East County EDC Foundation Awards Outstanding East County Students

East County Chamber’s Search for New Leader Ends in Visalia

Employment Up By 6,000 Jobs Month-Over and Down 1,700 Year-Over

Snapshot on UC San Diego Extension

Did You Know That!

Tips for Credit and Debit Card Fraud Prevention

Steep Gas Prices Exerting Wide Strain On Local Companies

Connectory.com® Member Spotlight:
D&D Tool & Supply

May 2008 Calendar

1 May 08 - Business Round Table Discussion. RT-401: Creating Strategic Partnerships to Scale Business

It’s important to align your business with strategic partnerships and alliances. These partnerships can range from your accountant to your top customer and are a key component of long-term growth and success for your business. Strategic partnerships are not created overnight, however, especially in the government market…so start today! Join us for an interactive discussion with experienced business owners/executives and government professionals to learn from those that have been there and done that! The guest speakers will begin the Roundtable Discussion by sharing their experiences/advice on the topic and will then open up the discussion to audience Q&A.

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

1 May 08 - Networking Trade Show 2008

GECCA invites you to enjoy an evening of networking opportunities and door prizes at the Networking Trade Show 2008. Introduce your Service or Product to the East County Community. Reserve your Display Table now!

Conference Host: The Greater East County Chambers of Commerce Alliance (GECCA)
Location: Alpine Community Center - 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Display: Full 6’ Table—$90 Half Table—$50 Attendance: FREE
Registration Info: Call (619) 670-9902 or (619) 445-2722

2 May 08 - 4th Annual Global Logistics Symposium:" Green Logistics"

The movement of goods is invaluable to businesses, consumers and the economy. However, these economic benefits are not without costs. 94% of supply chain professionals rate green issues as a business priority –but how many of them know what actions to take to green their supply chains? By changing your vision to become greener, your supply chain can become more efficient, more cost-effective, and more environmentally conscious. Is your company and your supply chain a part of the Green Movement?

Conference Host: San Diego World Trade Center (SDWTC)
Location: San Diego Convention Center
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $125/Person for SDWTC Members, $155/Person for Non-Members
Registration Info: Contact Casey Cleveland at (619) 615-0868 x 109 or email ccleveland@sdwtc.org or click here

2 May 08 - San Diego East County Chamber 1st Friday Breakfast - Sponsored by the East County EDC

Conference Host: San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce
Location: Cuyamaca College Student Center
Time: 7:15 AM
Registration Info: Call (619) 440-6161

5 May 08 - Doing Business with Otay Water District

Learn about:

1. Capital Improvement Program: $29 Million Earmarked for 140 Projects.
2. Methods of Procurement used at Otay Water District.
3. Sales Calls and Contacts.
4. Request for Future Proposals on Construction Projects.
5. Otay is a Publicly-Owned Water & Sewer Service Agency, More Specifically, a California Special District.
6. The District's Service Area Encompasses 129 Square Miles of Southern San Diego County. It Serves the Water, Sewer, and Recycled Service Needs of Approx. 100,000 People Living in Southern Communities.
7. Operating Budget: $39 Million for 08/09

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

6 May 08 - The NDIA Job Fair

NDIA created this event to benefit our small business community. Traditional recruiting avenues can be very costly. This event, which is being advertised extensively throughout the region to attract many high quality job seekers, is being provided at a very low cost to our small business participants.

Conference Host: Cox Communications
Location: Scottish Rite Center - 1895 Camino del Rio South, San Diego
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Contact Laura Barish at (866) 747-2874 x701 or email laura@btsihq.com

7 May 08 - SBDITC Marketing Workshop

Are you making the most of your small business marketing efforts? Attend this workshop and find out.

Conference Host: Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDITC)
Location: Southwestern College SBDITC - 880 National City Blvd, Suite 103, National City
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Registration Info: Contact Merrily Chopp at (619) 482-6391 or email mchopp@swccd.edu or click here to register

8 May 08 - FrameWorks Workshops present: Building Your IP Portfolio - Life Sciences

In this program, you will learn strategies for building an IP portfolio for target audiences, including VCs, competitors, the patent office and the courts. The interplay between research, development, regulatory and IP will be highlighted. The types of inventions that should be considered, where to file for protection, and when to file for protection will also be discussed.

Conference Host: CONNECT San Diego
Location: Celgene – 4550 Towne Centre Court, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: $45/Person with Pre-Registration - $55/Person at the door
Registration Info: Click here to register

8 May 08 - CMAA Annual Awards Banquet

Honoree Armando Garcia Deputy District Director, Construction Caltrans District 11

Conference Host: Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Location: Town & Country Resort – Pacific Ballroom, San Diego
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: View here to view flyer
Registration Info: Call Kelly Asper (562) 434-8409 or email cmaasd@cmaa-sd.org or click here to view flyer

8 May 08 - 2008 Energy Showcase

This event will recognize and highlight SDG&E® customers that have made energy management a high priority within their company during the past year. The showcase will feature:

• An exhibitor pavilion offering the latest in energy-efficient technologies.
• Breakout sessions led by experts in the field of energy management.
• Key note address by California Public Utilities commissioner Dian M. Grueneich

Conference Host: SDG&E
Location: San Diego Convention Center – 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego
Time: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration Info: Call (800) 613-8970 or click here to register

9 May 08 - Small Business Certifications

The workshop will discuss the benefits, eligibility requirements, and application process for the following business certifications:

Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs:
• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program
• Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program
• 8(a) Business Development Program

State of California Certifications:
• Small Business Certification
• Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification
• Caltrans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)Program
• California Public Utilities Commission MBE & WBE Certifications

Corporate Certifications:
• Women Business Enterprise National Council WBE certification
• National Minority Supplier Development Council MBE Certification.

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

12 May 08 - East County EDC Board of Directors Meeting

Location: East County EDC - 1870 Cordell Court, Suite 202, El Cajon
Time: 7:30 AM
Info: Contact Sunny Miller at (619) 258-3670 or sunny.miller@eastcountyedc.org

12 May 08 - Introduction to Doing Business with the State of CA - An Overview

• Benefits & Criteria for Certifying Your Small Business with DGS
• Contracting Opportunities Available with the State of California
• Learn How CA State Contracting Process Works

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

13 May 08 -FrameWorks Workshops present: Legal Basics: A Guide to Building and Operating a Business

Conference Host: CONNECT San Diego
Location: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $45/Person with Pre-Registration - $55/Person at the door
Registration Info: Click here to register

13 May 08 - Business Networking Breakfast “Hot Topics”

The guest speaker will be Carol Morrison, Alpine Historical Society.

Conference Host: Alpine Chamber of Commerce
Location: Fuller Hall - 2225 W. Victoria Dr., Alpine
Time: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $15/Person - $20/Person at the Door
Registration Info: Contact Kelly Weiss at Kelly@alpinechamber.sdcoxmail.com or click here to view flyer

13 May 08 - Operation Opportunity 2008

The event brings small businesses and government agencies and prime contractors together for a day of networking, workshops and speakers. Large businesses and government agency representatives will be available at their tables or booths throughout the day to provide information about how to do businesses with their organizations.

Conference Host: San Diego Supplier Development Council (SDSDC)
Location: Handlery Hotel, Mission Valley - 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego
Time: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $50/Person - Last day to register is Wednesday, 7 May 2008.
Registration Info: Email OpportunityInfo@sdsdc.org or click here to view flyer

14 May 08 - How to do Business with General Services Administration (GSA) (Oral Presentation, Part I & Computer Demonstration, Part II)

Did you know that GSA:

• Is the business manager/purchasing agent for the world’s largest customer?
• Actively seeks new bidders and competition for its supply and service contracts?
• Purchases goods and services on a worldwide basis for Federal Courts, and the U.S. Congress?
• Purchases from both national and local markets from its headquarters in Washington, DC, and 11 regional offices around the country?
• Is carried out by four services: the federal supply service, the public building service, the telecommunications service and the information technology service?
• Office of Enterprise Development, is responsible for ensuring that small, minority, women- owned and veteran-owned companies receive access to agency procurements?

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

15 May 08 - Monthly Mixer

Conference Host: Santee Chamber of Commerce
Location: Hungry Howies Pizza -9225 Carlton Hills Blvd Ste 18-19, Santee
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Contact the chamber at (619) 449-6572

15 May 08 - Power of Angel Investing Seminar

This full-day seminar provides an overview of the angel investing process, including the details of finding, evaluating, and structuring deals and developing angel-entrepreneur relationships that lead to success.

Conference Host: CONNECT San Diego
Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. – 12390 El Camino Real, San Diego
Time: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Click here to register

15 May 08 - Doing Business with the Unified Port of San Diego

Learn how to:

• Get notified of upcoming projects.
• Sell your products or services.
• Register your business.
• Identify yourself as a small business.
• Locate the Department that uses your product or service.

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Unified Port of San Diego – 3165 Pacific Highway, Training Room, San Diego
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

15 May 08 - IRS Tax Workshop

An all-day, free workshop that illustrates in a practical manner how the federal and state tax systems are applied to small business ownership. Also, get answers to these common questions:
-How extensive should my records be?
-What can I claim as a tax write-off?
-What do I need to do as far as state tax issues?

Conference Host: Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDITC)
Location: Southwestern College SBDITC - 880 National City Blvd, Suite 103, National City
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Registration Info: Contact Merrily Chopp at (619) 482-6391 or email mchopp@swccd.edu or click here to register

15 May 08 - Managing Innovation 2008

Our speakers, panelists and workshops provide practical ideas that participants can implement in their own companies.

• Learn how to involve your customers in the innovation process,
• Learn how to sell your innovation ideas to investors and to management.
• Learn how to balance the spirit of innovation and the need to hit financial targets.
• Learn how to turn innovation into money!

Conference Host: San Diego Software Industry Council (SDSIC)
Location: AMN Healthcare Auditorium - 12400 High Bluff Drive, San Diego
Time: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $75/Person for members - $95/Person for non-members - Pre Registration required!
Registration Info: Click here to register

19 May 08 - Course 1: Understanding Financial Statements - Caltrans Small Business Development Center Partnership Program

Attendees will understand how to:

• Basic accounting principles
• How to read and understand a Financial Statement beyond the numbers
• What Financial Statements tell you about the health of your business

Conference Host: Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 207, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Call (760) 795-8740 or click here to view flyer

19 May 08 - Course 2: Cash Flow Management - Caltrans Small Business Development Center Partnership Program

Attendees will understand how to:

• Concept and need for cash flow statements
• Cash flow statements and management
• Defining & managing cash basis-cash flow
• Defining & managing capital basis-cash flow
• Developing a cash forecast

Conference Host: Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 207, San Diego
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Call (760) 795-8740 or click here to view flyer

20 May 08 - Building a Company from the Ground Up - An Employer's Perspective

Historically, the workplace remained almost entirely unregulated, with employees enjoying few, if any, rights. Today, with the complexity and variety of labor situations that can arise, employment law issues can potentially result in time-consuming and costly administrative complaints, or even lawsuits. In order to minimize the possibility of legal challenges in the workplace, it is imperative to understand the basic employment law responsibilities of an employer. B. Allison Borkenheim and Wendy Tucker from Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP will provide an overview of basic labor and employment issues to help prepare you for the workplace.

Conference Host: CONNECT San Diego
Location: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $45/Person with Pre-Registration - $55/Person at the door
Registration Info: Click here to register

20 May 08 - Course 3: Growing Capital - Caltrans Small Business Development Center Partnership Program

Attendees will understand how to:

• What is capital
• How to maximize capital for your business
• How to access non-traditional financing
• How to make your company ready to receive private equity financing
• How to get your business and yourself on the growth path

Conference Host: Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 207, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Call (760) 795-8740 or click here to view flyer

20 May 08 - Small Business Start-up Workshop

Offered by the SBDITC to cover the basic steps to start a small business- from filing for a fictitious business name to considering the credit requirements needed for eligibility to financing. Perfect for those just starting out, with little more than idea for their business.

Conference Host: Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDITC)
Location: Southwestern College SBDITC - 880 National City Blvd, Suite 103, National City
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $20/Person
Registration Info: Contact Merrily Chopp at (619) 482-6391 or email mchopp@swccd.edu or click here to register

20 May 08 - Maximizing revenues in a down economy

What you will learn:

• How to recognize if you are leaving money on the table.
• What “repurposing” is and why you should consider it.
• The economics of repurposing.
• The six “rules” of successful repurposing.
• What you should do next.

Conference Host: San Diego Software Industry Council (SDSIC)
Location: Sheppard Mullin - 12235 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Cost: $35/Person for members - $45/Person for non-members - Pre Registration required!
Registration Info: Click here to register

21 May 08 - Get Connected Speaker Series - ReCentering Performance Transforming Business Development

“ReCentering Performance” delivers creative understandings, tools and strategies for transforming individual, team and organizational performance.

• Self-generate consistently higher levels of performance – intellectually, emotionally and physically.
• Experience power tools for transforming change management, stress and conflict.
• Learn exactly how to instantly bring your best performance to daily challenges and opportunities – no matter what’s happening!
• Creatively connect with colleagues.

Conference Host: San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
Location: Crowne Plaza San Diego – 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Cost: $30/Person for Chamber Members - $45/Person at the Door - This event is open to Chamber members
Registration Info: Contact Events Department at (619) 544-1343 or email eventregistration@sdchamber.org click here to register

22 May 08 - FrameWorks Workshops present: Selecting and Managing Your Facilities

Conference Host: CONNECT San Diego
Location: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $45/Person with Pre-Registration - $55/Person at the door
Registration Info: Contact Bethany Kraynack at (858) 964-1312 or bkraynack@connect.org

22 May 08 - Small Business Loan Day

Come learn about:
-the various loans/loan guarantee programs available for small businesses
-how small business financing works
-resources are available to small business start-ups

Conference Host: Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDITC)
Location: Southwestern College SBDITC - 880 National City Blvd, Suite 103, National City
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20/Person
Registration Info: Contact Merrily Chopp at (619) 482-6391 or email mchopp@swccd.edu or click here to register

28 May 08 - Small Business Awards Luncheon & Business Expo

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce presents an EXCITING & NEW EVENT! Don’t miss this dynamic day of events where small, medium & large businesses will make connections, develop relationships & exchange referrals while learning about local products & services.

Conference Host: San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
Location: Town & Country Resort – 500 Hotel Cirle North, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Cost:
Registration Info: Contact Tony at (619) 544-1344 or click here to register

28 May 08 - Doing Business with the Water Authority

Learn valuable information on Key Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects, upcoming contract opportunities, the Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP), the Network as well as important information about insurance, bonding, and prevailing wage requirements.

Conference Host: San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA)
Location: SDCWA – 4677 Overland Ave., San Diego
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Contact Scott MCIntosh at (888) 20-SCOOP or email smcintosh@gcapservices.com or click here to register

29 May 08 - Successful Importing Strategies, Focus on: Market Research

This seminar covers the basics of importing goods into the United States. Perfect for those who are interested in importing goods in the U.S., but do not know where to start.

Conference Host: Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDITC)
Location: Southwestern College SBDITC - 880 National City Blvd, Suite 103, National City
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $15/Person
Registration Info: Contact Gustavo Guerrero at (619) 482-6392 or email gguerrero@swccd.edu or click here to register

30 May 08 - Introduction to Doing Business with Government Agencies

Are you interested in selling your products and services to government agencies, but are not sure where and how to start? This interactive workshop will cover the first steps and strategies you need to take to successfully sell your products and services in the government market. Topics to be discussed include:

1. Learning the Basics of Government Contracting
2. Registering with Government Agencies
3. Applying for Small Business Certifications
4. Locating Government Contracting Opportunities

Conference Host: San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Location: Point Loma Nazarene University – 4007 Camino del Rio South, Suite 210, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free - Reservations Required!
Registration Info: Call (619) 285-7020 or email at sdcoc@ptac-sandiego.org or click here to register

May 2008 Score Workshops

Workshops for Small Business Development

The SCORE workshops are designed to help you "fill in the holes" of your knowledge and to provide new ideas and perspectives for your business. Each workshop delivers information to you quickly, with practical examples and lots of discussion (laughter, too). Our workshop leaders are experienced and successful businesspeople who will guide you through subjects as diverse as business start-ups or Internet Marketing. Profit from their experience!

View the workshop schedule for May by visiting SCORE 's web site at www.score-sandiego.org. To make an appointment for business counseling, or for more information on SCORE workshops or the SBA/SCORE Business Resource Center, call SCORE at (619) 557-7272.

Proud Resource Partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration

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East County EDC Foundation Awards Outstanding East County Students

On April 25, 2008 the East County Economic Development Council Foundation held its Annual Fundraiser. The evening was dedicated to the memory of Matt Magagna and thirteen students from East County high schools and community colleges were honored for their outstanding achievements in vocational arts disciplines. The annual awards ceremony was held at the Taylor Guitars Performance Venue in El Cajon. Bob Taylor, President of Taylor Guitars, along with Deanna Weeks, President and CEO of East County EDC and Gary Clasen, Continental Corporate Events presented each outstanding student with their awards. Testimonials were given by several of the teachers attending.

Students are nominated by their individual instructors and selected by a committee of teachers from each of the nominating schools. Winners are selected based upon their class room achievements, attitude and promise in eight categories which include wood working, drafting, automotive technology and other vocational arts disciplines.

Winning students received a custom plaque from Taylor Guitars, a one year membership certificate from the East County Family YMCA, a sports bag from AAA Automobile Club of Southern California, plus $250 in cash, all of which was donated by the East County EDC Foundation and its members. The students also received Certificates of Congratulations from federal, state and local elected officials.

A special presentation by Doyle Dykes , "Acoustical Guitarist Extraordinaire", and his daughter Haley, was enjoyed by all. One Taylor Guitar was raffled as a door prize and a second Taylor Guitar was auctioned during the evening. Catering was by Continental Catering and Photography courtesy of Ed Rodden.

Congratulations to Our 2008 East County Student Honorees!

• Chaparral High School - Jaime Delgado
  (Multimedia Technology) Teacher: Thomas Geairn
• Cuyamaca College - Dominic Gabriel Jagers
  (CADD Technology) Teacher: Cyrus Saghafi
• El Cajon Valley High School - James W. Joyner
  (Printing and Graphics Technology) Teacher: Michael Helkenn
• El Capitan High School - Patrick Sellers
  (Cabinet Making Technology) Teacher: Joe Cota
• Granite Hills High School - Aaron Brothers
  (Drafting, Auto Technology) Teacher: Todd Ochenduszko
• Grossmont College - Isaac J. Zamora
  (Respiratory Therapy) Teacher: Lorenda Siebold-Phalan
• Grossmont High School - Jon Gray
  (Advanced Automotive Technology) Teacher: Jordan Lehr
• Helix Charter High School - Joe Albert Malacara
  (Drafting 5 Technology) Teacher: Anthony Agundes
• Monte Vista High School - Eric D. Gentry
  (Machine Tool Operations Technology) Teacher: Warren Marlay
• Mt. Miguel High School - Eric Wilson
  (Drafting, ROP Photo Technology) Teacher: Kathy Worley
• Santana High School - Dylan Dupre
  (Machine Tool Operations Technology) Teacher: Tony Santana
• Valhalla High School - Cameron S. Halls
  (Automotive Technology) Teacher: Gary Mowrey
• West Hills High School - Josh Armstrong
  (Wood Shop Technology) Teacher: Jimmy Oxford

The East County EDC Foundation Wishes to Thank Our Generous Sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Bob and Cindy Taylor

Event Sponsor: A. G. Edwards & Sons - AT&T - Aztec Industries, Inc. - George & Elaine Bailey - Bank of America - City of Lemon Grove - City of Santee - Gary & Denise Clasen - Continental Catering - Cox Communications - D & D Tool & Supply - Diversified Properties - Dynalectric San Diego - East County EDC - First Class Packaging, Inc. - Gafcon - Grossmont Healthcare Dst. - Hamann Companies - Helix Water District - Kennon Shea & Associates - La Mesa Rotary Club - Diane Magagna - Mires Ball - North Island Credit Union - Pacific Realty Advisors - Predicate Logic, Inc. - RCP Block & Brick, Inc. - Reflex Packaging, Inc. - Rotary Club of El Cajon - SANDAG - SD Airport Authority - SDG&E - San Diego National Bank - Southland Envelope - Supple Insurance - Taylor Guitars - US Bank - Veridiam - Wells Fargo - Western Switches & Controls

Contributors: AAA Auto Club - Burkett & Wong - California Bank & Trust - Carroll Business Supply - Coffee Ambassador - County of San Diego - Cuyamaca College - East County YMCA - El Cajon Woman’s Club - Fischbeck & Oberndorfer - Grossmont College - GCCCD - Sandra & Bruce Kerl - Robert J. Kiss - Kiwanis El Cajon Valley - La Mesa Lion’s Club - Lundy Insurance - Dann Marquardt - Stephen & Cynthia Marr - Larry Martinsen - Dana & Bob Quittner - San Diego Paper Box - Jo Marie Diamond & Ron Schneider - Taylor Guitars - Teldata-USA - Dr. John Weeks

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East County Chamber’s Search for New Leader Ends in Visalia

By HEATHER CHAMBERS, San Diego Business Journal

Mike Cully, President and Chief Executive Officer of the 1,130-member Visalia Chamber of Commerce, will assume chief executive duties of the 1,000-member San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in early May.

Cully, 42, will replace Terry Saverson, who retired from the chamber at the start of the year. In Visalia, Cully was credited with the formation of a convention and visitors bureau and led a drive to construct a building to house the chamber and other nonprofit organizations.

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Employment Up By 6,000 Jobs Month-Over and Down 1,700 Year-Over

Prepared by the State of California's Employment Development Department - Labor Market Information Division.

The unemployment rate in San Diego County was 5.3 percent in March 2008, up from a revised 5.0 percent in February 2008, and above the year-ago estimate of 4.2 percent. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 6.4 percent for California and 5.2 percent for the nation during the same period.

Between February 2008 and March 2008, total nonfarm employment in San Diego County rose by 6,000 jobs to reach 1,303,400.

• Leisure and hospitality recorded the largest increase (up 2,600 jobs). Sixty-five percent of the growth (1,700 jobs) occurred in accommodation and food services, mostly in food services and drinking places (up 1,500 jobs).
• Government expanded by 1,600 jobs. Local government reported 1,000 of the additional jobs, a gain reflected in local government education.
• Educational and health services added 1,400 jobs. Private educational services contributed 1,200. Most of the gain occurred in private colleges, universities, and professional schools (up 1,100 jobs).
• Trade, transportation and utilities declined by 800 jobs. While transportation, warehousing, and utilities gained 100 jobs, the other sub sectors recorded losses. Wholesale trade contracted by 200 jobs and retail trade by 700.

Between March 2007 and March 2008, total nonfarm employment lost 1,700 jobs, decreasing by 0.1 percent.

• Leisure and hospitality added 4,100 jobs. Accommodation and food services reported over two-thirds of the increase, or 2,800 jobs. Of every 10 additional jobs in this category, eight were in food services and drinking places.
• Government grew by 1.4 percent from March of last year, adding 3,100 jobs. State government accounted for more than half the gain, or 1,700 jobs. Public colleges and universities accounted for 1,000 of the additional jobs.
• Construction posted a 9,100 year-over employment decrease, with losses in construction of buildings (down 3,200 jobs), heavy and civil engineering (down 900 jobs), and specialty trade contractors (down 5,000 jobs).
• Financial activities contracted its payrolls by 5,700 jobs. Sixty-three percent of the decrease occurred in finance and insurance – where credit intermediation and related activities lost 3,100 jobs. The remaining 37 percent of the decline was in the real estate and rental and leasing category.

For more information, contact Barbara Ruehl at (619) 266-4220.

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Snapshot on UC San Diego Extension

As the professional education and public service division of UC San Diego, Extension is focused on being a major catalyst for the continued economic, intellectual, and cultural growth of the San Diego and Baja California region. Core offerings include professional education and training, cultural enrichment, and regional economic solutions. Whether you're starting a new career, building a company, or developing a deeper appreciation of the world around you, Extension has the resources you need to get started.

For more information about UC San Diego Extension check their website http://extension.ucsd.edu

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Did You Know That!
East County Facts

The Alpine & Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

Progressive, proactive and professional, the Alpine Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving the business community and the community at large. It relies on an energetic group of volunteers known as the Chamber Ambassadors and professional staff to help direct and influence business activities.

The Chamber is membership driven with 400 members that include businesses, individuals and service organizations. Alpine Chamber programs include economic development, community development, public policy and member benefits. The Alpine Chamber continues to take a leadership roll in advancing the recognition of Alpine and the East County region as the best place to live, work, play and visit.

Taken from http://alpinechamber.com/about_us/index.html

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Tips for Credit and Debit Card Fraud Prevention

The La Mesa Police Department and other East County agencies have taken a large number of reports for fraudulent use of credit and debit card information. The Identity Theft Resource Center suggests the following tips for preventing unauthorized use of your card numbers:

1. Reduce the number of credit and debit cards you carry in your wallet. We recommend that you do not use debit cards because of the potential for losses to your checking account (see above). Instead, carry one or two credit cards and your ATM card in your wallet. Nonetheless, debit cards are popular. If you do use them, take advantage of online access to your bank account to monitor account activity frequently. Report evidence of fraud to your financial institution immediately.

2. When using your credit and debit cards at restaurants and stores, pay close attention to how the magnetic stripe information is swiped by the waiter or clerk. Dishonest employees have been known to use small hand-held devices called skimmers to quickly swipe the card and then later download the account number data onto a personal computer. The thief uses the account data for Internet shopping and/or the creation of counterfeit cards.

3. Do not use debit cards when shopping online. Use a credit card because you are better protected in case of fraud.

4. Keep a list or photocopy of all your credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and investments -- the account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments -- in a secure place (not your wallet or purse) so you can quickly contact these companies in case your credit cards have been stolen or accounts are being used fraudulently.

5. Never give out your SSN, credit or debit card number or other personal information over the phone, by mail, or on the Internet unless you have a trusted business relationship with the company and you have initiated the call. Identity thieves have been known to call their victims with a fake story that goes something like this. "Today is your lucky day! You have been chosen by the Publishers Consolidated Sweepstakes to receive a free trip to the Bahamas. All we need is your Social Security number, credit card number and expiration date to verify you as the lucky winner."

6. Always take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container. When shopping, put receipts in your wallet rather than in the shopping bag.

7. Never permit your credit card number to be written onto your checks. It's a violation of California law (Civil Code sec. 1725) and laws in many other states, and puts you at risk for fraud.

8. Watch the mail when you expect a new or reissued credit card to arrive. Contact the issuer if the card does not arrive.

9. Order your credit report at least once a year. Federal law gives you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you are a victim of identity theft, your credit report will contain the tell-tale signs – inquiries that were not generated by you, as well as credit accounts that you did not open. The earlier you detect fraud, the easier and quicker it will be to clean up your credit files and regain your financial health.

For information on protecting yourself against Credit Card Fraud, call the San Diego County Identity Theft Resource Center at (858) 693-7935 or the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (619) 667-1445.

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Steep Gas Prices Exerting Wide Strain On Local Companies

By CONNIE LEWIS, San Diego Business Journal

For the past few years gasoline prices have spiked in the spring and gone down at the beginning of the summer driving season. But as oil prices continue to break record highs, analysts predict that relief at the pump is further off.

At least one, Charles Langley with Utility Consumers’ Action Network, a local advocacy group, doesn’t expect gas prices to drop until the November presidential election nears.

“First of all, we hope that gas does not breach the $4 level in San Diego, but we think it will shatter that barrier in the next couple weeks,” Langley said.

On April 23, regular unleaded gas, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, averaged $3.91 a gallon, up from $3.89 the day before, $3.65 a month ago and $3.39 on the same day last year.

Langley also thinks that if prices go back down, politics, not market conditions, will be the reason.

“There will be a concerted effort on the part of the oil industry to stabilize prices going into a major election,” he said, citing the 2006 midterm election when gas prices dropped 90 cents a gallon as a case in point.

“The oil industry understands that no matter how much money they give to politicians, when prices are high consumers get upset,” he said. “They understand that if they want to maintain an oil-friendly government they must lower prices before an election.”

According to University of San Diego economist Alan Gin, “Every 10-cent increase in a gallon of gas takes $7 million a month out of the local economy.” But the caveat would be if motorists changed their behavior by buying more fuel-efficient cars or reduced their driving, he added.

“Inflation is also a result of higher gas prices, and because we don’t produce much (gasoline), a lot of what we consume is trucked in. That eventually translates into higher prices at the retail level,” he said.

Weighing Rate Adjustments

Rebecca Blackwood, co-owner of Crest Offset Printing Co. in National City, said that in the past the company has adjusted its rates upward in accordance with higher paper costs, but has held off additional increases in the face of higher fuel costs.

That was before receiving a recent statement billing her for nearly twice the amount from the prior month for gas charges to fuel a van and two cars used for pickups and deliveries.

“Granted, we’re busier so that’s part of it, but a big chunk was the increase in gas prices,” she said.

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Connectory.com® Member Spotlight

Connectory.com® is the East County EDC's flagship project that began as an East San Diego County resource and has expanded to become the premier business-to-business information tool for California. The Connectory focuses on primary industry/technology companies and their suppliers of goods and services. It combines the unparalleled speed and navigation capability of the Internet with a high quality company database that focuses on company capabilities and capacities at every level of the supply chain -- all at no cost to the company. To post your company's profile on the Connectory, go to www.connectory.com and click on "Profile your Company".

This section of the newsletter is dedicated to shed light on a Connectory member and feature its services and capabilities. This month's spotlight is on:

D&D Tool & Supply

Name: D&D Tool & Supply
Address: 1028 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: www.ddtool.com
Email: info@ddtool.com
Phone: (619) 276-9100
About: D&D Tool & Supply is a premier industrial distributor of cutting tools, abrasives, hand tools and power tools, and manufactures and sharpens specialty cutting tools.
Some of the services that they provide include:

• Woodworking
• Contractor
• Machine Shop
• General Tools
• Metal Fabrication
• MRO Supplies
• Custom Tool Manufacturing
• Custom & Standard Insert Tooling
• Resharpening
  

To view D&D Tool & Supply' full Connectory profile, click here or go to www.connectory.com and type the company name in the search box.

If you are a Connectory member and would like your company featured in this section, please contact Maya Kmeid-Sawaya at (619) 258-3670 or email maya.kmeid@eastcountyedc.org

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A Newsletter from all of us at the East County EDC

Visit www.eastcountyedc.org to view the East County EDC website and our monthly newsletter from the East County EDC. There's always news you can use in this informative publication. Visit today and visit often for up to date information.

Created and edited by Maya Kmeid-Sawaya, East County EDC