Friday, the Chamber hosted its third annual International Tribute Awards Gala to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses who have made a significant impact in bridging together the U.S. and Mexican economies. Congressman Juan Vargas delivered the keynote address as the evening’s honored guest, and both Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Xavier Peniche, Secretary of Economic Development […]
Read MoreChamber staff members attended a City Council hearing regarding the possible decision to increase water rates by 9.8 percent in January and 6.9 percent in July. Although an increase of fees would impact San Diego businesses, the Chamber agrees the measure is necessary to secure a safe and reliable water supply for the region. Another […]
Read MoreExecutive Director, Sean Karafin, joined KPBS to discuss Senate Bill 350, California’s new legislation which requires state-regulated utilities to increase energy-efficiency by 50 percent and achieve 50 percent renewable electricity usage by 2030. Although in support of action to address climate change, the Chamber opposes this legislation, as it lacks details regarding execution which may […]
Read MoreLast month, Governor Brown signed legislation to expand the definition of “Made in USA” for California businesses which manufacture “all or virtually all” of its product parts domestically. The Chamber supports this legislation as it provides consumers with accurate information about businesses that support American jobs.
Read MoreLast Thursday, Chamber sponsored legislation, Assembly Bill 226, authored by Speaker Toni Atkins was signed into law. The bill, known as “Pacific to Plate”, makes it easier for communities to have fishermen’s markets similar to farmers’ markets. With the region’s valuable Blue Economy, this bill removes barriers and increases opportunities for jobs and access to […]
Read MoreLast Wednesday, Governor Jerry Brown vetoed legislation introduced by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez which sought to smother Civic San Diego with bureaucratic oversight. In response, Chamber President & CEO Jerry Sanders, along with Downtown Partnership President & CEO Kris Michell, released a joint statement in support of the veto: “Governor Brown’s veto ensures Civic San Diego’s […]
Read MoreLast month, Chamber VP Paola Avila spoke at an event in support of a recent initiative to identify, map and analyze key industries within the binational region. As trade between the United States and Mexico has grown six-fold since NAFTA was introduced 21 years ago, this “cluster-based” approach to economic development seeks to strengthen the […]
Read MoreChamber President & CEO Jerry Sanders, along with VP Paola Avila, joined San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Tijuana Mayor Jorge Astiazarán in a tour of Tijuana’s largest medical device manufacturers, Welch Allyn and Metronic. As the Cali-Baja region represents the largest concentration of medical device companies, this trip was an excellent opportunity to discuss […]
Read MoreLast Wednesday, Governor Brown vetoed Senate Bill 249, the legislation that – if passed – would authorize California DMVs to issue enhanced driver’s licenses proving U.S. citizenship. The Chamber has strongly supported SB 249, as enhanced licenses would increase the speed and efficiency of cross-border travel. The Chamber team plans to revisit the issue soon.
Read MoreFollowing our recent delegation trip to Washington, D.C., the Chamber achieved a major step towards the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank by gaining the necessary amount of petition signatures to send the Ex-Im issue to Congress for a vote. The Chamber is in strong support of the Ex-Im Bank, as it remains a vital component […]
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