VIEJAS BOWL continues Viejas Outlet Center’s transformation into “lifestyle center”

August 27, 2009 (Alpine) – Viejas announced plans today for a new, boutique bowling center, to be called Viejas Bowl, at the Viejas Outlet Center, across from the award winning Viejas Casino.

August 25, 2009 (El Cajon) Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) will host a Community job Fair on September 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas in El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Could East County someday rival Napa Valley as a prime winemaking locale?

August 17, 2009 (La Mesa) -- For the past 6 years, a golf tournament has been held to support Camp Hope, a 13-acre site at the base of Lake Sutherland in the foothills of Ramona. This camp is a summer place for physically and emotionally abused children. This year, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host and produce this annual event at Steele Canyon Golf Club on September 24.

By Peter Tworoger

Identity theft can be devastating. The costs associated with identity theft have surpassed that of the drug trade. According to USA Today, the number of victims is expected to increase 20 fold over the next few years.

July 20, 2009 (El Cajon) – San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce recently graduated 20 students from its Leadership program. The intensive nine-month program features a full day each month of seminars.

Planning for Effective Marketing

By Rama Beerfas

By Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (La Mesa)—“We’re changing many people’s lives. Our customers are getting off of canes, back on their feet, and back to work,” Linda Telge, a registered nurse and owner of Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear in La Mesa, told me at the store’s five year anniversary party hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce this week.

June 23, 2009 (Santee) – Terry Klinker, owner of the Sport Clips store in Santee, donned the company’s “Sporty” mascot suit and joined with other members of the haircut store’s team to participate in the 2009 Arthritis Walk last Saturday. The retail chain raised more than $2,500 through the walk as well as through a “Cut-a-Thon” held at its nine San Diego County locations on June 3rd. Customers who donated at least $5 to the Arthritis Foundation received a free “MVP” haircut.

June 7, 2009 (Lemon Grove)—“What is special about this place is that we make the most challenging cakes—cakes that nobody else around town will take,” said Luis Francisco Montero, baker at the Grove Pastry Shop in Lemon Grove. Montero spoke with East County Magazine during an East County Chamber of Commerce reception earlier this week at the bakery, which celebrates its 54th year in business.

June 4, 2009 -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce reports victory in helping to defeat several bills it describes as “business UN-friendly bills." But a coalition opposed to Sunrise Powerlink has taken the Chamber to task for its opposition to one measure which supporters say would, in fact, create jobs in renewable energy production locally. The organization also seeks to persuade the Chamber to reconsider its endorsement of Sunrise Powerlink.

June 1, 2009 (El Cajon)-- The Rancho San Diego Jamul Chamber of Commerce is having its second annual golf tournament and networking event on June 26th. “Come join the fun. Last year’s event was a blast and this year is going to top it,” pledged Valerie Harrison, president. Guests who don’t golf or can’t attend are urged to sponsor a wounded veteran to play by calling the Chamber office at 670-8244.

Honored at Formal State Recognition Celebration - Selected from among 3.7 million small companies in California Editor's note: Can we pick 'em or what? Gio was one of the very first restaurants we covered when we launched, with a rave review by our "Vines & Steins" connoisseur columnist: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=0809vinesteins