State Sen. Marty Block (D-39th) has recognized the Ocean Beach Hotel as his district’s California Small Business of the Year as part of an annual event that honors small businesses across the state. Dozens of small businesses and legislators participated in the celebration. According to Block’s office, small businesses contribute 75 percent of California’s gross state product. California Small Business Day was created by Assembly Resolution 5 in 2000. Volunteer small business organizations throughout the state work together to host the event in Sacramento. “Even through the challenges of the recession and the toll that took on our tourism industry, owners Rich and Donna Grosch practiced creative marketing to keep the rooms occupied and bring tourism into Ocean Beach,” Block said.
In addition, said Block, the high-quality restoration and repair of the OB Hotel has catalyzed the redevelopment and revitalization of the entire Ocean Beach community. Block praised Rich Grosch for his history of developing and enhancing the quality of life in Ocean Beach. “As chairman of the Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation, Rich led the effort to create a pedestrian park at the entrance to the Ocean Beach community, created two business improvement districts and developed a comprehensive development plan for the district,” said Block. Grosch’s civic and business accomlishments include his current service as president of the board of trustees of the San Diego Community College District.
