GSDBA Mar/Apr 2013 Community Connection Magazine

The Magazine of the Greater San Diego Business Association | San Diego’s Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce | Volume 19 |Issue No. 2 |March/April 2013

gsdba’s community

Inside: BIGideas forSMALLBusiness

There’s No Place Like

HOMEGSDBA Visits Member Biz:Cody’s Home + Gift in Hillcrest

[2] GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine | March/April 2013

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

www.TonyAzar.com • [email protected] #01308749

619.944.6901• Residential• Income Property• Commercial Property

TonyAZARREALTOR®

Spring is always an exciting time and here in San Diego it starts earlier than anywhere else in the continental United States, so we

have to be on our toes as a new year gets going.

Our President has been sworn in again, our new Mayor is on the job, a new county Su-pervisor has been seated, and our very own GSDBA member, Linda Perine, has been ap-pointed as the City’s Director of Community Outreach. I plan to have her come speak at one of our monthly Professional Lunches once she has her feet on the ground so she can tell us exactly what her job entails and how we can make use of her.

We are hosting the Western Business Alli-ance annual conference here, March 21-23. The WBA is made up of 15 western states’ LGBT chambers of commerce. It predates

the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and complements their work on a local level. I believe we do things a bit differently on the west coast, and we

all like to share our successes and com-miserate over those projects that haven’t panned out. It’s a great opportunity for us to work together to strengthen the net-work of LGBT cham-bers. And if you do work in the region of

any of our sister cham-bers, you are eligible for

half-price membership in their chamber as long as you are a member in good standing with us. Feel free to contact the GSDBA office for details.

GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine | March/April 2013 [3]

GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine serves to promote GSDBA member businesses, local and regional LGBT travel & tourism, and affiliate chamber and community organizations, as well as businesses and attractions of interest to our readers.

gsdba’s community

Contact Us

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in this publication, advertisements and inserts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of GSDBA, its Board, or its members. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any person, organization or business in this newsletter is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of that person, organization or business. Contents of this publication may not be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor.

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 33848 San Diego, CA 92163

phone: 619-296-4543 | fax: 619-296-5616email: [email protected] | web: www.gsdba.org

GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine3737 Fifth Avenue, Suite 205 San Diego, CA 92103

Volume 19 | Issue No. 2| March/April 2013Complimentary CopyCopyright© 2013-2014 GSBDA

[email protected]

Message from the CEO

Linda Perine, the new Director of Community Outreach, Office of the Mayor, City of San Diego

Imperial Court HonorsGSDBA’s Tom LuhnowOn February 2nd, The Imperial Court de San Diego honored our CEO, Tom Luhnow, with the Mrs. Alma Rose Vasic Business of the Year Award at their recent Coronation Ball. In presenting the award, Empress Nicole the Great cited Tom’s efforts to further the involvement of the GSDBA in the greater LGBT community, in projects such as the Harvey Milk Street Re-naming Committee and bringing the Pride Flag to Hillcrest. The Ball was attended by 300 people from all over the U.S., Mexico and Canada, including Mayor Bob Filner and First Lady Bronwyn Ingram as well as Council President Todd Gloria.

Wang’s North Park | 3029 University Ave | 11:30 to 1:00 pmCost: $25 Pre-Registered | $35 at the doorFamily style lunch and non-alcoholic beverage includedPlease RSVP at least 24 hours before event at www.gsdba.org or (619) 296-4543

Sponsored by

Let’s Do Lunch!The 2nd Tuesday of each month

GSDBA presents an informative guest speaker who draws leaders from the

San Diego business community.Find out who’s next at gsdba.org!

Pictured: (l-r) Empress Nicole presents award to Tom Luhnow with the talented Chad Michael in background. Photo by Big Mike.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSBOARD CHAIREric D. BrownWaddell & Reed

VICE CHAIRJustin KnepperBank of the West

TREASURERRebecca Luers, CPALuers & Dyer CPAs, LLP

SECRETARYSacha MackelsTax & Financial Group

Danielle P. BargerBarger Law Group, APC

Deborah DimeryHelmsBriscoe

Lance A. Grucela

Cindy LehmanCalifornia Bank & Trust

Stacey McKibbinActionCOACH San Diego

David MuscatMuscat State Farm

Jeri Muse, PhD

Kalin MyersDistancia Events

Keith RobinsonThe Dana on Mission Bay

Jessy SauchukBelladia Marketing and Design

GSDBA STAFFTom LuhnowChief Executive [email protected]

Sue SneeringerOperations [email protected]

Eric CarrollDirector of Marketing & [email protected]

Jen SilverwoodAdministrative Assistant [email protected]

Download the GSDBA Directory App for iPhoneTM & iPadTM (FREE on iTunes) and the Droid app in the Android Market

GSDBA is Proudly Affilitated with the Following Organizations

Thank you to our Corporate Partners and Supporters

Eric D. Brown

Danielle Barger

twitter.com/gsdba

facebook.com/gsdbaFollow Us

www.gsdba.org

619.296.4543

[email protected]

Contact Us


TM

Wednesday, March 6th

Hosted by the

950 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley

Check In 7:30 a.mProgram 8-10 a.m.

events calendar


Come meet the staff, committee members, the board, and other GSDBA members to find out how to maximize the benefits of your GSBDA membership. Free Admission - Free Continental Breakfast!Call 619-296-4543 or register online to save your spot.

Spring Edition!

[6] GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine |March/April 2013

hat do your customers value about your busi-ness? Understanding how you are different

from your competitors could 1) uncover why customers choose your com-pany or competitors, 2) improve your operations, and 3) help you plan your marketing strategies. Focusing your customers on the value you bring to them could help move them beyond simple price comparisons to really ap-preciating your business.

Complete a simple competitive analysis to uncover what makes your business different and special. Busi-ness owners tend to skip this strategic marketing step because they “think” they know their competitors. Busi-nessDictionary.com says a competitive analysis is an “assessment of the dif-ference between a firm’s performance and that of its competitors, and an examination of the factors that cause the difference.” Your customers are certainly exploring the differences between you and your competitors. Shouldn’t you too?

Step 1: Draft a short list of direct competitors. Direct competitors are companies that resemble yours. They offer the same types of products or services, are about the same size, and focus on the same target market. All other competitors (bigger, smaller, years older, farther away, etc.) are considered indirect. If you are a brick and mortar company, your direct com-petitors are locations like yours within a specific number of miles from you. If you are a service or mobile company, consider others who serve the same territory. Online businesses should narrow their competitor search to sites offering the same types of products or services. Customers explore many options but they typically follow similar buying patterns.

Step 2: Develop a simple worksheet to record what you learn. Compare the same attributes and focus on the facts…“apples to apples.” Your goal should be to uncover as many differ-

ences as possible. If you complete an analysis and you look just like your competitors, you didn’t dig deep enough for differences. I posted a sample Competitive Matrix and a blank worksheet for you at http://www.sales-linksd.com/Resources.html

Step 3: Conduct research and record your findings in your work-sheet. Pay close attention to the de-tails. What’s special about each com-pany? Review their products, services and policies. Who are they targeting and is their message clear? The internet is a great tool for a competitive analysis, but don’t stop there. Mystery shop. Request information. Buy from your competitors. Visit them if you can. Talk with others, like vendors and customers.

Step 4: Study the differences. It’s eye opening to compare your company to excellent competitors. You’ll learn where you could improve and appre-ciate what you are great at. Use the information you learned to improve op-erations, train employees and develop marketing materials. See these sam-ples to grasp this concept: Nordstrom created their reputation for customer service. Jiffy Lube touts themselves as the oil change place that’s ”open later.” Verizon constantly draws attention to their giant network.

A competitive analysis is a simple and inexpensive tool to help you set your-self apart from the many competitors you have. Understanding even subtle differences could be an opportunity for business growth.

“Business owners tend

to skip this strategic

marketing step because

they THINK they know

their competitors.”

Valuing Your Differences

Nancy FredericksNancy embodies the word entrepre-neur. She’s a consultant, trainer and college professor. Through her firm, Sales Link, she works side-by-side with business owners on their strategic planning for sales and marketing and business planning. She has a knack for getting down to the real issues and in developing solutions.

by Nancy Fredericks,Sales Link

am excited to be working as the Chair of the Board of Direc-tors for the Greater San Diego Business Association. I joined GSDBA nearly a decade ago; I joined the board in 2006 served through mid-2012. Dur-

ing those six years, I had the opportuni-ty to work with many of our members as the Business Networking Group Board Chair, Advocacy Chair, and Corporate Relations Development Chair. We rolled out Professional Affinity Groups, started our Annual Awards Luncheon and the exceptional Professional Luncheon Series while developing working rela-tionships with key professionals in local large corporations through the LGBT Best Corporate Practices Group.

I have been amazed at the impact GSDBA has had over the last few years. We have helped many businesses enter the Social Media Age, survive the Great Recession, influence San Diego Redis-tricting, and visibly lobby key political ideas for LGBT Members/Professionals. Our Advocacy Committee regularly pro-vides the Board and GSDBA members’ insight into propositions and referenda. Our opposition to Prop B was sent to over 250,000 households across the city. And while Prop B passed, our Advocacy Committee’s assessment of it is being validated after its passage by pension professionals required to implement it.

In November, someone questioned me about the GSDBA’s relevance. At first I was startled, and then I realized that GSDBA has been such a powerful pres-ence in the LGBT Business community for so long, the person didn’t know what our community would be like without GSDBA. Not only do we provide the most successful local business direc-tory of progressive and equality loving professionals who serve those in the LGBT community, but we coordinate supplier diversity services to enhance member competitiveness, educate HR departments about workplace equality,

advocate for LGBT Business Owner education and support at the City and County, while working in neighborhoods to create community solutions through our business and professional groups, committees, and advocacy.

The GSDBA was influential in gaining support and providing the economic ba-sis for city approval of the rainbow flag in Hillcrest and the naming of Harvey Milk Street. These successes, we be-lieve, are key factors to promote tourism to San Diego benefiting not just GSDBA members but the entire San Diego County economy! We have invested heavily in reaching out to other cities, creating a website of neighborhood by neighborhood locations for tourists at www.GSDGT.com and we strategically

work with ten other LGBT chambers on the west coast to actively promote San Diego tourism.

We hope to excite you as we report business successes in this forum. Simply know that the GSDBA Board of Directors is working diligently to keep GSDBA vital, connected and relevant. And your support of GSDBA through membership, advertising and corpo-rate partnerships allows us to create an LGBT friendly, open and supportive business environment where everyone can thrive. I believe that is the most relevant purpose of all.

GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine |March/April 2013 [7]

I

“..your support of GSDBA through membership, advertising and corporate partnerships allows us to create an LGBT friendly, open and

supportive business environment where everyone can thrive.”

relevance

Eric D. Brown, CMFCWaddell & ReedBoard Chair, GSDBA

GSDBA VisitsCody’s Home + Giftin Hillcrest

PAGE 08 LEFT


photos by eric carroll

There’sNo PlaceLikeHOME

Interior Designer Cody Winters has dreamed of opening a store of his own for many years. His vision was to create an inviting store with distinctive home decor, quality furniture, unique gifts and greeting cards. Cody’s Home + Gift is much more than your average furniture or gift store.

Shoppers can enjoy an eclectic array of styles including modern, rustic, and whimsical themes. His gift selection includes candles, photo frames, coffee table books and more. Distinctive home furnishings are well represented and include American-made upholstery, tables, lamps, and colorful linen pillows. Five local San Diego artists are also featured, including original paintings by Kevin Winger that hang alongside hand blown glass plates, handmade rain chains, and one of a kind jewelry items. Cody feels that a store needs to be visually stimulating and offer shoppers an experience that they won’t soon forget. This “experience” is further backed by exceptional customer service, usually by the owner himself. Cody prides himself on this level of service and customer appreciation. He often hears from traveling customers that his cut-ting edge store is reminiscent of boutiques only found in London or Paris.

Idea to Implementation

Cody is often asked how long it took from idea to implementation for the store to open. He has had a love for the home and decorating since childhood. As long as he can remember he has frequented craft shows, home tours, and had a de-sire to create beautiful things. With con-tinued passion for design, Cody earned a BS degree in Interior Design. The next several years were spent working for talented senior designers and dreaming of one day owning and operating his own establishment.

The Process

After deciding to branch out and open his own business, Cody did research on a wide range of topics including market research and design trends, and then wrote his business plan. Soon it came time to search for a storefront. Knowing one was becoming available soon, he began searching for startup inventory to

fill his shop. Things began arriving, and before long, it was being stacked high in Cody’s living room.

Finding the Right Space

Finding the right space was tricky. From the beginning, Cody knew he preferred a Hillcrest home for his business. Search-ing for the perfect space came with a list of “must haves” such as a large window for festive window displays. After a long pursuit Cody leased his existing space located at 142 University Ave. He felt that the charm of the Art Deco style building paired with the soaring interior ceiling would lend itself well to his new venture. While the space had huge potential, it needed a tremendous amount of repair. Cody removed the neglected ceramic floor tile in lieu of the natural concrete floors he found below which now look new again after grinding and polish-ing. Next the walls were retextured to a smooth museum quality flat and painted. New lighting, HVAC ductwork, shelving,

(continued)


Cody’s Home + Gift142 University Avenue, Suite ASan Diego, CA 92103(619) 269-7264www.codyshome.com

“Cody’s Home + Gift is a Hillcrest boutique offering interior design services, distinctive home decor, and unique gifts.”

and a large design worktable that doubles as a checkout counter were installed. Cody is very pleased with the results and believes his vision transformed the space into a modern, urban loft aesthetic where he is excited to operate his store for many years to come.

Home in Hillcrest

Cody believes Hillcrest is a fantastic place to own and operate a business because there is such a sense of community and support. Those who live and work in Hillcrest love their neighborhood because of the diversity of the people, the eclectic mix of retail stores and endless array of restaurants and bars. Hill-crest is always bustling with strolling shoppers, “foodies” looking for the next delicious dish, and the ever-present party goers. And tourists are no stranger to Hillcrest. They get to enjoy all the offerings we have available throughout the neighborhood’s convenient central location.

The Future

Cody opened his store with a focus on quality, uniqueness and value. With that mantra, Cody plans to grow his interior design business from his existing storefront. He hopes as people learn of his unique style and curated home and gift essentials that they will continue to visit him as they need the perfect gift, a new sofa, or home remodel.

[10] GSDBA’s Community Connection Magazine |March/April 2013

f you haven’t already, please meet Ed Masucci. Ed is a GSDBA VIP member. You have probably seen him at almost every GSDBA event in the last few years. Ed made

a major change three years ago; he pulled up stakes and moved himself and his business to San Diego from Palm Springs. He knew that he would have to quickly establish himself in order to get his hair styling business up and running. Knowing that joining the local LGBT chamber of commerce was a must, Ed became a GSDBA member shortly after arriving in San Diego. Subscribing to GSDBA’s mantra, the benefits you receive by being a member directly correlates to the amount of involvement you put into your GSDBA membership, Ed became a very active member. He joined a weekly, Business Networking Group (BNG), attended monthly net-working mixers and most importantly, began an advertising presence in both the GSDBA Directory and Community Connection Magazine. As a result of all of these efforts, Ed increased his client base from zero to ninety. Ed says he has already gotten calls from his ad in the 2013 GSDBA Directory!

Ed likes to also attribute a noticeable increase in his business to Stacey McKibbon of ActionCOACH San Diego. Stacey spoke at the GSDBA Profes-sional Luncheon on November 8, 2011 and presented a shortened version of ActionCOACH’s 5 steps to increase business. Ed took copious notes at this presentation and after applying the 5 steps, he saw a measurable difference in his own bottom-line.

Ed would be the first person to credit much of his success in San Diego to being an active GSDBA member. He felt the need to repay GSDBA for help-ing him grow his business by becoming a VIP member. VIP membership gives Ed a certain sense of pride in knowing that he is contributing to San Diego’s thriving LGBT business community.

So the next time you are at a GSDBA mixer, walk up and introduce yourself to Ed; he is definitely a person you need to know. Some call him “Hairstylist to the Stars” since he has worked with a lot of big names in the entertainment industry. Ed is always happy to dish a little about a certain gay icon, whose name you are sure to recognize. Just ask him when next you see Ed at a mixer or Professional Luncheon.

How toSucceed inBusinessby REALLY, REALLYTrying by Sue Sneeringer, GSDBA

“...the benefits you

receive by being

a member directly

correlates to the

amount of involvement

you put into your

GSDBA membership...”

I


Bathe & Shop

(Order must be $25 before discountand can not be combined with any otherdiscount.)

We value GSDBA members!Present your membership card andreceive 10% off your purchases.

South Bark Dog Wash2037 30th Street • 619.232.7387 • southbark.comOpen 7 Days: 10am–7pmLast bath: In the tub by 6:20pm

Bathe your pet and purchase anyNature’s Variety dog or cat products

(including raw) and receive

Limit one per customer. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/2012.

Blueberry Facial


Are Banks Lending to Women Business Owners?

Compiling materials and documents to help demonstrate and underscore your busi-ness accomplishments is a smart first step in seeking a loan. Providing your lender with insight into your ability to successfully execute your business strategy and ac-complish your goals may help position you more favorably for loan consideration.

Below are some suggestions to help you prepare: • Credit score. Many lenders examine credit risk by reviewing your FICO score, a credit score based on a mathemati-cal formula developed by Fair Isaac and Company. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), when you are starting a business, your personal credit is often used by lenders and suppliers to determine your terms of credit. In other words, your business credit is built upon your personal credit. Therefore, you may wish to check your personal credit report and make sure it is accurate; correct any discrepancies immediately. You are entitled to a free credit report annually.

Lesbian entrepreneurs should note that in states where LGBT couples can legally marry, spouses may be responsible for each other’s debt. Also, if you and your spouse are applying for a loan together, you will probably need to present individual credit reports.

In addition, women entrepreneurs may wish to make sure their business credit report is accurate before submitting a loan applica-tion. To secure copies of your business credit report, contact one of the business credit reporting agencies.

• Positive cash flow documents. Finan-cial records are a critical part of the loan process. If you are seeking a loan for an existing business, providing records

demonstrating a history of positive cash flow can lend weight to your perceived ability to cover your business-related costs and repay your loan. For women entrepre-neurs starting a new business, providing a record of positive earnings from a previous business or a business you operated in the same industry may also be beneficial. Keep in mind that providing an accurate, realistic and thorough portrayal of how you will achieve positive cash flow in the future is also key.

• Details about industry expertise and successes. As part of a loan applica-tion, it may be helpful to provide details about your relevant industry expertise as well as tangible successes attained while owning or operating a business in your chosen field. Prior successes may include increased revenue growth, business expansion and securing new projects and/or clients. Your management team is also integral to your business’ success. There-fore, providing a track record of your team’s expertise and industry successes may help boost confidence in your ability to compete in your market sector.

• Records of successful loan repay-ments. If you have successfully repaid a prior business or personal loan, providing these bank records may also help demon-strate your ability to repay your debts.

Take the time to gather documents to help highlight your prior successes, keep thor-ough records and address any challenges that may hinder your loan application process. Banks are still lending.

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information about business lending and is not considered financial or tax ad-vice from Union Bank. Please consult your financial advisor.

by Heather Endresen, Senior Vice President, SBA and Government Lending, Union Bank, N.A.

Lesbian entrepreneurs often ask if banks are still lending to women business owners. The answer is yes, many banks are actively lending to viable candidates who demonstrate financial soundness.

“Union Bank has a nearly 150-year legacy of responsible lending, and we have credit available today for qualified small business owners, and lending to women and diverse entrepreneurs remains an extremely important part of our business,” said Union Bank Executive Vice President Todd Hollander, head of the bank’s Business Banking group.

Heather Endresen (left) is a senior vice president and head of SBA and government lending for the Business Banking group of Union Bank, N.A.

About UnionBanCal Corporation & Union Bank, N.A.Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $97 billion at December 31, 2012. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank operated 447 branches in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, and New York as well as two international offices, on December 31, 2012. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.


Law Offices of Robert LynnAppellate LitigationBusiness and Real Estate Law

Robert H. LynnAttorney at Law

Telephone: (619) 233-9464Fax: (619) [email protected]

2534 State Street, Suite 305San Diego, CA 92101

Thank you to all our advertisers for your support! -GSDBA


Special thanks to our cruise hosts

DJ Laura Jane

Photos from the

Holiday Bay Cruise


new year mixer

event photos courtesy of

Photos from the Special thanks to Our Event Host

And Event Sponsor

photo credit: Linda Belford-Woods


Specifically: Get Teri Wilder for Voice Overby Janice Sherlock, the J Sherlock Group, marketing & pr

he’s fairly new to San Diego, but not to using her voice. Teri Wilder has enjoyed success in careers that include professional theater,

improv groups, live radio comedy cast member, and a morning radio DJ gig in Kansas City that lasted for over 10 years. Plus, she’s an accomplished inspirational speaker and singer/song-writer/lyricist with 4 original CDs on the market.

As a matter of fact, you may already know Teri’s voice. She’s the original voicemail voice on Sprint phone.

Originally from a large family in Chi-cago, she’s been expanding her talent and career in the Voice Over industry from San Diego for the past 2 years. She’s recorded audio books for various authors from her own studio in North Park. She’s a promo voice for Hay House Radio based in Carlsbad (Hay-HouseRadio.com®—Radio for your Soul™). She also provides her talent to businesses looking for phone greetings and voice prompting (telephony), voice overs for marketing videos, commer-cials, training videos, and audio books.

A voice-over artist since 1990, Teri’s voice has been heard on a variety of national spots that include Disney, WalMart, Betty Crocker, GMC, and Blockbuster. She has a number of different demos determined by the type of work, including commercial, telephony, audio book, e-learning and inspirational. Online audition sites help

to get her voice heard by the right people. She’s a member of the San Diego chapter of the MCA-I (Media Communications Association Interna-tional) Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Her dedication to raising the vibra-tion of the planet is a theme that runs through all she chooses to pursue. Always a joyful person, she’s been a guest artist on the Holiday Magic CD. It’s produced by fellow GSDBA member Jeff Gelder’s non-profit organization and is distributed to hospitalized children internationally, www.holidaymagiccd.com.

Teri regularly travels throughout the country for speaking and singing engagements at retreats, seminars, conferences and workshops. In 2002, she released her self-titled first CD and by 2005, after singing in New Thought churches for a decade, she began writing specifically for them.

Teri’s repertoire includes numer-ous character voices, accents and clever lyrics. Her infectiously positive personality and quick wit will hold your attention when you Get Wilder!

Visit Teri’s voice over site at www.TeriWilderVO.com and

learn about her music and CDs at www.TeriWilder.com.


Advertise in the Community Connection! Call 619.296-4543 for information and rates.

rban Optiks Optometry in Hillcrest has one of the most impressive and unique collec-tions of fashion-forward and retro-inspired eyewear in San Diego. Whether you are looking

for ultra-light minimalist frames or memo-rable frames that make a statement, Urban Optiks has the perfect eyewear to fit your prescription and style. State-of-art compre-hensive eye examinations performed in a comfortable yet professional environment are the cornerstone of Dr. Gary Klein’s practice. Their expert opticians, Kristy Cambone, Holly Linden and Nathan Caracter, who have a combined 30 years’ experience, will make sure you find the perfect frame for your face and prescription using the latest optical lens technology in the industry. In addition, Urban Optiks is the

only optical boutique in San Diego where you can design your own frame and lenses, creating a completely customized and per-sonal piece of eyewear. Because they know how much eye health and appearance can mean to the quality of life, they are commit-ted to excellence in serving your complete eye-care needs. Stop by and discover the difference between seeing and being seen.


BeSeen

See&

Urban Optiks Optometry3788 Park Boulevard, Suite 5(619) 683-2020 www.urban-optiks.com

U


“Life is lived from the inside out,” Reverend Jerry said, “this describes how we bring into our lives what we truly believe we deserve.”

Jerry Troyer was at a retreat for positive thinking. He set his goal to “publish a book.” At that point, it was a fairly indescribable tome, by setting this intention, his thinking and action were put into motion. Once he decided, the pieces needed to make it happen “just showed up.”

“Your life means what you say it means. If you say you deserve a wonder-ful, new, thriving business and being successful, that’s what you feel about yourself. There are no limits. Life just opens up and points you in the direction of everyone you need,” he said.

The editor came into his life all the way from Alabama. Self-publishing as-sistance showed up from Balboa Press in Carlsbad, California. “When your intuition says: ‘I don’t know how to do this,’ find your comfort in “the Ask” and be okay with it. Allow others to help with your positive intention,” Reverend Jerry stated. The book took 2 years in writing. He’d write 3 to 4 pages and let it sit for 2 weeks, then he worked intently over 7 months to finish it.

It explores that coming out to ourselves, becoming comfortable with who we truly are, can be a process, not an event. By believing in our deservedness, good results come to us.

The book gains local and regional exposure. In January, Jerry was the opening keynote speaker at the Consolidated Association of Pride (CAPI) conference in Palm Springs, introducing him to Pride organizers from the Western states. A local book launch party at The Center (where Rev. Jerry is a regular volunteer) and an appearance as a Sunday guest speaker at the Universal Spirit Center in San Diego have been part of the promotion for his new book. Connections continue to unfurl, “from the inside out.”

A native of San Diego, Rev. Jerry Troyer has studied Thought and Religious Science since 1989. He has been the senior minister at the Joyful Living Church in Clairemont Mesa since 2005, joyfullivingsandiego.org. Troyer and his life partner live in La Mesa, California.

Living Life from the Inside OutReverend Jerry Troyer publishes a new bookby Janice Sherlock, the J Sherlock Group, marketing & public relations

Jerry Troyer’s new book, “Coming Out to Ourselves - Admitting, Accepting and Embracing Who We Truly Are” encourages people towards their own truths, and prompts them to feel validated and affirmed in owning those. Rev. Jerry spoke about the experience of writing and publishing his first book and the situations that appeared to make it become real. Sharing his experience may help other timid authors and entrepreneurs set in motion what needs to happen to make their new book (or life) a reality too.

“Life is lived from the inside out,” Reverend Jerry said, “this describes how we bring into our

lives what we truly believe we deserve.”

Reverend Jerry is available for guest speaking appearances and workshops, he can be reached at (619) 403-0865. Coming Out to Ourselves is available in paperback, kindle and nook editions at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble (BN.com) and locally at Controversial Bookstore, 3063 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92104. Orders can be placed through www.revjerry.com. The book is published by Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc.


It’s the time of year that we love to hate: Tax Season. Opening our wallets to the government is painful enough, and trying to

decipher the tax code can leave one extremely frustrated. Unfortunately, current tax codes make tax filing for members of the LGBT community much more complicated than for their heterosexual counterparts.

Currently, the federal government does not recognize same-sex mar-riage. As a result, married, same-sex couples must file as “single” tax-payers on two separate, federal tax returns. Filing their state tax depends on where they reside. In the state of California, same-sex married couples and Registered Domestic Partners are required to file using a “married” status on their state tax return.

To complicate matters, if a same-sex couple lives in a community property state (like California), all community property income earned must be equally divided over two separate “single” (federal) tax returns. Com-munity property income is most income earned within the union. If one taxpayer earns substantially more than the other, this community property allocation can often result in a large tax savings. If a same-sex couple in California chose to file “married filing separate” on their state tax return, they would still treat community property income in the same way.

An event that could dramatically change the way a same-sex couple

file their federal tax return would be if the Supreme Court found the De-fense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be unconstitutional. If this happens, all same-sex married couples would be allowed to file jointly and potentially enjoy the tax savings of doing so. In the meantime, same-sex couples that may have benefited from filing a joint tax return in the past should consider filing a “Protective Claim for Refund.” By doing this, they reserve their right to potential prior year refunds in the event that DOMA is stricken down. Any claim to a refund would be lost if a protective claim was not filed before the statute of limitations.

Jeremy Dutson is a Certified Public Accountant and tax specialist at the office of Abbas, Jenson & Cundari, CPAs in Bankers Hill. He enjoys working with individual taxpay-ers and small businesses and was recently named 2012 Mind Masters Entrepreneur of the Year. “I believe that managing one’s tax expense must be done consistently and fre-quently.” said Jeremy. “With effective tax planning and comprehensive tax preparation, the amount of taxes paid will be reduced.”

As an active member of the commu-nity, Jeremy donates his accounting skills to local charities. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his partner and their two French bulldogs, world travel and various fitness and skiing pursuits. Please contact Jeremy if you have any questions about tax planning and preparation.

AbbAs, Jenson & CundAri CPAs1940 5th Avenue, Suite 300San Diego, CA 92101(619) [email protected]

Written by Jeremy Dutson with assistance from Janice Sherlock, The J Sherlock Group, marketing and public relations.

Tax Filing Tips for

Same-Sex Couplesby Jeremy Dutson, CPA


hether it’s for business or personal reasons, a beautiful smile is your single most important asset. Studies show

smiling improves your health, low-ers your stress level, and certainly increases your attractiveness. Smil-ing changes your mood, relieves stress, boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, releases endorphins, builds confidence, and most importantly...makes you look younger!

Today, there’s no reason not to have a dazzling smile. Of course, having healthy teeth is a good start. But, if you want a terrific smile, flawless teeth are one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

Dental technology has made enor-mous advances in recent years. Something as simple and affordable as teeth whitening and straighten-ing can produce fast results. Many people have benefited from veneers and invisible braces to transform their smile from average to magnetic.

Beyond the obvious, here are some other things to consider:

Gum line. An uneven or thick gum line can often get in the way of a great smile. We can reshape gum lines by sculpting and lifting the tis-sue or underlying bones to produce a more elongated effect.

Straightness. Crooked teeth can be a common source of embarrass-ment. Gone are the days of a mouth full of metal braces. In recent years, procedures have been developed to easily reshape crooked teeth with healthier and more attractive alterna-tives.

Symmetry. When a tooth or teeth are not symmetrical, the eye immedi-ately notices it whenever you smile. And, whenever other people notice, that leads to your own struggle with self-consciousness.

Luster. Whitening procedures works wonders for dull tooth color. Some-times it’s a matter of an off-white natural enamel color, and other times it can occur with smoking or drink-ing coffee or tea. These habits, or simply aging, can result in an unattractive or embarrassing smile. Now that whitening procedures are so common, it is possible to regain the beautiful smile of youth no matter how old you are.

Gaps. Life happens. Teeth get cracked or chipped. Gaps are nor-mal and may worsen over time. You wouldn’t drive a car around with a dent in the fender, so why would you tolerate a cracked or chipped tooth when it can be so easily repaired?

A winning smile and a new sense of confidence are waiting for you!

W

Free Whitening*(Valued at $700)

$69 Exam, X-ray & Cleaning* (gum disease excluded)

Special Offers:

Evelyn Ascough, DDS believes “your smile is an essential part of your identity. It’s the cornerstone of your expression and the first thing people notice about you. Each time you meet someone face-to-face, it makes a lasting impression.” Her advanced cos-metic dentistry and caring heart creates beautiful smiles. She and her staff use their advanced training, significant experience, and state-of-the-art dental capabilities to ensure you achieve and maintain an at-tractive and healthy smile. For a personal consultation on all the options available to restore your smile to what you’ve always wanted it to be please visit her website at www.evelynascoughdds.com and call (619) 298.0821 for an appointment.

Evelyn Ascough, DDS3333 5th Avenue, Suite 100San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 298.0821www.EvelynAscoughDDS.com

ThePower of a Beautiful Smile

*New patients only. Some restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offers expire May 31, 2013.

or over 15-years, Mark Visocky General Contracting, Inc. has been helping fellow business and homeowners remodel and

improve their surroundings. Anyone who has embarked on a remodeling project can tell you that it is fraught with risk as well as reward. Having a trusted partner that can be relied upon to help guide you through the process is crucial.

By skillfully exercising the Design & Build process, Mark Visocky and busi-ness partner Steve Bosanszki have steadily grown their business, having created and built numerous projects from the Spanish Revivals of Kensing-ton, the Craftsman Homes of Mission Hills to the sophisticated mid-Centuries of Del Cerro. The two share a passion for architecture and building and have made it their life’s mission to simplify and improve the construction process to make it easier and more cost effective for homeowners.

Long-time GSDBA members, and more recently a Sponsor, Visocky & Bosanszki have added a compliment to their con-struction business: San Diego Building & Architectural Supply. Here consumers and trade professional can experience a better integration between building and finding the right building materials – all at great prices. Both businesses are located within the same Banker’s Hill gleaming white “post-modern” complex at Fifth & Hawthorn.

San Diego Building & Architectural Supply and Mark Visocky General Contracting form a unique network of services that is hard to find elsewhere. Homeowners, Contractors and Interior Designers can find a broad selection and easy accessibility to most essential building products. With concierge-like service, buyers can shop for doors, windows, cabinets, counters and floor-ing – all in one place. San Diego Build-ing & Architectural Supply’s intimate Design Showroom serves as a perfect, unhurried spot to evaluate, discuss and choose the right products for any build-ing project. The Showroom is staffed with skilled and tenured industry profes-sionals who understand the “what’s and how’s” of building. It is a place that far surpasses any offerings or pricing of Big-Box retailers. Find a tremendous selection of high-quality products all by name-brand manufacturers like Kraft-maid, Silestone, Milgard, Pella, Velux, American Standard and El & El Wood products, just to name a few, all under one roof.

Regardless of the project size or style, Mark Visocky General Contracting and San Diego Building & Architec-tural Supply can help you capture and execute your dream remodel project. Call them today at (619) 924-0100. The design show room is open M-F 9-5 pm and evenings and weekends by appointment. Visit them online at www.markvisocky.com and www.sd-supply.com.


DesignBuild & Buy Under One Roof

F

San Diego Architectural Supply is proud to carry the following trusted brands at unbeatable prices. We buy direct-from-manufacturer and pass on the value to you!



All netWORKing and no play can make life dull. So the Thursday Lunch BNG at Inn at the Park decided to throw itself a holiday party in lieu of its regular meeting. Now who said building business couldn’t be fun AND festive? Music was even provided by some of the talented BNG members.

Increase your outreach to San Diego’s LGBT businesses - Advertise in GSDBA’s Community Connection!• 1,000 + issues distributed per month

• Affordable and flexible year-round exposure

• Supports your LGBT community and Allied Chamber of Commerce!

Find out more about showcasing your brand. Contact GSDBA at [email protected] or 619-296-4543.

Get Your Brand in the Right Hands

Community CONNECTED


W hy would someone will-ingly choose to hop on their bicycle and ride 545

miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the rugged coast of California over the course of 7 days, while sleeping in a tent each night? To raise money and aware-ness for the HIV and AIDS services of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, that’s why. It’s AIDS/LifeCycle 12.

Meet Team Kiki: Hilary Stokes Ph.D., Kim Ward Ph.D., Allan Spyere and Christopher Pfeil. Having met through the GS-DBA these four are not only great friends but have joined together as partners in the ride for the cure.

Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. joined the GSDBA 7 years ago. As partners in work and

life they wanted to be part of a community where both were cel-ebrated. ‘The GSDBA has not only been an amazing resource for our coaching and counseling practice, but has also led to lifelong friend-ships.’

Allan Spyere owner of Achieve IT is a highly active member of the community dedicating his time and energy to GLBT charities. Christo-pher Pfeil, manager at West Elm is the veteran on the team having ridden in the AIDS/LifeCycle three times previously.

The AIDS/LifeCycle raises millions of dollars and requires each rider to personally fundraise a minimum of $3000 in order to participate. To learn more about Team Kiki’s donations visit www.aidslifecycle.org. Go to “Donate” and Click on “Search for a Team” and type in Team Kiki.

Four GSDBA MembersRide toFight AIDS

The Professional Development Group (PDG) program is designed to provide professional enhancement for members in the same or related professions. The focus is to support one another within a specific field and to help participants bring their businesses to a new level. The groups meet once a month. Groups include guest speakers and/or group member presentations on topics of inter-est. PDG Groups are FREE to GSDBA members.

HEALTH & Allied FieldsCategories Include: Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Counselors, Dentists, Health & Fitness, Holistic Health, Hypnotherapists, Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, Optometrists, Personal Trainers and more!

HOME IMPROVEMENT & Allied FieldsCategories Include: Cleaning, Landscaping, Painters, Handy Persons, Contractors, Roofers,Organizing Services, Decorators/Designers, Architects, Plumbers, Electricians, Remodeling, Cabinet Makers, Lighting, and related trades.

MARKETING & Allied Fields (MAG)Categories Include: Ad Specialties, Graphic Designers, Photographers, Web Designers, Printers, Print Brokers, Marketing, Public Relations. More info @ facebook.com/GSDBAMAG

REAL ESTATE & Allied FieldsGroups Included are: Appraisers, Escrow, Home Inspectors, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Banks, Title Companies and related businesses.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Affinity GroupThe Young Professionals Affinity group helps groom and foster the next generation of young professionals into seasoned and mature leaders to take their organization or department to the next level.

Check online for facilitator contact information, meeting times and locations.

NETWORKING @ GSDBABusiness Networking Groups (BNGs)

Professional Development Groups

where great minds think alike

increasing business through qualified referrals

BNG Dues:$45 for new BNG members $40 each trimester thereafter$110 for a full year (3 trimesters)Note to Prospective Members: If you are interested in visiting a BNG, please contact the Facili-tator at least 24-hours in advance to arrange your visit. Sorry, we do not allow non-GSDBA members to present information to the group unless first approved by the Facilitator. All current BNG members must notify the Facilitator if they want to bring a guest to their BNG. Guests and prospective BNG members may visit each BNG one time prior to joining, and must become a GSDBA Member to attend after that. Thank you.

Check online for Facilitator Information@ www.gsdba.org/networking/BNGS

Contact the BNG Facilitator for specific information about visiting a BNG for the first time or to see if there is a space available for your business category.

The GSDBA Business Networking Groups (aka BNGs) are hard working business professionals coming together to support one another. The BNGs’ primary goal is to assist their members obtain business referrals known as “tips.” Some BNG members have been in business for many years while others are just starting out. What we all have in common is a desire to excel in what we do and the wisdom to know it is easier to achieve success with the kind of strong support system found in a BNG.

BNG’s offer a forum where GSDBA members can increase their business through networking with other members on a regular basis. They offer a supportive environment that allows each member to share products or services with others who want to help them succeed.


Monday Evening La Mesa Group5:30 pm to 6:30 pmMarcella Junes in La Mesa

Tuesday Morning Group8:30 am to 9:30 amMonica’s at the Park in University Heights www.tuesdaymorningbng.com

Wednesday Morning Group8:00 am to 9:00 am Mimi’s in Mission Valley

Wednesday Lunch GroupBankers Hill12:00 pm to 1:00 pmInn at the Park525 Spruce Street

WednesdayLunch GroupKensington12:00 pm to 1:00 pmKensington Café4141 Adams Avenue

Wednesday Evening Group*NEW VENUE*5:30 pm to 7:00 pmWine Steals1243 University Avenue

Thursday Morning Group8:00 am to 9:00 amLestat’s on Park Blvdin University Heights

Thursday MorningBankers Hill8:00 -9:00 a.m.St. Paul’s Villa 2340 Fourth Ave

Thursday Lunch Group12:00 pm to 1:00pmTop of the Park @ Inn at the Park

for GSDBA members

New Tourism Development GroupIts mission is to assist the efforts of Greater San Diego Gay Travel (GSDGT) and grow San Diego’s reputation as an LGBT friendly destination. Opportunities exist for direct involvement and free exposure opportunities. The group advises and provides support on advertising, promotion, and personal outreach both locally and throughout the West.

This group is open to any member in good standing whose business caters to visitors

of San Diego, including but not limited to retail, hospitality, hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges, spas.

Interested members should contact Tom Luhnow ([email protected] or 619-296-4543) for the next meeting information and to learn more.

Meetings alternate between phone confer-ences and in-person get togethers.

We are pleased to announce that the Wednesday Evening BNG is now meeting at Wine Steals in Hillcrest. The address is: Wine Steals1243 University Avenue, Hillcrest5:30 pm to 7:00 pm each Wednesday

NetworkingNEWS


What Can WePrintFor You?

Your totaL Print reSourCe

Are you a

PEOPLE PERSON? GSDBA is seeking Member Ambassadors!(Those friendly check-in people you see at all the mixers)

Call 619.296.4543 for more information

Documents

GSDBA Mar/Apr 2013 Community Connection Magazine