News & Updates

Member Spotlight: The Grounds Guys

Member Spotlight

December 9, 2021

Landscaping & Lawn Care Services for Commercial & Residential Properties

The company began with a single vision shared between 10 brothers. Originally, they opened their doors as Sunshine Grounds Care in 1987. As time passed and more brothers joined the project, it became a widely recognized brand built on the principles of excellent workmanship, customer satisfaction, and real care.

The Grounds Guys was transformed with help from Neighborly, formerly Dwyer Group, in 2010. Since then, The Grounds Guys has exploded nationwide with more than 180 franchise locations around the U.S. and Canada. Despite these exciting developments, their original vision for hard work and value has remained the same. Since then, The Grounds Guys.

Committed to Excellence, Service & Customer Satisfaction

Their clients trust them to provide quality services in the area of landscaping and lawn care. They abide by the simple values outlined in their company acronym “C.A.R.E.”, which are: Customers first, Attitude, Respect, and Enjoy life in the process! These values remain consistent across all of their nationwide locations and set their landscaping and lawn care services apart from the competition.

Work with Our Licensed Experts

A beautiful lawn doesn’t just happen by itself – it requires the care of licensed professionals to ensure it thrives year-round. As proud members of NALP (The National Association of Landscape Professionals), The Grounds Guys offers the experience and tools to ensure the beauty of virtually any landscape.

In addition, they are licensed, certified, and thoroughly trained to ensure you receive lawn maintenance that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. They know the soil, know the climate, and can provide lawn care solutions customized to your property’s needs and your preferences. If your home is in need of other services or repairs, learn more about their community of home service experts at Neighborly.

The Grounds Guys of Mission Valley is proud to be the first franchise of its kind in California and Dean Mellos, President, is looking forward in supplying landscaping services to all of San Diego and being a partner of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.

Watch the Grounds Guys and the greater Neighborly franchise on Undercover Boss.

Member Spotlight: Prospect Home Finance

Member Spotlight

December 3, 2021

Mortgage broker Prospect Home Finance celebrates 15 years in business in 2021. The 156-person-strong Prospect Team has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a studio apartment on Turquoise Street in Pacific Beach. Before year’s end, Prospect will be moving to La Jolla, occupying two floors of the Merril Lynch building.

Prospect Home Finance is not your average mortgage broker. When prospective homebuyers or those looking to refinance their home contact Prospect, the company’s objective is to create lifelong clients by providing them with the best customer service and knowledge about available loan options. In 2021, Prospect is on pace to help 4,000 families with home financing.

Prospect connects the average consumer with education about mortgage solutions to improve their financial positions. The culture at Prospect is based around real people, helping real people. To service all members of the community, Prospect staff speaks a variety of languages. This affords the opportunity to serve borrowers in their native language, making what can be a challenging process easier.

Prospect’s move to La Jolla brings the entire Prospect team together under one roof, streamlining the efficiency of the home financing process for clients. The company is named Prospect Home Finance because it was the dream of Founder and CEO Jason Vondrak to one day have his business located on Prospect Street in La Jolla. Though Prospect’s office will be located on Fay Avenue, a street that intersects Prospect Street, attainment of this milestone is a huge accomplishment.

Prospect Home Finance offers a wide range of home loan and refinancing options with a focus on conventional loan products. Prospect’s loan portfolio is always growing, allowing the company to provide the most current and competitive financing options on the market. For more information, visit HomeFinance.com.

Ribbon Cutting – Planet Fitness National City

Ribbon Cuttings

November 19, 2021

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States, opened a new club in National City, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening celebration on November 15, 2021. The new club is located at 34 N Euclid Ave, National City, CA 91950.

“We are very excited to open our second club in National City and bring additional health and wellness resources to South Bay,” stated Billy Olson, One World Planet Fitness CEO. “Our goal in opening this location is to provide the community with a high-quality and high-value fitness club where residents can prioritize their health and wellbeing. At the end of the day, we want to make a difference in people’s lives and the community.”

Planet Fitness strives to provide a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone®. Whether you’re a first-time gym user or a fitness veteran, Planet Fitness strives to create a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected.

The new 17,000 square foot club in National City, fully equipped with COVID safety protocols in place, will feature state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, Black Card Spa, equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, and more. The club hours are Mon-Thurs. 5am-10pm, Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am-7pm.

Baja’s New State Government Takes Office

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

Baja’s new state administration took office this month for a six-year tenure. Marina del Pilar Avila became the first female and youngest governor in the state’s history. She introduced members of her cabinet including Jorge Alberto Gutierrez, incoming Director of the State’s Sustainable Mobility Institute; Jose A. Medina as Secretary of Health; Netzahualcóyotl Jáuregui as Secretary of Welfare; and former Tijuana Mayor and businessman Kurt Honold, who will serve as Secretary of Economy and Innovation.

The ceremony was attended by elected officials nationwide including Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, and Mario Delgado, National President of the MORENA party. President Lopez Obrador visited Baja a couple of weeks prior and expressed his support for Governor Avila.

The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with the State of Baja under her leadership.

San Diego-Tijuana Wins World Design Capital 2024

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

The World Design Organization (WDO) announced that San Diego and Tijuana have been selected as the 2024 World Design Capital (WDC). Our region will become the first binational capital, selected as a result of our commitment to human-centered design and legacy of cross-border collaboration to transform our natural and built environments.

WDC is a biennial designation that recognizes cities for their effective use of design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental development.

Moscow, Russia was the other shortlisted city for the title of World Design Capital 2024. San Diego-Tijuana showcased “the power of design to unite and connect us, despite geographical differences” and was awarded the designation by the WDC 2024 Selection Committee.

Local Legislative Update

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

Here’s what happened at this week’s San Diego City Council and Committee hearings:

Here’s what happened at this week’s Board of Supervisor hearings:

  • Supported the creation of an ordinance to eliminate discrimination against women. The Chief Administrative Officer and Office of Equity and Racial Justice will work on creating one that follows the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which was adopted in 1979, and a gender equity strategy. 
  • Heard an update on the status of the San Diego Regional Decarbonization Framework. 
  • Supported a congressional bill to stop new offshore oil drilling in Southern California.
  • Directed the Department of Parks and Recreation to work with outside agencies to keep regional lakes and reservoirs open.

Upcoming City Public Input Opportunities Reminders:

  • December 14 is a month away, but mark your calendars for the street vending ordinance to come to City Council.

Upcoming Hearings

For more on recent legislative updates and musings from our Policy & IBA teams, read the weekly Policy Update here.

Cross-Border Travel Update  

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

On November 8, the U.S. lifted travel restrictions impacting our land ports of entry and allowed fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico to enter the country by land or ferry. In addition, starting January 2022, all inbound foreign travelers crossing into the U.S.– whether for essential or non-essential reasons – will be required to provide proof of vaccination.

DHS released a FAQ sheet for foreign-born travelers stating they should verbally attest to their non-essential travel and COVID-19 vaccination status and be prepared to present proof of vaccination as outlined on the CDC website. These requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, permanent residents (including those with commuter status), or foreign-born individuals aged 17 or under, or foreign-born travelers engaged in activities deemed essential (including H1b and H2b visa holders). 

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of the CBP OneTM app to process their I-94 permit and are highly encouraged to avoid rush hour (4:00-9:00am).

Restrictions harmed our economy for over 19 months and not only impacted tourism and retail, but also every other economic engine, small business, and our cross-border workforce across sectors. The Chamber joined a press conference led by Mayor Todd Gloria marking the start of efficient economic recovery as restrictions were lifted. We will continue to work collaboratively with CBP and regional stakeholders to address border wait times which already cost $3.4 billion in lost economic output for both sides of the border.

Legislative Lounge 2021

Uncategorized

November 18, 2021

Thank you to those that were able to join us at this year’s Legislative Lounge and congratulations to our award winners! In case you missed it, we recognized: 

Cal/OSHA Update

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

Today, Cal/OSHA met for their regularly scheduled meeting. Upon introduction of the Federal Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), this meeting was expected to include a higher adoption of that guidance, which means just a wholesale inclusion of the federal language. This is hardly a controversial move as it’s legally required for states to adopt within 30 days of issuance. However, once the federal appeals court issued a stay on that federal ETS, today’s meeting took a different route. Instead, there was a significant public comment regarding the state’s second adoption of their own ETS, and regarding the draft permanent standard that will be in effect — if adopted — in April 2022. 

At this point, employers may feel confused about the number of proposals, where they should be going for information, and how best to prepare for the long run. Chamber staff recommends using the current state ETS for your decision-making, as this is the only document in effect that is enforceable at the moment. On December 16, Cal/OSHA will readopt the ETS, likely with changes. In the meantime, we await a decision by federal courts regarding the federal ETS.

You’re Invited: International Tribute Awards – Dec. 7

InternationalPolicy

November 18, 2021

Registration is now open for this year’s International Tribute Awards taking place on Tuesday, December 7 at the Westgate Hotel. Join us to recognize the individuals and businesses that lead binational initiatives bridging the U.S. and Mexican economies.

This year’s award recipients are:

  • International Business of the Year: Taylor Guitars
  • International Leader of the Year: Melissa Floca, Sr. Advisor, Cross-Border Initiatives at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
  • Cross-Border Collaboration: San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas; Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego; and Luis Lutteroth, President of Consejo de Desarrollo de Tijuana (CDT)

Register Now