News & Updates

Reestablishment of the Commission of the Californias

InternationalNewsPolicy

December 11, 2019

Governors Gavin Newsom (CA), Jaime Bonilla (BC) and Carlos Mendoza Davis (BC Sur)

Governors Gavin Newsom, Jaime Bonilla of Baja California, and Carlos Mendoza Davis of Baja California Sur, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding reestablishing the Commission of the Californias. The initiative creates a binational forum to share information on common interests and issues, as well as discussing strategies to approach a solution together. The three governors agreed that the Commission opens the door for business and cultural exchanges within the three states and strengthen existing connections.

Earlier this year, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, serving as the Governor’s Representative for Trade and International Affairs, led a delegation to Mexico City to open the California Trade and Services Desk in Mexico which will work to expand partnerships in cooperation, trade, and investment. Chamber Vice President Paola Avila took part in the delegation trip, where delegates met with various federal government agencies including Foreign Affairs, Commerce, and Agriculture. In addition, the State of California signed a collaboration agreement on sustainable agriculture; an agreement to expand relations in trade, investment, energy, and environmental policy; and a third agreement on clean energy.

The commitment signed by the three Governors builds on a history of collaboration and understanding between the three states and our binational community.

Save the Date: 2020 Binational Delegation to Mexico City

InternationalNewsPolicy

December 11, 2019

As we continue our region’s work to promote trade, reduce congestion at our ports of entry, and reduce transboundary pollution, we invite you to join our delegation trip to Mexico City and make a lasting impact: learn more here.

The 15th Annual Binational Delegation to Mexico City will take place from March 22 – 25, 2020. We are happy to announce our continued partnership with the Four Seasons Hotel who offers our delegates a discounted rate.

For an idea of what the trip entails, please click here for a recap of the 2019 trip and see what can be accomplished when we work together with a strong, unified binational voice. Video recaps are also available here: Welcome Reception; Day 1; Day 2; Day 3.

The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with the Mexican government to further strengthen the U.S.-Mexico relationship and advocate for projects and policies that will boost our economies and benefit our binational community.

For event details please visit our website.

 

RE:BORDER Conference Explores Water & Pollution Solutions

InternationalNewsPolicy

December 11, 2019

The panel at the RE:BORDER conference

The Chamber was proud to partner with San Diego State University and UABC on their first annual binational conference exploring key cross-border issues and innovative solutions. This year’s conference analyzed the use of water resources in Cali-Baja and innovative solutions with academic experts, practitioners, students, public policy experts, and community stakeholders.

Chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders moderated a panel discussion on regional challenges to effective water management. Experts shared regional efforts in mitigating transboundary pollution as well as lessons learned from developing the Carlsbad desalination plant.

Paola Avila, Chamber VP of International Business Affairs, served as master of ceremonies for the conference in San Diego. In addition, Avila led the closing interview with Congressman Juan Vargas, who shared his insight and experience on the challenges of dealing with two sovereign countries. Congressman Vargas also highlighted the region’s success in working together utilizing shared resources to address issues that impact communities on both sides of the border.

The conference was held in San Diego on November 25, and in Tijuana on November 26.

Member Spotlight: ResourceMFG

Member SpotlightNews

December 5, 2019

 

ResourceMFG is the first and largest nationally branded staffing company specializing in manufacturing that provides quality talent in all production skill sets, quality, maintenance, and supervisors for all levels of management.

Combining the advantages of national scale, with a deep, knowledgeable understanding of their clients’ business, San Diego county workforce data, hands-on manufacturing expertise, and powerful recruiting and retention tools, ResourceMFG is uniquely capable of refining recruiting to zero-in on manufacturers with the appropriate skillsets for each assignment they fill.

Their trained staff of specialists recruits and screens for nearly 300 manufacturing-specific skills by using more than 30 proprietary screening tools. They use these assessments to help clients assemble the right platforms for whatever workforce needs they require – from a trainable workforce to “floor-ready” skilled and highly skilled professionals.

ResourceMFG is a specialty division of EmployBridge, recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as the largest industrial staffing firm in the country. The company is helping close the skills gap in America’s supply chain by providing free, career-focused skills development to its temporary associates through the firm’s Better WorkLife Academy. For more information, please visit www.resourcemfg.com and www.employbridge.com

Sandra L. Kerl Appointed General Manager of the San Diego County Water Authority

NewsSan Diego

December 2, 2019

Board of Directors approves contract after nationwide search, starts new era

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors today approved a contract with Sandra L. Kerl to be the new general manager of the region’s wholesale water agency, following a months-long national search. The Board approved the contract in open session during its regular monthly meeting at Water Authority headquarters.

Kerl fills the position vacated by longtime General Manager Maureen Stapleton, who retired in March. Kerl has served as the agency’s acting general manager since Stapleton’s departure, working closely with the Board to lead a staff of approximately 250 employees at offices in Kearny Mesa, Escondido, the Imperial Valley and Sacramento.

“Sandy brings an ideal mix of leadership, experience and vision to guide the Water Authority into a new decade as the agency seeks innovative solutions that benefit San Diego County and the Southwest,” said Water Authority Board Chair Jim Madaffer. “Her creativity and collaborative approach ushers in a new era of partnerships and progress that has marked her work over the past eight months.”

Otay Water District Launches Its First Instagram Photo Contests

Member Stories

December 2, 2019

In celebration of its first year on Instagram, the Otay Water District is encouraging Instagrammers to enter its Thankful for Water and Drink Tap December Instagram Photo Contest(s) for a chance to win $50-$75 gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores in its service area. Four photos from each contest will be selected as the winners. Two photos will be chosen by Otay staff based on theme, originality and creativity, and two others for receiving the most likes on Otay’s Instagram page, @otaywater. The contests are created to serve as a reminder of all that is brought to you by water this holiday season.

The Thankful for Water contest is open for submissions until Dec. 6, 2019. The Drink Tap December contest is open for submissions until Jan. 2, 2020.

For details on how to enter, eligibility and prizes, visit otaywater.gov/ig-contest-19.

Member Spotlight: Falck

Member SpotlightNews

December 2, 2019

Falck joins the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce with over 100 years of experience serving the needs of communities across the globe. They are a proven leader in ambulance care with a strong commitment to serving families at their most critical time of need. With 30,000 employees worldwide, Falck is the largest international ambulance company in the world. With operations across the U.S., Falck is excited about the opportunity to bring their experience to San Diego. Falck joined the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to support the region’s economy and communities by maintaining a strong, diverse workforce, and providing unrivaled service to anyone in need.

Falck provides unparalleled service throughout California, primarily in the Bay Area, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. In Southern California alone, Falck serves more than 5 million people and responds to more than 350,000 emergency calls each year. Dannie Wurtz, the Director of Clinical Operations, and a San Diego County native, is proud to be a part of an organization committed to hiring a diverse and local workforce. “We owe our success to each of our staff who are very familiar with the communities we serve, which leads to better response times and better service,” she explains.

Falck is committed to giving back to its service communities and is busy making an impact throughout the San Diego region. They are proud to partner and support local private and nonprofit organizations, such as the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation, The Burn Institute, and the San Diego Red Cross. Falck is excited to continue to build and expand these and future partnerships to support the San Diego community.

To learn more about Falck’s mission and their recent activities, we invite you to take a look at their website and like their Facebook page.