Springboard graduates

The 2016 graduates of CONNECT’s Springboard program include two Mission Valley-based businesses — H2Bid and One Earth Recycling.

CONNECT is an innovation company accelerator in San Diego that creates and scales companies in the technology and life sciences sectors. Springboard is a mentorship program for innovators and entrepreneurs that helps them develop compelling commercialization strategies and prepare for future funding and growth.

In Springboard’s 20-year history, graduating companies have gone on to raise over $1.5 billion and employ over 4,000 people. Of the 11 companies that have graduated so far in 2016, five of them have already received funding, including H2Bid.

H2Bid is a business intelligence service that provides vendors and contractors with information on projects and other contract opportunities before an RFP is issued.

One Earth Recycling is another graduate. The company combines recycling and shopping by providing customers with free money from CRV (California Redemption Value) by recycling unwanted materials and convenience by providing recycling services at convenient locations where customers normally shop. 

Reno Contracting donates with every Padre home run

Reno Contracting, a commercial contracting business based in Mission Valley, has kicked off a unique fundraiser to support San Diego’s hometown heroes and hometown baseball team. In conjunction with Mighty 1090AM/Padres Network, the company is running a season-long campaign to donate $100 to Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station for every home run scored by the Padres during home games.

“Reno Contracting is extremely proud of our long-term relationship with Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station,” Matt Reno, founder and CEO of Reno Contracting, said in a press statement. “As a San Diego business, it’s important for us to give back to our community and support the incredible military population that lives here. Over the years, we have raised over half a million dollars for the foundation through 18 charity golf tournaments. Every single dollar has made a measurable impact on the lives of our injured veterans. As we root for the Padres this season, we’re also rooting for the warriors who have served our nation with great honor.”

Founded in 2004, Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station assists four main groups of warriors: the seriously injured just returning home from war; those suffering from post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury; those undergoing physical or occupational therapy, and warriors who have been medically retired and remain in the San Diego community. To serve this last group in particular, the foundation operates Freedom Station — a unique 12-unit transitional housing facility that provides injured warriors with the acclimation time, guidance and resources to successfully transition from military service to civilian life.

“The heartfelt generosity of businesses like Reno Contracting is what has allowed us to meet the needs of our warriors for the last 12 years,” said Sandy Lehmkuhler, founder and president of Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station. “One year, we found ourselves with a funding shortfall for our annual Home for the Holidays program, which provides wounded, ill, or injured warriors with a free plane ticket home for Christmas. Mr. Reno showed up at Naval Medical Center San Diego and donated the funds needed to make sure every warrior would wake up in his or her own bed on Christmas morning. Just as they do in the military, Matt Reno and his team have demonstrated what it truly means to take care of your own.”

For more information on how to donate or volunteer with Warrior Foundation-Freedom Station, visit warriorfoundation.org or renocon.com. 

Mission Valley dentist graduates from Kois Center

Dr. Scott Strommer of New Image Dental recently was appointed as a Clinical Instructor of the prestigious Kois Center, a dynamic clinical program contributing the latest education in advanced esthetics, dental implants and restorative dentistry.

Dr. Leslie Strommer is also a recent graduate of the Kois Center.

As a Clinical Instructor with exceptional training in dental implants, biomechanics, comprehensive restorative care, occlusion and TMJ therapy, Dr. Scott was recognized for his outstanding mentorship and leadership in his teaching role at the Center.

“I look forward to taking the time to find out what my patients want and why, and helping put their minds at ease,” he said in a press statement. “At New Image Dental, we are a cohesive team, and every patient is heard as they are guided through what to expect of their treatment and dental health.”

After traveling to Seattle, Washington over the past several years to earn over 200 hours of continuing education through the nine-course didactic curriculum at the Kois Center, Dr. Scott completed his certification with an intensive written and clinical examination.

He said he is honored to bring the knowledge and experience from graduation as a Clinical Instructor to his training and mentorship of future students and professionals in the industry.

In addition to graduating from the Kois Center, both Dr. Strommers also hold certifications as Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) and participate in numerous dental associations in the area.