Hello, Autumn!

By Troy Curnett
President, Mission Hills BID; Owner/Broker, One Mission Realty

With great appreciation for your readership and support of our Mission Hills Businesses, this will be my farewell article. This year has really flown by quickly. Though I will continue serving on the Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID) board of directors this is my last column as its President.

I am writing while enjoying a cool San Diego autumn morning and cannot help but reflect on how quickly this year has passed by and how many things the BID has accomplished in 2016. Together, with a board of nine and its Executive Director,  we lead the way to a successful Mission Hills Bike to Business Ride & Symposium, Improved relationships & outreach with our Businesses & Community, a Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant for banners & brackets from San Diego County, a District 3 Candidates Forum event, a Regional Rental Car Facility Tour event, posting of Information regarding the City’s water pipeline replacement, Enhanced BID website (MissionHillsBID.com) with a new resources page & parking information, a #TasteMH2016 Instagram Photo Challenge, and a new Banner Spotlight program. Plus our signature event – The 5th Annual Taste of Mission Hills.

And, speaking of Taste of Mission Hills, thank you tasters and taste servers for making this year’s event the best ever! We are grateful to the twenty-one venues that prepared delicious tastes from their culinary treasure trove and to the many retail shops that remained open late and offered special discounts and services. And, to “taste” banner and trolley underwriters, thank you! Your support enhanced the return from our largest fund raiser so that we may continue our work in the BID. If you were unable to attend this year’s event or want to enjoy the evening all over again, please visit MissionHillsBID.com/taste-mission-hills-2016.

If you are a business owner in the Mission Hills BID, please mark your calendars and join me at the BID’s Annual Meeting and Mixer on Wednesday November 2^nd at The Patio on Goldfinch, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and continuing until 6:30 p.m.  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.  Thanks to the generosity of our host, The Patio on Goldfinch, delicious offerings will be served during the Mixer.  And, because of the kindness of Mission Hills’ retailers, raffle prizes will be bountiful! 

At the November 2^nd annual meeting, our special guest speaker will be outgoing Councilmember Todd Gloria. We hear he’s on his way to Sacramento with plans to continue serving as our representative. Councilmember-elect Chris Ward, who will be sworn into office on December 12^th, has also confirmed he will be attending our Annual Meeting and Mixer.  This is an ideal time and place to share your concerns about business and neighborhood issues.

November is a busy month for our community of residents and businesses. Whether you are a Thanksgiving holiday dinner guest or host, please remember the fine items available at our local retailers.  From organic cheese to unique and delicious ingredients available at multiple small businesses in Mission Hills, every culinary item you could wish for a lovely holiday weekend of meals is available right here in Mission Hills. If you are a dinner guest, there is no better neighborhood of boutique shops in which to find a special and unique hostess gift in every price range!  If you need a rest from meal preparations, enjoy a meal at one of our amazing local Mission Hills restaurants. 

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and keep our community vibrant.  They add unique character and enliven our neighborhood.  On Saturday, November 26, we at the BID invite you to join us in celebrating Small Business Saturday this holiday season by supporting small businesses in Mission Hills with your shopping dollars. Each of us can make a big difference in keeping our local businesses vibrant and successful by choosing to eat and shop local.   

I look forward to the holidays and to the good work ahead of us in 2017! Thanks again for your support during my Presidency this past year.