Solvang Chamber of Commerce E-Newsletter - December 2011
(Note: to see past E-Newsletters, click here)
Linda Johansen in all her Viking glory!
(Hats available at the Elverhoj Museum)
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CULTURAL EXCHANGE TRIP TO DENMARK
This fall, five of the Solvang Chamber Board member's accompanied 42 other people in a Cultural Exchange trip to Denmark, which was a part of the Centennial Celebration of Solvang. Everyone had a wonderful time with highlights in Copenhagen, Ribe, and our sister-city: Aalborg. Board Member, Linda Johansen, spent 3 years planning the trip and it all paid off as the whole group was welcomed into a private tour of the Royal Residence in Copenhagen. In addition, we were inducted into the Christian IV Guild in Aalborg with a special and unique initiation ceremony, along with many more special tours and events.
The group had fun learning about the ancient Vikings, the Danish Monarchy (which is the oldest one in the world), and ghost-hunting in old monasteries and cemeteries. We want to thank Linda for planning the trip of a lifetime! |
Although Linda leaves the Solvang Chamber board this coming year she is coordinating an Ireland trip in 2012 through the Chamber. This trip, much like the Denmark trip, is sure to include adventure and good times.
To find out more about the Ireland trip please contact Linda Johansen at: lindyjo2003@yahoo.com. |
SECOND ANNUAL SCARECROW FEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The 2nd Annual Scarecrow Fest was a complete success with more than 80 entries - thank you to all the businesses who participated and to our voters. Our sincerest gratitude to Sue Moualim who coordinated the effort and to her volunteers who counted a stack of ballots over a foot high!
Winners in the Second Annual Scarecrow Fest are:
Most Danish
City of Solvang #76
Most Traditional
Valley Books #59
Most Unique
Direct Image #3
Most Humorous
Shoppe on the Corner #44
Most Original
Hanson's Cock Shop #18
Most Characteristic of the Business
Dascomb Cellars #45
Scariest
Parts Unknown # 37
People's Choice Awards for getting the most votes overall went to:
Tower Pizza
Del Sol
Hanson's Clock Shop
Parts Unknown
Dascomb Cellars
Special thanks to Deborah Dal Zuffo of Little Pine Studio for the certificates given to the winners. Not only were the certificates beautiful but each was just a little bit different and unique to the winner. |
THIRD WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21st 
Shop Solvang, Save Money, Have Fun!
• Stroll through the Village and enjoy the beautifully decorated windows and
Julefest trees.
• Enjoy discounts and specials at over 60 Solvang
businesses with many stores open late for holiday shopping.
• Wine Walk from 3 - 7 pm ~ purchase tickets at Wandering Dog Wine Bar.
Details and printable list of participating stores at:
www.solvang3rdwednesday.com
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SOLVANG LOOKS AT 2012
Kenneth Harwood
Economist
Solvang Chamber of Commerce
Solvang is able to look forward to another year of economic growth in 2012.
The economic output of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley in 2012 seems likely to parallel that of the nation. Real gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States next year is expected to grow again. Here are yearly changes. |
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The 3.0% gain in 2010 followed a loss of 2.6% in 2009. Recession held sway all of 2008 and half of 2009. The gain in 2011 is expected to be smaller than that of 2010, while the gain of 2012 could be slightly greater than that of 2011.
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Values for 2011 and 2012 are averaged forecasts as of November, 2011, by economists representing BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Commerzbank, Decision Economics, Deutsche Bank,
Economist Intelligence Unit, Goldman Sachs, HSBC Securities, ING, J. P. Morgan Chase, KBC Bank, Morgan Stanley, RBC, RBS, Schroders, Scotiabank, Societe Generale, and UBS.
Number of single family homes resold in California is expected to rise 1.0% in 2012, after declining 0.1% in 2011, according to California Association of Realtors. Median price is expected to rise 1.7% from that in 2011.
Visitors' direct expenditures in California again in 2012, as in 2011, are expected to grow faster than the economy in general, rising 5.1% in 2012. Direct expenditures by international visitors are expected to rise 8.2%. Domestic visitors are expected to increase their direct expenditures by 4.3%.
Economic conditions in the U. S. wine industry seem to be on track to continue to improve in 2012. Late in 2011 online postings of employment opportunities were 40% greater than in 2010. Retail sales of wine rose 7% from 2010, and direct shipments to consumers were 33% greater than a year earlier.
Please go online to Bureau of Economic Analysis, U. S. Department of Commerce, for GDP of 2010. See The Economist, 11-5-11, for estimated GDP of 2011 and 2012. Go online to California Association of Realtors, click on Market Data, click on 2012 Market Forecast, and scroll to California Housing Market Outlook. Dean Runyan Associates and CIC Research estimated changes in California tourism. See page 3 of latest California Travel and Tourism Outlook on the Website of Visit California. Wine industry statistics are in Wine Industry Data Center on the Website of Wines & Vines.
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CONTACTS N COFFEE
Friendly, Informal and Focused Networking... Every Monday Morning!
Contacts N Coffee is a rapidly growing network that gives The Santa Ynez Valley businesses a simple, stress-free way to make connections and build business relationships within our community. Everyone is welcome, and there are no formal membership requirements or annual dues. We meet weekly at a convenient central location to schmooze, have fun and share about our businesses with each other so we can all succeed and grow
- Connect over coffee and a bagel
- Promote your business
- Hear from other local businesses
- Receive valuable business tips and business leads
- Bring and win great door prizes
- Get to work after an hour: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m
- Only $5 - more bang for the buck than your regular cafe!
- Your first visit is FREE!!!
The Santa Ynez Valley Group will meet at Avant Tapas and Wine 35 Industrial way Buellton, Ca. 93427.
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