Workforce Development Update

Women’s Incubator Program Hatches Bright Ideas

The Women Entrepreneur Incubator program, which launched in September on Zoom, graduated its first cohort of trained female veterans and military spouses to develop home-based businesses in one of two tracks: Social Media Management and Virtual Assistant companies. The event, held at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 28th, featured a presentation by Joseph Molina, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce based in San Diego County, and one of the incubator sponsors. SCORE Mentors and the Oceanside Chamber also collaborated as sponsors of the free business incubator program. The three organizations provided training, technical assistance, mentorship, peer-topeer support, and financial information to each of the 40 participants. Each entrepreneur received a certificate to congratulate them on launching their businesses from Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner Horvath (76th district). Oceanside native Fernando Hernandez presented the certificates at the graduation event. The three incubator sponsors also presented each business owner with a special certificate of recognition.

Joseph Molina congratulates the women incubator graduates at the hybrid event.

Chamber member Daryle Howard, a financial advisor and veteran from Chamber member First Command, joined the graduation and will participate in the next cohort. Local TV news stations KFMB and the CW covered the event for the nightly news and even interviewed one of the entrepreneurs remotely from her home back east.

LEFT: Joseph Molina signs his name on 40 certificates of recognition from event sponsors the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Mentors and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.

RIGHT: Joseph Molina, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce, poses with two of the incubator graduates holding certificates from the event sponsors and the assemblymember’s office.

“Our aim is that the first cohort learned how to be ‘Pandemic,’ ‘Recession’ proof, and ‘Portable’ by investing in themselves,” says the Chamber’s workforce development coordinator, Victoria Carlborg. An added benefit of the incubator is that each entrepreneur is receiving in-person coaching and mentoring at the Oceanside Chamber’s office following the online training sessions. The second incubator cohort begins January 20. The free online training will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. While the cohort will focus on women, all are welcome to join. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ social-media-virtual-assistant-home-based-businessincubator-tickets-207086941617.

Fernando Hernandez from Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner Horvath’s office presented certificates to women’s incubator graduates at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Oct. 28th.

The Oceanside Chamber’s workforce development program, InterFaith Ministries, and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency brought our businesses free professional development and continuing education training in November. Employees who work in the construction sector or other industries in which they might be exposed to lead earned a Certificate of Completion for “Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting” just for attending one of two, 8-hour courses offered at the Chamber’s office.

The course concentrated on procedures for minimizing lead dust generation and soil contamination during maintenance, renovation, and remodeling activities as defined by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Chamber’s workforce development program hosted the training to keep employers and their employees safe. If these procedures are correctly implemented, the risk of lead exposure to employees, children, residents and families of employees can be minimized.

SOCAL Project Goes Global

The Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning, or SOCAL, is a joint project of the San Diego North Economic Development Council, Tri-City Medical Center and the Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce. The project originated over two years ago at Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC) as a way to advance its long-standing priority of strengthening North County’s Healthcare workforce pipeline. TCMC originated the concept of occupational videos on demand, the name, the logo and look of the SOCAL brand. Phase one of the project, funded by a grant from Supervisor Jim Desmond, aims to inform students and those in career transition of unfamiliar professions and what educational path they might take close to home. So far with the SOCAL project, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has featured three member companies: Hydranautics, Olli Salumeria, and Genentech. The videos launched in December on a website library for high school students and teachers to use in career education and exploration. For more information visit www.socalworkforce.org.

The Chamber visited Olli Salumeria, a company dedicated to producing salami with modern methods honoring Italian tradition, right in Oceanside’s backyard. They interviewed the founder and president along with two of his employees, including Raw Food Manager, Nicole Angel.

The Chamber visited Oceanside’s Genentech location, a company that uses cutting-edge science to create and deliver innovative medicines around the globe. They interviewed four employees including Marquis Harris, Manufacturing Training Program Coordinator.

The Chamber visited the Oceanside headquarters of global manufacturing company Hydranautics, makers of state-of-the art membranes used in reverse osmosis and other fluid purification processes. Shannon Lopez, Engineering Associate, was interviewed for the video project, along with two other employees.

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community has a voice at all levels of government and that business leaders actively participate in the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. Champion

Workforce Strategies to Provide a Skilled Workforce

The Oceanside Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force is focused on championing awareness of diverse industry positions and needs, while convening resources at all stages of talent development and facilitating business growth through talent pipeline development, skill building, and advocacy to promote individual and community economic empowerment.

Engage in the Development of Oceanside’s General Plan Update

The City of Oceanside is NOW ENROLLING SCHOLARSHIP PREP OCEANSIDE

currently conducting its first comprehensive

General Plan Update (GPU). The Chamber’s

Economic Recovery Task Force will formally take on the role of ensuring the business community’s involvement in the remainder of the GPU update process.

Develop a Pipeline of Oceanside Leaders

The future success of Oceanside will be directly tied to the effectiveness of its leaders. The

Chamber will encourage and equip young professionals to participate more actively in the community.

Engage in Political Action/Candidate

Endorsements

A key to pursuing business-friendly policies is supporting policymakers that understand the importance of supporting our small businesses.

The Chamber’s Advance Oceanside Political Action

Committee will build on its successes from 2020 to support business friendly candidates as they seek local office. In early 2022 the Chamber will publish a more detailed version of it 5-year Strategic Plan to include many of the action steps that are planned for the current year. Stay tuned and thank you for your continued support!

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Lauren Sweeton, General Manager – The Brick Hotel, Chamber Board Member

Lauren is a fourth generation O’sider. After graduating from El Camino in 2006, she went on to earn her degree at Pepperdine University. Lauren launched her professional career in Los Angeles, where she worked at Discovery Channel, weather.com and Spotify. In 2016, she moved back to Oceanside to join her brother in starting a property management business which specializes in coastal development, value add and income properties. Their most recent development will be The Brick Hotel, an adaptive reuse restoration of a building from 1888, which will be located on Pier View Way. The Brick will feature ten guest rooms, a groundfloor restaurant, rooftop bar, an outdoor cafe, cocktail lounge and access to the neighboring beer garden. A former live-aboard on a 1979 Californian motor-yacht, Lauren loves to travel and has visited 6 continents and 30+ countries. When she is not traveling, Lauren enjoys serving her community and is also an active member of the Downtown Advisory Committee, the Visit Oceanside Board and the PBID Governing Committee. As the daughter of a former Chamber president, Lauren is excited to join the Chamber Board and eager to see what the future holds for Oceanside.

Kevin Shin, Owner – The Switchboard Restaurant, Chamber Board Member

Kevin Shin is the owner of The Switchboard Restaurant, North County Roastery, and holds a partnership for The Fin Hotel. He is also a Fire Captain for the Culver City Fire Department. Kevin spent 13 years in the United States Marine Corps and was “ordered” to make Oceanside his first and favorite residency. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSU San Marcos. Kevin was previously an executive project manager and marketing director for various telemetry and GPS firms.

Kevin currently serves as a board member for Oceanside Museum of Art and KOCT.

Porsche Copeland, Events and Programs Coordinator, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

Porsche Copeland is a true California native. Her North County roots run deep as she was born on Camp Pendleton and raised in Oceanside’s neighboring city, Vista. A Pageant girl growing up, Porsche claimed her crown as the 2004 Miss Vista Princess. She has spent the majority of her life loving North County and holds a special place in her heart for our coastal cities. Her love for the Oceanside community was even recognized by former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood with her receipt of a Certificate of Recognition. Porsche has always been a “people person” and thoroughly enjoys organizing events that bring people together. She has an extensive background in hosting events large and small. Her most significant work was organizing and executing events for the Fort Campbell Spouses Club, a volunteer-run, non-profit focusing on social, charitable, and educational programs and dedicated to improving the quality of lives for our military and their families. Porsche is so excited to take on the role of Events and Programs Coordinator for the Oceanside Chamber! But, aside from her busy Chamber work, Porsche enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She can be found relaxing on the beach or partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, skateboarding, or anything in the sunshine and fresh air.

You can reach Porsche at the Chamber offices (760) 722-1534 ext. 104 or by email at porsche@ oceansidechamber.com.

Rosie Hurt, Programs and Customer Service Specialist, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

An east coast girl at heart, Rosie Hurt grew up in a rural, small town in the Southern Adirondacks of upstate New York. Rosie studied New Media with a focus on graphic design and photography at SUNY Adirondack. While she had been passionate about art and working within the creative realm, it was there that she realized she was meant to pursue a career in digital art. To kickoff her career in digital media, Rosie secured an internship with Black Dog Designs, digital marketing firm consisting of graphic designers, web developers, content creators and marketing specialists using market research to help businesses grow. From there, Rosie continued to grow her portfolio creating countless logos and branded content for businesses in the area. Rosie’s was previously employed as a Computer Help Desk Aide for a K-12 school district. Besides managing the help desk and creating web content, Rosie had the special opportunity to teach kids a variety of fun activities including how to program robots! Rosie recently moved to North County after marrying her now husband who is stationed at Camp Pendleton. While she only visited Oceanside once before calling it home, she is absolutely loving the beach, the gorgeous sunsets, and, above all else, our beautiful coastal community. Outside the Chamber, Rosie loves to cook and bake, grow her graphic design portfolio with new skills, and explore her new city. An east coast girl turned west coast, Rosie Hurt is excited for many years to come in Oceanside. You can reach Rosie at the Chamber offices (760) 722-1534 ext. 101 or by email at rosie@oceansidechamber.com

A NEW YEAR FOR HEALTHY CHOICES

It is the time of the year to start our New Year’s Resolutions. Year after year, exercising more and eating healthy are the top two New Year’s Resolutions. We all have good intentions on New Year’s Day, but many go back to our old habits because change is never easy. A study by the University of Scranton showed only 8% of people stick to their New Year’s Resolution. So what can we do to stick to our goals? We talk with Dr. Lizotte from Seaside Medical Group in Oceanside to get his take on keeping healthy habits year-round. “With the holidays behind us, now might be a good time to revisit healthy eating habits,” said Paul Lizotte, DO, FACP, a board-certified Internist with Seaside Medical Group. “There are certain factors that you may have no control over, such as your genetics, environment, diseases and medications, that can affect your weight. But there are other factors that you can control all year round to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. I encourage my patients to eat a well-balanced diet, increase their physical activity and amount of sleep, and reduce stress whenever possible, especially at this time of the year.” To keep your New year’s Resolution while also enjoying balance in your life, Dr. Lizotte encourages his patients to consider these healthy eating tips: Make smaller goals for yourself instead of going straight for a strict exercise regimen. For instance, set a goal to go on a walk around your neighborhood every day for 30 minutes. Or make the goal to go to the gym two times a week. This way, you set realistic expectations for yourself and can create new plans from there. Make exercise a fun part of your day. Play beach volleyball with your friends or family, take your dog to the park and run with them, plan a hike in the area or find fun group fitness classes to attend. Exercise should be a fun part of your day, so try to find something that you will genuinely enjoy. Instead of taking things out of your diet, add healthy options into your diet. Do you want spaghetti? Add some squash and broccoli. Are you craving tacos? Add bell pepper and onion to them. This way, you are still enjoying the food you love, but you add nutritional value and get full quicker. Eat a small healthy snack throughout the day, like almonds or fruit, to help prevent over-eating later in the day. Containing your hunger is very important. Eat more slowly to savor the taste of your food substitute sugary drinks for water. Water is essential for your overall health. “Remember, balance is key in making healthy choices,” added Dr. Lizotte. “Still do the things you love and try not to get discouraged if you have a bad day. Every day we wake up, we have a new chance to make healthy choices.” Maintaining your weight during this time is possible by committing to two simple goals: thoughtful planning and paying attention to your food choices. It’s OK to partake in your favorite treats if you do so mindfully and in moderation. If you would like to speak with someone about weight management and improving your health by eating better and exercising more, the nutrition experts at Tri-City Medical Center are here to help. Registered dietitians can provide medical nutrition counseling and work with you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that is right for you. Their goal is to help you make long-term changes in your eating habits and lifestyle while providing encouraging support and advice along the way. To learn more, visit Tri-City Medical Center’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling Program or call 760-940-7726