LOOKING AHEAD Cover Story
Construction is underway on a Marriott Residence Inn at Camino Capistrano and Stonehill. The new hotel is scheduled to open in February. Photo: Danielle Johnson
One Half Century Down, Another Ahead: San Juan Business Leaders Look to the Future with Optimism BY LYNN SELICH
s it celebrates its golden anniversary as an incorporated city, San Juan Capistrano business leaders are look- ing forward to the next 50 years with optimism and an open mind. Even as the economy continues its roll-
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ercoaster ride of fits and starts, Capistrano businesses continue to maintain a constant connection to the community, rooted firmly in its past but open to what the future holds. While maintaining the quaint feel that has
Kristina Kittle. Photo: Danielle Johnson Plant Depot, 16 years in Capistrano
The key to success for us is customer service that sets us apart from the block stores—customer service and selection. It’s a small town, so we try to say ‘yes’ to what- ever we can when someone asks for a donation—schools, churches, anybody.
—Kristina Kittle, Manager
made Capistrano one of Southern Califor- nia’s most popular destinations, businesses are moving toward sustainable models that help them to integrate technology and best business practices, providing excellence in the products and services they offer. Tere’s a spirit of optimism, as 2010 saw
four new automotive dealerships open in Capistrano—a significant source of sales tax revenue for the city. Construction also began on an expanded Costco and a Marriott hotel expected to open in early 2012. Across the freeway, voters approved a mixed-use development on a long-vacant parcel that promises upscale condominiums along with a boutique market, restaurant and other businesses. “It’s fantastic to see so many signs of
recovery and progress for our local economy,” says Mark Bodenhamer, executive director
of the Chamber of Commerce. “While many communities have restaurants, hotels and auto dealerships fleeing, we’re midway through a streak of opening about a dozen of those, col- lectively. Tat says a lot about the viability of our business community.” And as merchants work on what happens within their shops, city and business leaders are working to lay the ground work to sustain the community the next 50 years. Te city is working with state transportation officials on a massive reconstruction of the Ortega High- way interchange with the San Diego Freeway scheduled to start in 2012. At the same time, city and business leaders are working on a new blueprint for the downtown aimed at bringing a new vitality to the area. All this leaves business owners optimistic about the future thanks to a bond with the community, their customers and employees and city leadership that is involved and attentive.
The Hardware Store: DeNault’s True Value Hardware
For the DeNault family, success lies in the people of San Juan Capistrano, and a long- standing commitment to family.
San Juan Capistrano Business Directory & Visitor Guide 17 CONT. ON PAGE 18
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