Consultant hits ground with La Jolla merchant meetings

The first in a series of weekly coffees with La Jolla merchants to discuss starting a new community Business Improvement District will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Monday at Hennessy’s restaurant, 7811 Herschel Ave.

“We’re going to be talking about the future, about moving forward, looking ahead to try to bring businesses’ voices together,” said Mike McLaughlin of Turpin McLaughlin Communications. His firm was selected by First District City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner as a consultant following a La Jolla BID workshop held Oct. 21.

McLaughlin said the Monday morning event will be informal.

“People should understand that they’re free to come and go as their schedules dictate,” he said. “I will do some introductions, help people to understand what the future might hold for them. I’m there to listen to what their ambitions are for the business community.”

McLaughlin added his role is not to push formation of a new business district, but to guide merchants as they explore the notion.

“I think there are some real opportunities if businesses in La Jolla want to unite and work together,” he said.