News & Updates

Federal Spending Bill Approved

InternationalPolicy

February 14, 2019

On February 14th, both chambers in Congress approved a spending bill which allocates funding benefitting San Diego from transportation projects to reducing border wait times and addressing the Tijuana River Valley transboundary pollution issue. We applaud our Congressional delegation and representatives from government agencies who led the effort to ensure San Diego’s priorities were voiced in D.C.

Below are some highlights from the spending bill approved and signed by the President:

  • $191 million to renovate and expand the Calexico West Port of Entry, including a new pedestrian processing facility and additional north and southbound inspection lanes.
  • $15 million for EPA’s Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program to prevent sewage from flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border into the United States.
  • Funding for 600 additional customs officers to help expedite the movement of people and goods.
  • $570 million for non-intrusive inspection equipment across the border.
  • $100 million for the Mid-Coast Corridor in San Diego.
  • $3.3 billion for Community Development Block Grants to provide critical funding to state and local governments for infrastructure investments and to combat homelessness.
  • An additional $80 million for grants to address youth homelessness.

 

San Diego Water Supply Update

Policy

February 14, 2019

On February 7th, the Energy & Water Committee was given an update to the water supply in San Diego. City of San Diego, San Diego County Water Authority, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California were all encouraged by water levels in the region. They cited San Diegans’ ability to cut back on water usage as key in alleviating the region’s drought. All organizations mentioned that we were trending well and were optimistic on this year’s water levels.

San Diego Home Prices Rise 3.3% in a Year

Policy

February 14, 2019

San Diego region’s home prices rose 3.3 percent in the past year, according to the latest data in the S&P CoreLogic Index released January 29th. Employers continue to compete with states like Texas and Washington, for employees every day. Many employees face long commute times as they move further outside San Diego to secure the desired housing they cannot afford in San Diego. This hurts recruitment and retention, and makes our region less competitive overall.

Business Forecast Emphasizes Need to Address Housing Crisis

Policy

February 14, 2019

With the start of the new legislative session, businesses were asked what issue they would most like California’s legislature to work on. Addressing the cost of housing takes the top spot, with 29 percent of businesses wanting this issue prioritized. This issues is particularly important to the city of San Diego, as well as the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, which chose housing and homelessness as their top policy priority of the year. It seems the business community has the same concerns. Controlling healthcare costs for employers was a close second, at 27 percent. Third was providing infrastructure funding. Read the full report.

Disaster Preparedness Academy March 8th

Policy

February 14, 2019

Did you know that 74 percent of small businesses don’t have a disaster recovery plan? Or that up to 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major disaster? Take the steps now to prepare for a disaster that your business can recover. Join the America Red Cross and the Chamber for the third annual Disaster Preparedness Academy on Friday, March 8th from 9:00 –4:00 pm at SDG&E Energy Innovation Center. Participants will gain valuable skills and insights necessary to protect your business, employees, family and community from the potential impacts of disasters or emergencies. Register online today!

Mayor Faulconer’s Transit Priority Area Parking Reform Moving Forward

Policy

February 14, 2019

On January 31st, the City of San Diego’s Planning Commission unanimously approved Mayor Faulconer’s plan to reform transit priority area parking. The plan would allow developers to construct new apartment or condo buildings without on-site parking stalls if the project is within a half mile of a major public transit stop. Parking requirements currently can cost developers between $35,000 and $90,000 per space, depending on whether the parking has to go underground. That cost is ultimately passed on to renters and homebuyers, worsening the housing crisis. The Chamber has supported this project since December, because it would lower the cost of building housing and ultimately increase supply at a faster rate, making the San Diego region more affordable for working families. Similar to the Chamber’s rationale, the Planning Commissioners commended the plan for its intent to increase the housing supply, which is key to addressing the region’s affordability crisis while also encouraging non car mobility through biking, walking, and riding public transit. The Chamber’s Land Use and Housing Committee also voted to move the proposal forward to the City Council.

 

Small Business Roundtable Panel on Vibrant Communities

Policy

February 14, 2019

At the Small Business Roundtable on February 23rd, the group of heard from experts in neighborhood housing on the mix of housing and business and how the right balance creates vibrant communities. The panel emphasized the importance of housing for local and small businesses employees as well as creating a unique shopping experience for customers. The panel emphasized small businesses as a key to solving our region’s housing crisis. Watch the panel online.

More Housing Coming to Bankers Hill

Policy

February 14, 2019

On January 28th the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the Chamber supported 6th and Olive development project in Bankers Hill. Thank all of you who answered our call to action and encouraged San Diego City Councilmembers to vote in favor of the 6th and Olive housing development.

The project will add 204 new apartment homes to Bankers Hill, including 18 affordable units built on site and located throughout the building. The project shares a site with St. Paul’s Cathedral and will provide office and meeting space, as well as 70 onsite parking spaces, to support the cathedral’s ministry to the community. This project is important because San Diego’s housing deficit has resulted in record-high home prices and rising rents that present a real challenge for our workforce and employers throughout San Diego. The solution is building more homes. This project provides housing around a walkable neighborhood served by public transit, while also being close to major job centers, retail, and dining options.

Member Spotlight: Atlas General Insurance Services

Member Spotlight

February 5, 2019

Atlas General Insurance Services is a full-service program administrator that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. Atlas has expertise in developing and underwriting programs with a variety of insurance carrier partners. Atlas provides exceptional service and unique options for clients seeking workers’ compensation, commercial lines, and specialty property coverage.  With access to many A.M. Best ‘A’ rated markets, no premium thresholds, and a broad underwriting appetite, Atlas is your solution for Workers’ Compensation. We are the exclusive underwriting arm for Falls Lake Insurance Company, Accredited Surety & Casualty and have many other programs accessible only through Atlas.  Our underwriting staff is responsive and ready to work together for successful outcomes. Competitive commissions, flexible payment plans including 0% down, and exceptional claims and loss control services encompass our superior workers’ compensation program for our broker partners and their clients.

Atlas underwrites commercial insurance for small to medium sized businesses throughout the United States. We concentrate on Property, Casualty, Package, Inland Marine, Cargo, Auto, Excess and Professional Lines of business. We are a wholesale distributer as well as a program administrator that has exclusive authority to make underwriting decisions and customize coverage options for your clients.

Atlas’ Property Division focuses on Commercial Property and “Difference in Conditions” (DIC), including earthquake and incidental flood coverage. Atlas concentrates on DIC/earthquake and flood coverage for commercial property risks that are largely comprised of apartments, condominiums, shopping centers, retail/wholesale, office buildings, manufacturing and various industrial occupancies.

Atlas opened their doors in 2009, takes pride in giving back to the community and partnering with local business community.  We are now accepting applications for these risks.  For more information, or to find out how to become an Atlas producer partner, please visit atlas.us.com or call our Business Development team at (858)579-6700.

Member Spotlight: USA Lifestyle Show

Member Spotlight

February 5, 2019

USA Lifestyle Show will be the world’s premier trade event dedicated to lifestyle products which include Fashion, Home, Health, Food & Travel.

USA Lifestyle Show is being organized on May 11 & 12, 2019 at Hall E of San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, USA.

It’s where buyers scout fresh new items made specifically for them. The event strives to exhibit both new and established brands at the absolute top of the luxury segment, across art & antiques, apparel & clothing, interior & design, jewelry & watches, luxury cars, travel accessories, fashion accessories, health, fine foods, beauty, consumer electronics, home decor, home textile, house-ware, property, finance & luxury spirits.

This event focuses on hundreds of retailers, designers, and manufacturers from the world over.

USA Lifestyle Show offers unique branding opportunities with its 3 tier of premium sponsorship opportunities. One can choose from Platinum Sponsor – 1 Space Available, Gold Sponsors – 2 Space Available. Silver Sponsors – 3 Space Available, Category Sponsors – 12 Space Available.

USA Lifestyle Show will also offer 12 unique 1-hour workshops focusing on 12 areas of human life to improve and enhance. These 1-hour workshops will be open to the public and will have the capacity to sit 100. This is the unique opportunity for professionals like trainers, make-up artists, healers, spiritualists, dress designers, image trainers to display their skills and connect with 100 aspirants and also the huge audience of the trade show.

USA Lifestyle Show will be a fun-filled, lively and entertaining experience for the whole family.
USA Lifestyle Show has a separate food zone for tasting counters of delicacies, beverages, quick bites, soft and hard drinks.

USA Lifestyle Show is a lifetime experience! There is something for every one of you!

About Organizer
USA Lifestyle Show is organized by MIG Media Neurons Inc. It is registered in State of New Jersey in USA in August 2014.

USA Lifestyle Show is the 12th International Trade Show in row. The company and its affiliate company from India have successfully organized 11 International Trade Shows since October 2011. The company has organized its International Trade Shows in USA, UAE, Malaysia, Kenya and Sri Lanka. The company has organized 5 International Trade Shows in USA.

We are keen and determined to provide the LIVE branding platforms to businesses of all sizes. We firmly believe that continuous branding and promotions bring growth to the business.

The company has generated trade and trade leads worth US $ 562 Million amongst its 1500+ exhibitors. There have been more then 100,000+ visitors both from BtoB and BtoC segments.

Contact
Rushikesh Bhavsar – CEO
Call : +1 732 895 8887
Email : booking@usalifestyle.show
Visit : www.usalifestyle.show
Reach : MIG Media Neurons INC. 3525 Quaker Bridge Road, Suite 4100, Hamilton, New Jersey. 08619. USA.