ENCINITAS
Business expo seeking exhibitors
Ting Internet presents a business and community resource expo from 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 22 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. This free public event will showcase local businesses and organizations. Attendees can grab a drink and light bite and network with business leaders. More than 45 vendors are expected. Businesses interested in exhibiting can visit encinitaschamber.com or call (760) 753-6041.
FALLBROOK
Resident named CEO of Wienerschnitzel
J.R. Galardi of Fallbrook has been named chief executive officer of Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise. The title of CEO has been added to his position as company president, which he has held since 2017. As company president, he oversaw an increase of 42 percent in same-store sales and a 400 percent increase in digital sales. In his expanded role as CEO, Galardi will oversee all Galardi Group Inc. properties, including Wienerschnitzel, Tastee Freez and Hamburger Stand. Galardi grew up with the business, and brings 20 years of experience to this leadership role. He started as a janitor with Wienerschnitzel, and over the years has touched nearly every facet of the business, from the fry station and drive-thru window to marketing, operations, community relations and business development. Visit wienerschnitzelfranchise.com.
NORTH COUNTY
‘Microbusinesses’ eligible for grants
San Diego County is working with several community groups to distribute $2,500 grants to “microbusinesses” such as home-based businesses and sidewalk vendors that have not previously received California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program money. A new round of applications has opened and will close at 5 p.m. March 31. Eligible businesses must have started by Dec. 31, 2019; be operating or have a plan to reopen; earned less than $50,000 in 2019; have fewer than five full-time employees now and in 2019, 2020 and 2021; and have been significantly affected by COVID-19. For complete rules and applications, visit sandiegocounty.gov/microbusinessgrant.html or call (619) 482-6391.
Free business workshop series for veterans
SCORE is offering a five-week virtual class for military veterans thinking of starting a new business. Although open to everyone, this program is intended for the military community to build on the foundation learned in Boots2Business/ReBoot, an entrepreneurial education and training program from the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. The series begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday on Zoom. Contact Laura Rau at SCORE Veteran Outreach, laura.rau@scorevolunteer.org or (858) 283-1100.
VALLEY CENTER
Chamber hosts sundowner, blood drive
The Valley Center Chamber of Commerce hosts a sundowner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Valley Center Optometry, 29115 Valley Center Road, Suite E. All are welcome. Meet the team at VC Optometry, as well as the 2022 chamber board of directors and community members. Enjoy food (dinner $10) and an opportunity drawing. Chamber members are invited to bring a raffle prize and get a chance for an elevator pitch. Visit vcchamber.com. The chamber is also hosting a blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot at 28520 Cole Grade Road.
Send items at least two weeks before events to northcounty@sduniontribune.com. Please put “Business News” in the subject line.
