LA MESA CHAMBER MIXER AT VIEJAS DRAWS CROWD

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La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Mary England and Viejas spokesman Charlie Brown

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2009 (Alpine) —“We don’t just hold mixers. We make cash registers ring,” La Mesa Chamber of Commerce president Mary England told a crowd of approximately 100 members and guests at a mixer hosted by the Chamber at the Dreamcatcher Lounge in Viejas Casino. England presented a plaque to Viejas, which donated dinners for all Chamber members and guests.

Viejas spokesman Charlie Brown urged guests to “have fun”—and fun was evident as guests enjoyed dinner, music, prizes and networking with fellow business owners.

La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, Grossmont Healthcare District Board member Debbie McElravy, and La Mesa Village Merchants Association President Jim Wieboldt

Mayor Art Madrid praised the Chamber for its rapid growth in the first year since La Mesa businesses opted to revived a La Mesa Chamber separate from the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in order to promote the interests of local companies. “We started out with zero members. Today, we have 238 members,” said Madrid, who added that big changes are in store for the downtown community. “Keep your eye on the Village of La Mesa. That place will be fantastic in the next few years.”

Linda Telge of Z-Coil was among the merchants showcasing wares-and gaining a fan from ECM's footsore editor, who wore home a pair!

Musical entertainment was provided by Eric Lund, chief executive officer of the San Diego East Visitors Bureau who doubled as DJ at the mixer.

“This is a major event that the Chamber schedules each year,” he noted. “The Dreamcatcher Lounge is one of our premier venues in East County…The tribe always does a great job of hosting major events.”

The Visitors Bureau promotes tourism in East County, including promoting “staycations” during the economic downturn, Lund said. “It’s amazing how many people here don’t know what’s here in East County. They’ve never been to Anza-Borrego Desert. They’ve never been to the mountains, to Julian.”

What’s next for Chamber members seeking more networking opportunities?

“We’re cruising to Mexico in November,” England revealed, “and we’d love to see you all there.”


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