SCORE starts evening workshops for small businesses: In consideration of busy daytime schedules, SCORE San Diego has begun offering evening workshops for small business professionals. With offices Downtown and around the County, SCORE is part of a national association of both active and retired business professionals who volunteer their time to assist, train and mentor small business owners and help them to grow and prosper. Workshop topics, such as organizational structure, customer service, insurance and various others, assist new owners with the running of their business and free, one-on-one mentoring is also available. “We understand many people trying to start a business have full-time jobs, and established small business owners work long days,” said SCORE San Diego president Greg Bowcott in a press release, adding their new classes are at a more convenient time to assist in meeting the needs of entrepreneurs at “every stage of business development.” SCORE San Diego will continue to offer their daytime workshops in addition to the added evening options. For a complete list of workshop topics and to register, visit sandiego.score.org or call 619-557-7272.

‘Master Mezcalier’ takes over Saltbar: Jen Queen, an award-winning Level 2 Master Mezcalier, recently joined SaltBar, the bar and lounge located directly below Saltbox Restaurant at Hotel Palomar, as their principal bartender. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Queen most recently displayed her skills at Prep Kitchen in Little Italy prior to moving over to Saltbar and will finish her full Master Mezcalier certification this November. She is a partner with Queen-Conner-Ward Collective, a collaborative bar and restaurant consulting team and has poured and consulted at various high-end locations throughout San Diego. Currently at work revamping Saltbar’s drink menu, Queen expects to release her own version Sept. 20. For more info visit saltboxrestaurant.com/saltbox-lounge.php.

San Diego featured as thriving “start-up” community: With a focus on its “perfect climate and beaches” and “sun and lifestyle” as backdrops, San Diego’s thriving startup community was recently featured in the latest ID8 Nation installment. ID8 profiles vibrant entrepreneurial communities, telling their story through video, supporting commentary, podcasts and other graphical information. San Diego’s profile explored the factors that have contributed to its strong and “diversified entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Many startups in the area that have gone on to become industry giants, including Qualcomm, Firewire Surfboards, Polara Golf and the Spanish-speaking media services provide, Busca Corp, were featured in the segment. ID8 Nation is produced by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, Kansas City-based, non-partisan organization focused on economic independence, education and entrepreneurial success, according to a press release. Other cities featured include Pittsburgh and Seattle. “For U.S. cities striving to develop strong entrepreneurial communities, San Diego is inspiring and instructive,” said Thom Ruhe, vice president of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation. “While its startup ecosystem is unique to the city, you can find models of innovation and collaboration that other cities can learn from and apply.” To view the San Diego segment, visit entrepreneurship.org/en/ID8.aspx.

Kelvin at The W gets new Executive Chef: The W Hotel has announced that Chef Simon Dolinky has taken over as executive chef at Kelvin. Dolinky has studied under award-winning chefs and honed his skills in both Italy and Spain before returning to enhance his skills stateside, landing first in New Orleans. Since coming to San Diego, he’s worked as executive sous chef to Chef Christian Graves at JSix, served as executive chef at BLVD 16 in Los Angeles, and more recently, as executive chef at Saltbox. This fall Dolinky plans to make changes to Kelvin’s banquet menu as well as add some personal touches to the regular menu. For more information, visit kelvinrestaurant.com.

SENTRE Partners make a promotion from within: San Diego-based SENTRE Partners – a real estate investment and services firm with extensive investment experience in office, industrial, R&D, retail and multi-family properties – recently announced the promotion of Douglas Arthur to president of the firm. Arthur graduated from University of San Diego’s Masters in Real Estate program in 2008 and previously led Sentre’s Leasing and Acquisitions team prior to the restructuring. He replaces Stephen Williams, who held the role since 1989. Williams is now general manager. SENTRE, pronounced “sentry,” has been doing business in San Diego for over 20 years. Managing Principals Stephen Williams, Matthew Spathas and Michael Peckham will continue to lead the company. For more information, visit sentre.com.