News & Updates

Member Spotlight: Ryan Companies

The Team at Ryan Companies believes in the value of the buildings they design, develop, manage and construct. Not just for their dollar value, but the value they bring to the people who use them and the communities that surround them. For more than 80 years, this belief has driven Ryan Companies to take a holistic approach to every project, focusing first on the “why” behind a customer’s needs to achieve a better outcome in the end.

Three generations of Ryans have led the business, carrying on the principles they were built upon— integrity, honesty, civic pride and a sincere regard for people—while honing their skills and capabilities to stay ahead of today’s fast-paced world. They specialize in development, architecture & engineering, construction, real estate management and capital markets, collaborating at every step of the process to streamline operations and applying their experience to gain important insights into customer needs. Because they plan, design, build, own and sell buildings, they have a profound understanding of the intricate balance between beauty, function and cost.

As a $3 billion company, they operate across the country with offices that represent much of the United States. With an office in La Jolla, and projects throughout California from Santa Rosa to Chula Vista, they have established connections within the community and relationships with the best trades and suppliers, plus – they understand the particular rules and regulations within each area. But most importantly, because the community is their community, too, they are passionate about finding the right solutions for all neighbors and clients.

Learn more about our people and projects at www.ryancompanies.com

2021 Visionary Award Nominations

At LEAD San Diego, we believe in empowering leaders for positive change. Each year, we take time to recognize the inspiring individuals who are making a difference in our community at the annual Visionary Awards . We are now accepting nominations through July 30.

Nominate exemplary leaders in the following award categories:

The Neil Morgan Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement

Named for the late journalistic icon Neil Morgan, awarded to an individual who has served as a catalyst for positive change, resulting in a better future for our region.

 

LEAD Graduate of the Year

Awarded to a LEAD San Diego graduate who epitomizes excellence in community leadership.

 

Innovation & Economic Opportunity Award

Recognizing visionary leadership by redefining how we tackle challenges to create change or create economic opportunities that improve the quality of life in our region.

 

The Ronald Kendrick Memorial Award for Regional Collaboration

Named for late banking executive and community leader Ronald Kendrick, presented in recognition of visionary leadership as demonstrated through coalescing diverse communities, focusing on collaborative approaches to shared resources, synergies, and problem-solving skills for positive regional outcomes.

 

The Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for Cross-Border Region Building

Named for the late Charles Nathanson, a champion of cross-border communication and development, presented in recognition of visionary leadership demonstrated in addressing joint solutions to cross-border issues, further uniting San Diego and Baja California for a common future.

 

Submit Your Nomination 

Member Spotlight: Passion Fit

Passion Fit™ is a health, wellness and fitness company based in San Diego. The mission of the company is to empower people to flourish both personally and professionally through wellness. Passion Fit serves individuals, companies, non-profits, schools, universities and the media to help people transform their lives through a focus on fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, work-life balance, productivity, behavior change and professional strengths-based coaching.

Products, services and content include books, transformational programs, ongoing monthly memberships, online courses, personal and professional development coaching and consulting, local and livestream fitness and dance classes, an online boutique of activewear and accessories, wellness retreats, workshops and speaking engagements, a YouTube channel, a blog, newsletters, social media content and media appearances.

Passion Fit’s Founder and CEO, Reena Vokoun, also has a new book out called, The Wellness-Empowered Woman™, which is available online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Feel free to subscribe to the Global Passion Fit newsletter to learn more, and if you’re interested in business development partnerships or collaborations, please reach out to:

Reena P. Vokoun, Passion Fit, LLC Founder and CEO

Direct: 858-224-2806

Mobile: 415-845-5516

Website  Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  Twitter  LinkedIn

Rancho Guejito Reopens Tasting Room, Expands Event Capacity

Winery, vineyard and orchards on the 23,000-acre ranch provide picturesque setting for business retreats, weddings and more.

Rancho Guejito Vineyard is celebrating California’s reopening with the expansion of its event capacity, providing an exciting new venue option for business retreats, weddings and more – surrounded by the ranch’s unmatched natural beauty. Located in the heart of the San Pasqual wine growing region, the ranch has reopened its tasting room and is announcing a long-awaited expansion of its event capacity to groups of up to 250 people.

For many years, the ranch has received requests from patrons to host larger events, and that dream is now a reality. Featuring a winery and historic ranchlands with sweeping views of the 23,000-acre property, the ranch is San Diego County’s destination venue for events such as banquets, conventions and proms.

The idyllic natural setting of Rancho Guejito is an exquisite window into the region’s past. Located on one of the last remaining Mexican land-grants of Old California, Rancho Guejito boasts a unique climate and terrain. Vineyards planted on 40 square acres of fertile soil provide grapes for a growing selection of master-crafted wines. The land is roamed by herds of cattle and cultivated with groves of fruit trees producing avocados, grapefruits, Cuties, and lemons. Event planners can schedule a hayride tour of the groves and vineyards for guests – always a popular and memorable activity.

The ranch has an on-site tasting room, where guests can compare their favorite selections of red and white wines. The tasting room is located at the historic Rockwood Ranch Farmhouse. It features shaded gardens with scenic views looking out towards the expansive ranchlands.

With the rich history of the ranch and its picturesque terrain, there is truly nothing else like it in California or even the world. As an event venue, it provides a flexible outdoor space with multiple options for backdrops and location around the tasting room grounds.

Rancho Guejito Vineyard is located at 17224 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

For more information, visit https://www.ranchoguejitovineyard.com/.

City of Chula Vista to Host Redistricting Workshops

The City of Chula Vista will hold a series of redistricting workshops to allow the public to submit questions, suggestions, and relevant information for consideration. Redistricting occurs every decade following the release of census data to redraw boundaries for the four City Council districts.

Take a look here for additional information on the upcoming workshops and other opportunities to get involved.

Cross-Border Vaccination Program

Following our binational region’s leadership, Texas donated 50,000 doses of the J&J vaccine to their Mexican neighbors. The cross-border vaccination program will first cover manufacturing workers in Ciudad Juarez. Our local cross-border vaccination program was a success thanks to the leadership of the Mexican Consulate, San Diego County, and UCSD Health. Over 26,000 workers of US-owned assembly plants in Tijuana received the vaccine at a facility within the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry.

In addition, the distribution of 1.35 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine previously donated by the U.S. to Mexico came to an end having immunized individuals aged 18 – 39 in border communities. The Mexican federal government reported that 16 vaccination centers with 306 substations were installed across Baja. Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard assured that vaccination rates in Tijuana are now comparable to San Diego and urged the U.S. federal government to lift travel restrictions impacting land ports of entry at least taking into consideration immunized regions.

City of San Diego’s Development Services Department Update

The City of San Diego’s Development Services Department continues to make online improvements as part of their #DigitalDSD initiative to modernize DSD workplace systems, increase construction productivity, and improve the customer experience. Included in these improvements are a small business and restaurant assistance program and online permitting for building, grading, and engineering. The Chamber is encouraged to hear of the progress that DSD is making and will continue to be a part of collaborative stakeholder discussions that evaluate the effectiveness of DSD services and programs.

US & MX Officials Visit Border Region

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border last month joined by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The trip to El Paso came a few weeks after their visit to Mexico City and the announcement of a shared agenda to foster U.S.-Mexico cooperation. An agreement was also made on economic development and trade-related issues, with both governments participating in a High-Level Economic Dialogue in September to address economic priorities such as strengthening and modernizing cross-border management.

President Lopez Obrador also visited the border region. The trip started in the city of Mexicali where a review of the fiscal stimuli for the Northern Border took place with input from the business community. He then traveled to Tecate to officially inaugurate the National Guard local facilities, which was followed by a visit to a militarized high school in Tijuana. This was President Lopez Obrador’s third visit to Baja.

Cross-Border Non-Essential Travel Update

Temporary restrictions on non-essential travel across shared ports of entry between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico were extended for an additional thirty days to August 21. With northbound waits of up to six hours at the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry during the past months, border restrictions and delays continue to impact businesses across our region. Mayors Todd Gloria (San Diego), Alejandra Sotelo-Solis (National City), Serge Dedina (Imperial Beach), and San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas joined at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to urge the administration to lift travel restrictions impacting land ports of entry. The Chamber also shared an overview of the negative economic impact these restrictions have had on our business community and cross-border workforce.

President Lopez Obrador shared that he is working with the U.S. federal government to lift restrictions following the distribution of 1.2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine amongst individuals aged 18 – 39 across Baja. Since restrictions were not lifted this month, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard stated that he will submit a proposal to the Biden administration to gradually lift restrictions based on regional vaccination rate. He added that the city of Tijuana’s vaccination rate is now comparable with San Diego.

Mexico City Summit: August 31 – September 1

In the last few years, we’ve seen significant progress on several of our region’s key priorities like USMCA, the new North American free-trade agreement, solutions to address pollution issues in Tijuana River Valley, and completion of landmark border infrastructure projects. Reaching these milestones is a testament to the power of our region’s longstanding commitment to binational collaboration.

We need all the voices that make up our diverse and dynamic cross-border business community to make a strong, lasting impact. That message is most effective when we have a large, diverse representation of business and community leaders joining us.

Registration is now open for this year’s Mexico City Summit, which provides an opportunity for participants to meet with key federal officials and diverse business industry leaders to discuss the major areas of focus: border infrastructure, transboundary pollution impacting the Tijuana River, and trade & economic opportunities. 

Attendees will also benefit from the opportunity to network during a special in-person reception on August 31 and cultivate strong political and business relationships.