Are you building your million dollar database? Tonight is the once a year, four Chamber mixer at Tri City Wellness, located at 6250 El Camino Real (just south of Palomar Airport Road). The festivities begin at 4pm, complete with a tropical theme. Aloha shirts anyone?

There is a $20 charge, but there are plenty of hors d’oeuvres and the networking will be outstanding.

I recently interviewed Scott Ashton, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce about the role Chambers play in the growth of small business. Here’s that interview:

If you want to know more about how networking can be one of your most cost effective marketing tools, make sure to tune in to North San Diego Business At Large tomorrow, June 19th when Lisa Bentson, Leads Club Inc., joins me to share timely tips for growing your business through networking.

So, will I see you building your million dollar database this evening? If you need a refresher, here’s the interview with Michelle Bergquist from two weeks ago.

Join me this Thursday, May 22nd from 2pm to 6pm for the San Marcos Business Expo.  This is going to be an excellent opportunity for you to network your business with other small business owners.

I’ll be there for the entire afternoon. Why not stop by and say hello. Check out the website to see some of the businesses exhibiting at the expo. You can make new contacts and hone those networking skills.

If you do come by, just look for me, that hat lady!

As businesses throughout San Diego and San Diego County face increasing challenges and seek solutions for navigating economic uncertainty, the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce will begin a dialogue that will seek to underscore the impact of economic and social factors on businesses large and small. With a new twist on a traditional event, the Chamber will present “The State of a New Community 2008” Luncheon on April 3, 2008.

“The definition of ‘community’ is rapidly evolving beyond geographical borders and is incorporating an understanding of socio-economic issues as well,” says Michael Robinson, president and CEO, San Diego North Chamber of Commerce. “This dialogue will help set the course for North San Diego businesses and organizations to become stronger, more successful and aware of the impact regional issues may have in the future.”

Robinson will moderate a panel discussion featuring an eclectic group of regional leaders, each offering a unique perspective on what “community” means from their vantage point. The panel will consist of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders; Cami Mattson, president and CEO, San Diego North Convention and Visitors Bureau; Bella Huele, president and CEO, San Diego World Trade Center; and Brent Altomare, president, Groovy Like A Movie, a San Diego-based new media company.

“Important local issues, trade and tourism, and even the notion of new media and virtual communities will be part of this important conversation,” continued Robinson. “With no doubt, everyone who attends this luncheon will leave with a better understanding of how ‘community’ in the 21st Century can translate into a competitive advantage for their business in today’s economy.”

The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce’s State of a New Community event will be held at the San Diego Doubletree Golf Resort, 14455 Penasquitos Drive in the San Diego community of Rancho Penasquitos. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for networking with colleagues. Lunch and formal program begin at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $65 for SDNCC members, $75 for non-member guests. Visit the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce web site at www.sdncc.com, e-mail events@sdncc.com or call 858-487-1767 for more information or to reserve seats.

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO NORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce is the third-largest chamber in San Diego County representing 1,000 member businesses along the I-15 Corridor. Through its programs, services and events, the SDNCC ensures sustainable prosperity. For more information, please visit www.sdncc.com.