News & Updates

Mexico’s COVID-19 Update

As part of international efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the U.S. loaned 4 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico and Canada – an action that will not have an impact on vaccine supply within the United States. Mexico is also undergoing the first phase of the clinical trials for their own COVID-19 vaccine called “Patria”.  If successful, the vaccine could help Mexico and developing nations that have otherwise struggled to secure doses from foreign companies.

Vaccine superstations are now operating across the state of Baja including the Toros baseball stadium and UABC University in Tijuana, with the city breaking the national record  by vaccinating over 45,600 people in only two days.  Mexico’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard issued a message urging border communities to continue to refrain from non-essential travel. An update on Baja’s confirmed COVID-19 cases and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus is available here.

Our partners at the Wilson Center shared an updated infographic outlining the successes and challenges that the U.S., Mexico, and Canada face as COVID-19 vaccination continues.

Measure C Returns

The Convention Center modernization effort that would also pump funds into homelessness services and road improvements has had a triumphant turnaround in recent weeks. Most recently, the City Council voted 8-1 to declare it a victory and asked the City Attorney to take the appropriate steps to put legally confirm the measure’s victory. This is all made possible by recent court cases throughout the state clarifying that such measures require only a simple majority instead of the 2/3 vote threshold. When the voters considered Measure C in 2018, they were just shy of 2/3 with over 65% of voters coming in favor.

Travel Restrictions at Land Ports of Entry

Following the extension of U.S. travel restrictions impacting land ports of entry until at least May 21, the Department of Homeland Security is undergoing an evaluation of metrics that would allow for a resumption of travel. According to a report by CNBC, the White House is looking toward the middle of May to relax restrictions across the Mexican and Canadian borders and on inbound travel from the UK, Europe, and Brazil.

The Chamber joined the Border Trade Alliance and U.S. business leaders in urging the federal government to lift travel restrictions on non-essential travel at our land port of entry. These restrictions continue to harm our economy and border communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, especially impacting small businesses and our cross-border workforce.

In Mexico, the federal government also implemented travel restrictions on nonessential travel across its southern borders. This action came as Mexico is under pressure to reduce the U.S.-bound migration from Central America. Baja Governor Bonilla issued a statement to confirm no action has been or is planned to be taken at our regional ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced Simplified Arrival at all of the pedestrian border crossings in the Rio Grande Valley ports of entry. The enhanced arrival process uses biometric facial comparison technology to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States. CBP officers will now be able to match the traveler’s passport photo from online government files helping to speed up international arrival processing.

As we continue to move toward economic recovery, we ask for your input on the

financial implications of streamlined cross-border trade processing at land ports of entry for the business sector. Please take a few minutes to respond to an online survey with The George Washington University here.

Katherine Tai is Sworn in as the New U.S. Trade Representative

Ambassador Katherine Tai was sworn in as U.S. Trade Representative and is the first trade representative since the George W. Bush administration to be approved unanimously by the Senate. In her first month, she already met with her Canadian and Mexican counterparts to follow up on the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada new trilateral agreement (USMCA). The three North American officials agreed to pursue a USMCA Free Trade Commission in the near future. 

As part of her conversation with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier, Ambassador Tai addressed Mexico’s next steps in the implementation of its labor reform. This took place after a coalition of U.S. trade associations and business groups submitted a letter to the administration bringing attention to Mexico’s labor commitments under the new trilateral agreement.

Business leaders from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada also urged their governments to fully implement USMCA and focus on enhancing a coordinated North American pandemic response and North American competitiveness. Last week, Ambassador Tai held virtual meetings with business leaders about increasing vaccine production, global health issues, and a proposed waiver to certain provisions of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also met virtually with labor unions and advocacy organizations regarding the same.

Member Spotlight: Slate Law Group

A NEW TYPE OF LAW FIRM: SLATE LAW GROUP

The term lawyer can induce feelings of stress and lengthy bills. With Slate Law Group, you’ll never wonder what the cost will be, or if you even need an attorney–they’ll tell you.

Slate Law Group was created to provide accessible and transparent legal help, whether you are an established business or just starting out, without the fear of surprising, jaw-dropping invoices or daunting judicial jargon.

PROVIDING THE BEST LEGAL ADVICE IN SAN DIEGO

The legal team is committed to serving clients and their unique needs. They are compassionate about connecting with people and being transparent in every aspect of law services and promise to deliver the following to every client and consultation:

01. THEY WANT TO HEAR YOU

No question is ever too much. As your legal team, they are there to provide a trusting and comprehensive environment to help you reach your goals.

02.STRATEGIES

Your legal strategy is everything. In hearing you, the team will see what your need and will take their experts to get you to the finish line, with your unique needs. Sound and comprehensive legal strategies will ensure you are always on the same page and will make the best of each individual situation.

03. EXPERIENCE

With decades of combined experience, there’s little the team has not already seen. Rest assured you can focus on your day to day life and operations and they’ll take care of the rest. Their team of leaders includes skilled professional in charge of their transactional department, a seasoned deputy DA and civil litigators in charge of litigation, and an IP expert combine with accounting, tax and HR experts.

04. RESULTS

With at focus on getting their clients the results they need and deserve – whether you are a small business or a large corporation – the Slate Law team is committed to your success.

Practice areas include: 

Workplace Harassment & Discrimination Lawyer

Corporate Lawyer

Small Business Lawyer

Startup & Entrepreneur Lawyer

Contract Lawyer

Business Litigation Lawyer

Trademark & Copyright Lawyer

 

Visit their website to learn more.

Applications For LEAD Influence and Advance Programs Close Friday

Curious about delving deeper but are not sure which program is right for you? We are accepting applications for Influence and Advance through this Friday. Learn about two of our leadership development programs below.

We created our Influence for our region’s C-level and senior executives to take the “Crash-Course on San Diego!” Influence covers a variety of topics over the course of a full and enriching three-day period and strengthens connections to our regional community. Visit our website to learn more about Influence.

For those passionate, top-performing women looking to further their careers, Advance is for you. Over a six-month period, elevate your career, expand your skillsets, build your network through our program specifically designed to empower and elevate women’s careers. Visit our website to learn more about Advance.

Available Career and Board Opportunities

Our partners have opportunities to get involved in our region and are looking for knowledgeable and driven individuals to fill those spots. Explore the available positions below.

Are you a medical professional with skills in environmental / community/ occupational/ toxicological medicine or a community member looking to broaden your leadership horizon? The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is now accepting applications for two qualified candidates to join the Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board. Submit your application by April 30.

The City of San Diego is Seeking a Chief of Race & Equity to lead the newly created Office of Race and Equity in driving the Citywide strategy to advance and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices into the culture and provisions of all City programs, services, and policies. Qualifications and the application process can be found here.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking a talented and creative Marketing and Events Coordinator. Essential duties of the position include the development, production, promotion and execution of Chamber Events. Explore the position and submit your cover letter and resume to Dana Stafford, Executive Director of Operations & Human Resources, at dstafford@sdchamber.org.

LEADers On The Move

We enjoy seeing what our graduates are doing and how they are making an impact on the world. Share your good news with us via email: lead@sdchamber.org.

Ben Moraga (Impact 2010), Betsy Brennan (Impact 2006 & Influence 2018), and Supervisor Nora Vargas (Impact 2006) now serve as Board Members on the Regional Continuum of Care Advisory Board. Read more.

Supervisor Nora Vargas (Impact 2006), Councilmember Vivian Moreno (Impact 2016), and Ileana Ovalle (Impact 2006) were inducted to the MANA National Ring of Honor. Stream here.

Elizabeth Fitzsimons (Impact 2013) is now CEO of Episcopal Community Services. Read more.

Lauree Sahba (Impact  2003) was named the 2021 San Diego Business Journal Business Nonprofit CFO of the Year. Read more.

Brian Zotti (Influence 2013) now serves as Board Member on the Regional Continuum of Care Advisory Board of The Special Needs Trust Foundation. Read more.

Elvin Lai (Influence 2017) now serves as an Executive Committee Member for the 2021 San Diego Light The Night Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Viry Martino (Impact 2017) was named a Woman of Influence in Construction, Commercial Real Estate & Design by the San Diego Business Journal. Read more.

Aine Shivnan (Impact 2017) was featured in the Blueprint for Success Series by Athena San Diego. Read more.

Satomi Rash-Zeigler (LEAD Board Member) was named a Woman of Distinction by Mayor Todd Gloria of the City of San Diego. Read more.

Natalie Ganz (Advance 2018 & Impact 2020) now serves as a Member of Board of Trustees for the San Diego Law Library Foundation.

Lisa Kelley (Advance 2020) is now the Marketing Manager at Nanosonics.

Nicole Marquel (Impact 2021) is now the Director of Development & Engagement at Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership.

San Diego Rotary Reception for LEAD – June 10

You are invited to a VIRTUAL Reception for an opportunity to meet with Rotarians to learn more about San Diego Rotary.

Where: Online via Zoom

When: Thursday, June 10 Time: 11:00 – 11:55am

Please register for the reception by June 4.

Then stay and join at noon via a separate Zoom link for our weekly program and hear guest speaker San Diego Symphony CEO, Martha Gilmer, give an update on the symphony’s “The Shell”.

Register today! 

Applications for Impact are Now Open

Applications are now available for our flagship program. Impact is designed for mid- to senior-level managers focusing on the issues and industries that are part of our region’s DNA. Impact includes monthly workshops featuring unique access to a variety of top community leaders who educate participants on what makes San Diego tick, the industries that power us, and the issues we face. Topics include:

  • Leading the San Diego Region & Our Regional Economy
  • Arts & Culture
  • Education
  • Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
  • Innovation
  • Military & Defense
  • Law & Society/Public Safety
  • Health & Housing in San Diego
  • Our Cross-Border Region
  • Graduation and Leadership Action Team Presentations

Apply now.