Email from Vista Chamber of Commerce

February 2, 2026

Velocity Summer Internship Program: Applications Now Open!

Now in its 5th year, the Velocity Summer Student Internship Program is a program dedicated to partnering local high school students with local companies based on the students' career interests.

2026 Program Details

The Velocity Summer Student Internship Program is open to incoming high school seniors, graduating class of 2027.
Students must live in Vista or attend a school that's part of the Vista Unified School District.
The Vista Chamber of Commerce covers the interns' pay for up to 100 hours.
Businesses must be members of the Vista Chamber of Commerce.

Student application deadline is Sunday, April 5 at 11:59pm.

Business application deadline is Friday, April 10 at 11:59pm.

Learn More & Apply Here

The Velocity Summer Internship Program is a partnership with the Vista Unified School District.

2026 State of the Community Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 State of the Community Luncheon!

Special thank you to all our speakers Mayor John Franklin, Vista Chamber Chairman Joe Henschel, VUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Doyle and Dr. Shawn Loescher, and San Diego Workforce Partnership CEO Rachel Bereza.

See all event pictures here.

Regional Civics Bee Competition - Deadline Extended!

Essay Submission Deadline Extended! Due to widespread storm impacts, the National Civics Bee® has implemented an extension of the essay submission deadline to February 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Apply today here.

This annual, nonpartisan competition encourages young people to flex their civics knowledge, get involved in their communities, and top students will get to compete for grand prizes including a $100,000 education savings plan contribution for the national champion. When they win, schools win too! The first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.

For any questions, reach out to workforce@vistachamber.org.

Welcome New Members!

Want to learn more about membership at the Vista Chamber? Reach out to Gumaro Escarcega at gumaro@vistachamber.org.

Ribbon Cutting for Harvest Kitchen

David launched Green Truck San Diego in 2011, serving lunch stops, festivals, film shoots, and farmers markets. After four years, he rebranded as Harvest Kitchen—an organic, locally sourced catering company focused exclusively on private events. This year, Harvest Kitchen obtained its own kitchen space in Vista, allowing them to better serve local clients.

Learn more about them at harvestkitchen.com.

Wear Your Vista! - Official Merch

We’re so excited to share this fresh line of tees, hats, totes, and more — all designed to celebrate the place we love and the community that makes Vista shine. 💙

Whether you’re repping your hometown pride or hunting for the perfect local gift, this collection is made for you. Shop online and show off those Vista vibes!

SHOP NOW

We Want to Hear From You!

It's extremely important for us to hear from our members and from the community on what we're doing right.

Please take a minute to leave us a review here.

Government Affairs Meeting - February 5

We receive updates each month from our representatives from Federal, State, County and City government. Keep up on what is happening in our community. Lunch option costs $10.

When: Thursday, February 5 | 12:00 - 1:30pm

Where: The Film Hub | 170 Eucalyptus Ave.

Business Mixer at The Film Hub - February 11

Join us for our 'We Love Our Members' Business Mixer where all members come in for free!* Catch up with fellow Vista Chamber Members and meet professionals from all over North County to make new connections.

When: Wednesday, February 11 | 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: The Film Hub | 170 Eucalyptus Ave.

*Members must pre-register online for free entrance. Non-members must pay entrance fee of $40. Register here.

Vista Young Professionals Networking Morning - February 18

Join our Vista Young Professionals group for a networking morning! Meet and catch up with fellow young professionals in the area in a relaxed environment. Not a young professional? Share with someone in your team to get them involved!

When: Wednesday, February 18 | 8:30 - 9:30am

Where: Cat & Craft Cafe | 3211 Business Park Dr.

Member Orientation - February 19

If you are new to the Chamber, or the new point of contact for your company, this reception is to welcome you and your associates! We will help you to maximize your membership, have some fun, meet the staff and established members!

When: Thursday, February 19 | 3:30 - 4:30pm

Where: The Film Hub | 170 Eucalyptus Ave.

Business Bites - February 25

Don't pack your lunch today, join us at Sky Sushi for Business Bites! Enjoy their delicious food while you catch up with other professionals in the community and make new connections. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

When: Wednesday, February 25 | 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Sky Sushi | 620 Hacienda Dr. #106

Education Committee Meeting - February 25

This month Matthew Insco from the Bureau of Labor Statistics will present an overview of current economic trends, including national and local employment, labor costs, and inflation measures.

When: Wednesday, February 25 | 4:00 - 6:00pm

Where: The Film Hub | 170 Eucalyptus Ave.

Retread Housing Services Volunteer Day

Support the work that Retread Housing Services is doing 24/7 to house the unhoused of Vista and Encinitas! Help us improve our property, get to know our residents and staff, and enjoy a meal at Retread. Pre-register here.

When: Saturday, February 21 | 9:30 - 1:00pm

Where: Retread Housing Services | 2148 S Santa Fe Ave.

CalSavers Registration Deadline Has Passed – Resources Available

The CalSavers registration deadline has now passed for all California employers with one or more employees. At this time, more than half of mandated employers have not yet taken action and may be at risk of noncompliance penalties. Employers who remain out of compliance may be subject to penalties of up to $750 per eligible employee.

That said, there is still time for employers to take action. Businesses that register and facilitate the program can avoid penalties, and we have a range of free resources available to help them come into compliance.

Resources for your members include:

Live employer webinars with step-by-step guidance and live Q&A
On-demand recordings for those who can’t attend live
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a CalSavers field team member
Our Partner Toolkit, which includes ready-to-share language, flyers, and links

Apply for the Spring 2026 Vista Leadership Academy

The Vista Leadership Academy is a free, eight-week program designed for residents and business owners who want to better understand how decisions are made, how City services are delivered, and how local government impacts daily life. Participants meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with one daytime citywide bus tour. Learn more here.