Daily Business Report-June 1, 2018
Trey Nichols, one of the owners of the Heart and Trotter Butchery. (Credit: Heart and Trotter Butchery)
Civic San Diego Loan Program Supports
Jobs and Boosts Revenue at Local Butchery
The Heart and Trotter Butchery on El Cajon Boulevard was one of the beneficiaries of an Accion San Diego loan that came out of a $400,000 lending capital fund operated by Civic San Diego.
The North Park butcher shop received a $35,000 loan from Accion, a nonprofit microlender, enabling the small business to keep five jobs and to purchase equipment for its kitchen.
The Civic San Diego Loan Fund is supporting small businesses in communities that have a median household income of $60,000 or below.
Voted San Diego City Beat’s Best Butcher Shop the last three years, the Heart and Trotter is a whole animal butchery offering the highest quality, hormone and antibiotic free meats and products sourced from local sustainable ranchers and businesses.
“The decision to provide the funds to Accion from Civic San Diego was a part of the Business Improvement District Access to Capital (BID A2C) program, which helps entrepreneurs find alternative financing if they do not qualify for conventional bank loans,” said Tootie Thomas, president of the El Cajon Boulevard BIA. “We are excited to be a part of this program to help so many small businesses; as these businesses grow and create new jobs, our neighborhoods thrive.”
In honor of the butcher shop’s contributions to the community and financial success, they and the BID A2C program will host a small business celebration Monday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at The Heart & Trotter Butcher Shop.
“The Heart and Trotter butcher shop is run quite differently from modern meat markets today,” said owner James Holtslag. “We buy whole animals direct from the rancher, they are then sent to harvest, and the meat is shipped directly to our shop. We are a full-service whole animal butcher shop; sustainability is just one exclusive characteristic that sets us apart from all other meat markets in San Diego.”
Since receiving lending capital from Civic San Diego, Accion has deployed a total $355,000 to 30 businesses that have created or retained 84 jobs; a ratio of one job created or retained per approximately $4,000 lent.
“The investment which Civic San Diego made is truly appreciated by our organization,” said Accion CEO Elizabeth Schott. “We are a mission-based, inclusive lender that aims to fuel growth in underserved communities by offering access to capital, business advising from skilled and compassionate staff, peer networking and expert mentorship. This fund has allowed us to provide more businesses in San Diego with the support they need to be successful.”
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Colliers International Completes
Upgrade of North County Offices
Colliers International San Diego Region has completed a transformation of its North County San Diego office, resulting in a reimagined workplace that provides access to next-level technology and meets the evolving needs of the growing firm. The unveiling of the reimagined North County San Diego office completes the firm’s local strategy to create forward-thinking workspaces that better support its specialized brokerage teams.
Colliers International’s 8,300-square foot North County San Diego office now features flexible workspaces, oversized common areas, high-tech capabilities and first-rate amenities. The firm has occupied the office, located at 5901 Priestly Ave., Suite 100, Carlsbad, for the last 10 years.
In November 2016, Colliers International relocated its 20,000-square foot Central San Diego office to a new, modern workspace in The Plaza at 4350 La Jolla Village Drive in the Golden Triangle. The property features indoor and outdoor amenities including a direct link to Westfield UTC by a pedestrian bridge.
“Colliers International’s local offices are tailored to bolster our firm’s unique entrepreneurial platform and better meet the way our team of real estate professionals work,” said Andy La Dow, managing director of the company.
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Leading Economic
Indicators Down in April
The USD Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators for San Diego County fell 0.2 percent in April. The move to the downside was led by a sharp drop in residential units authorized by building permits. Also down were online help wanted advertising and local stock prices. The other three components were positive, with the outlook for the national economy up moderately and initial claims for unemployment insurance and consumer confidence up slightly. But these were not enough to prevent the USD Index from suffering its first loss in 18 months.
Economists usually look for three consecutive changes in a leading indicators index to signal an upcoming turning point. So it remains to be seen as to whether April’s decrease is an aberration or a sign of things to come. For now, the outlook continues to be for a strong local economy through the end of this year and at least into the beginning of 2019. One thing that could negatively affect the local economy is the rising cost of gasoline.
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Fletcher Hills Center in El Cajon
Sells for $7.8 Million
The Shops at Fletcher Hills Center in El Cajon, a three-building retail center, has been sold for $7.8 million to Fletcher Hills Properties LLC. The seller was Peckham Properties Inc.
The Fletcher Hills Center’s parcel encompasses 2.86 acres and has a 98 percent occupancy rate with 21 tenants including a 99 Cent Only Store, Baskin Robbins and Coldwell Banker.
CBRE represented the seller in the transaction. The buyer was represented by Atallah Group. The center. built in 1959, is located at 2320-2396 Fletcher Parkway.
Previous to the sale of Fletcher Hills Center, SENTRE’s advised in the sale of The Shops at Riverdale on Friars Road in Grantville for $10.1 million in early 2018.
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General Atomics, Pratt & Whitney Team
Demo Successful MQ-25 Engine Test
A Pratt & Whitney engine has been selected by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to power the proposed solution for the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft. On April 5, the General Atomics-Pratt & Whitney team completed its first powered run of the engine with the MQ-25A inlet and exhaust configuration. The test met all objectives and collected extensive data that the team is now evaluating.
“Through the superb efforts of personnel from both companies, we were able to move the test date forward by almost two months, from the originally scheduled date in late May,” said David R. Alexander, president of aircraft systems for General Atomics.
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Report: UC San Diego Leads
in Helping Low-Income Students
New research shows that UC San Diego continues to perform significantly better than other four-year colleges and universities in the country when it comes to enrolling low-income students and seeing them across the graduation finish line. A new report from the Third Way, a Washington-based think tank, indicates that UC San Diego stands out when it comes to serving students eligible to receive Pell Grants, or need-based federal grants for low-income students. Three-quarters of Pell Grant recipients come from families that make less than $40,000 a year.
Affordability, less student debt and higher salary potential are key reasons why UC San Diego is a go-to institution for students on the path to upward social mobility. Recently, the campus was recognized by Forbes in the publication’s Best Value List as the 9th best college for alumni earnings, net price, net debt, school quality, timely graduation, and for having a high number of Pell Grant recipients.
For the report, click here
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama
to Join Fireside Chat at Conference
MINDBODY, a technology platform for fitness, beauty and wellness services, announced that former First Lady Michelle Obama will join MINDBODY’s CEO and co-founder, Rick Stollmeyer, for a fireside chat during the company’s annual BOLD conference. This event for fitness, beauty and wellness business owners and professionals will be held Sept. 18-20 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Scheduled for Sept. 19, Mrs. Obama and Stollmeyer will discuss Mrs. Obama’s personal story, her policy initiatives, her passion for wellness today and her vision for the future.
“In so many ways, Michelle Obama embodies MINDBODY’s purpose of connecting the world to wellness,” said Stollmeyer. “Both a powerful role model and passionate activist for youth wellness, she shares the same drive as the businesses we support: bringing communities together to help people live healthier, happier lives.”
Registration for BOLD 2018 is now open, with early pricing available through June 22. Special group discounts are available. Learn more at www.boldmindbodyconference.com.
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RQ-DPR JV Awarded $22 Million Contract
RQ-DPR JV, Carlsbad has been awarded a $22,051,000 contract for renovation of the Fleet Training Building N25A at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides lead and asbestos removal, investigate and treat termite infestation and make essential repairs. The work also includes repair of canopy, portico, façade and painting the exterior in addition to replacement of roof and insulation with site and utilities repairs. Interior renovations will include finishes, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and lighting systems along with replacement of doors, frames and floor finishes. Renovations will also replace the elevator, toilets, fire suppression systems, smoke detection systems and building egress. The contract also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $24,591,746. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by January 2022.
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Pro Football Coming Back
The Alliance of American Football on Thursday introduced Alliance San Diego as its sixth city and unveiled Mike Martz as head coach. Alliance San Diego home games will be played at San Diego County Credit Union Stadium. The stadium is the only stadium ever to host both the Super Bowl and the World Series in the same year (1998). Fans looking to secure tickets early for the inaugural season can purchase season ticket seat deposits for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis on AAF.com or by calling (833) AAF-2019.
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Personnel Announcements
Mike Nush Joins GES as Sales Manager
GES, a global full-service provider for live events, announced that Mike Nush has joined its San Diego team as sales manager. Nush is responsible for managing GES’ services for the Sheraton Harbor Island Marina and the Marriott Marquis properties.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mike back to our San Diego team,” said GES Director of Sales Larry Colby. “Mike brings a wealth of live event experience and is well-respected in San Diego’s hospitality industry.”
Nush worked for GES from 2013 through 2015 in operations and as an account representative. He rejoins GES from the San Diego Tourism Authority where he was a site experience specialist, advising show organizers and corporate clients on potential locations in San Diego to host their events.
Nush is a graduate of California State University-Chico with a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies, and he comes from a family of local hospitality professionals.
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Crowe PR Hires Sophia Hatef, Promotes Sarah Kinsella
Crowe PR, a Southern California-based public relations firm, announced the addition of Sophia Hatef as senior account manager and the promotion of Sarah Kinsella to media strategist. To accommodate growth, the company also relocated its San Diego headquarters to a 1,400-square-foot space overlooking Petco Park.
In her new role, Hatef is responsible for executing PR strategy, providing counsel to clients, and ensuring the overall success of accounts. Prior to this, Hatef spent nearly four years at LEWIS Global Communications in various management positions working with clients such as Mule Soft, Verto Analytics and Verizon. Hatef holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a minor in Communications from the University of California, Davis.
Kinsella joined the company in January 2016 as a junior account executive, supporting the company’s hospitality and lifestyle divisions with writing, research and media relations. In her new role, Kinsella is responsible for leading and developing client media relations strategy, building innovative campaigns, leveraging industry news and trends for clients, and coaching junior staff on best practices.
The company’s new East Village office is at 406 Ninth Ave., Suite 314, San Diego.
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Lisa Martinez and Cassaundra Williams
Join Kimpton Solamar Hotel
Kimpton Solamar Hotel announced the addition of two new members to its management team, Lisa Martinez as conference services manager and Cassaundra Williams as sales manager.
As conference services anager, Martinez will be responsible for event operations and focusing on the citywide room blocks. A tenured conference and events professional, Martinez comes to Kimpton Solamar Hotel from Town & Country San Diego, where she spent two years as convention services manager executing events and overseeing budgets and forecasting.
Her previous roles include serving as sales system analyst at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, business development coordinator at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and convention services and sales coordinator at the San Diego Convention Center.
As sales manager, Williams will be instrumental in the group sales efforts, increasing exposure and revenue and supporting marketing campaigns for the boutique San Diego hotel. Williams brings nearly a decade of hospitality experience to her role, most recently serving as sales manager at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. Prior to Hyatt Resort & Spa, she held a role as sales manager for the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago and various front desk positions at Hyatt Regency and Holiday Inn properties.
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San Diego County Fair Opens Today
‘How Sweet It Is’
You’re about to discover just “How Sweet It Is” when the 2018 San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons, kicks off today. Get ready to leave the ordinary world behind the minute you step into this magical candy land that’s overflowing with opportunities to truly savor summer with the excitement of a wide-eyed kid.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds has transformed into a magical world of tasty treats, flashy entertainment, adorable farm animals, scream-worthy carnival rides, fantastic festivals, goofy competitions and endless opportunities for fun through July 4. It simply wouldn’t be summer in San Diego without this iconic fair, which draws approximately 1.6 million visitors annually and is one of the top five fairs in the United States and Canada.
What fun to watch the racing pigs throw it into four-squeal drive, dance your heart out at a silent disco, sneak over to the Cocoa Cabana speakeasy for some savory sips and taste deep-fried delectable treats that you never even knew existed!
The Fair, which began in 1880 to bring San Diego County farmers together to share ideas, compete for the best pies and citrus fruits and challenge each other to horse races, continues to celebrate agriculture and community pride. No two days are exactly alike at the fair, and you’ll find new treasures each time you visit.
This year’s Fair features the hidden Cocoa Cabana speakeasy, where you’ll find candy-infused cocktails and an oasis that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the tropics! Fairgoers can learn about this secret at various bar locations throughout the Fair.
Sweet: A Tasty Journey
You’ll unwrap a world of flavorful fun when you step inside the Fair’s new theme exhibit. Engage all your senses – sugary scents, flavorful treats, interactive games and colorful candies around every corner. Cross the chocolate river into our land of sweet imagination, honoring the most famous chocolate factories! You’ll also learn about real-life candy factories right here in San Diego, discover the local connection to the Candyland game, and follow the colorful squares to Rock Candy Mountain. And be sure to take the Jelly Belly Bean Boozled Challenge to try to guess what flavors you’re tasting!
The Food
Creative bites are always a star of this show, and whether you’re on the hunt for deep-fried favorites, healthy snacks or unique rainbow-colored unicorn foods that are currently all the rage, there’s more palate-pleasing options than you can imagine. Can’t choose just one? Try our “Taste of the Fair” on Thursdays where you can buy taster portions of delish Fair foods for just $3!
Here’s a sampling of fun foods you’ll find at the Fair this year:
Deep-fried filet mignon
Unicorn cotton candy ice cream sandwiches
Ramen burritos
Bacon-wrapped baklava
Cheesy bacon-bombs
Cinnamon roll sundaes
Lasagna nachos
Unicorn burgers
Donut grilled-cheese sandwiches
Lobster tacos
Red velvet funnel cake
Chocolate-dipped jerky
Spaghetti donuts
Macho nacho bacon unicorn dog
