News & Updates

Member Spotlight: Baja California Railroad, Inc.

Member Spotlight

December 19, 2016

bjrrBaja California Railroad (BJRR) is the railway company that operates the Tijuana-Tecate short line in Baja California, Mexico. Our main activity is the transport of freight & goods between both sides of the California’s border; working under high-quality standards, delivering an efficient, safe and sustainable service bringing competitiveness for the region.

BJRR is located in one of the most prominent industrial corridors in México, reaching over 1,500 “maquiladoras” in the region. Every year the company handles more than 3,400 railcars a year.

bjrr-photo-1BJRR connects to the northwest with San Diego Imperial Valley Railroad (SDIY), exchanging railcars in Downtown San Diego with BNSF, a Class One railway in the US; on the northeast, the railway connect with Union Pacific (UP), achieving the full connectivity for the bi-national region.

Desert Line Project by BJRR

bjrr-photo-2The desert line was built more than a century ago, motivated by the strategic vision of connecting by rail San Diego and Arizona. The rehabilitation of the desert line puts us on the right track on strengthening the infrastructure and capacity of BJRR; thanks to the MTS approval and the investment that will allow the come and go’s of logistic cargo, benefiting the San Diego – Tijuana Region.

The project will have an investment of more than 70MD which will be used to rehabilitate: 112.75 KM or railway / 57 bridges / 17 tunnels. This project has MTS approval and the supervision of CBP and DOT. The completion and operability of the railway is expected to be April 2019.

bjrr-photo-3Benefits of the Desert Line

  • Optimizing logistic in the Cali-Baja region
  • Double stack capacity
  • Reduce cross boarders waits
  • Intermodal facility
  • Full connectivity with class one railways
  • Clear Southern California’s highways & freeways of traffic

Contact Information

Website: www.bajarr.com

Jorge Izquierdo E.
Sales and Marketing Executive
jizquierdo@bajarr.com   /   clientes@bajarr.com
Phone. + 51 (664) 607 5168  /  01 (619) 207 4607
Mobile.+ 51 (664) 669 0817

México
Ave Ferrocarril #1
Col. Libertad P/B
Tijuana B.C.

USA
3065 Beyer Blvd.
Ste. B103
San Diego, CA 92154

Member Spotlight: Seasons 52, San Diego Seaport District

Member Spotlight

December 19, 2016

seasons-52-logoWe believe incredible food starts with excellent ingredients, and there’s always something new to discover at Seasons 52 Seaport District. Conveniently located in The Headquarters adjacent to Seaport Village and a short walk from nearby Gaslamp District, Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar offering a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced at the peak of freshness, complemented by local artisanal spirits, craft beer, and an ever-changing wine list.

patio-fire-pit-couchesAs our guest, you expect seasonally inspired fare year round – from entirely new chef innovations to a seasonal take on more traditional dishes, like brick-oven baked Flatbreads and our classic Mini Indulgence desserts. The menu changes quarterly, but there’s always something new to discover as ingredients come into their prime throughout the year.

We’re open every day for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and everything in-between. Join us at the bar for our Sunset at Seasons happy hour on weekdays from 4-6:30 p.m. – complete with Chef-inspired small plates, signature cocktails, and wine and beer selections. Or, pop in for Sunday brunch from 10am-1pm for unique chef creations and cocktails before a stroll downtown. With an open kitchen, bar seating and two exceptional patios to choose from, we have the atmosphere for any occasion.

exteriorLocal California and artisanal spirits serve as the focal point of our bar, and guests can enjoy handcrafted, seasonal cocktails thoughtfully prepared with their favorite spirits from the region. We also partner with regional breweries to offer a selection of craft beer. It’s not California without an excellent wine selection! We offer an impressive wine list with at least 52 wines available by the glass, and a carefully crafted “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” list of up-and-coming wines for you to try.

Looking to host your next dinner or private event? At Seasons 52 Seaport District we offer a welcoming atmosphere for casual social gatherings and business meetings alike. In addition to a Chef’s table, our three state-of-the-art private dining rooms can accommodate up to 100 guests. Our flexible private and semi-private dining spaces dining spaces are AV equipped and include access to one of our two exceptional patio spaces.

For any questions or to book a reservation, don’t hesitate to reach out at (619) 702-0052.

Chamber Board Votes to Support County Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan

Policy

December 15, 2016

The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support the County’s Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan (CREP) with detailed recommendations to ensure the business community’s voice is heard. While CREP’s efforts are similar to the Climate Action Plan, the plan is still separate – where the latter incorporates renewable energy as a component of its plan, CREP focuses on energy exclusively.

Among the Chamber’s recommendations:

  1. Initiate and lead both a regional and collaborative dialogue about the best practices to reduce carbon emissions while prioritizing the transportation sector,
  2. Prioritize county decisions based on the most cost-effective strategies to reduce emissions, minimizing risk, and maintain flexibility
  3. Continue to explore all opportunities for increasing renewable energy including through future and existing programs already authorized by the State and offered by San Diego Gas & Electric.

For a detailed briefing of the Chamber’s analysis, click here.

Nominations Open for Young Leaders Board

News

December 12, 2016

Join the Chamber Young Leaders Board of DirectorsSDYL40_logo

Do you know a San Diego young professional, age 21 to 40, with a commitment to community involvement and professional growth? Help us cultivate our San Diego Young Leaders program and nominate them for the Board of Directors.

Entering its second year, the San Diego Regional Chamber Young Leaders (SDYL) program drives young professional growth in the San Diego-Baja region by providing the relationships, mentoring and community awareness necessary to become an influential business leader. The Board of Directors responsibilities will include directing the group’s goals and setting the standards for success with respect to recruitment and professional development priorities.

To nominate someone for the 2017 Board of Directors download and complete the nominations form available here. Deadline for nominations is January 13, 2017.

For more information and to submit your nominations contact Hannah Castillo, Leadership Development Manager, at hcastillo@sdchamber.org.

Nominate

 

Gerry Seelman with Amec Foster Wheeler to Retire Chairmanship of DVM Committee

Policy

December 12, 2016

Gerry Seelman, Chamber Board member and current chair of the Defense, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee has been promoted in his role at Amec Foster Wheeler and has decided to retire as chair of the committee. The Chamber team is extremely appreciative of all of the time and energy he has put into making the committee what it is today.

Gerry, thank you for your leadership, guidance, and insights.

New San Diego Councilmembers and City Attorney Sworn In

Policy

December 12, 2016

Congratulations to incoming San Diego City Councilmembers: Barbara Bry – District 1, Georgette Gomez – City Council District 9, and Chris Ward – City Council District 3; and incoming City Attorney, Mara Elliott.

Returning councilmembers include Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman, and Mayor Kevin Faulconer will also be sworn in for a second term.

Chamber Hosts 2016 International Tribute Dinner

International

December 12, 2016

dsc_0473The Chamber hosted its International Tribute Dinner Thursday, December 8 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. More than 200 business executives, community leaders, and elected officials gathered to hear a thought-provoking discussion – moderated by Chamber VP Paola Avila – with former United Nations Ambassador Enrique Berruga-Filloy and Dr. Antonio Ortiz-Mena, the former Head of Economic Affairs at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The main topic of discussion: how a Trump presidency will affect the cross-border economy.

“This year’s presidential election has put a spotlight on our binational region, making our role at the Chamber as a champion for cross-border commerce, connections and collaboration more important than ever…

Those of us who live and work here are embracing this time as an opportunity to showcase the people, projects, and attributes that make Cali-Baja one of the most vibrant and globally competitive regions in the world and we are proud to be a part of that effort.”

dsc_0502Jerry Sanders, San Diego Chamber President & CEO

While both guests agreed Trump’s attitudes towards Mexico and NAFTA are troubling, they also remained hopeful, emphasizing the need for local players to step up. Similarly, Marcela Celorio – the “cross-border” Mexican Consul General – delivered an address emphasizing the two countries’ common values and called upon leaders to continue to follow them in the aftermath of the election.

dsc_0511The Chamber also presented two awards recognizing projects that have made a difference in enhancing the economic prosperity of our border region:

  • SMINSA and Scripps Health were presented the “Cross-Border Collaboration” award for their partnership in building the first binational hospital.
  • Cross Border Xpress – who recently celebrated its one-year anniversary – was presented with the “Change Maker” award for revolutionizing travel between our countries and showcasing the great opportunity that exists through collaboration.

For more highlights and photos from the 2016 International Tribute Dinner, follow the hashtag #ChamberTribute16 on Twitter and check out the Chamber’s photo album on Facebook.

The Get Fit 30-Day Challenge is Back!

NewsSan Diego

December 5, 2016

getfitsd_dashJump start 2017 with a focus on health and fitness by taking part in our 5th Annual Get Fit San Diego 30-Day Challenge. The Challenge, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, is a fun and friendly fitness competition designed to help you become more active and healthy for 30 days so that you can continue long after to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What’s New This Year:

  • FREE fitness events and activities throughout San Diego
  • Special offers and discounts for Get Fit Challengers at participating health and wellness centers
  • Get Fit Celebration Mixer at the end of the 30-Day Challenge
  • Health and wellness articles on the Get Fit website

Get Fit Promo PHoto

The Challenge is open to individuals and teams, participation is completely free, and you don’t need to be a Chamber member to participate. Everyone is welcome to take part in the Challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the individuals and teams in each division who earn the most points at the end of the 30 days.

Now’s the time to sign-up! Gather your co-workers, friends, and family and visit www.getfitsd.org to register as an individual or a team.

Remember, the Challenge starts January 9, so register now and be ready to focus on fitness in 2017.

Sign Up Now

Chamber Hosts Vice Admiral Faison, U.S. Navy Surgeon General

Policy

December 1, 2016

vice-admiralThe Defense, Veterans & Military Affairs and Healthcare Committees hosted Vice Admiral Forrest Faison, Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Vice Admiral Faison spoke about his priorities, the challenges facing Navy medicine, opportunities for collaboration, and the importance of San Diego, among others.