BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Ideas for the gift-giving challenged

Costa Mesa-based Idea Hall announced Friday it is accepting gift ideas on its website for the “holiday gift-challenged.”

During last year’s Valentine’s Day season, the company set out to give people ideas and recommendations on what their mate may want to receive.

Upon an outpouring of thank-you letters from gift givers and receivers, the company decided to do the same for the holidays.

It is accepting ideas through its website, and next week will ask those who contributed to the list to vote for what they think is the best gift listed. The best of the best will then be posted for those who need inspiration. To add to the list, visit www.ideahall.com/ Christmas_2006.

Newport accountant is chamber ambassador

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce named certified public accountant Patricia Bell as its Ambassador of the Quarter.

Bell has been a member of the chamber since 1995. She became an ambassador in 1996.

Ambassadors attend chamber events, and Bell took a leadership role with her willingness to help with all aspects of each event, according to the chamber’s newsletter.

To become an ambassador or to join the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, visit www.newportbeach.com.

Let the bubbly go to your head by the pier

Go enjoy a glass of the fine champagne in 21 Oceanfront Restaurant’s bar and lounge from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The Bubbly Hour, as it’s called, will feature discounted champagne and food specials.

Etoile will cost $12 per glass, and Veuve Clicquot will be on special for $15 per glass. Crab cakes, calamari fritti, smoked salmon and seared ahi will also be featured.

21 Oceanfront is located by Newport Pier on the peninsula. For more information, call (949) 673-2100 or visit www.21oceanfront.com.

Fairgrounds to host largest chamber mixer

The Orange County Fairgrounds will host Orange County’s Largest Mixer IV on March 17, put on by 25 chambers of commerce throughout Orange County.

The mixer’s advisory committee is inviting businessmen and businesswomen to sign up early for a tabletop exhibit, which will include a table, two chairs, a black tablecloth, admission for two, a listing in the Business Referral Directory that will be circulated, a link to a website, an invitation to a VIP event and a mailing list of attendees.

Last year, the event brought together more than 2,300 businessmen and businesswomen.

During the early-bird sign-ups, the committee is offering four additional admission tickets if payments and applications are received by Nov. 17.

Space is limited, and tables are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.ocmixer.com, or call (949) 222-6600.

New furniture store opens at home center

Birtcher Development & Investments announced Tuesday its Costa Mesa South Coast Home Furnishings Center is more than 75% leased after the addition of C.S. Wo, a Hawaiian furniture company.

The $90-million center also features Wickes, Banner Mattress, Creative Leather, NW Rugs, LA Carpet, Faucets Galore, Flexa, a children’s furniture store, and others.

C.S. Wo is housed in an 18,000-square-foot building and is the company’s first store on the mainland. The company has 17 stores in Hawaii.

The center is at 3333 Hyland Road, near the 405-freeway at South Coast Drive.

Targus taps two Newport-based execs

Anaheim-based Targus Corp. announced Friday two former executives from Newport Beach-based Water Pik Technologies have joined the team at the laptop computer bag and accessories manufacturer.

Michael Hoopis, former chief executive of Newport Beach-based Water Pik Technologies Inc., will start his new job today leading Targus.

Water Pik’s former chief financial officer, Victor C. Streufert, will hold the same position at Targus.