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Chair Debby Nicklas - Embrace change, keep core values
Strassburg honored for volunteer spirit | Goal met - air service expands
'99 Board committed to Chamber, community
Chamber structure refined to face new tasks
Chair's Column | Newsmakers/Business Briefs | Planning Calendar
Membership Directory updates
Revised position paper on water now available on web
Debby Nicklas - Embrace change, keep core values
As the Chamber moves into the 21st century, leadership will be the key to its success. That was the message sent by incoming Chairman of the Board Debby Nicklas to a sellout crowd at the Chamber's 94th Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 16 at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
In a speech delivered to some 400 guests, Nicklas emphasized the importance of leadership, collaboration and the ability to adapt to change. Effective leaders, according to Nicklas, need to know how to embrace change while holding on to past traditions. She maintained that this combination is the reason for the Chamber's past success and should to continue.
Nicklas said members can expect to see the following from the Chamber in the coming year: further cultivation and enhancement of relationships with various organizations that influence business and the community at large through networking, collaboration and coalition building; restructuring of the Legislation and Economic Action committees to enable a quicker response to key issues like Airport Area Annexation, retail expansion and water resources; and a new direction and purpose with both the Education Partnership Committee and Diversity Council.
The first graduate of the Leadership SLO program to serve as Chairman of the Board, Nicklas acknowledged the effectiveness of the program in teaching fundamental leadership skills, such as collaboration and the building of consensus, and stressed the importance mentoring as a way to provide leadership counsel on a one-to-one basis. "I challenge each business represented in this room tonight to continue this concept. Adopt a potential leader and be a mentor," appealed Nicklas. "That person will only bring success to your business and create opportunities for our leaders of tomorrow."
Several new officers were installed with Nicklas at the dinner: Dave Cox of Barnett Cox & Associates as Vice Chair, Legislative/Economic Action; Jeanne Potter of Glenn Burdette Phillips & Bryson as Vice Chair, Membership/Operations; Sandi Sigurdson of San Luis Obispo Symphony as Vice Chair, Community Affairs; Jack Penrod of J.R. Penrod as Treasurer; Dave Juhnke of Sinsheimer Shiebelhut & Baggett as Board Counsel; and Anita Robinson of Mission Community Bank as Past Chairman of the Board.
The dinner program, directed by Master of Ceremonies Bob Wacker of R.E. Wacker & Associates, also included the announcement of Wanda Strassburg as 1998 Citizen of the Year.
Following the dinner and program, guests danced to the music of Oasis in the hotel's grand ballroom.
Strassburg honored for volunteer spirit
In recognition of her selfless dedication to the community, Wanda Strassburg has been named the Chamber of Commerce's 1998 Citizen of the Year - the organization's most prestigious community service award.
Strassburg, a flight instructor, was presented the award during the Chamber's 94th Annual Dinner held Saturday, January 16, at the Embassy Suites Hotel.
The long-time resident of San Luis Obispo was chosen because of her outstanding service to several local organizations such as Quota Club, Friends of the Library, First Congressional Church, the Prado Day Center and KCBX Public Radio among others. She has devoted thousands of hours to countless causes and headed up programs to help the needy.
"Wanda is ethical, unassuming, self-effacing and humble, putting others ahead of herself while avoiding the spotlight," said one Chamber member.
As past Chamber's Board of Directors (then called President), Strassburg added a new dimension to the organization - that of compassion and humanity.
"Wanda is one of the most caring, compassionate people I've ever met," commented Chamber President/CEO Dave Garth. "When she was Chairman of the Board, Wanda added a new dimension to the Chamber, helping to raise our awareness of humanitarian issues like homelessness and education," commented Chamber President/CEO Dave Garth.
An accomplished aviator, Strassburg's professional life began with teaching flying lessons - a passion that she has now returned to - and soon led to a long career in the airline industry. It was while she was the community relations representative for Wings West Airlines that she encountered a turning point in her life. After a horrible mid-air collision, she was one of two people responsible for contacting the families of those who had perished. She left the airlines soon after and went on to become Executive Director of Hospice, an organization that provides counseling and support for the critically ill, as well as for their families and friends.
Strassburg's last stop on the career track was at San Luis Sourdough where she served as director of community relations. With the help of her employers, she devised programs to provide bread for organizations like the Senior Nutrition Center and homeless shelter while also starting the "Cyberdough for Kids" program.
"She does what she does because it's in her heart," explained Garth. "Her presence has forever changed the Chamber and the community, for the better."
Goal met - air service expands
The Chamber's efforts to increase direct air service to and from San Luis Obispo are beginning to pay off - handsomely.
San Luis Obispo businesses and residents who have fallen victim to the ever-volatile airline industry will soon reap the benefits of air service to Phoenix, San Jose and Sacramento.
The Chamber has been working with airport and airline officials for some time to expand, and in some cases restore, air service offered at the County airport. In surveys conducted by the Chamber last year, an overwhelming number of members said their businesses have need for expanded air service and supported the Chamber's efforts towards improving the situation.
America West has stepped up to the plate and announced that it plans to offer direct service between San Luis Obispo and Phoenix, Arizona. A first-time direct route for San Luis Obispo air passengers, America West Express will operate the service and offer four flights daily aboard their 37-seat deHavilland Dash 8 aircraft. Flight times have been scheduled to arrive and depart in Phoenix to maximize connections for passengers traveling to the Midwest, Texas or Eastern states. At this time, airline representatives expect the round-trip fare from San Luis Obispo to Phoenix to be around $225.
Helping to reconnect San Luis Obispo residents with the state capital is Community Air Inc., a start-up airline based in Ukiah. The company recently announced their plan to offer service to Sacramento, a service that ended last June, and San Jose, a direct destination connection which was stopped nearly five years ago.
"In all probability they (Community Air) will start service in June of 1999," said Klaasje Nairne, administrative services officer at San Luis Obispo County Airport. The deal is still pending FAA approval of their application, but airport officials have offered Community Air a contract for space at the terminal, Nairne said.
The new Swiss-made Pilatus PC12 turboprop planes that will be used by Community Air can accommodate up to nine passengers. Services to both San Jose and Sacramento will begin with four daily flights, but that number may be adjusted according to demand.
'99 Board committed to Chamber, community
The 1999 Chamber Board of Directors is already working toward the future of San Luis Obispo. New Board members were elected or appointed from the general membership in November and December and quickly put themselves to work.
The Board meets monthly to determine Chamber policy and approve programs developed by the Chamber's committees, councils and task forces. Three vice chairmen oversee the program of work outlined by the Board.
1999 Chamber Board of Directors
Bill Boldt - Cal Poly Administration
Lauren Brown - JBL Scientific
Jeff Buckingham - GST Telecommunications
Barrie Cleveland - The Spice Hunter, Inc.
John Conner - Embassy Suites Hotel
Dave Cox - Barnett Cox & Associates
Bob Davis - Apple Farm
Lee Ferrero - Private Industry Council of SLO County
Bert Forbes - Ziatech Corporation
Mary Harris - Attorney at Law
Dave Juhnke - Sinsheimer Shiebelhut & Baggett
Annie Mueller - ICS Infinite Computer Services
Debby Nicklas - Central Coast Health Partners
Jack Penrod - J.R. Penrod
Jeanne Potter - Glenn Burdette Phillips & Bryson
Pierre Rademaker - P. Rademaker Design
Anita Robinson - Mission Community Bank
Sandi Sigurdson - SLO Symphony
Carrie Sims - GTE Wireless
Todd Talley - Talley Farms
Chamber structure refined to face new tasks
Legislative/Economic Action Committee
To involve and enlighten members in current legislative issues; provide member input to outside decision-makers
Issues Evaluation Committee
To analyze and evaluate issues and develop Chamber policy and positions
Parking & Access
To help the economic vitality of the community by advocating more consolidated parking and adequate access
Economic Development
To enhance the economic vitality of the city; develop additional base level jobs
Water Task Force
To help ensure adequate future water resources through information dissemination and better regional relations
Tourism Council
To enhance the appreciation of tourism=s economic impact; serve as information clearinghouse for industry
Diversity Council
To increase membership awareness of business benefits of diversity; help members adapt to a more diverse community
Education Partnerships Committee
To provide opportunities for business to help community schools at all levels; provide ways for students to link to business
Ambassadors' Committee
To help Chamber members better connect with the Chamber and get more from their membership
Small Business Assistance Task Force
To develop informational programs which help small businesses survive and prosper
Seismic Task Force
To continue monitoring city's progress on seismic retrofitting
Speakers Bureau
To develop a core group to speak to the community about the Chamber and its programs
Office Space Task Force
To analyze and make recommendations on ongoing office space needs of the Chamber
Value Added Benefits Committee
To develop new value added benefits to increase value of Chamber membership
Annual Dinner/Citizen of the Year Committee
To plan Annual Dinner; screen and present nominations for Citizen of the Year
Leadership Foundation
To guide and develop the Leadership SLO Program
Leadership Alumni
To provide ongoing leadership training for Leadership SLO alumni
Chair's Column
It is an exciting time for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. Membership is steadily increasing, Visitor Center contacts are growing and our new web site is attracting more and more hits each day. 1999 promises to be a year of growth as well as a year of preparation for the new millennium.
I believe leadership will be the key to the Chamber's future success in the next century. As a graduate of Leadership SLO Class IV, I know first hand the benefits that the Leadership Program brings to our community. The 249 graduates of the program are already making a difference everyday through their volunteer efforts, civic participation and business relationships. One of my goals this year is to encourage our business community to continue to support the Chamber Leadership Program. This can be accomplished by providing potential candidates to participate in the program or by providing financial support in the way of sponsorships/donations.
One of the core values of the Leadership Program is collaboration through coalition building. This year a key Chamber goal that the Board of Directors has embraced will be to enhance our relationships with outside organizations and seek ways to collaborate for the betterment of our community. Each Chamber committee also has a set of goals developed at the annual Board retreat. I would like to extend my appreciation to all the new Chairs of our various committees for accepting leadership responsibility this year.
I am very honored and privileged to have this opportunity to work with such a dedicated Chamber staff and an exceptional Board of Directors. The Board represents many diverse business backgrounds and, thus, is prepared to provide the necessary leadership that will bring a balanced perspective on all issues. And, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, I pledge to our members a commitment to provide leadership in ways that serve your needs and make a difference in our community today as well as tomorrow.
Newsmakers/Business Briefs
Rosita Cornelius has joined Your People Professionals as District Sales Manager. Cornelius will be responsible for marketing the corporation's services to clients and increasing public awareness of the company.
Woods Humane Society recently announced the hiring of Andrea Liddie as its new Executive Director. Liddie is a graduate of Cal Poly who has worked in the non-profit field for more than 10 years.
Barnett Cox & Associates has expanded its staff by adding three new professionals to their team. Jeff Sauer has been hired as Assistant Account Manager, and Anthony Philip Holt and Deborah Burge have been hired as Graphic Designers.
Coast National Bank has announced the appointment of Lee Pearce to Vice President/Senior Loan Officer. Pearce will be responsible for agricultural and commercial loan development for the bank's Arroyo Grande office.
Heather Mendel was recently appointed Public Affairs Associate for Planned Parenthood, San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Mendel will be working to further enhance the positive relationship of Planned Parenthood and the community at large.
Wine and food consultant, Archie McLaren, has been named Chairman of the Edna Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Vintners Association. McLaren will oversee new offices in the Edna Valley for the Vintners Association, as well as an expanded staff.
Cuesta College trustees have welcomed newly-elected board member Sam Blakeslee and returning board member Marie Kiersch. Additionally, Gaye L. Galvan has been elected president of the Board of Trustees and Per C. Mathiesen has been elected vice president.
Heritage Oaks Bank has announced that David Weyrich has been named to the Bank's Board of Directors. Weyrich is owner of Martin Brothers Winery in Paso Robles.
John Merwald has joined Cellular One of San Luis Obispo as Director of Sales and Marketing, bringing six years of experience in the cellular phone industry.
Connie Framberger of Framberger Employee Benefits and Insurance Services, Inc. was recently honored as one of Blue Cross of California's Top 100 agent producers for 1998.
Coast National Bank has announced the appointment of Rosita Juarez to Operations Officer. In her new position, Juarez will be responsible for all operational duties and customer relations for the bank's Arroyo Grande office.
The San Luis Obispo Symphony Guild recently received a substantial gift from Everen Securities, Inc. for support of Symphony program, specifically children's music education programs.
Progressive Auto Art, now entering its fourth year of business, recently expanded its services to include collision repairs and insurance work in addition to their award-winning restorations.
CTE Computer Training Centers, Inc. recently opened at its new location at 4251 S. Higuera St, Suite 402. For further information call 786-4283.
Planning Calendar
February
15 Presidents' Day
17 Mixer - FirstBank
18 Board Meeting
25 Good Morning SLO
March
11 Business Visitation
17 Mixer - WestAmerica Bank
18 Board Meeting
25 Good Morning SLO
NEW LOOK FOR NEW MEMBERS SERVES AS HANDY REFERENCE TOOL-- You'd like to contact the dog groomer who joined the Chamber a few months ago, but can't find the issue of San Luis Obispo Business that he was listed in. Sound familiar? In an effort to solve that problem, new members will now be listed on an 8½" x 11" sheet of paper that you can handily insert into your Membership Directory on a monthly basis. New members will be listed categorically, following the format of the Directory, and will be mailed with San Luis Obispo Business each month. Online users can download the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.01.
REVISED POSITION PAPER ON SLO'S WATER SITUATION NOW AVAILABLE -- An updated version of Water: Ensuring the Future, the Chamber's position paper on the availability of water resources in San Luis Obispo, is now available (in Adobe Acrobat format) on the Chamber's web site in the business info section. The update, which took the Water Task Force two years to complete was recently approved by the Chamber's Board of Directors. The document focuses on what the Chamber believes to be the three best options for securing additional water for residents: Water Reuse, Salinas Dam Expansion, and Nacimiento Project -- and outlines the costs and supply potential for each. | 
