Carlsbad Chamber hosts State of the City Luncheon Aug. 23, Presentation of awards added to annual event

Mayor Matt Hall will preside over the State of the City Luncheon, Carlsbad’s annual city update, which the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will present from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive in Carlsbad.

This is the third time that Mayor Hall will preside over the event, which gives business and community leaders an opportunity to hear a progress report on future and ongoing projects in the City of Carlsbad.
 

Mayor Hall will be speaking about the things the City of Carlsbad is doing to create jobs and a strong local economy and highlight the transformation of city government and community partnerships.

In a video produced for the event, Mayor Hall and council members share their vision for Carlsbad as a world class city which includes economic development, talent attraction, higher education and investments in the Village. City projects and programs are highlighted including the new traffic management center which makes it possible to synchronize traffic lights and reduces red light wait times, new technology and renovation of the city libraries, livable streets, the South Carlsbad Coastal Corridor project and Alga Norte Community Park.

New this year, the event will include a special presentation of awards.

The Chamber will bestow the Trendsetting Leadership Award to the City of Carlsbad, honoring the “pay for performance” provision that the city negotiated with the Carlsbad City Employees’ Association.

“I’ve often said that the City of Carlsbad is the jewel of San Diego when it comes to its finances,” said Ted Owen, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. “This agreement — the first of any city in the county — speaks volumes to how well-run the city is. This in turn, makes it easier for Carlsbad to attract jobs and residents who are committed to the success of our city. Carlsbad is the first city to obtain this type of contract, but I suspect we’ll see others attempt to negotiate similar contracts soon.”

Also at the luncheon, the Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance will present its Commitment to Emergency Preparedness Award.

The alliance is a collaboration between the Chamber, the City of Carlsbad and business owners that promotes business emergency preparedness and response. The award will be presented, “In recognition of accomplishments and contributions to prepare employees, protect and continue business operations and contribute to community recovery in the event of large-scale disasters.”

The nominees for the award are: 

• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

• LEGOLAND California Resort

• Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

• TaylorMade Golf Company

• San Diego Gas & Electric

• Scripps Health

• Tri-City Medical Center

Gina McBride, the Chamber’s immediate past chairwoman, will also present the 2013 Starfish Leadership Award at the luncheon. 

The annual awards program honors those who exemplify the spirit evoked in “The Starfish”, the story of “making a difference to just one” made famous by author Loren Eisley in “The Star Thrower.”

This year’s honorees are Chris and Tammy Megison, co-founders of North County Solutions for Change.

The Megisons founded the non-profit organization in 1999, developing innovative and ambitious programs to fulfill the needs of North County families in crises and leading its remarkable growth with wholehearted passion, energy and enthusiasm. Their unique concept of creating partnerships provides opportunities for housing, employment, education, and sustainability to the growing number of those in our communities who are struggling. Over the years, a multitude of families have found new life and new hope through Solutions For Change.

Advanced registration is required. Cost is $60 for Chamber members and $85 for non-members. Tables of 10 are $595. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 760-931-8400 or register online at www.carlsbad.org.

The luncheon is sponsored by Caruso Affiliated, Life Technologies, NRG Energy, Inc., SDG&E and Tri-City Medical Center.