What'cha Reading?

There is an interesting story in the February issue of San Diego Magazine about Mardi Gras. San Diego Magazine points out that “San Diego’s Mardi Gras celebration ranks as one of the nation’s biggest.” This is echoed on www.discoversd.com, which states that “San Diego now reigns as the premier Mardi Gras destination on the West Coast” and that it is also one of the “Top Ten Mardi Gras destination worldwide” (http://www.discoversd.com/mag/clubs-bars-party-scene/364.html). What makes Mardi Gras in San Diego so popular? The tradition of Mardi Gras in San Diego started in the Gaslamp in 1992. From humble beginnings, it has grown to a huge event with 10 stages, 2 parades and tons of beads! The Gaslamp Quarter Association buys more than a million bead necklaces every year in the traditional colors- purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. And, over in Hillcrest, the event is celebrating its 7th anniversary. This year, Tootie and the Lips Girls will get the party started. With two BIDs having two great events on the same night, what’s a girl to do?

Thanks to Richard Stegner who pointed me to this article about drug testing and medicinal marijuana. http://www.calchamber.com/CC/Headlines/HumanResourcesHealthSafety/01252008TS.htm I think one of the hardest things about being a small business owner is keeping up with changing labor laws. SCORE has a class later this month to help small business owners navigate the legal side of their business: https://www.score-sandiego.org/workshops.asp?WorkshopID=70.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to try new restaurants. I have my standard favorites, most of them are close to home in the College Area BID and over on Adams Avenue. While I don’t think I can get tired of the great fare at Burger Lounge www.burgerlounge.com, it is great to be pointed to new places, like Saigon over on El Cajon Blvd. Check out this great review in City Beat: http://www.sdcitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/one_dish_at_a_time/6576/. Just reading this article makes me hungry for pho.

I also wanted to give a shout out to the winners of the 2007 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards. These awards are given based on businesses that conduct themselves ethically both in their relationships with employees and clients.

The following companies were 2007 BBB Torch Award winners:

-- McFarlane Promotions (1-4 employees) -- Dream Design Builders (5-10 employees) -- Jackson Design & Remodeling (11-24 employees) -- Centara Capital Management Group (25-99 employees) -- Barney & Barney LLC (100-249 employees) -- North Island Credit Union (250-499 employees) -- Sycuan Resort & Casino (500+ employees) -- Public Safety Council (charity/non-profit)

The following companies were 2007 BBB Torch Award finalists: -- Velocity Audio Visual Services (1-4 employees) -- 3 Blind Mice Window Coverings (5-10 employees) -- Groovy Like A Movie (5-10 employees) -- Select Mailing Services (11-24 employees) -- K CO Construction (11-24 employees) -- Murray Lampert Construction Company (11-24 employees) -- Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air (25-99 employees) -- Marrokal Construction Company (25-99 employees) -- JW Floor Covering (100-249 employees) -- Toyota of El Cajon (100-249 employees) -- Cabrillo Credit Union (charity/non-profit) -- Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego (charity/non-profit)

For more information about Torch Awards, check out http://www.sandiego.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=26&id=2ad0173f-9de9-40da-859f-76eae81c3ba8&art=2466. The process for applying for a Torch Award can be lengthy, and businesses who are interested in applying for 2008 should start working on their applications now.

I would love to hear more about what you are reading. Feel free to email me with articles that catch your eye, great reviews on businesses in your area or topics that you feel are relevant to our member businesses.

Have a great week

-Allison