GSDBA Mar/Apr 2012 Community Connection

The News Magazine of the Greater San Diego Business Association | San Diego’s Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce | Volume 18 |Issue No. 2 |March/April 2012

gsdba’s community

MONEYthe

issue

[02] GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012 GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012 [31]

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

www.tonyazar.com • [email protected] #01308749

619.944.6901• Residential• Income Property• Commercial Property

TonyAZARREALTOR®

christie martinez1/4 page

Our mission is to assist busi-nesses prosper. I recently blogged on our website about some of the resources that are available to members. Let me recap a few of them.

For financial assistance, loans are available through Acción San Diego as well as two City of San Diego programs. The City’s programs offer financial assistance to small to mid-size business owners with expand-

ing businesses that require capital but are unable to meet the terms of traditional banks. One is the San Diego Re-gional Revolving Loan Fund (SDRRLF) and its project area includes the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista. The other is the Small Business Micro Revolving Loan Fund (SBM-RLF). Loan sizes range from $25,000 to $150,000 for the SBMRLF and $150,000 to $500,000 for the SDRRLF. These funds can be used to supplement private financing for acquiring new or rehabilitated buildings, to acquire fixed machinery and equipment, and for working capital and soft costs. For more detailed information about the City of San Diego’s loan programs, visit www.sandiego.gov/cpci or contact the City of San Diego’s City Planning and Com-munity Investment Department at 619-236-6323.

If you need a really small amount of assistance, don’t forget that GSDBA non-profit member Acción San Diego offers loans that range from $300 to $35,000. Each loan is underwritten on a case-by-case basis, with collateral and co-signers required depending on the level of risk.

They have helped other GSDBA members in the past and are really nice people to work with, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance. Visit them at www.Ac-cionsandiego.org.

Workshops are regularly highlighted in banners on our website so you can quickly check to see which ones are up-coming and can easily click to find out more about them or to sign up. We’re planning ones on how to use QuickBooks, another on financial planning for small business owners, one about how to use SEO to get more business once you have the traffic to your website, and more.

Webinars you might have missed are now posted on our website. You can get the great teaching points of Ann ma-rie Houghtailing on the following topics:

• Networking That Works!• What Keeps You From Closing?• Selling as an Expert, Advocate, Ally and Consultant• Get More Leads, Close More Deals & Generate More Revenue

Our goal is to provide you resources so you become more successful. That is why we ask you to reply to the annual member survey we post on line. We hope you will partici-pate in our upcoming one this year. It helps us better plan to serve you.

Monday Evening La Mesa Group5:30 pm to 6:30 pmMarcella Junes in La Mesa

Tuesday Morning Group8:30am to 9:30amMonica’s at the Park in University Heights

Tuesday Lunch Group12:00pm to 1:00pmKensington Café4141 Adams Avenue

Wednesday Morning Group8:00am to 9:00am Mimi’s in Mission Valley

Wednesday Lunch Group12:00pm to 1:00pmEden - 1202 University Ave

Wednesday Evening Group5:30 pm to 6:30 pmR-Gang Eatery3683 5th Ave at Pennsylvania

Thursday Morning Group8:00am to 9:00amMonica’s at the Park in University Heights

Thursday Lunch Group12:00pm to 1:00pmTop of the Park @ Inn at the Park

Thursday Evening Group5:30pm to 6:30pmR-Gang Eatery3683 5th Ave at Pennsylvania

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The Affinity for Business Groups program is designed to provide professional development for members in the same or related professions. The focus is to support one another within a specific

professional field and to help participants bring their businesses to a new level. The groups meet once a month. The format of each group is decided by the group and includes significant time for the exchange of ideas and information. Groups include guest speakers and/or group member presentations on topics of interest. Affinity Groups are FREE to GSDBA members.

NETWORKING @ GSDBABusiness Networking Groups (BNGs)Affinity for Business Groups

where great minds think alike increasing business through qualified referrals

The GSDBA Business Networking Groups (aka BNGs) are hard working business people coming together to support one

another. The BNGs’ primary goal is to assist their members obtain business leads known as “tips.” Some BNG members have been in business for many years while others are just starting out. What we all have in common is a desire to excel in what we do and the wis-dom to know it is easier to achieve success with the kind of strong support system found in a BNG.

BNG’s offer a forum where GSDBA members can increase their business through network-ing with other members on a regular basis. They offer a supportive environment that allows each member to share products or services with others who want to help them succeed. Conflicts of interest are not allowed, meaning once you join, a competitor of yours in the same business category cannot join your group.

The generation of business tips is not the only opportunity BNGs offer. In our BNG groups we share ideas, learn new and better ways to

conduct our business, create new business alliances and build new friendships. During our meetings and other BNG functions, our members get to know one another and at-tain a better understanding of each other’s business. Knowing the nature and extent of the services our members offer makes it that much easier for us to exchange valuable busi-ness leads.

Each BNG meets once a week. For the early birds, we have morning meetings and for those who prefer to sleep in, we also have noontime and evening meetings. BNG mem-bers work in a wide variety of businesses. Each group member chooses a business cat-egory for which he or she will be seeking tips. Once you begin, the possibilities are endless!

Contact the BNG Facilitator for specific in-formation about visiting a BNG for the first time or to see if there is a space available for your business category.

BNG Dues:$45 for new BNG members $40 each trimester thereafter$110 for a full year (3 trimesters)

Note to Prospective Members: If you are interested in visiting a BNG, please contact the Facilitator at least 24-hours in advance to arrange your visit. Sorry, we do not allow non-GSDBA mem-bers to present information to the group unless first approved by the Facilitator. All current BNG members must notify the Facilitator if they want to bring a guest to their BNG. Guests and prospective BNG members may visit each BNG one time pri-or to joining, and must become a GSDBA Member to attend after that. Thank you.

FINANCIAL SERVICES & Allied FieldsCategories Include: Financial Planning and investments, Banking, Business Brokers, Credit Card Processing, Es-crow, Insurance, Loan Modifiers, Mortgages and more!

HEALTH & Allied FieldsCategories Include: Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Counselors, Dentists, Health & Fitness, Holistic Health, Hypnotherapists, Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, Optometrists, Personal Trainers and more!

HOME IMPROVEMENT & Allied FieldsCategories Include: Cleaning, Landscaping, Paint-ers, Handy Persons, Contractors, Roofers,Organizing Services, Decorators/Designers, Architects, Plumbers, Electricians, Remodeling, Cabinet Makers, Lighting, and related trades.

MARKETING & Allied Fields (MAG)Categories Include: Ad Specialties, Graphic Designers, Photographers, Web Designers, Printers, Print Brokers, Marketing, Public Relations and more. More info @ facebook.com/GSDBAMAG

REAL ESTATE & Allied FieldsGroups Included are: Appraisers, Escrow, Home Inspec-tors, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Banks, Title Companies and related businesses.

SMALL BUSINESS Affinity GroupWith a focus on small business owners with 2 to 20 employees.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Affinity GroupThe Young Professionals Affinity group helps groom and foster the next generation of young professionals into seasoned and mature leaders to take their organization or department to the next level.

Visit our website for for more information.Click on ‘Networking’

for GSDBA members

Current Business Networking Groups:


GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine serves to promote GSDBA member businesses, local and regional LGBT travel & tourism, and affiliate chamber and community organizations, as well as businesses and attractions of interest to our readers.

gsdba’s community

Contact Us

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in this publication, adver-tisements and inserts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of GSDBA, its Board, or its members. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any person, organization or business in this newsletter is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of that person, organization or business. Contents of this publication may not be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor.

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 33848 San Diego, CA 92163

phone: 619-296-4543 | fax: 619-296-5616email: [email protected] | web: www.gsdba.org

GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine3737 Fifth Avenue, Suite 205 San Diego, CA 92103

Volume 18 | Issue No.2March/April 2011Complimentary CopyCopyright© 2012-2013 GSBDA

Check online for contact information, meeting times and locations.

www.gsdba.org/networking. Click on Affinity Groups

Check online for Facilitator Contact

Informationwww.gsdba.org/networking.

Click on BNGS

Letter from GSDBA’s CEOResources for Businesses Like Yours

[email protected]

Is there an inspired journalist inside you? Your ideas for articles are always welcome.E-mail [email protected] more information.

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Professional Business Bankers Make All the Difference at California Bank & Trust

Advice is Cheap. Results are Priceless to Stacey McKibbinof ActionCOACHSan Diego

Why we Simply Love Adams Avenue Grill. It’s not just the Food that Rocks!

Steve Doster Gives a Primer on Retirement Savings Plans for Small Business

Alpha Project Takes Back the Streets and Puts People Back to Work

BOARD OF DIRECTORSTom Welch, ChairSecurity Business Bank of San Diego

Rebecca Luers, CPA, Vice ChairLuers & Dyer CPAs, LLP

Danielle P. Barger, TreasurerBarger Law Group, APC

Kevin Atto, SecretarySan Diego Pro Cleaning

Eric D. Brown, CMFCWaddell & Reed, Inc.

Christianna Connellfuture-ink

Deborah DimeryHelmsBriscoe

Lance A. GrucelaLaw Offices of Lance A. Grucela

Justin KnepperBank of the West

Ira LeavensCoastline Office Solutions

Cindy LehmanCalifornia Bank & Trust

Seth MakechnieComerica Bank

Keith RobinsonThe Dana on Mission Bay

Cory RussoBodies @ Work

Nick ToledoTSYS Merchant Solutions

GSDBA STAFFTom Luhnow, Editor in ChiefChief Executive [email protected]

Sue Sneeringer, ContributorOperations [email protected]

Eric Carroll, Design & LayoutMembership Services [email protected]

Matt Harding, Advertising SalesAssociation [email protected]

Kelsey DeCoiti, ResearcherAdministrative [email protected]

facebook.com/gsdba

twitter.com/gsdba

Download the GSDBA Directory App for iPhone & iPad (FREE on iTunes) and the Droid app in the Android Marketplace

GSDBA Corporate Partners

Thank you for your generous support.

Find GSDBA on...

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Eric D. Brown

Danielle Barger

Fiscally Focusedfor Financial Services & Allied Fields

These unique lunch events present special guest speakers discussing issues

pertinent to LGBT professionals and their allies at a sit down lunch.

The GSDBA Professional Luncheons each 2nd Tuesday of the month

from 11:30 to 1:00 pm$25.00 per person (lunch included)

Guest speakers subject to change without notice

Tuesday, March 13th Paul Yossem of Nationwide Retirement Plans Discusses Full Disclosure Retirement Planning in “Plain English”

GSDBA’s Professional Luncheon Series is proud to feature Paul Yossem of Nationwide Retirement Plans on Tuesday, March 13th. Mr. Yossem will discuss important Department of Labor changes coming to the 401(k) Industry’s regulations and share strategies for employers to address them in 2012. Some of the changes include full fee disclosure statements and full disclosure of the individual costs of the plans’ ad-ministration, as well as a comparative chart of investments for both employers and employees. The impact of these disclosures might cause more than one employer points of concern. Anyone who sponsors or manages a 401(k), or is considering sponsoring one, will want to attend this informa-tive luncheon.

Nationwide Retirement Plans is a Fortune 500 Company, serving over 2 million participants from more than 45,000 plans and manages and administers over $85 billion in retire-ment plan assets.

Please RSVP at least 48 hours before event at www.gsdba.org or 619-296-4543

The GSDBA Professional Luncheon Series is held at Top of the Park at Inn at the Park525 Spruce Street

for GSDBA members

“I attended my first Affinity meeting last week. It was a great opportunity to con-nect with a few members I had met at mixers and BNG meetings and also heard a great guest speaker. The meeting was well run and had a good energy. I’m look-ing forward to attending again.”

– Rebecca Luers, CPA

“I have found the GSDBA Finance Af-finity Group to be a good source of information on topics that other pro-fessionals working in related fields are currently experiencing. The monthly topics of conversation are designed to address current issues or trends in the related fields of the attendees, and the group often hosts great speakers that share their expertise. The members act as a resource for each other by sharing their experiences and best practices.”

– Kevin Kellar, Estate Attorney

The Financial Services Affinity GroupMeets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Jakes on 6th Wine Bar at 3755 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (near Robinson)

Facilitator: Brian Jaeger, New England Financial(619) 683-6237 or [email protected]

whatwhen

where

contact

GSDBA’s Financial Services & Allied Fields Affinity Group is designed to provide professional development for members in the related finan-cial service professions. The focus is to support one another and to help participants bring their businesses to a new level by networking among related fields to enhance professionalism and work together to be seen as a trusted expert resource to the GSDBA membership and the community on financial issues.

The group has started a new format for 2012 by including a guest pre-sentation on a range of topics of interest to the group such as personal branding, goal setting, and organization.

Categories welcome in the group include: Banking - Business Broker-ages - Credit Card Processing - Escrow - Financial Planning - Insurance - Loan Modifiers - Real Estate Loans – CPAs – Accountant/Bookkeepers – Estate At-torneys - Conservators (Anyone who touches a financial statement in service of a client is welcome!)

FREE AND EXCLUSIVE TO GSDBA MEMBERS See All GSDBA Affinity Groups on Page 30

[28] GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012

Presented by GSDBA’s Strategic Partner

It’s Not Easy Being

Event Proceeds Benefit: ∙ Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding Program

∙ Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Animal Safehouse Program

∙ Kiwanis Foundation of Del Mar

PRIZES AWARDED FOR:

∙ Ugly Dog∙ Best St. Patty’s DayCostume

∙ Adult’s Cutest Dog∙ Child’s Cutest Dog (16 and under)∙ Most Unusual Markings∙ Dog Who Most Looks Like Its Owner

∙ Best Trick∙ Cutest Puppy∙ Best Costume (adult)∙ Best Costume (child 16 and under)∙ Best Mutt∙ Most Beautiful (female)∙ Most Handsome (male)

Sometimes it Paysto be Plain Ugly!The Del Mar Kiwanis and the San Diego Coastal Chamber of Commerce invite you for a fun-filled day at the 17th Annual Ugly Dog Contest. Enter your dog in one of the 13 prize categories or just come out and watch the show. Detailed information is available at www.UglyDogContest.com or by calling (858) 755-4844.

Sunday, March 11, 201211 am to 3 pmDel Mar Fairgrounds, Paddock Area$10 Adults | $6 Children 12 & Under

CALENDAR

GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012 [05]

EVENTS

Find out more at

www.gsdba.org

Spring Edition!

An orientation for new gsdba members who want to make the most of their membershipTuesday, March 20th, 2012Time: 8- 10 a.m. | Check In: 7:30 - 8 a.m.Hosted by the Handlery Hotel & Resort950 Hotel Circle North in Mission ValleyThis hands-on, interactive event will help acquaint you with GSDBA and show you how to get the most out of your mem-bership. Come meet fellow members, our Board of Direc-tors, networking facilitators, the GSDBA staff, and find out more about the benefits of being active in your chamber of commerce.

FREE Admission - Light Continental Breakfast ProvidedRSVP required by Monday, March 19thCall the GSDBA office at (619) 296-4543 or register online at www.gsdba.org

Membership Drive

Wrap-Up MixerFeaturing food, fun and prizes for both

new & renewing members!

Membership

DriveEvent

Tuesday, March 6 6 - 8 pm

Hosted By Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego

4077-5th Avenue in Hillcrest

FREE 21+ Event!


BANKINGon Trust

When it comes to banking, you have a wide range of institu-tions to choose from. Some banks and credit unions pro-

vide services that emphasize low cost and convenience, but many business executives need more than the basics. And many find that working with an experienced business banker adds significant value to the banking relationship.

For example, at California Bank & Trust, our dedicated business bankers have years of expertise working with businesses throughout the state – customizing a set of sophisticated financial solutions to meet a wide range of business-specific needs. These include:

•Business-focused financing, including asset-based financing, SBA lending, complex real estate transactions, acquisitions, and more.

•Sophisticated cash management solutions such as remote deposit that help prevent fraud, streamline operations, speed up depos-its, and improve cash flow.

•Business-specific services including inter-national banking, letters of credit, and mer-chant services.

From Strategy to Success: Committed to Growing your Business

When you establish a relationship with a seasoned business banker who understands your industry, you enjoy access to a valuable resource you can rely on to discuss specific goals and strategies, and depend on to rec-ommend cost-effective financial solutions to meet your objectives.

“We want to see our clients succeed,” says Cindy Lehman, Senior Vice President, Hill-crest Branch Manager. “We are well-ac-quainted with our clients’ industries, so we are well-positioned to share our knowledge and offer proactive solutions that may ben-efit their businesses.”

So when deciding where to bank, consider a business-focused bank such as California Bank & Trust – with 100+ branch offices statewide. We offer all the basic services, of course, but also a range of specialized solu-tions to help you capitalize on your great ideas and build your business in the years ahead.

Brought to you by

Cindy Lehman, Senior Vice President,Hillcrest Branch ManagerCalifornia Bank & Trust3737 Fifth AvenueSan Diego, CA 92103www.calbanktrust.com

Experienced Professional Business Bankers Make all the Difference

SailLet’s go yachting! Spend a seafaring afternoon, living like royalty aboard the beautiful 65 foot wooden yacht, Jada! You will be served and pampered by their friendly crew. Fresh sea breezes and sunshine will revitalize and lift your spirits as you sail on sparkling San Diego Bay. This classic wooden sailboat transports you back in time to experience the romance and adventure of the sea.

Jada’s beautiful teak interior and traditional yacht lines make this a truly singular experience . It’s blue water, world class yachting at its best! You’ll see and experience San Diego Bay as only yachtsmen do - and as no other local tour vessel can match. Yet, the fares are most reasonably priced.

Jada is available for Sunset Cruises, Whale Watching, Weddings at Sea, as well as Corporate and Private Charters.

www.sailjada.comwww.sailjada.com/blog

www.facebook.com/sailjadaFind Sail Jada reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp

Phone (858) 222-9479

for the 2012 ANNUAL BUSINESS

AWARDS LUNCHEONJoin GSDBA to recognize and honor business and

community leaders that best exemplify the values and business success for which we stand.

Thursday, June 21st, 201211:30 - 12:00 Check-in/Reception | 12:00 - 1:30 Luncheon/Awards

The Grand Ballroom at

Table and Individual Ticket Prices$2,500 - Event Champion (Table of 10)

$1,000 - Event Hero (Table of 10)$60 - Individual Tickets

Tickets available online beginning March 1st at www.gsdba.org or by calling (619) 296-4543.

Cast Your Vote for the following Business and Community Leaders

GSDBA Business of the YearGSDBA Emerging Business of the Year

Corporate Partner of the YearCorporate Diversity Leader

Community Leadership AwardNon-Profit of the Year

Find Your

Nomination Form

Inside this Issue of

Community Connection

News Magazine

Presented by

ave-the-Date ave-the-Date


We preach it over and over at GSDBA – build your network, get to know each other, work together! GSDBA is tak-

ing that same advice, and the result is added benefits for you!

Over the last year, we’ve been forming alliances with business groups, associations and cham-bers across the county to expand our reach and recognition. These partnerships allow us to pro-mote membership and events to new audienc-es and open the door to creative collaborations

– like the Adams Avenue mixer last October and a joint event in discussion with the San Diego Hispanic Chamber.

They also allow for GSDBA members to en-joy some of the benefits of these groups, like member pricing for events they host, member discounts on exhibit opportunities at events like the Roots Festival or Opening Day block party in the East Village, as well as some half-priced memberships. Your networking potential has just increased by thousands of other businesses.

Here’s a list of organizations we have agree-ments with. If you’d like more information on events, sign up for each group’s e-mail blasts and if membership interests you, contact the group for details and specifics.

Also, I often attend events held by these groups, so drop me a line if you’d like to come along!

- Matt

[email protected]

ChambersMember pricing for events, and half-price membership available with:

San Diego Coastal Chamber of Commercewww.sandiegocoastalchamber.org

San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce www.sdchcc.com

Asian Business Associationof San Diego www.abasd.org

Member pricing for eventsavailable with:San Diego East County Chamber of Commercewww.eastcountychamber.org

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce www.sdchamber.org

Business Improvement DistrictsMember pricing for events, and other discounts as announced:

East Village Associationwww.eastvillagebid.com

El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association www.theboulevard.org

Discover Pacific Beachwww.pacificbeach.org


Hillcrest Business Associationwww.hillcrestbia.org

North Park Main Streetwww.northparkmainstreet.com

City Heights Business Associationwww.cityheightsba.org

College Area Business Districtwww.collegeareabid.com

Adams Avenue Business Associationwww.adamsaveonline.com

Gaslamp Quarter Associationwww.gaslamp.org

Downtown San Diego Partnershipwww.dtsd.org

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Your BusinessNetwork Just Got

by Matt Harding, Association Representative, GSDBA

Affiliated Organizations:


Results are Priceless

ADVICEis CHEAP...

Be seen by hundreds of thousands on the next GSDBA Pride Month billboard this July! Limited to 5 fabulous GSDBA members - for only $600

Contact Sue Sneeringer at (619) 296-4543 by March 31st to get on “board”

You...Lifesized!You own your business, don’t let it own you. Our goal is to improve your business to the point where you can take, and enjoy, an actual

“non-working” vacation. -Stacey McKibbin

To paraphrase Newton’s first law of motion, “An object in motion stays in motion.”

Unfortunately, this concept does not apply to your business. In fact, fol-lowing the “tried and true” path that has always worked for you or just plugging along at an average pace could actually hurt your business.

Statistics show that 80% of California small businesses will fail in the next five years! Your business is either growing or dying. You need to not only be in motion, but also to get a big push sometimes. Enter business coach Stacey McKibbin.

Stacey understands that coaching is an investment not an expense; you should take out at least what you put in, and if you believe the stats, you’ll actually see a 6 to 1 return on your investment dollars. She is so confident that she will find results that she guarantees it! Stacey guarantees that within 17 weeks you will “find her fee” or she will coach you for FREE until you do. Her motto, “Advice is cheap. Results are priceless.”

Stacey has coached the GSDBA itself and many of its members with amazing results. Some of her clients’ achievements include:

•GSDBA Office Staff: Saw a 200% increase in revenue during Membership Drive season.

•Belladia Marketing & Design: The 2011 winner of the GSDBA’s Emerging Business award created a 63% revenue increase in one year; had a 300% increase in average dollar sale in 2011 compared to the previous year; and doubled their conversion rate, making January 2012 the BIGGEST revenue month in the history of the company!

•Coastline Office Solutions: Increased their number of transac-tions by 35% and experienced a 24% increase in revenue.

•San Diego Pro Cleaning: Increased 2011 revenue (year over year) by 27%, while increasing overall profitability by 26% dur-ing that same timeframe.

Stacey and her husband Chris (also a GSDBA member) don’t just get busi-ness results. They work hard to make the world a better place. In addition to Business Mentoring and teaching classes at the University of San Diego, both of the McKibbins volunteer their time to help various GSDBA groups (from facilitating the new Young Professionals Affinity Group to emceeing the Speed Marketing event) and support community projects. Their new-est endeavor is starting a San Diego chapter of Bikes for Tykes (www.bikesfortykes.org).

Advice is cheap. Results are priceless. Find Stacey and Chris at the next mixer or contact them to discover how this philosophy motivates them in coaching, volunteering, and their personal lives.

Stacey McKibbin4645 Ruffner Street, Suite P, San Diego, CA 92111(858) 836-1900www.ActionCoachSanDiego.com


San Diego Community News Network, Inc. (SDCNN), publisher of San Diego Up-town News and Gay San Di-ego, has purchased San Diego Downtown News from San Diego Community Newspa-per Group (SDCNG).

“We are excited about adding San Diego Downtown News to our company,” said pub-lisher David Mannis. “Down-town is a natural addition to our market area, offering more coverage for our readers and advertisers. We will bring

the same quality and commit-ment to hyper-local news, in-cluding arts and entertainment coverage to the downtown community,” he added.

San Diego Downtown News is currently published month-ly. Mannis anticipates increas-ing the frequency to biweekly in the near future, the same frequency as his San Diego Uptown News and Gay San Diego publications. San Di-ego Uptown News, which began publishing in 2009, has a circulation of 22,000

and covers the communities of Old Town, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Kens-ington and Talmadge. Gay San Diego, with a circulation of 15,000, began publishing one year later and serves the San Diego LGBT community. San Diego Downtown News will maintain a circulation of over 21,000 delivered to con-dominiums, businesses, office buildings and newsracks.

San Diego Uptown News/Gay San DiegoAcquires San Diego Downtown News

San Diego Community News Network 3737 Fifth Avenue, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 519-7775 • sdcnn.com

NEWS:IN T

HE

Bathe & Shop

(Order must be $25 before discountand can not be combined with any otherdiscount.)

We value GSDBA members!Present your membership card andreceive 10% off your purchases.

South Bark Dog Wash2037 30th Street • 619.232.7387 • southbark.comOpen 7 Days: 10am–7pmLast bath: In the tub by 6:20pm

Bathe your pet and purchase anyNature’s Variety dog or cat products

(including raw) and receive

Limit one per customer. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/2012.

Blueberry Facial

BOARD APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED!Interested in joining the GSDBA Board of Directors? Are you committed to our mission and vision? Want to contribute your time and expertise to the LGBT and supportive community? Now’s your turn to serve with our guiding body of GSDBA business members.

Please Submit the Following:1) Letter of intent to the CEO2) A biographical statement of 100 words or less3) A photograph for publication4) Current resume, including two references5) Responses to the following questions:

a. Why are you seeking election to the GSDBA Board of Directors?b. Why is the LGBT segment important to the local economy?c. In your view, what are the biggest challenges to GSDBA businesses?d. What skills do you feel you bring to the GSDBA Board and how will they better the organization?

Eligibility: You are eligible to run for a seat on the Board if you are: a voting member in good standing for at least 6 months; are committed to the GSDBA Mission Statement, Vi-sion Statement and organizational goals; have three (3)+ years of professional/business management experience; possess a general understanding of financial reporting and processes; and can demonstrate community leadership and involvement. Ability to work well with others a plus.

Board Member Requirements:Board Members are expected to be available to attend GSDBA events; be accessible to the general membership; commit to attend monthly Board Meetings; commit to chair a standing committee; be able to attend a weekend retreat in August or September and a one-day retreat in January.

Submissions Due No Later than Friday, March 16th, 2012

Send Applications to: Tom Luhnow, CEOGSDBA | P.O. Box 33848 | San Diego, CA 92163

SERVE ON GSDBA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine Advertising Opportunities Start at only $400 per year!

Contact Matt Harding, GSDBA Association Representativeat 619-316-0706 to find out about this and otherexclusive GSDBA member advertising opportunities.

Can you see your ad here?So will your potential customers!

Reach over 1,000 GSDBA members and our supporters.

Visit www.GSDBA.org and click on the‘Advertise’ tab for rates and deadlines.


with Member-to-Member

DISCOUNTS Did you know about GSDBA’s Open4Biz? The Open-4Biz program allows GSDBA members to offer special discounts to other GSDBA members. These offers ap-pear on the Open4Biz section of the website or they appear in the Online Directory listing for each member. Below is a list discounts currently offered. Be sure to let the company know that you are a GSDBA member when you call. To see the full listing or to offer a dis-count to members, please see the GSDBA website for more information.

Visit www.gsdba.orgClick on Open4Biz!

PROMOS ROK3443 Camino Del Rio S, Suite 221San Diego, CA 92108www.PromosROK.com

Promotional products for every occasion. Specializing in silkscreening & embroidery on all garments. Let us make your next promotion ROK Solid!

Discount for GSDBA Members: $50.00 off or a free set-up, whichever is greater, on any order of $250.00 or more.

THE HONEST KITCHEN145 - 14th StreetSan Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-544-0018www.theHonestKitchen.com

At The Honest Kitchen, we make dehy-drated, human-grade natural dog and cat foods. Our recipes are made with love, in a human food facility (not in a pet food plant) for the highest possible quality standards.

HANDLERY HOTEL & RESORT950 Hotel Circle NorthSan Diego, CA 92108619-298-0511www.handlery.com

Newly Renovated guest rooms and Event space. Great pool and spa. Minutes from Hillcrest Neighborhood. Host to many GLBT events. ILGTA and TAG. Book online at www.handlery.com for either San Diego or San Francisco for a discounted rate using promo code: PRIDE.

GSDBA IS

Save $5.00Download in-store coupon here (tinyurl.com/89d6z4q) for use at South Bark Dog Wash, Howlistic or City Dog – or save online

with coupon code: SANGSDBA at thehonestkitchen.com. Expires December 31, 2012

www.theHonestKitchen.com

WHY WELOVEADAMS AVENUEGRILL

University Heights neigh-borhood favorite, Adams Avenue Grill, has been a

reliable dining staple since 1998. Located just a stroll east of Park Boulevard and Trolley Barn Park, it’s a great place for locals and visitors alike. Not to mention it’s a wonderful, un-rushed place for a terrific business lunch or a small birthday dinner. And you can un-leash your inner artist by drawing with crayons on the table. How fun is that?

There are many reasons to love Adams Avenue Grill: It remains unpretentious and comfort-able, with friendly genuine ser-vice, and the crowd is subdued and doesn’t text message each other from across the table. The ever-changing menu is pleasantly

creative without being a science experiment, and you can usually get a seat on Saturday night. (Res-ervations, of course, are recommended). I like AAG because I like to think it will be here forever to welcome its diverse clientele with a friendly

‘hello’ and a savory menu.

Now the food. Some patron fa-vorites include the Panko Onion Rings served with Buttermilk & Chive Ranch Dressing [$8] or French Onion Soup with a crusty Swiss covered crouton on top [$3.5/5.25] Feed your ap-petite with the Arancini Crispy Risotto Balls with house made red pepper aioli [$9]. For din-ner try the delicious Mole Rojo Pork Enchilada & Sweet Corn Mash [$16] or indulge in comfort food with the Carolina Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf & Maple Spiked Sweet Pota-toes [$17] Sweet tooths will ap-prove of the Key Lime Pie in raspberry sauce.

An article on the Grill would not be complete without mentioning another neighborhood favorite, owner, Chef Tim Klepeis. Tim and his great staff are another reason folks keep coming back. As a business man, he prides him-self on sharing what he’s learned in the often challenging and fast-paced restaurant world by mentoring other businesses. Tim knows that being part of an inclu-sive organization like GSDBA is important to grow and to contin-ue to evolve. He keeps his market-ing and brand consistent, and still greets customers with a friendly smile. The bottom line is that Ad-ams Avenue Grill continues to be one of our favorites, because they do things right.

Chef Tim Klepeis of Adams Avenue Grill

brought to you by

Adams Avenue Grill2201 Adams Avenue

San Diego, CA 92116Reservations (619) 298-8440

Breakfast Sat-Sun 9-2Lunch Daily 11-2

Dinner Nightly at 5 pm

www.AdamsAvenueGrill.com

on any 10lb box of Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food!

by Eric Carroll, GSDBA Foodie


The need to maximize the potential of nonprofits is more urgent than ever. Today’s new economy demands the best fundraising strategies, business partnerships, and technological know-how. This conference will deliver the best tools, tips and profes-sional contacts.

On March 21st American Marketing Association San Diego will be hosting the 14th Annual Cause Conference in San Diego, CA. It is the West Coast’s largest cause partnership event, that provides intelligence and cutting-edge strategies to help non-profit, corporate and other industry-related professionals who are looking for new and innovative ways to engage diverse charitable audiences, build brand loyalty, and maximize community impact. The Cause Conference helps hundreds of profession-als working within the private, public and non-profit sectors find new ways to maxi-mize their impact by sharing the latest in research, technology, new media solutions, and partnership development.

This day long networking and informational event offers nonprofits and businesses in-novative ways to be a force for good in the current economic climate. They will feature experts in cause marketing, nonprofit resource development, community relations, new media technology, and corporate social responsibility.

Why YOU Should Attend• Access to industry experts and the latest research• Practical tools and innovative technology to help you do more with less• Get an inside track on corporate partnership strategies• Learn how to leverage technology and social media• Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals

General Topics•Cost Effective Ways To Rise Above the Noise•Building Brand Equity On A Limited Budget•Social Media: Latest Trends and Best Practices

Topics For NonProfits•The Grassroots Comeback: How Business Partnerships Can Move The Needle•Monitizing Your Assets for Donors & Sponsors•New Ways to Engage Your Board of Directors•How to Take Advantage of National Contests•Easy and Effective Solutions to Managing Your Online Presence Business Topics

•How Doing Good is Good for Small Businesses•Cause Marketing 101•Non-Cash Giving: Volunteerism and In-Kind Resource Sharing•The New California “Benefit Corporation” (AB361)•Leverage Your Nonprofit Partner: Creative Approaches to Employee Development

HostedBy

For More Information ContactFrank G Scarpaci – Cause Conference Co-Chair – 619.446.6780Gigi Cantin – Cause Conference Co-Chair – 619.933.9915Barbara Haines, AMA San Diego – Chapter Coordinator Sponsorship Opportunities AvailablePlease contact Heather Zimkin at [email protected]


WHATGSDBA is a Proud Partner of the 14th Annual AMA Cause Conference

WHENWEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 20128 am – 5 pm

WHEREThe McMillin Companies Event CenterNTC Promenade @ Liberty Station, San Diego, California

REGISTER ONLINERegister today to navigate toward success! Nonprofit $129AMA Member $139General $169

Visit www.sdama.org Click on Events


Only 36% of small business owners have an IRA, and only one-third of those with an IRA actually contribute to it ac-cording to a recent working paper by the Small Business Administration. That means only about 12% of small busi-ness owners are saving for retirement.

Of course, it’s not just business own-ers that don’t save. Americans save less than 3% of their income compared to our European friends that consistently save more than 10%. Since we don’t save, then we must work longer. And that’s exactly what a survey by Wells Fargo discovered. Three-fourths of the middle-class expects to work part-time during retirement. And an eye-popping 25% of the middle-class believes they will need to work until at least age 80 to enjoy retirement!

So why aren’t business owners saving for retirement? The answer can be as complex as you want to make it. How-ever, my tough-love opinion is that peo-ple find it easier to spend rather than to save. The path of least resistance is unfortunately the one most commonly taken.

Options for Retirement Savings

Small business owners are risk-takers and love a difficult challenge. The chal-lenge for 2012 is to start saving for retirement. Choose one of these retire-ment plans for your small business:

Traditional IRA: Allows up to $5,000 of pre-tax contributions per year (up to $6,000 per year if 50 or older). The great thing is you have until 04/17/2012 to open and contribute to an IRA for the 2011 tax year.

Roth IRA: Same contributions as a tra-ditional IRA except they are after-tax. That means you don’t get a tax-deduc-tion. In return for paying taxes now, you

never have to pay taxes on the invest-ment gains.One can contribute to both an IRA and Roth IRA in the same year, so long as the combined contributions don’t ex-ceed $5,000 ($6,000 if 50 or older).

SEP-IRA: Allows a business owner to make pre-tax contributions up to the lesser of $50,000 or 25% of compen-sation. There are special calculations for self-employed compensation, so be sure to do this right! A unique feature of the SEP-IRA is that all employees must receive the same percentage benefit of the owner. That’s great if the owner wants to share profits with employees, but a negative if that is not the owner’s intention.

Solo 401(k): This plan is only for busi-nesses without employees. It allows a business owner to make a $17,000 pre-tax contribution ($22,500 if 50 or older) plus 25% of compensation. Again, there are some important calculations to make here for the self-employed. The to-tal contributions can’t exceed $50,000 ($55,500 if you are 50 or older). A Roth 401(k) option is also available if you de-sire to make after-tax contributions, or some combination of pre-tax and after-tax contributions.

These are four do-it-yourself options for owners to implement with their small business. There are also several more complex retirement savings plans that require the help of professionals. But regardless of the plan you choose, take the challenge and start saving for your retirement!

Steve Doster is a Certified Financial Plan-ner™ professional offering hourly financial advice for do-it-yourself investors. He does not sell financial products or earn commis-sions. Steve is an SDGLN.com contributor and a member of the GSDBA, HRC, and Different Strokes Swim Team.

Steve Doster, CFP®

Doster Financial Planning[p] 619.688.1192[e] [email protected][w] www.dosterfinancialplanning.com

Law Offices of Robert LynnAppellate LitigationBusiness and Real Estate Law

Robert H. LynnAttorney at Law

Telephone: (619) 233-9464Fax: (619) [email protected]

2534 State Street, Suite 305San Diego, CA 92101

Business Owners: Why Aren’t YouSaving for Retirement?by Steve Doster – Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

thank you to our community connection advertisers for your support


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for G .S .D .B .A . Members

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GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012 [15][18] GSDBA’s Community Connection News Magazine |March/April 2012

You know they were in your kitchen.

They must have been — there’s a brand new stove

where the old one once stood. And yet, you still have

your doubts. The doorway’s not nicked. The floor is

not scratched. No footprints or gum wrappers lie in

their wake. And then, it dawns on you: these bootie-

wearing, vacuum-toting ninjas have indeed left you

a calling card — written in invisible ink, and it says:

“Here’s to Living Joyfully!”

Trained and certified to work on each and every type of appliance product that we carry, our very own Delivery, Installation and Service Team is unlike any other in America, because it’s internally staffed, and never outsourced. That translates to a level of trust, accountability and professionalismthat not only inspires confidence, but delivers joy.

Kitchen. Bath. Outdoor. Joy.

www.fixturesliving.com

NOTHING INSPIRES CONFIDENCE

like Big Burly Manly ~MenWEARING BABY-BLUE BOOTIES.Diversionary Theatre develops new works and produces plays and mu-

sicals that explore the issues, characters and stories of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in all its complexity and

diversity. In addition, Diversionary is a vital part of the University Heights night-life scene giving audiences and artists a chance to explore new forms of live entertainment. Diversionary Cabaret is a diverse offering of music, comedy and performing arts events in a fun, informal atmosphere. Running through March 25th, Diversionary Theatre is proud to bring the Tony-nominated play, Next Fall to San Diego. Diversionary’s production will feature Matt McGrath, Stewart Calhoun, Tony Houck, John Whitley, Jacque Wilke, Shana Wride and is directed by James Vasquez. Later, Diversionary stages the off-Broadway hit, The Pride (April 5-May 6) and the world-premier new musical, Harmony Kansas (June 14-July 22).

SCENEtheater

OLD TOWN | SAN DIEGO• cygnettheatre.com

MAY 17 - JUNE 17GSDBA Members save $10Use Coupon Code GSDBA

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“I made myself platinum, but I was borna dirty blonde!” –– Mae West

DIRECTED BYSEAN MURRAY

FEATURINGMELINDA GILBSTEVE GUNDERSONDAVID MCBEAN

Spring 2012

Above, meet the cast of the Tony-nominated‘Next Fall’ which runs through March 25th at Diversionary Theatre.

4545 Park Boulevard #101, San Diego, California 92116Box Office: (619) 220-0097

WWW.DIVERSIONARY.ORG

For the past 25 years, Alpha Project’s Take Back the Streets (TBS) Program has success-fully provided thousands of men and women with transitional employment, job training, recovery and housing. Their TBS teams are responsible for weed/brush abatement, de-bris cleanup, canyon/homeless encampment cleanups, graffiti removal, and outreach. TBS has proven to be extremely successful in re-turning ex-gang members, formerly incarcer-ated men and women, and homeless individu-als to the workforce, as well as providing the community with vital cost saving services.

Alpha Project also offers job training through its catering department. Individuals who were once homeless or incarcerated are pro-vided with the necessary skills to obtain their food handler permits and become part of Al-pha Project’s full service catering team. Their catering department offers exceptional value at a very low cost, and is extremely success-ful in securing hundreds of jobs and ongoing contracts to serve the catering needs of local businesses and the community.

Other programs that Alpha Project offers in-clude:

• The Neil Good Day Center, serving more than 500 men and women daily with basic needs;

• Casa Raphael/Casa Base, a 140-bed residen-tial treatment program for homeless men;

• 193 units of permanent supportive housing for low-income homeless adults with special needs;• 600 units of affordable housing for very low-income families and seniors;

• Outreach services for homeless men, women and runaway youth;

• The Winter Shelter Program offering over 200 beds of emergency winter shelter and other vital services for homeless adults during the winter months;

• Hospice for the Homeless providing services and support to terminally and chronically ill homeless men and women so they don’t have to die alone on the streets of San Diego.

• The Senior Transportation Program pro-viding transportation to low-income seniors throughout San Diego County.

If you are interested in receiving additional information regarding Alpha Project’s pro-grams, obtaining a quote for their TBS services or a quote for your next catered event, please contact Janice Izor, Director of Marketing & Resource Development at (619) 542-1877 or [email protected].

But These Urban Warriors Do it

with Brooms & Paint Brushes


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Being the best, one payroll at a time!

Jessica Nies-BurridgeSenior District Manager



thank you

MixerHalf-Way to Pride photos from the

membership drive kickoff celebration mixer

Thank You to our Friends at
