Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce News

Newly Elected Lake Forest Chamber President Forecasts Continued Growth

Fiby Abdelmalik — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:06:16 GMT

The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce recently installed a new set of officers.

By Sarah de Crescenzo | Email the author | September 6, 2011

Newly named Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce President Dave Carter, who also sits on the city's Planning Commission, predicts the organization's growth will continue under his tenure.

Recently, the chamber convened at Rudy’s Pub and Grill in Foothill Ranch for an official installation dinner, during which new board members and committee heads were named.

As president, Carter said he plans to pay attention to building relations between chamber members to encourage business connections.

"In our first year as a chamber we were focused on getting organized," Carter said.

"The second year we focused on getting members connected" with the chamber, he said.

As the chamber enters its third year, the focus will be getting members to connect with one another, he said.

He see its current membership of about 159 business partners growing to 200 members by the end of the year.

His goals as president, after ensuring a "smooth transition of the board and their respective committee functions," is to focus on gaining new members and current member retention, he said.

Looking forward, the chamber's main challenge is gaining new membersundefinedwhile keeping the old.

"Identifying and providing 'value' to our members must be our primary focus," the chamber's newly elected president said.

While the chamber is entirely volunteer-run at the moment, Carter says that could change as the organization continues to see steady growth.

"We'll be discussing a part-time sales position at our first board meeting," he said.

For more information about the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, visit www.lakeforestcachamber.com or stop by the chamber office at 26239 Enterprise Court.

Corporate Board

President: David Carter (Immediate Past President: Mike Brenhaug)

President-elect: Mary Visconte

Secretary: Diane Ealy

Treasurer: Bob Brown

Committee Chairs

Membership: Margie Matsil, Director

Emissary: Jim Sparks, Director

Events/Programs: Deb Olson, Director

Board of Directors At-Large

Steve Smith

Kevin Hebenstreit

Stephen Pritsker

Jerry Zechmeister

Lisa Tooley

Darren Whissen

Lake Forest's Inaugural 'Shop and Dine' Week On the Way

Fiby Abdelmalik — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:45:54 GMT

The city is recruiting local businesses to get involved in the weeklong event.

By Sarah de Crescenzo | Email the author | June 7, 2011

A marketing program for Lake Forest businesses, begun in 2009, is going a step further this summer.

Shop and Dine Lake Forest, as the program is called, is launching a Shop and Dine Lake Forest Week this August.

Local businesses can participate in the weeklong campaign, which is intended to give businesses greater exposure to potential customers for free, said Jessica Gonzales, an economic development specialist with the city of Lake Forest.

"We're encouraging every Lake Forest business to participate in this event," she said.

From Aug. 7-14, citywide promotional deals and discounts from participating Lake Forest businesses will be available to residents and out-of-towners alike.

The city's Economic Development Department will advertise the promotional offers with mailers to the community and posts on the Shop and Dine website.

There won't be any permit fees for live music or entertainment, which the city is encouraging that participants provide for visitors.

The deadline to submit promotional offers is coming up: June 17 is the final day for prospective participants to be included in the advertisements that will be sent out telling residents about Shop and Dine Week.

Lake Forest businesses and shopping center property managers wishing to participate in Shop and Dine Lake Forest Week can get in touch with Economic Development at 949-461-3567 or through email.

Click here to view the article

Business leaders talk about QR codes, tips at popular expo

Fiby Abdelmalik — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:37:07 GMT

May 14, 2011|BY ERIKA I. RITCHIE AND SASCHA DORING

LAKE FOREST Ronnie Kovach, a TV and radio host and former CEO, was the featured speaker during the Lake Forest's Chamber of Commerce fifth business seminar on Friday.

"He's very motivating, inspirational and fun," said Mike Brenhaug, the chamber's president. "At our past events we've always had internal people. This is the first time we're bringing in a professional speaker."

Secrets to Small Business Success, is one of the chamber's two annual signature events. More than 100 small business owners attended and listened to panel discussions by successful local business leaders who gave business tips and networking opportunities. The event held at the Lake Forest City Hall was hosted by the chamber and the city of Lake Forest.

Mark DeBellis, president of PSB marketing kicked the morning off by inspiring people to think outside the box.

"What do you have in your basket that you can tweak?" asked DeBellis, a Lake Forest businessman. "People want authenticity. Buckle up, it's time to grow. Every big company was small once. Have you lost some of the dream? It may be cloudy but you're still in the fight. Look for new ways and opportunities. They're out there."

Other speakers included Lorraine Conaway, a financial strategist, Anthony Nitz, a self-proclaimed geek who has 25 Facebook pages and 45 websites, and Jayson Duncan, who leads a video production company that has created campaigns fro companies like Microsoft and Nestle.

Nitz introduced participants to QR codes and their uses. A QR code (Quick Response) is a two-dimensional code that can be read by camera phones and barcode readers. Nitz provided examples to use them as URLs, send emails, prompt someone to dial a number and send a text.

"Ninety-nine percent of businesses do business exactly the same way they've always done it," he said. "You have to stand out."

He pointed out a recent ad by Calvin Klein undefined a full-page ad that simply had the two-dimensional box and the words 'Calvin Klein."

"That was their single biggest ad," Nitz said.

Many participants left the expo recharged and hopeful on making their small businesses successful.

"I've been to all five panels the chamber held in recent years but this one has been the best of all," Jim Blackburn, who owns Lake Forest's Minuteman Press, said.

The city also announced a new marketing program planned for August undefined Shop Lake Forest Week, which will be part of the city's Shop and Dine Lake Forest.

The week-long event will feature citywide promotional deals and discounts from Lake Forest businesses. During this week, restaurants, shops and hotels will be encouraged to participate with promotional offers.

Lake Forest businesses wishing to participate in Shop Lake Forest Week should contact economicdevelopment@lakeforestca.gov or go to www.lakeforestcachamber.com

Click here to view article

A True Birthday Party for the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce's First Year

Fiby Abdelmalik — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:58:52 GMT

The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce celebrates its one-year anniversary at Lucille's BBQ on Wednesday evening.

Ribbons, gift bags and a birthday cake were all part of the scene Wednesday night at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ, where the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce celebrated its first year in action.

Click here to read article

Lake Forest Chamber grows ten-fold in first year

Fiby Abdelmalik — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:19:30 GMT

LAKE FOREST – The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce celebrates its first year after a ten-fold increase in membership.

"We've had tremendous support from the city," Margie Matsil, a board member and event chair, said. "Our goal is to have one-on-one interaction with our members and be connected to the community."

Click here to read article

Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Celebrates First Birthday, Looks Ahead

Fiby Abdelmalik — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:11:42 GMT

Companies ranging from mega-brand Oakley to local chain Bagels & Brew have joined the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce in its first year.

But there's still plenty of room to grow, said chamber president Mike Brenhaug.

Click here to read article

OC Register wrap up of Lake Forest Chamber's 1st Birthday Party!

Darren Whissen — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:25:44 GMT

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Thanks to everybody who attended the party, and thanks to everyone who helped make the Chamber what it is today!

New Lake Forest Chamber President

Jeff & Kristen White — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:27:43 GMT

Please join us in welcoming Mike Brenhaug as our new Lake Forest Chamber President. This is going to be a fantastic year! Mike has tremendous ideas and ambitions!

VAN DAELE AT SUMMIT CREST- LOWEST PRICED HOMES IN SOUTH COUNTY

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:38:56 GMT

VAN DAELE AT SUMMIT CREST
112 Summit Pointe
Lake Forest, Ca. 92630
949.273.6665

LOWEST PRICED NEW HOMES IN SOUTH COUNTY
LOCATED RIGHT HERE IN LAKE FOREST

SPECIAL FEATURES

SPECTACULAR VIEWS!!!
NO MELLO ROOS TAXES!! UP TO $10,000 in TAX CREDITS!!
From the upper $600,000's
3% Broker CO-OP
Three to five bedroom floorplans
Approximately 2, 449 to 3,026 square feet
3 1/2 to 4 baths
Functional designs----loft, butler's pantry & parlor
Granite kitchen countertops, maple cabinetry
Great schools

***MODELS OPEN DAILY***

*************************************************
For Additional Information about these BEAUTIFUL NEW HOMES... please click on the attached flyer

Summit Crest Homes Ad July 2010-mm.pdf

or go the Van Daele Website

http://www.vandaele.com/

2011 Board of Directors Nominations

Darren Whissen — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:50:10 GMT

The 2011 Lake Forest Chamber Board of Directors has been nominated. Please view the new board by clicking here.

From July 15, 2010 through August 15, 2010, all Chamber Members are welcome to comment on the board nominations. Barring any issues raised, the new Board will be sworn in at its August meeting and will begin duties September 1, 2010.

OC Register posts wrap up article on South Orange County's Largest Career Fair

Darren Whissen — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:29:58 GMT

The OC Register wrote an excellent wrap up article on the South Orange County's Largest Career Fair, highlighting several of the employers that are hiring. Read the article here.

Member to Member Discount

Jeff & Kristen White — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:27:12 GMT

Attn Members...we'd like to promote your business through our Member to Member Discount Program.

Please email us your special offers!

What some of your fellow Chamber Members are offering:

Lisa Tooley with BeachSide Real Estate is offering a complimentary home inspection with the buy/sale of a house!

Kristen & Jeff with TH2 Technologies offer 10% off their Professional Computer services!

Connie & Mary with Spectrum Specialites & Awards offer 10% off their personalized promotional products.

And many more!

Please email gcollin16@gmail.com

Secrets to Small Business Success

Jeff & Kristen White — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:01:56 GMT

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 11th for the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Signature Event! It will be held at Lake Forest City Hall! See you there.

Committee Members WANTED!

Jeff & Kristen White — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:10 GMT

Hi Chamber Members!

We want you! We have numberous committees that we'd love your support on. Including Membership, SSBS, Emmisary, Communication, Technology, Events & Programs, etc!

Please call or email us today to learn more!!!

The chamber number is 949.596.0410

South Orange County's Largest Career Fair is Highlighted in OC Register

Darren Whissen — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:11:32 GMT

South Orange County's Largest Career Fair was recently highlighted in the OC Register. Click Here to read the article.

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT:VAN DAELE HOMES at SUMMIT CREST- BEAUTIFUL MODELS NOW OPEN IN LAKE FOREST

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:07:26 GMT

VAN DAELE HOMES at SUMMIT CREST

MODELS NOW OPEN in LAKE FOREST
SPECTACULAR VIEWS!!

Nestled in the preferred family community of
Lake Forest is a unique offering of 29 "NEW HOMES"
by Van Daele Development.
Beautiful American Farmhouse, Bungalow and Craftsman architecture accents this "VIEW ORIENTED COMMUNITY" which includes a neighborhood park and easy access to freeways, shopping and entertainment!!

FROM THE UPPER $600,00's
NO MELLO ROOS TAXES!!
UP TO $10,000.00 in TAX CREDITS!!
LOWEST PRICED NEW HOMES in SOUTH COUNTY!!

• Three to five bedroom floorplans
• 2,449 to 3,026 square feet
• 3½ to 4 baths
• Unique designs—loft, butler’s pantry and parlor
• Granite kitchen countertops, maple cabinetry,
stainless steel appliances and more are price-included !!
• Great schools

FOR MORE INFORMATION on THESE BEAUTIFUL "NEW HOMES"
PLEASE CLICK on THE ATTACHED LINK

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Van Daele Homes at Summit Crest-Flyer 050710-mm.pdf

Lake Forest "State of the City" showcased on OC Register

Darren Whissen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:34:03 GMT

The Lake Forest "State of the City" event was recently showcased on the OC Register. Click Here to view the article.

Technology Committee

Jeff & Kristen White — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:14:55 GMT

The Lake Forest Chamber Technology Committee is looking for members! If you are interested in joining our team, please email kristen at kristen@th2tech.com to learn more!!

Congrats to Gary A. Kreitz CPA, our 100th Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Member

Jeff & Kristen White — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:12:30 GMT

Our Lake Forest Chamber began in January 2010 and has already climbed to 104 members. Fantastic.

May 14th is South Orange County's Largest Career Fair!

Jeff & Kristen White — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:08:47 GMT

www.oclargestcareerfair.com

May14th from 10-2

Located at 10 Goodyear, in Irvine at the Community Resource Center