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It is with the greatest sadness that I report that we recently lost one of our brightest stars in the Chamber of Commerce and the Ramona community. On Sunday, February 25, 2018 one of our most valuable ambassadors and members, Penny Hale, passed away from a heart attack while out on a bike ride. It is a tragic loss to all who knew her, especially her husband Steve, daughter Alaina, her entire family, and her extended family throughout the Ramona community.

It is unexpected events like this that put us in touch with our own mortality. We are all here for a finite period of time, and we should avoid petty annoyances and disputes and focus on the promotion of peace, harmony and compassion. As Steve Jobs famously said, “Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”

Penny was beloved by all who knew her. Not only was she one of the hardest working ambassadors for the Chamber, but she always accomplished her role with a smile and a degree of humility which I have seldom witnessed in another human being. Penny never spoke a mean work about another human being and was always joyous and caring.

I had the honor of working with Penny in the “vault” during the Country Fair over a period of 4

days. Before we got the kinks out of the money counting machine, there were numerous frustrations. My reaction was not as serene as Penny’s! While I was ranting and raving, Penny was calm and merely stayed focused on the task, which was ultimately accomplished due to her steadfastness.

Since her passing, I have heard nothing but praise and love for Penny from every quarter. We should all strive to be like Penny in our daily lives, and we should all strive to leave a legacy like Penny did.

There will be a celebration of life for Penny on Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m. at El Cajon Blvd. Church of Christ, 2528 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California 92104. I hope a large number of our Chamber leaders and members make an effort to attend to celebrate the life of this wonderful human being, Penny Hale. She will be missed by all.

I will not diminish this message by adding any other trivial and inconsequential information in this President’s Message. Let us all just focus on the loss we have suffered and commit to honor and help one another as Penny did in life. Rest in Peace, our dear Penny.

- President Bob Krysak

The Heart of San Diego County

Mission Statement The mission of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce is to develop and maintain a

climate for viable economic growth, to promote loyalty to and networking for local

businesses and to demonstrate an outstanding leadership role in our community.

MARCH 2018 // VOLUME 33 // NO. 03

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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Ramona Chamber of Commerce

960 Main Street Ramona CA 92065

Telephone : (760) 789 -1311

Fax : (760) 789 -1317

E-Mai l : rccstaf f@ramonachamber .com

www.ramonachamber .com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President | Bob Krysak

Law Offices of Krysak & Associates

(760) 789.9314

Vice President | Stacy Bart

Unicorn Books & Gifts

(760) 788.3700

Secretary | Cindy Galloway

Ramona Community Foundation

(760) 271.1194

Treasurer | Paul Zawilenski

Chase Bank

(760) 703.2353

Past President | Sally Westbrook

MJN Real Estate | Realtor & Mobile Notary

(760) 525.4888

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathleen Cole | Jewelry World & Loan

(760) 789.2048

Karen Domnitz | Century 21 Award

(619) 884.7654

Carol Fowler | Stage Presence Homes

(760) 522.1777

Susan McCormick | Ramona Sentinel

(760)789.1350 x4560

Heather McGhee | SDCEA

(760) 789.3788 x5010

Bob Murray | Java Hut

(619) 316.4456

Patrick Osio / Ramona Disposal Service

(760) 789.0516

Heidi Sam / Aflac

(619) 871.7589

Eric Vellone / Ramona Town Radio

(760) 440.0560

AMBASSADOR CHAIR

Debbie Reaza

Accredited Backflow Resolutions

(619) 672.1419

STAFF

Executive Director | Joe Stupar

Administrative Assistant | Olivia Rochelle

Chamber Assistant | Michelle Sund

“The Ramona Chamber of Commerce Business News” (USPS-004701) is published

monthly by Ramona Chamber of Commerce. Membership includes $12 per year

for monthly newsletter. Circulation 525.

POSTMASTER

Send address corrections to:

960 Main Street Ramona, CA 92065

March

09-18: Laguna Mountain Sprint Thaw Rendezvous | More info at www.lagunamountainrendezvous.com

10/11: Oasis Camel Dairy Open Farm Day | 26757 Hwy 78| 1-4pm | Animal show starts at 1:30pm

15: St. Patrick’s Lucky Networking Mixer | San Vicente Resort 24157 San Vicente Road | 6-8pm

16: St. Patrick’s Day Party | Irish dance performance by Turning Pointe School of Dance | Ramona Library 1275 Main St. | 3pm

22: SBA Lender’s Fair | 626 Main St. | 9am-3pm

24: Warner HS Fundraiser Golf Tournament | Warner Springs Ranch Resort 31652 CA-79 | 8:15am Registration | 760-782-4270

24: Free Tax Help by AARP | Ramona Library 1275 Main Street | Registration is required | 760-788-5270

28: Last Wednesday Workshop “Digital Marketing: Beyond the Hill” presented by Phillip Macko | 872 Main St. | 8am-9:30am

28: Be Forever Stress Free by Oasis San Diego | Ramona Library 1275 Main St. | 10:30am

April

14-15: Ramona Open Studios Tour | Ramona CA | 10am-4pm

21: Ramona Music Fest | 421 Aqua Lane | 12-6pm | 760-533-4884 www.ramonamusicfest.org

28: Health Fair | 2005 Main Street | 9am-3pm | 760-789-2330

For more events visit www.ramonaevents.com.

Ramona Events Submit Your Events to www.RamonaEvents.com!

March:

09: National Property Inspections | 960 Main St. | 4 PM

21: Ramona Kitchen & Bath | 1140 Main St. Ste. 201 | 4PM

23: Sears of Ramona | 969 Main Street | 4PM

April:

03: Sustainer Home Care | 960 Main St. | Noon

06: Casa Rustica | 316 Main Street | 4PM

Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Welcome new chamber members and network.

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Renewing Chamber members

BUSINESS | HOME | AUTO | HEALTH | LIFE

WA T E R I D G E INSURANCE SERVICES

760-788-9558 aslocum@wateridge.com

www.RamonaInsurance.com

MEMBER SINCE

Ramona Town Radio 2015

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 2017

Malcolm J. Boykin, D.D.S., Inc. 2014

Ramona Journal-Julian Journal 1998

Susan Willis-ReMax Direct 2017

Edward Jones– Debora Meskell 2016

WT Kirkman Lanterns 2009

The Graffix Shack 2017

Changing Options, Inc. 2011

H5 Financial-Shelly Heimer 2007

Riviera Wellness Spa 2014

Estates Dental 2015

Ramona Self Storage 2009

ULM Media 2017

Law Offices of Barry Pasternack 2015

Ramona Family Dentistry 2005

San Vicente Mortgage 2006

Amber Ramirez

President

603 Main St #7

Ramona, CA

760.789.0010 aramirez@farmersagent.com

License #0D95247 & 0L08317

Amber Ramirez Insurance Agency, Inc.

AL SLOCUM, CIC

Lic. No. 0827781

760.789.8010

254 Pine St. (Hwy 78) Ramona, CA

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Last Wednesday Workshop

Chamber member, Phillip Macko is our speaker for the March 28th Last Wednesday Workshop.

March 28th 2018 @ 8AM-9:30AM

Ranch Events Center 872 Main Street, Ramona CA 92065

Title: Digital Marketing: Beyond the Hill

Workshop Summary: Ramona is now a destination, and with very few exceptions, Ramona-based businesses can expand their reach beyond the locals to brand new potential markets. This session will provide an overview of current marketing trends and consumer behaviors, and cover five core marketing strategies. Depending on the type of business attendees have, one or all of the strategies we’ll talk about can be taken back to their business the morning after.

1. Who is your prospective customer, and what are their early and triggering buying behaviors? Participants will be guided through an exercise to create a buyer persona and behavioral pipeline that they’ll use in the next four topics.

2. What is SEO, and what drives it? We’ll discuss the “new” SEO paradigm, including the 180+ digital directories that drive website traffic.

3. What do prospective buyers look at before they decide to talk to you/ try you? Your online reputation matters more than you may know, participants will learn strategies to better manage and leverage their satisfied clients as well as negate the potential damages done by negative reviews.

4. What does your social say about your brand? Not all social media channels are necessary or appropriate. But the ones you choose to live in should reflect your brand in the right way. Participants will learn about their options, best practices and things to avoid in social media.

5. What to do about the rest? Not everyone is ready, willing and able to buy. How do you stay top of mind with them until they are?

Bio: Social Now’s President, Phillip Macko, brings twenty-seven years of successful sales, marketing, and executive sales management experience spanning four industries to the team. For the past twelve years, Phillip held the position of SVP, Sales for an international music publishing company, and managed territories in North, Central and South America. Prior to this, Phillip owned a medical diagnostic equipment company, working with healthcare professionals throughout the U.S and consulting for a medical device manufacturer based in Finland, assisting with product development and training their affiliate sales team spanning twelve countries throughout Europe. Phillip was an invited speaker at the World Congress of Physical Therapy, and is a twice published author – his titles Think Your Age, Don’t Act It and Make Others Greater are both available on Amazon.

Social Now brings a team of 60+ writers, including investigative journalists who’ve written for USA Today, The Washington Post, Sotheby’s and more. Social Now leverages the technologies, efficiencies and strategies via its strategic partnerships to deliver agency level results that agree with small business budgets.

Chris Fenimore and Bill

Clark of Thrivent Financial

presented, “New Tax Law

and How it Might Affect

You” during the February

Last Wednesday Workshop.

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February Networking Mixer at

Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club

Liz Bailey and Bob Krysak

selected a business card for

the early bird raffle

Roma of Polaris Talent and

Jonas of Ramona Fitness Center

attended the first mixer of 2018

Chamber members gathered

around belly up tables to network

and enjoy food and spirits

Congrats opportunity drawing recipients Starting from the left Brenda Berry, Beth Hall,

Alicia Shults, and Alice Hussey

Thank you Joanne Bennett for providing delicious desserts from the London Bakery

to the Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club Mixer

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Rest in Peace Penny Hale, You Will Be Missed!

Celebration of life for Penny Hale:

Saturday, March 10, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m. at El Cajon Blvd. Church of

Christ, 2528 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, California 92104.

Message from the Ambassadors: I would like to dedicate my

message to the memory of Penny Hale. Penny was an ambassador for

many years and has served the Ramona Chamber in many ways. She

was always cheerful, had a willing smile for everyone, and eager to

help whenever and wherever she was needed. Please hold Penny in a

special place in your heart; she was a gift to us all.

If you are interested in becoming a Ramona Chamber Ambassador,

please come to our next meeting held at the Chamber on the first

Monday of each month at noon. Our next meeting will be on April 2nd

and we would love to welcome you to the group. We work to promote

the Ramona Chamber while promoting our own businesses through a

mission of service and welcoming to new members of the Ramona

Chamber. — Ambassador Chair Debby Reaza

Willow Ridge Estates:

Josh Santa, president and CEO of KirE Builders, cuts a green ribbon

marking the grand opening of Willow Ridge Estates. At Willow

Ridge Estates, you will find superior craftsmanship and stunning

design in this enclave of 17 single family homes ranging in size from

2,444 – 2678 sq. ft. These sprawling estate homes will feature one

and two story open concept floor plans set on ½ acre minimum lots.

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, each home will come

equipped with a solar system, as well as designer selected finishes, a

generous master suite, and gourmet kitchens with a large island and

stainless steel appliances. Settled in the foothills above San Diego,

Ramona exudes small town charm while still providing all of the

main necessities at a convenient drive from Willow Ridge Estates.

Penny Hale at 2017 April Mixer.

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Presentations Include:

0900 -0910 SBA Welcome/Introduction

0910-0920 Ruben Garcia DD, SDDO

0920-0925 Ramona Chamber, Paul Zawilenski

0925-0950 California (CDTFE) Kathleen Chadwick

0950-1015 IRS-Regina Lauridsen

1015-1040 (Legal)-Tom Ladegaard, Esq.

1040-1105 Crowd Funding-Joe Moreno

1105-1130 Government Contracts-Carlos Liu

1130-1200 Break/Lunch/Networking

1200-1215 Bank Introductions/Resource Partners

1215-200 Lender Fair One-on-One Meetings/Networking

SBA Day & Lenders Fair

The SBA San Diego District Office and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce are hosting an SBA Day

event and Lenders Fair on Thursday, March 22nd.

Date: Thursday, March 22, 2018, 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065

Cost: FREE - Registration Required

Event Contact: Maria Hughes, 619-727-4871, Maria.hughes@sba.gov

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CHAMBER CALENDAR

MONTHLY MEETINGS

1st Mon: Mixer/Ambassador Committee @ Noon, In the Chamber

2nd Tues: Executive Committee @ 8:00am, In the Chamber

2nd Wed: Connections over Coffee @ 7:30am, Ramona Family Naturals

3rd Tues: Board of Directors @ 8:00am, In the Chamber

3rd Thurs: Networking Mixer @ 6:00pm, Riviera Oaks Resort

4th Fri: Economic Development Comm. @ 8:00am, In the Chamber

Last Wed: Last Wednesday Workshop @ 8:00am, Ranch Events

COMMUNITY EVENTS

EVERY MONTH

1st Thur: Ramona Comm. Planning Grp., Ramona Library, 7pm

2nd Mon: Ramona Municipal Water District Board Meeting, Ramona

Community Center, 2 pm

2nd Thur: Ramona Village Design, 2102 Main St, 7 pm

2nd Sat: Ramona Bar Assoc., Free Legal Clinic, Library, 10 am

3rd Wed: RREA Networking, www.rrea.org for location, 4 pm

3rd Wed: Ramona Art Guild Free Demo, Ramona Library, 7 pm

3rd Thur: Unified School District Board Mtg., Distr. Office, 7 pm

4th Tues: RREA Speakers Presentation, see www.rrea.org for

speaker, Nuevo Grill, 8:30 am

4th Thur: Ramona Design & Review Board Meeting, Community

Center, 7:30 pm

1st 2nd 4th 5th Thur: BNE Ramona , Nuevo Grill, 7 am

Last Wed: Comm. For Better Ramona, Town Hall, 6 pm

All Tues: Ramona Rotary, Amici Pizza Pasta 1429 Main St., 12 pm

All Sat: Ramona Kiwanis, Ramona Town Hall, 7 am

SD County Tel l Us Now!

With the app “Tell Us Now!” residents can report non-emergency problems to the County of San Diego through the mobile app. The app also allows San Diego residents

to track the progress of a complaint and increase efficiency for both residents and County staff.

AGING MENTOR SERVICES

“Staying Healthy...Living Longer”

ERIC Z. SHAPIRA, DDS, MA, MHA

Clinical Gerontologist

PO BOX 535 Ramona, CA 92065

760-654-3492 (Office)

650-619-1251 (Cell)

eric@drshapira.com

www.agingmentorservices.com

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WELCOME TO

THE CHAMBER!

Polaris Talent

Roma Watkins

Sears Hometown Store

Juan Santiago

Touchstone Crystal by

Swarovski | Cyndi Kong

Judson Real Estate

Lynn Judson

Abe’s Auto Sales

Abe Farhat

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY

NEWSLETTER

One of the many benefits of

Chamber Membership

ADVERTISING

To advertise in the newsletter,

please call the Chamber office at

760-789-1311.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Community meetings may be

listed in the newsletter as space is

available. Articles are also

welcome. Chamber events,

business and member information

take first priority.

DEADLINES

Deadlines for all copy and

advertising is the 5th of the

preceding month.

2018 MIXERS AT A GLANCE

March 3/15/2018

San Vicente Resort 24157 San Vicente Rd.

April 4/19/2018

Mt. Woodson Golf Course 16422 N. Woodson Dr.

May 5/17/2018

H5 Financial 311 12 Street

June 6/21/2018

Fix Auto Central Ramona 543 Main Street

July 7/19/2018

All Star Physical Therapy 1338 Main Street

August 8/16/2018

Fitness Express 1530 Main St. Ste. 11

September 9/20/2018

Java Hut 23680 San Vicente Rd.

October 10/18/2018

Ramona Disposal Service 324 Maple Street

November 11/15/2018

Barona Resort and Casino 1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd.

Chamber members and their guests are invited to join us every

third Thursday of the month for our networking mixers. Early bird

admission starts at 5:30pm. Mixers officially start at 6:00pm and

go until 8:00pm. Admission for members is $5 and $10 for guests.

*September and October mixers are on the third Friday*

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The Tree Keeper Inc

Charlotte Roman

&

Scott Jones

(760) 789 9961

Keep Informed:

www.ramonaevents.com

www.ramonachamber.com

CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

960 MAIN STREET, RAMONA CA 92065

PERIODICAL

Jerry Hamilton

www.ThumbsUpPlumbing.com

CSLB License #789167