention to the most: kitchen and living areas.

3) Finish your fix-it list prior to sale. A fresh coat of paint, small handyman fix-it items and even replacing low-E light bulbs with non-efficient (but much brighter) traditional bulbs are small, yet important steps to creating an inviting feeling in the home.

These are low-cost items that have a tremendous impact on a buyer’s first impression.

Also, staging the front yard with new flowers, ground covering or overall general maintenance to improve the first impression of the home will pay dividends in the sale.

If you are unsure on what items will be the best “bang for your buck”, talk with an experienced real estate broker or home staging professional to garner a third party perspective.

Proper planning and a little “sweat equity” will help you create the right first impression and maximize your ultimate sales price in the current market.

—By Tyson Lund

Lund can be reached at Tyson@Lundteam.com.

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BUSINESS BUZZ

SDG&E activates 500K-volt Sunrise Powerlink

Physicians Patrick Stonner, from left, and Kenneth Morris of North County Health Services, with George Burrola, a member of the organization’s golf planning committee.

NCHS golf tourney a huge success The North County Health Services (NCHS) Fore For Kids VIII Golf Classic, held on Aug. 17 at The Crossings in Carlsbad, was a tremendous success, raising more than $100,000, more than twice the amount the tournament raised last year.

“We could not be more excited and appreciative of the overwhelming support we have received from our community,” said NCHS CEO Irma Cota. “The golf tournament and all fundraising efforts in 2012 will supplement our capital campaign to equip the 2,695 square foot “cold shell” building that will house the new Carlsbad Family Health Center, scheduled to open in 2013.”

Carl Pinkard, of AKT Wealth Advisors, was this year’s Golf Classic Committee Chair. Among the speakers at the dinner, which followed the participants’ day of golf, were Ofie Escobedo of Lola’s 7-Up Mexican Market & Deli and her sister and co-owner of Lola’s, Connie Trejos; Carlsbad City Councilmembers Farrah Douglas and Keith Blackburn; and NCHS Medical Director Dr. Kevin Ellis.

The Sunrise Powerlink, San Diego Gas & Electric’s 500,000-volt transmission line between San Diego and the Imperial Valley, was put into service earlier this summer.

The $1.9 billion project was completed and activated in June, completing a rigorous process that included a 5-year environmental review and permitting process and an 18-month construction period.

“Putting the Sunrise Powerlink into service is the final milestone in a complex and challenging energy project that ranks among the largest and most significant in the history of San Diego Gas & Electric,” said Jessie J. Knight, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of SDG&E. In this initial period, the Sunrise Powerlink can bring up to 800 megawatts of additional imported electricity into San Diego, and is playing an important role in meeting the energy needs of the region this summer, SDG&E officials said, noting the ongoing heat waves and the lack of power coming from the

ViaSat Announces change in CFO ViaSat Inc. announced late last month that Ronald Wangerin, its vice president and CFO, has indicated that he will resign his post in December and look for opportunities outside of the company.

shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Eventually, the line will carry 1,000 megawatts of power, enough to serve 650,000 homes.

The Sunrise Powerlink consists of

more than 110 miles of overhead 500kV and 230kV transmission towers and conductor, 6.2 miles of underground 230kV cable and a 40-acre, 500kV transmission substation, which reduces the voltage for use by homes and businesses.

The company has appointed Shawn Duffy, its vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer as interim Chief Financial Officer. Duffy has been charged with leading the “day-today management” of the finance team, according to a news release from ViaSat announcing the change.

ViaSat has started the search for a full-time CFO. Wangerin will continue his

employment with the company through Dec. 17 to help with the transition.

Duffy, 42, joined ViaSat in 2005 as corporate controller and, in 2009, was appointed the company’s vice president and corporate controller. She assumed her current position this past April. Duffy is a certified public accountant and holds a degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from San Diego State University.

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Large Filet or New York Steak and Large Frosty Stein of Beer Served with Broccoli or Sauerkraut, Soup or Salad and Roll/Potato after 4pm.

only $13.98

Oktoberfest Plate

Big John Breakfast

Bratwurst, Knackwurst and Polish Sausage Served with German Potato Salad, Red Cabbage, Sauerkraut and Dinner Rolls.

Three eggs any style, home fried potatoes & toast. All you can eat smokehouse bacon, pork link sausage, bratwurst or ham.

only $7.98

only $7.98

6118 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011

760.438.2620

tiptopmeatscarlsbad@gmail.com • www.tiptopmeats.com Open 7 days a week - 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.