Daily Business Report — April 6, 2012
Small Business Focus
To Hell In A Handbag
As a celebrity stylist, Ashley Carattini has styled Chelsea Handler and Chuy Bravo on the set of “Chelsea Lately,” dressed Will Ferrell for the cover of Wired Magazine and worked again as a stylist for Handler for a Forbes magazine piece.
Last month she branched off from being a fashion stylist to open a new accessories boutique at 32nd and Thorn streets in San Diego that offers one-of-a-kind jewelry and a host of other designer products — scarves, hats, dog collars, handbags and the like — all American made. The boutique’s name — To Hell in a Handbag — speaks volumes about Carattini’s marketing sense. She hopes that, plus the quality of her products, will bring customers into her shop.
Carattini isn’t out of the fashion business, though. She has organized the “Fighting with Fashion” runway show on April 28 at the Encinitas Library ballroom, a benefit for the YWCA.
The 2 p.m. runway show will highlight summer fashion trends in swimwear, accessories, modern sports wear and high fashion.
Westcore Properties Purchases Office Building for $6.8 Million
Westcore Properties has purchased a 37,398-square-foot office building at 679-681 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas for $6.8 million. The seller was HBTFT, LLC. Currently, the two-story building is fully occupied. Tenants include Scripps Health and St. Katherine’s College. Westcore Properties was represented by Joe Anderson and Rick Reeder of Cassidy Turley. The seller was represented by Strom Commercial.
WD-40 Co. Reports Second Quarter Sales
WD-40 Company reported net sales for the second quarter ended Feb. 29 of $86 million, an increase of 9 percent from the second quarter last fiscal year. Year-to-date net sales were $170.9 million, up 7 percent from the same period last fiscal year. Net income for the second quarter was $10.6 million, an increase of 16 percent compared to the prior year fiscal quarter. Year-to-date net income was $17.4 million, a decrease of 4 percent from the prior fiscal year period. Second quarter multi-purpose maintenance products sales, which include the WD-40 multi-use product, 3-IN-ONE, BLUE WORKS and the WD-40 Specialist product lines, were $71.4 million, up 9 percent from the same period last fiscal quarter, and $142.2 million year-to-date, up 8 percent from the same period last fiscal year.
SDSU to Offer Masters in Hospitality Tourism and Management
San Diego State University is accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Hospitality Tourism and Management degree. The program is meant for mid-level managers with five to 15 years of experience seeking to advance to a position as a director, general manager or CEO within a hospitality, recreation or tourism organization or agency. Experienced professionals may also use the program to continue their education while keeping their current jobs in the industry. The program is offered through the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and administered by SDSU’s College of Extended Studies. Most of the curriculum in the 13-month program will be delivered online so that students can participate while continuing to work in their current jobs. A week on campus at the beginning and end of the program is included. For more information, visit neverstoplearning.net/htm or call (858) 451-6096.
PERSONNEL MOVES ____________________________________
San Diego — Kandace Watson has joined the San Diego office of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton as partner and will be a member of its mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate team. Watson has experience advising companies, corporate boards and executives in several industries with emphasis on health care and pharmaceutical, Internet and media, technology, biomedical, and food and beverage companies. Watson earned her law degree from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University.
SCORE Small Business Workshops
• April 10 – Business Basics 101 – 9 to 11 a.m. at National University – Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; no charge – please pre-register).
• April 11 – Import / Export – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National University – Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• April 12 – Legal Issues for Small Business – Contracts and Leases – 9 a.m. to noon at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
• April 13 – Internet Marketing 303 – Social Media for Small Businesses – 9 a.m. to noon at National University – Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
• April 14 – Business Plan 101: How to Develop Your Best Competitive Advantage – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University – Carlsbad (705 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad 92011; pre-paid registration $79, $89 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by SD METRO. Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865. manny@sandiegometro.com.
