News & Updates

H2B Visa Survey

International

June 12, 2017

The H2B program is critical for small and seasonal businesses that require more workers during peak seasons (i.e. hospitality, forestry, seafood processing, landscaping, etc.).  Therefore, providing cap relief so these businesses can fill essential positions and grow continues to be a top priority.

The H2B Workforce Coalition has put together a survey to get data and anecdotes on what would happen to businesses if we can’t get cap relief for the H2B visa program this year.  If you are a businesses that uses the H2B program, please participate in this survey and share with others.  Here’s the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QD2K9LG.

The data and feedback we receive will be shared with Members of Congress as they prepare to address the H2B cap issue in upcoming budget discussions.  The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, June 16, 2017.

Cross Border Business Forum Recap

International

June 12, 2017

The Cross-Border Business Forums are just one of the ways we work to bring businesses from both sides of the border closer together and to provide our members with the information, guidance, and resources needed to grow cross-border commerce.

On May 23, we held a quarterly Cross-Border Business Forum with business leaders from both sides of the border discussing the unique needs of Cali-Baja’s workforce. Attached (here) are brief notes taken during the meeting with key points of discussion.

Our next forum “Binational Healthcare and Medical Tourism” will take place on August 2nd from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber’s Downtown San Diego office.

Registration is now available through our website.

UCSD Hosts Border Legislative Academy

International

June 12, 2017

Earlier this month, the UCSD Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies held the inaugural Border Legislative Academy. Chamber VP of International Business Affairs, Paola Avila, served as one of the instructors. Avila spoke on the importance of cross-border collaboration to address pressing policy challenges in the region such as infrastructure, environment, trade, energy, and health care.

The Border Legislative Academy is a first of its kind, binational professional development training program aimed at assisting newer legislators of the 10 U.S.-Mexico border states become effective leaders. The program, organized by the Council of State Governments West (CSG West) brought together legislators from Arizona, New Mexico, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, and California for a two day course held June 1 – 3 in San Diego.

California Senate Approves SB 357

InternationalPolicy

June 12, 2017

SB 357, the Chamber sponsored state bill authored by Senator Hueso to establish a California trade office in Mexico City has been approved by the California Senate and advanced to the Assembly.

Given the uncertainty at the federal level regarding the United States’ trading partnership with Mexico, it is vital that California and Mexico maintain open and ongoing discussions about economic opportunities. By opening a trade and investment office in the commercial and political capital of Mexico, SB 357 would strengthen the California and Mexico economies and contribute to the prosperity of both of the American and Mexican people. Through this effort, we can reassure both our civic and business leaders that we value robust trade and open dialogue with each other.

Call to Action: Please add your signature and logo to our letter (download here) or submit your individual letter of support. For more on SB 357, view the fact sheet.

Update on Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry

International

June 12, 2017

Expansion of the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry, “The Improvement and Renovation Project”, is included in President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal for $121.84 million.

Some of the proposed expansions include adding new non-commercial inspection booths, pedestrian facilities, and a commercial annex building. These improvements will help make the Cali-Baja border a more effective place for trade and commerce.

This project would help alleviate the high border wait times that, for decades, have affected the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Tecate region.

Please join us in supporting the funding for this important project. Our advocacy must reach Washington policymakers who will be drafting budget proposals in the coming months.

Send a letter of your own to Congressman Juan Vargas:

San Diego County District Office
333 F Street, Suite A
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Chamber Campaign for NAFTA

International

June 12, 2017

Following the formal announcement that the presidential administration intends to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, commonly known as NAFTA, the Chamber activated a campaign in support of NAFTA through our social advocacy and civic engagement software system “Phone 2 Action”.

Members were encouraged to submit a pre-written comment to the United States Trade Representative in support of NAFTA and offered suggested updates for the agreement.

At the close of the comment period on Monday, over 275 emails had been sent to the U.S. Trade Representative, Senators, and Congressmembers.

The Chamber thanks everyone who engaged in this important outreach.

Chamber Joins Host Committee for 2017 California Economic Summit

Policy

June 8, 2017

Save the date for this year’s California Economic Summit, taking place in San Diego November 2-3, 2017. Registration for the sixth annual statewide Summit opens on July 1 at CAEconomy.org.

The California Economic Summit – the only statewide and multi-sector effort to promote economic security – is a collaboration of California Forward and the California Stewardship Network.

Through the Summit, a vibrant and diverse network of business, government and civic leaders are advancing a comprehensive agenda to reduce poverty, improve workforce opportunities, increase the supply of housing, lower the cost of living, and invest in communities and infrastructure necessary for a sustainable future.

The Summit’s 2017 Roadmap to Shared Prosperity defines an action plan to address the One Million Challenges, a Summit initiative launched in response to the state’s high cost of living and wage gaps:

  • Educate and train one million more skilled workers
  • Build one million more homes
  • Save, capture, and reuse one million more acre-feet of water annually

Building pathways to increase upward mobility is critical for the state’s future. The Summit has long been focused on California’s economic equality and expanding the middle class through a triple-bottom-line strategy that simultaneously grows the economy, improves environmental quality, and increases opportunity for all.

For more information on the 2017 Summit and sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Lovenburg at susan@cafwd.org or (916) 244-1525.

Military Housing Resource Workshop – July 8

Policy

June 8, 2017

The San Diego Association of Realtors is hosting a Military Housing Resource Workshop on Saturday, July 8th from 9:00 a.m. – noon at the 32nd Street Naval Station’s Anchors Catering Center. Come learn about the VA benefits available to you, as well as, the home-buying process.

Find more details here.

Chamber’s Last of Three Workshops on the Potential for Stormwater Capture and Reuse Scheduled for June 29

Policy

June 8, 2017

The Chamber, in partnership with the Water Reliability Coalition, was awarded a grant by the San Diego Foundation to execute three workshops, a summit, and an awareness campaign around the potential for stormwater capture and reuse. The effort includes promotional videos promoting the workshops and bringing awareness to the concept released by the Chamber through member communications and social media. Both the first and second workshop were well attended and productive. The third will be held at the San Diego Foundation on June 29th. Attendance is free and open to the public. To register for the third workshop, click here.

To catch up on the most recent workshop, watch the following highlight video:

Innovation & IP Roundtable with Congressman Scott Peters on June 19

Policy

June 8, 2017

The San Diego Regional Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber to host a business roundtable on innovation and intellectual property on June 19 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm with a casual reception afterward. This event coincides with the annual BIO International Conference hosted in San Diego this year. We will be joined by special guest, Congress member Scott Peters, who is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Space is limited so be sure to register here: https://www.regonline.com/registration/Checkin.aspx?EventID=2010203.