Chamber chairman to focus on helping small businesses

Helping small businesses succeed is among the stated goals of the North San Diego Business Chamber’s new board chairman, who recently began his one-year term.

“The business chamber does a good job in helping businesses, particularly small businesses,” said Keith Wilschetz. “I want to focus on small businesses and all the things they worry about, like the rules and regulations they have to navigate.”

One example is recent changes in federal wage laws pertaining to overtime pay. “Some of the regulations are not intuitive, so I want to help them understand since by Dec. 1 they must be compliant,” he said.

The chamber is holding a free workshop on the topic at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 at Hewlett-Packard in Rancho Bernardo. Register by 2 p.m. July 19 at sdbusinesschamber.com or call 858-487-1767.

The City of San Diego’s minimum wage increase to $10.50 an hour, which went into effect Monday, is another example, he said.

“Many (businesses) not within the city limit may still be affected if their employees work in and out of the city,” he said.

Wilschetz’s empathy for small business owners dates back to his youth when he observed his father, a small business owner.

“Growing up in St. Louis, I watched him struggle with regulations and understanding (them),” Wilschetz said. “He had no chamber like this and how much better (it would have been for him). I want to help the chamber provide (assistance) to businesses in North County.”

For the past 10 years, Wilschetz has been the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s director of airport planning and noise mitigation. He has worked in the airport planning and leadership field for 30 years. Wilschetz earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and his master’s in executive leadership from the University of San Diego.

Wilschetz said he also wants to help the Rancho Bernardo-based regional chamber focus on its strengths. He listed its Regional Connect monthly mixers, San Diego Women’s Week, Operation Connect program for military personnel transitioning into civilian careers and the Emerging Leaders Network for young professionals.

“These are real strengths that we can make better,” he said.

Wilschetz said he joined the chamber’s board four years ago because “I have a passion for business, particularly small businesses.”

As for why he wanted to be chairman, Wilschetz said, “A lot of times people come onto a position like this because they want to fix issues. I do not see a lot of problems with the chamber ... just see really good programs we can make better.

“I want to make sure the members continue to see a return on their investment because small businesses do not have a lot of extra cash,” he said. “At the end of their fiscal year, I do not want them to get rid of (their membership) because they see it is too valuable.”

Wilschetz said those considering a membership should attend a couple events, adding they are welcome to contact him if wondering how a membership can help them. He can be reached at kwilsche@san.org.

Along with Wilschetz, the 2016-17 board officers are Charlie Piscitello (Petco Corp.) as chairman elect, Janet Beronio (Harrah’s Resort Southern California) as immediate past chairwoman, Jan Jones (The Elizabeth Hospice) as treasurer, Jason Cestaro (Mercedes-Benz of Escondido) as nominating committee and Debra Rosen, NSDBC president and CEO.

The new board directors are Tom Briggs (Jones Day), Tim Durie (Newland Real Estate Group), Michael Flickinger (Maderas Golf Club), Stacey Hrountas (Sharp Rees-Stealy), Christine McGlade (Northrop Grumman), Steve Stallings (Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians) and Denise Visconti (Littler Mendelson).

Returning directors are Derrick Breaux (ZCode Magazines), Melanie Duong (Sun Orthodontics), Jennifer Farnham (Gilbane Building Co.), Richard Marks (RDM Management Group), Robert McClure (San Diego Zoo Safari Park), Susan Miller (Oracle Corporation), Fred Nasseri (Unicorn Jewelry), Mike Peters (Pacific Western Bank), Patricia Reily (California State University San Marcos), Don Stanziano (Scripps Health), Rich Talmo (Palomar College Foundation), Ron Wasigner (Sony Electronics, Inc.) and Steve Wragg (Michael Baker International).

The ex-officio directors are Darren Gretler (County of San Diego) and Alicia Gwynn (TAG Foundation).