January 27, 2017
Jerry Sanders, Chamber President & CEO
I hope you’re enjoying a productive new year so far. I’d like to share a few updates on what the Chamber is doing to drive San Diego’s economy and the business community.
First, the Chargers –
We were all disappointed to learn about the Chargers’ final decision to leave San Diego, especially considering the hard work we put in to support Measure C and additional stadium alternatives.
But, the good news is that this has opened the door to new opportunities. We thank Mayor Faulconer for his hard work on the stadium issue and look forward to working with his team and other key community stakeholders on what’s next for sports in San Diego.
The San Diego region has also been in the spotlight recently as a result of actions taken by the new presidential administration.
Last week, the Chamber hosted a luncheon to promote international trade and cross-border business. Nearly 200 business leaders and elected officials joined us for an engaging presentation from UCLA Economics Professor, Dr. Lee Ohanian, who provided an academic context to the conversation surrounding President Trump’s protectionist policies and decision to move forward with NAFTA negotiations.
With San Diego’s export economy valued at $22 bilion, protecting cross-border trade remains a high priority for the Chamber team. We hope you will support our efforts by joining us for the 2017 Binational Delegation to Mexico City in March.
Speaking with KUSI on the importance of cross-border commerce to San Diego’s economy
UCLA Economics Professor, Dr. Lee Ohanian, Delivering an Academic Keynote Address
Luncheon Guests, Scripps Health
This week, I was invited by Congressmember Scott Peters to be one of ten individuals to testify at a meeting of the Congressional Border Caucus in Washington, D.C. The bipartisan hearing brought local perspectives from across the nation to counter the proposals of the Trump administration that threaten border commerce.
It was an honor to represent San Diego, which serves as a national model for cross-border commerce. To learn more about the Chamber’s stance on international trade, I invite you to read an article from the San Diego Business Journal, Sanders Tells Congress: ‘An Efficient Border is a Safe Border.‘
Representing San Diego at the Congressional Border Caucus Hearing in Washington, D.C.
Finally, I’d like to thank the following local businesses for inviting me to get a behind-the-scenes look at their operations:
- AquaVie Spa & Wellness Center
- Ardea Biosciences
- AYA Healthcare
- Cabrillo Technologies
- Dole Fresh Fruit Company
- Kearny Real Estate
- Metaverse
- Piston Agency
- ROR Group, LLC
I’d also like to congratulate The Chicago School of Professional Psychology on their grand opening yesterday evening.
On the Dole Atlantic with Chief Engineer Captain Nijjar and Vice President Barry Jung of the Dole Fresh Fruit Company
Looking ahead, I hope you will join us next week for the Chamber’s 146thAnniversary Celebration and take part in our vision for the future of San Diego. Business visionary and Top Ten CNN Hero, Derreck Kayongo, will help us unveil our 2017 theme, “Building Together,” while inspiring us to dream big and solve challenges in any organization.
If you’re looking to get involved in the Chamber’s policy efforts, I strongly encourage you to apply for the Chamber Leadership Delegation to Sacramento on February 28 and March 1. This trip is an excellent opportunity for business leaders to make their voice heard and ensure the priorities of Sacramento reflect the needs of San Diego’s regional business community.
Until next time, enjoy your weekend and I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon.
Jerry Sanders
President & CEO
San Diego Regional
Chamber of Commerce