September 2022 – News & Information
| Velocity Internship – Connecting Businesses and Talent |
This summer, 42 students from Vista high schools participated in a 100 hour paid internship program which matched them with local businesses. Funded by a grant from the City of Vista, the goal of the program is to provide a paid career exploration experience and make connections between local businesses and students.
The Vista Chamber is proud to create workforce development initiatives to further support Vista businesses and residents. Read More
| Save the Date! Our website will be updated as more information is made available. |
| The Fall Issue of the Vista Magazine is Here! |
The Vista Magazine is distributed all throughout Vista and surrounding areas by our amazing team at the Chamber.
By doing this we are able to get the magazine in the hands of hundreds of thousands of our residents.
The magazine is also boosted on our social media pages to also reach people digitally.
Interested in advertising? Reach out to Paula Millis at paula@vistachamber.org to learn about our affordable rates.
Learn about different businesses shaping our community, get updates from Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld, VUSD Superintendent Dr. Doyle, and Vista Mayor Judy Ritter. Check out all the events taking place in our community and connect with local businesses through our Business Directory.
| We continue to have the magazine available in Spanish! Stop by our office to grab a copy or read online. |
Funds Are Still Available, Apply Now!
If your business suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you could receive up to $25,000!
Visit our website to see the requirements and apply, don’t miss out! Learn More
Candidate Forums
The Vista Chamber of Commerce will hold Candidate Forums for its local elections. These will include the elections for Vista Mayor and for District 4 City Council.
The Vista Chamber, along with the Oceanside and Carlsbad Chambers, will also hold a Candidate Forum for the 49th Congressional District.
Dates for both of these events are to be determined.
The Rising Star of the Month Program is Back!
The Rising Star of the Month Program is back later this month. Once a month we gather to honor high school seniors from our local schools. This program culminates in May where we award scholarships for students to continue their education. We are able to make this happen thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.
Sponsor opportunities (monetary or in-kind) are still available. Reach out to workforce@vistachamber.org for more information. Hear From Students
We Want to Hear from You!
Your opinion is extremely important to us, that’s why we want to hear about your experience at the 2022 Vista Strawberry Festival.
Leave Us a Review!
We want to hear about your experiences with the Vista Chamber.
Velocity, Vista Chamber Podcast Season 2 Out Now!
On this first episode of Season 2 of Velocity Rachel got to sit down with Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath and learn about her role representing the 76th California Assembly District. Listen Now.
Think you or someone you know could be the next guest on Velocity? Let us know! Interest Form
2022 North County Spotlight: How Magic and Cosmic Principles are Transforming Business Practices
The San Diego North EDC is proud to announce the inaugural North County Spotlight Luncheon – an annual opportunity to hear from one of the region’s leading entrepreneurs about their business journey and what makes San Diego North County a world-class place to do business. Learn More.
Vista Christmas Parade
Registration will open Oct. 3, email info@vistachamber.org to be added to an interest list.
Vista Chamber Events
Business Mixer – September 14 Join us at Cat & Craft Cafe for a meownificent Business Mixer!
Catch up with fellow Vista Chamber Members and meet professionals from all over North County to make new connections.
Bring a raffle prize ($30 min. value) and speak about your business/organization while choosing the winner! (Only open to members).
*Guests can interact with the cats for an additional prize.
Member Orientation – September 15 – If you are new to the Chamber, or the new point of contact for your company, this reception is to welcome you and your associates!
We will help you to maximize your membership, have some fun, meet the staff and established members!
Bring your business cards! RSVP
Thirsty Third Thursday – September 15
It’s Happy Hour with the Chamber!
Join us for a networking event in a relaxed and fun atmosphere at Prohibition Brewing Company.
All Chamber members and future members are welcome, and we encourage you to bring a friend, colleague, or spouse as well! Cheers! RSVP
Coffee & Conversation – September 21 –
Join Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld for a morning coffee at Cat & Craft Cafe.
Enjoy the coffee and pastries while netweaving and making relationship-based referrals with fellow Chamber members. RSVP
Lunch & Learn: LinkedIn for Your Business – September 27
Learn from Digital Marketing Advocate David Zumaya from My San Diego North County about how to use LinkedIn as a tool to grow your business.
Lunch will be provided to those that RSVP.
Lunch Mob – September 28
Don’t pack your lunch today, join us at Albertacos Mexican Food for Lunch Mob!
Enjoy their delicious food while you catch up with other professionals in the community and make new connections. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!
This is a no host event where everyone buys their own food.
Business & Community Resources
Paid Family Leave Grant Application
Businesses impacted by California’s Paid Family Leave program will have increased costs such as training and upskilling existing staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; hiring and training additional staff to cover the duties of the employee on California’s Paid Family Leave; and marketing, recruitment, and other reasonably foreseeable training costs.
Small businesses in California with 1-100 employees with at least one (1) employee utilizing California’s Paid Family Leave program (on or after June 1, 2022) are eligible to apply for grants up to $2,000 per employee on PFL to offset the increased costs associated with the employee out on leave. Read More
Energy Classes | San Diego Gas & Electric
Energy education and training for professionals can give you knowledge and skills that customers value. Enhance your knowledge with training in green building design, operations and maintenance, and more. Classes come in introductory, intermediate and advanced levels and are available online and on-demand. Read More
| CVBID Grant Program |
| The Central Vista Business Improvement District (CVBID) has opened their grant program. The program provides grants and micro-grants to fund activities in Downtown Vista that help accomplish the goals of the CVBID. The money for the grants comes from an annual City of Vista assessment on the businesses within the district, which totals approximately $50,000 each year. Grants will be available in the amount of $1,000 to $10,000. |
| North County Cybersecurity Awareness ProgramThe Cities of Carlsbad and Vista invite local small businesses to participate in the North County Cybersecurity Awareness Program. The Cities are partnering with Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) to help small businesses increase their cybersecurity awareness and preparedness to bolster the region’s economic resiliency. The program is FREE to participating small North County businesses, made possible by grants from the Cities of Carlsbad and Vista.Read More |
| County Increases Landlord Incentives |
| Hundreds of San Diegans experiencing homelessness are eligible for County housing assistance but struggle to find a home. New financial incentives for landlords can help provide more housing options. |
| Business Accelerator In partnership with Strategies 360, the City of Vista is offering a free business assistance program to provide small businesses lessons on how to grow and expand their business. From identifying new customers, improving your online and social media presence, and more. |
School’s Back in Session: Recap of Leaves Available to Working Parents – CalChamber Alert
| In Episode 159 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment Vice President Bianca Saad and CalChamber employment law expert Matthew Roberts provide a refresher on school-related leaves of absence and labor laws, including school activities leave, school appearance leave, sick leaves, and accommodating flexible schedules. |
Community Events
 September 1 – Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative MeetingSoroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland will host the North County Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative meeting with Guest speaker Deputy District Attorney Brooke Tafreshi, Community Partnership Prosecutor assigned to North County San Diego.Learn More |  |  September 3, 10, 17, 24 – Vista Farmers MarketThe longest running farmers market in the county (since 1981) open in all weather EVERY Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.Learn More |
 September 4 – 32nd Annual Vista Rod Run The 32nd Annual Vista Rod Run is the best car show in North County!! Music throughout event, vendors, fun shops, breweries and restaurants. Learn More |
September 4 – Vista Vibes Rhythm n Booze
Vista Vibes brings influential taste makers with young professional R&B lovers and pairs them with beer and wine in a unique day party experience. Learn More
 September 10 – Alta Vista Botanical Garden’s Kids in the Garden ClassesThis month’s Kids in the Garden class will be: Bugs and Butterflies! Pre-register with Farmer Jones by emailing farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com.Pre-Register |
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| September 10 – 25th Annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet The Gentlemen’s Gourmet is an annual cooking competition and fundraising event hosted by the North County African American Women’s Association for our yearly Scholarship Awards Learn More. |
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| September 14 – October 1 – Kinky Boots The Moonlight is proud to produce the San Diego Regional Premiere production of KINKY BOOTS, the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.Learn More |
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| September 16 – Vista Twilight Market A monthly local food and craft market with live music and a kids zone. *NEW LOCATION at 215 N Melrose Dr.Learn More |
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| September 17 & 18 – Vista Viking Festival The 20th Annual Vista Viking Festival will transport visitors back 1000 years in time. Visitors can mingle with Vikings and the Norse Gods at the Living History Viking Village, Marketplace, and Festival. Learn More |
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| September 19 – Fairways 4 Veterans Golf Tournament Join Wounded Warrior Homes for a day on the greens at beautiful Shadowridge Golf Club in Vista, Ca! We will be honoring our military heroes and raising funds to house veterans challenged with PTSD & Traumatic Brain Injury. Learn More |
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| September 21 – The Willson Team Presents The Monthly Mingle An opportunity to build our community and make a positive impact on it! We’ll provide 2 free drinks and a catered meal. There’s no catch! We hope you’ll have a good time, get in touch with fellow community members, and feed your soul if you feel inclined. Learn More |
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| September 22 – UEI College Day UEI College is excited to celebrate the continued collaboration with small business owners, medical communities, and local residents. We will have vendors conduct a street fair, provide music, food and fun! Learn More |
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| September 24 – 2022 Old Fashioned Pit BBQ Meat barbecued on site, great music. Learn More |
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| September 30, October 1 & 2 – Gem Mineral & Jewelry Show |
| Come on out for a fun-filled weekend to the Vista Gem and Mineral Society’s October Open Air Gem and Mineral Market at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. Learn More |
Vista Chamber of Commerce | 170 Eucalyptus Ave., Ste. 115, Vista, CA 92084
