Biz Buzz

Biz Buzz: What do locals plan to do with rebate money?

Checks from the federal economic stimulus plan will be arriving shortly, and some are considering using the funds for bills, video games or vacations

• Biz Buzz: What do locals plan to do with rebate money?

How will you spend your tax rebate?

On something fun, like a big screen TV or a vacation On necessities - food and gas prices are hurting my budget On bills to pay for things i've already bought It's going straight into savings A combination of the above

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Bills, bills, bills—and maybe a bit of fun.

That’s what some local residents plan to spend their federal tax rebate checks on when they receive them as expected over the next few weeks.

Initially intended to boost a slower-growing economy, the government’s stimulus plan will give most people between $300 and $1,800 depending on income and family status.

But concern over personal finances seems to be prevalent in the minds of some local residents.

When asked by The Tribune, some said they plan to pay down credit cards, make mortgage payments and pay utility bills.

Duncan Davidson of Grover Beach says he’s still undecided between being practical and frivolous.

“I know we’re supposed to spend it, but my wife and I are debating it,” he said. “Our mortgage (payment) just went up, and it could go toward the credit card, but we also have three kids and could use it on a trip to Disneyland.”

One man joked that he’d spend four weekends at The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach with his money. But realistically, he said he’d put it in the bank or spend it on gas.

For Oceano newlyweds Greg and Marina Dzessa-Gilham, the money will be saved for a trip abroad this summer.

A couple of people interviewed hadn’t thought about the money yet.

Blake Doria of Avila Beach said it hadn’t crossed his mind how to spend the rebate, but he’d likely buy “useless stuff,” such as movies, music and video games.

But others already had plans for their money.

Jason Sajulan, a paramedic who lives in Cambria, said he had three family members with birthdays in May, so his money would go toward gifts and his credit card balance.

Kandie Crosby of Morro Bay said her money would go entirely toward paying her bills.

Kirsten Fiscalini, also of Cambria, said she’d use her money to pay bills and to help her son, who is starting college in the fall.

—Dawn White

Quota picks 2008 Employee of the Year

Carly Barnett of Keller Williams Realty in Pismo Beach has been named Central Coast Employee of the Year for 2008 by the San Luis Obispo chapter of Quota International.

Barnett’s employer nominated her because of “her exemplary commitment to her organization,” according to organizers of Quota’s recent 17th annual “Salute to Staff” event at the Madonna Inn.

The event was a fundraiser for Cuesta College’s Re- Entry Program, the Women’s Shelter of San Luis Obispo and Quota’s programs to help deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired people as well as disadvantaged women and children.

Each year at the event, Quota honors an “Employee of the Year” and features a motivational guest speaker.

This year’s speaker was Jean Steel of Nipomo-based Wellness Works, a consulting firm that coaches executives and employees.

Last year, Jana Queen, office manager of the San Luis Obispo and Atascadero locations of Primary Eyecare Center, was the honoree.

San Luis Obispo UPS Store has new owners

The UPS Store at 793A Foothill Blvd. is under new ownership. Monique Speake, a San Luis Obispo native, is now operating the mail and packaging shop.

Speake, a graduate of San Luis Obispo High School, Cuesta College and Cal Poly, also owns The UPS Store at Johnson Avenue and Marsh Street in downtown San Luis Obispo.

The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc. Inc., a company owned by the package carrier.

—Tonya Strickland

Templeton chamber mixer is Thursday

May’s Templeton Chamber of Commerce Mixer is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p. m. Thursday at Nature’s Touch Nursery&Harvest, 140 Seventh St. in Templeton behind Burger Station.

Attendees can enjoy food and beverages and network with other chamber members. There is no cost to attend, and members are encouraged to bring guests.

Those interested in joining the chamber are also welcome to attend. For more information, call 434-3062.

—Tonya Strickland

Boot camp designed to help finances, sales

San Luis Obispo-based Collaboration LLC is offering an intensive two-day Financial and Sales Boot Camp for business owners who want to evaluate their financial situation and generate sales.

The seminar is set for May 15 and 16 at the Collaboration Training Center, 3196 S. Higuera St., Suite D, in San Luis Obispo.

To register, contact Christine Sommer at 541-9040 or visit www.collaborationllc.com . —Melanie Cleveland

Local Soroptimists celebrate 65 years

Soroptimist International of San Luis Obispo is celebrating 65 years of service.

The volunteer organization works to improve the lives of women and girls here and worldwide.

A celebration tri-tip dinner is set for 4 p. m. May 17.

Tickets are $30, and the event is open to past Soroptimist members, supporters and anyone interested in the club.

Call 772-0404 for reservations, payment information and event location.

—Tonya Strickland