BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Chamber holds ‘Meet the Press’ event today

Representatives of Laguna Beach’s three weekly newspapers will be on a panel for the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Meet the Press event, today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mozambique.

Attendees can find out how to get maximum exposure for their businesses from editors and reporters with the News-Post, Laguna Beach Independent and Coastline Pilot.

The cost for members is $20, non-members $30. Reservations are required, by calling the Chamber at (949) 494-1018.

Bridal Showcase at new Laguna hotel

Three Orange County businesses “” Seven4One hotel, Custom Studios and The Bride’s Concierge “” have created the Bridal Showcase for those searching for services, products and ideas.

The Bridal Showcase at the Beach will be held at the newly opened Seven4One, an “all-green” hotel at 741 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. The three-hour event begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Because of the intimate setting, a limited number of tickets will be sold, allowing brides and grooms time to meet each wedding expert and set appointments for consultations to discuss their needs and plans.

Sample tastes will be created by Seven4One’s Chef de Cuisine, Jessica Alexander. Shopping for trousseau and wardrobe, entertainment and prizes will be part of the event. Each bride will receive a gift bag filled with products and information.

To purchase tickets, visit seven4one.eventbrite.com.

Casa Laguna again in breakfast cook-off

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa has entered a recipe into a national breakfast culinary competition, the “Inn-Credible Breakfast Cook-Off,” held by Select Registry: Distinguished Inns of North America.

The recipe, “Dungeness Crab Benedict with Choron Sauce, Fried Shallots and Curry Oil” will compete with other entrants.

The culinary competition, now in its second year, will bring together chefs and innkeepers from Select Registry’s 400-plus member inns across North America for a live cooking competition Nov. 10 at the Williamsburg Lodge in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Innkeepers and chefs will create a breakfast main dish. Though each recipe will be unique, the one ingredient in common will be eggs.

Casa Laguna Inn & Spa won second place in last year’s competition.

Select Registry is an association representing more than 400 country inns, B&Bs; and small hotels across the country.

“Based on the exciting finals and contest last year, we are anticipating a spirited competition,” said Keith Kehlbeck, executive director of Select Registry.

Finalists, announced in October, will go on to compete for the gold, silver and bronze prize.

In the competition’s 2007 debut, members submitted more than 100 original recipes. This year, Select Registry expects even greater member participation and plans to create a special cookbook compiled from the recipes.

Meekma opens public relations shop

Rebecca Meekma, a marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience, has opened her own firm, Meekma Communication Services (MCom) in Laguna Beach. MCom is a one-stop shop for all public relations, marketing and promotions needs.

“Many business owners wear a staggering number of hats keeping their business going. Marketing and Public Relations is one area where hiring a professional will aid both the business and the business owner,” Meekma said. “The contacts MCom has in the Orange County area “” both media and suppliers “” help to create an effective, results-oriented marketing program.”

Meekma was the Marketing and Public Relations Director at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach when she stepped down earlier this year after seven years with the festival. Prior she was a publicist and special events coordinator at the Festival of Arts, also in Laguna Beach.

Meekma began her career in public relations in New York with an internship for Sony/TriStar Pictures, followed with a publicist position at a New York boutique agency Bryan Bantry, which specializes in film and fashion PR.

Meekma can be reached at (949) 395-6330.