News & Updates

International Tribute Dinner Keynote Speaker: Julián Castro

Join us on Wednesday, November 14th for the International Tribute Dinner, as we delve into the current state of U.S.-Mexico relations and its effect on our region.

Hear from keynote speaker Julián Castro, former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and Mayor of San Antonio, TX. Julián will sit down for a conversation style interview led by Paola about his experience as mayor of the seventh largest city in the country – a city largely dependent on trade with Mexico. We’ll also ask him to share his thoughts on the future of the U.S.-Mexico relationship, from binational cooperation to trade and immigration.

This year, we’re proud to recognize the following outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in the binational efforts bridging U.S. and Mexican economies:

  • Cross-Border Collaboration Award: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and SAT (Mexican Tax Administration Service)
  • Cali-Baja Business of the Year: Calimax 
  • Cross-Border Leader of the Year: Former Congresswoman Maria Luisa Sanchez

Take this opportunity to network with leaders from both sides of the border. All considerations will be made in seating arrangements to help attendees meet new peers and make quality connections. Register now, as space is limited.

Chamber Releases Voter Guide for the November 2018 Election

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce released the 2018 General Election Voter Guide which includes positions for candidates and ballot measures. As the largest business PAC in the region, we want our members to know which candidates and measures are aligned with our pro-business efforts. The endorsements reflect the Chamber’s bipartisan commitment to making San Diego the most business-friendly region in the state. Download the PDF by using the link: 2018 Voter Guide

 

 

 

 

 

Paid for by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce PAC, committee major funding from San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Infrastructure PAC of the Association General Contractors and not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. 402 W Broadway Suite 1000 San Diego, CA 92101. FPPC: 1335312

San Diego Young Leaders Board Application

Member Spotlight: CKYFS Inc.

Jane Chou established her tax consulting business in 2009 to serve the San Diego community and has clients throughout the U.S. and world-wide. CKYFS Inc. is owned and operated by a Taiwanese woman who is a U.S. military veteran and is passionate about getting clients their dues.  The firm’s mission is to set their clients on secure financial pathways.  Our clients might come in with many financial problems, but by the time they leave, they will be on solid foundation and be ready to overcome any obstacles with ease. I am constantly striving to give my clients the best possible results by staying on top of tax codes and new regulations.

The organization provides year-round full services that specializes in five fields:

  • Tax preparations;
  • Accounting for personal income taxes;
  • Small business and corporate tax returns; and
  • Interpreting services for individuals & businesses from Mandarin Chinese to English.
  • Education consulting for individuals & business for academic needs or career enhancements.

Jane has an unusual combination of skills.  Here’s a little background on how she began her tax preparation and interpreting service business.  During the 2006 tax season, while serving in the Navy, Jane was a tax-preparer at the Fort George G. Meade Joint Installation Tax Assistance Center. Her contributions led to clients receiving over $2.6 million in refunds and she was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for Meritorious service as a tax preparer.

Prior to her career in tax preparation for the Joint Command in Maryland, Jane was a military linguist with over 10 years’ experience who specialized in document translation from Mandarin Chinese to English. She became a trained Mandarin Chinese Interpreter in San Diego and interprets for clients in healthcare, social service and education settings.

We invite you to stop by our office in beautiful downtown San Diego. We are located inside the Granger Building, an old, preserved historical building that was built in 1903. You will experience the classic treatment of CKYFS.

Jane is a member of the National Association of Tax Professional (NATP); California Society of Tax Consultants (CSTC); Veteran Mentor Network; Tax Business Owners of America; International Association of Women and is a Certified Acceptance Agent.

Kuo Yu Chou aka “Jane.”
Tax Consultant

Ms. Kuo Yu Chou (Ms. Jane Chou)
1744 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 892-5177

Contact Jane and CKYFS via email:  info@ckyfs.com 

Or visit their website: https://www.ckyfs.com/

“Time is Money!”

Member Spotlight: Colliers International

Accelerating our clients’ real estate success is Colliers International’s Real Estate Management Services (REMS) division’s number one goal. We are commercial real estate property management experts covering San Diego County’s unique property types and distinct neighborhoods. We create real estate solutions that solve our clients’ problems and position them for future success.

Colliers International upholds a unique client philosophy that focuses on our company’s strong culture and potential to grow – an approach that produces success. Since November 2015, Colliers’ REMS division has increased its property management portfolio by more than 2 million square feet. With our San Diego portfolio now reaching a total of 5.3 million square feet, Colliers’ REMS division continues to provide positive experiences for clients and communities seeking real estate management services locally and across the globe. We build client relationships on a foundation of enduring trust and memorable service.

Our philosophy is simple:

  1. We sit in your chair: We understand your strategy and focus our team to ensure your success.
  2. We hire the best people: We recruit, train and mentor our people to consistently produce creative solutions on your behalf.
  3. We advocate for you: We understand your needs, brand, strategy and culture to help roll out new initiatives and solve issues.
  4. No surprises: We value transparency and constantly communicate with you, so you’ll never be blindsided.
  5. Financials matter: We provide a dedicated account financial manager for all financial reporting and ensure it’s consistent and accurate.
  6. Recommendations not requests: We use our expertise to provide actionable recommendations that impact strategies and bring solutions.
  7. We’re on the forefront: We’re constantly tracking and implementing emerging strategies, trends and technologies like Augmented Reality to provide you with leading-edge services.

Whether you are a property owner, developer, tenant or investor, Colliers International has a highly specialized team of experts ready to help you achieve your real estate goals. Learn more about how Colliers’ REMS professionals can help you accelerate your success today!

Leslie Cusworth
General Manager, Real Estate Management Services
Colliers International
https://www2.colliers.com/United-States/Cities/San-Diego
leslie.cusworth@colliers.com

Mission to Washington D.C. 2018 Recap

The Chamber’s 12th annual “Mission to Washington D.C.” with a delegation of 140 San Diego and Baja California business and community leaders really made San Diego’s presence known in our nation’s capital. The delegation met with government officials, agency representatives, and policy makers to enhance understanding, build relationships, and advance policy that creates the best environment for businesses and neighborhoods to thrive. A broad range of issues were covered related to housing and homelessness, transportation and infrastructure, international trade and cross-border commerce, military and defense, and workforce development. A few of the highlights:

  • A new North American trade agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, was announced during our trip. This provided an ideal opportunity to discuss the agreement directly with those who negotiated or drafted the language, including the Canadian Embassy, Mexican Ambassador Gerónimo Gutiérrez, Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative. Delegates were encouraged to hear that the USMCA is viewed as a model for future trade agreements and an anchor for the trilateral relationship and economic prosperity. Now we focus our advocacy efforts on the legislatures of each country to ensure approval of the agreement.
  • Housing and homelessness was a topic discussed across several meetings, including with the Secretary of the Navy and other military leaders, and policymakers at HUD and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Delegates received input on programs utilized in San Diego, heard from the experts advising key lawmakers on the complexities of what is needed to move the needle on housing, and made the case for San Diego to receive more funding from federal programs.
  • The need for funding for transportation and infrastructure projects including the Mid-Coast trolley line, and Pure Water, as well as attention on the Tijuana River Valley pollution issue, were shared with Senator Dianne Feinstein and in meetings with the Department of Transportation and EPA.
  • Customs and Border Protection commended San Diego and Tijuana for being pioneers on innovative border infrastructure projects and pursuing pilot programs that increase border efficiency.
  • Military leaders were encouraging of partnerships between business/industry and the military. Discussion included a new potential MOU between the Marine Corps and City of San Diego regarding innovation. San Diego was praised as a leader for programs to address sea level rise impacts on Naval operations as well as community support for Navy personnel and families.

This is just a snapshot of the more than 40 meetings that took place over three days. Being in Washington and sharing our stories is critical to advancing the policies and projects that grow our economy and help make San Diego a great place to do business. The industry experience and perspectives our delegation brings raises our region’s profile, and informs legislators of the very real, local implications of what they’re doing in Washington. I’d like to thank everyone who joined us and helped make this trip one of the best yet. If you’re interested in lending your voice, we’ll be headed to Sacramento in February 26-27, 2019.

Member Spotlight: Mission Edge

Mission Edge is a 501(c)3 social enterprise organization dedicated to helping others do more good in the community. We do this by providing outsourced accounting and HR support which enables our clients to focus on their programs and services, saving them both time and money.

In addition, we run an incubator program for start-up nonprofits, as well as a social enterprise accelerator that helps nonprofits develop more sustainable business models based on earned revenue. We place corporate employees in pro bono skilled volunteer projects and board service roles, providing valuable community engagement opportunities for companies. Since 2012 we’ve served more than 230 nonprofit organizations and delivered more than 120,000 hours of direct services at discounts ranging from 10 to 50% of market rates.

All told, we’ve saved nonprofits more than $5.5 million.

Mission Edge
www.missionedge.org

Member Spotlight: StemExpress

At researcher request, StemExpress collects human blood and tissue and isolates cells using specialized protocols and cutting-edge lab technology. Our Stem Cell Collection Centers welcome community members willing to make a difference by donating blood or bone marrow to science.

Researchers using stem cells in their work are getting ever closer to exciting cures. One project nearing its final phase of testing is a cure for sickle cell disease. Scientists would remove bone marrow from a patient, fix the genetic defect in the stem cells, and reintroduce those cells to the patient to create a healthy blood system. Exciting medical research is being done around the world for new treatments and cures – and you can help!

Your donation of blood or bone marrow gives scientists the material they need to complete vital work. And you’ll be compensated $25-$350 dollars for your time and effort.

Make a difference and help accelerate medical research for a better and healthier future. Visit stemexpressdonors.com or call 877.900.STEM to schedule your first appointment today.

Site Manager – Mea Mattox
mmattox@stemexpress.com
858.221.7204
San Diego Stem Cell Collection Center
4520 Executive Drive, Suite #350
San Diego, CA 92121