The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and BIZPAC the independent Political Action Committee created by the Chamber have agreed on recommendations for pro-business votes on November’s election ballot. The votes to support or oppose were taken separately by each organization. The recommendations include:

SUPPORT

Prop 1A
Prop 1B
Prop 1C
Prop 1D
Prop 1E

OPPOSE

Prop 87
Prop 88
Prop 90

On Proposition 86, BIZPAC voted to oppose the cigarette tax hike while the Chamber Board voted not to take a position.

BIZPAC, a political action committee that was created by but independent of the San Diego East County Chamber has made endorsements in the La Mesa mayoralty race, the El Cajon mayoralty race, one seat of the El Cajon City Council and for 4 seats in the Grossmont – Cuyamaca Community College Trustee races.

Bizpac’s mission is to “promote commerce, jobs, trade and industry and advance the economic growth of and improve government in and for eastern San Diego County.

The endorsements include:

La Mesa Mayor – Art Madrid

El Cajon Mayor – Mark Lewis

El Cajon City Council – Gary Kendrick

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College Board of Trustees

Deanna Weeks
Rick Alexander
Bill Garrett
Arkan Somo

The 4th Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon was held on Friday, October 27st at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley. Over 250 attendees heard California Chamber of Commerce Chair Donna Tuttle speak and honor seven women in the fields of Art and Culture, Business, Education, Government, Non Profits and Healthcare. The recipients included Debra Turner Emerson in Arts and Culture, Ingrid Croce in Business, Lois French in Education, Bonnie La Chappa and Assembly member Shirley Horton in Government, Sandy Pugliese in Healthcare and Andrea Stone in Non Profit Organizations. Pictured is Debra Turner Emerson accepting her award for Arts and Culture from Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

Congreessman Duncan Hunter reported on the latest in Washington to the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee on October 19th.
The House Armed Forces Committee Chairman reported on the War in Iraq, spoke about passing legislation establishing rules on trying combatants,the passage of a new defense bill and discussed border security issues. The Congressman also talked of his opposition to Proposition A, the Miramar Airport advisory vote. Hunter has recently announced the formation of an exploratory committee to look at a run for the presidency in 2008.

Chamber President/CEO Terry Saverson joins El Cajon CDC Executive Director, Claire Carpenter and El Cajon Public Affairs Officer, Monica Zech in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the rededication of Old Highway 80 at Prescott Promenade in El Cajon. Events were held at Seaport Village, North Park, College Area, La Mesa, El Cajon, Lakeside, Alpine and Viejas Casino.

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will be conducting their “Ethics in Business” program on Wednesday, November 8th for high school seniors. There are still some facilitator slots available for this state-wide award winning program. Volunteers work directly with a small group of students during this half-day event. If you can assist please call the Chamber at (619) 440-6161.

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Breakfast for November is being sponsored by Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.

The breakfast will be held Friday, November 3, from 7: 15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Barona Buffet located inside the Casino.

The guest speaker will be Continental Catering co-owner Gary Clasen who will speak on fighting back on ADA lawsuits

The Mt. Helix Park Foundation celebrated its acquisition of an additional 3.4 acres with a ribbon cutting on October 19th. Joining the Chamber Ambassadors and handling the scissors are Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Park Foundation Chair Robert Ball. Plans for the property include permanent rest room facilities and additonal parking for the park.

The dilemma: You know that a pending ballot measure will have a huge impact on your business, either directly because it affects your industry, or indirectly because of its impact on the jobs climate and the economy. You’d like to let your employees know about your concerns – but can you?

The answer is yes – IF you keep in mind and follow some dos and don’ts.

DNA Services celebrated their Grand Opening with the Chamber Ambassadors. The service specializes in establishing paternity for legal cases. They are located at 326 W. Douglas in El Cajon.

To see November's Chamber calendar click on link below:

http://www.eastcountychamber.org/calendar.html

The Chamber Ambassadors help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Executive Health Consultants. Fé Gifford handles the scissors for a ribboncutting at their offices at 448 S. Magnolia in El Cajon

Ad Mail Direct LLC
The Entrepreneur’s SourceLinda Crownover & Company
Lisa Punzo, Prudential California Realty

Hillside Community Church
Isagenix Health & Wellness
Je Boutique College of Beauty

Chamber Chair Elect Michele Tarbet of Sharp Grossmont Hospital joins the Chamber Ambassadors in cutting a ribbon to celebrate the opening of Grossmont Imaging Center located at 8881 Fletcher Parkway # 102 in La Mesa.

Best Windows & Doors
Cabrillo Credit Union
City of La Mesa
East County Personnel Association
Diamond Creations by Ramona
Home of Guiding Hands
Lions Tigers & Bears
Waste Management

The Chamber Ambassadors climbed a rock pile to help owners Randy and Rene Hinton celebrate by cutting a ribbon at their facility at 1998 E. Chase in El Cajon. The company deals not only in rocks but all kinds of landscape items.

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce wishes to recognize the following businesses for their continued support and encourages you to patronize these establishments. The following list represents members who renewed between mid September and Mid October (October 19). For list of renewals go to "Full Story"

The Chamber Ambassadors assist in a ribbon cutting for Windermere Real Estate who have opened offices in the old La Mesa Furniture building on 8284 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa Village.