Farewell October; Hello November
By Jamaal Jackson, President Mission Hills BID, US Bank Assistant Vice President and Mission Hills Branch Manager
From the September 23 Taste of Mission Hills ticket sales launch, online and at All American Tailors, The Keratin Shop and US Bank Mission Hills, to the evening of the 12th Annual Taste of Mission Hills, this year’s taste captured the attention of first timers curious about Mission Hills’ food offerings as well as many who regularly dine in our neighborhood. Three and a half weeks later, attendees were enthusiastic about the great time they were having, enjoying incredible tastes only offered in Mission Hills, dancing to San Diego Rock & Soul music of The Tighten-Ups, and riding taste trolleys through our hills and valleys.
New to our 26-venue line-up were preview tastes from Paradis, a European café on the ground floor of The Sasan and Communion with globally inspired modern plates, soon to open on the rooftop. Thank you to the returning taste venues for their continuing generosity and delicious offerings. Together, you earned highest praises, including, “Mission Hills’ taste is high end!”
As a “business improvement non-profit” we are excited it was a well-attended evening. In addition to tracking sales, we also measured success based on data and metrics collected from attendees who purchased tickets online. During this year’s Taste, 59 percent of online purchasers were from communities in San Diego and 64 percent identified as first-time tasters to our Mission Hills event. Those in the 30-39 category comprised the largest age group at 44 percent. Thirty four percent shared they attended because they heard about the event from a friend while 18 percent learned about it from a street lamp banner. Those traveling the farthest were out of state tasters from three Texas cities and the city of Chicago.
Thank you if you attended! Thank you, if you were one of this year’s 26 participating venues offering tastes or a 12th Annual Taste of Mission Hills sponsor: Title Sponsor, US BANK; Trolley Sponsors, A Designed Space, Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, and La Puerta Mission Hills. Additional support from the State of California and City of San Diego helped keep ticket prices affordable and sales robust.
Take a moment to relive the event by viewing the photo gallery:
November is a busy month for our community of businesses.
Again, this year, the BID has committed to helping less fortunate families with children, collect new, unwrapped toys, through the Toys for Tots holiday collection program. Participating collection locations include, Mail Station, 325 West Washington Street, Suite 2; Mission Hills Financial, 1633 West Lewis Street; SUNDiego State Farm Insurance, 1527 West Lewis Street; Mission Hills Library, 215 West Washington Street; Salon Sloane, 1605 West Lewis Street; and US Bank Mission Hills, 610 West Washington Street. Bins will be available for toy donations beginning November 1 and picked up on Friday, December 13. Please donate today.
Thanks to the generosity of our host Dan Sussman, please join me at Anytime Fitness, 365 West Washington Street beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday November6 for the Mission Hills BID’s Annual Meeting, election and mixer. In addition to the normal business of the BID, directors and officers will be elected. If you pay a business license fee in our BID, you are eligible to vote. If you are unsure, a list of businesses prepared by the treasurer of the City of San Diego will be on hand. The Mixer follows from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. And, because of the generosity of Mission Hills’ retailers, the raffle will be bountiful. Cash and credit will be accepted for the raffle. This event is open to the public. Feel free to bring a friend.
Veterans Day is always on November 11. We honor and thank all veterans and active duty service members.
Whether you are a Thanksgiving holiday host or guest, please remember the fine items available at our local retailers. From farm fresh and delicious to prime and organic, every culinary item you may wish for a lovely holiday weekend of meals is available right here in Mission Hills. If you need a rest from meal preparations, consider ordering deliciously prepared take-out or enjoy a meal at one of our local Mission Hills restaurants. If you are a guest, there is no better neighborhood of shops in which to find a special and unique hostess gift in every price range!
We also invite you to join us in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Small Business Saturday, on Saturday, November 30, by kicking off your holiday shopping in Mission Hills. This annual event is a celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country. An average two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at a small business stays in that local community. Please commit to shopping small for the holidays and invest in bettering our Mission Hills neighborhood. The BID has already begun kicking off the holiday season with local business specials promoted on social. Follow @missionhillssd on Instagram to make sure to not miss special offers.
Supporting small businesses in Mission Hills with your shopping dollars is important. They are the backbone of our economy. Their charm and character enliven our neighborhood. Each of them has chosen to open their doors in Mission Hills. When we choose to dine local, shop local and keep our precious financial resources local, we contribute greatly to their ability to survive and flourish. I am so very grateful to be part of a vibrant Mission Hills community.
From my family to yours, may this Thanksgiving bring you full bellies and hearts!
Category: Authors, Business, Donations, Events, Holidays, Local News, Nonprofit, Volunteers
