News & Updates

Mayor Todd Gloria’s 2022 State of the City Address

Earlier this month, Mayor Todd Gloria gave his state of the city and focused on four top issues in San Diego: infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, and housing.

The Mayor announced bold plans to tackle these issues and we were pleased that plans for a housing package is a priority.   As we know, the region’s high cost of housing impacts businesses ability to attract and retain talent

Mayor Todd Gloria tweeted his speech here

CBP APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR IN SAN DIEGO

Sidney Aki was appointed as Customs and Border Protection Director, Field Operations (DFO) for the San Diego Field Office.

Mr. Aki served as Port Director at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport from 2006 to 2008. His responsibilities included oversight of the operational activities at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Oakland-Pontiac Airport, Lansing International Airport, Grand Rapids International Airport, Battle-Creek Airport and the Willow Run Airport.

Mr. Aki  also served as Port Director of the Laredo Port of Entry where his responsibilities included the operational and administrative oversight of six major operational locations in the state of Texas, including the busiest commercial truck crossing on the southern border.

Since July 2013, Mr. Aki has served as the Port Director of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. 

COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Extended Through September

On Tuesday, the paid sick leave expansion deal dropped. Governor Newsom was joined by Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins to announce the deal which will provide the benefit through September 30, 2022. Supporters have pointed to the benefit as a crucial way to keep sick employees home, and help close out threats of spreading COVID. The proposal is paired with the restoration of business tax credits including the research and development credits, and more money for the Small Business COVID relief program.

“California’s ability to take early budget action will protect workers and provide real relief to businesses reeling from this latest surge. Throughout this pandemic, we have come together to address the immediate impacts COVID-19 continues to have on millions of California families, both at home and at work. By extending sick leave to frontline workers with COVID and providing support for California businesses, we can help protect the health of our workforce, while also ensuring that businesses and our economy are able to thrive. We will continue to work to address additional needs of small businesses through the budget – they are the backbone of our communities and continue to be impacted by COVID-19.”

Read more here.

2022/23 California Budget Proposal

 

Governor Newsom unveiled his 2022/23 budget proposal. The Toplines: 

$286.4 billion budget with an anticipated $47B surplus. This includes the $2.7B he announced for expanded COVID testing and vaccine. 

He also included $3B over numerous years to address the gaping unemployment insurance fund debt which could bring some relief to employers who would otherwise foot that bill. 

$40 million will go to waive filing fees for new business, and an additional $150 million to continue the small business COVID-19 grant program. 

Review the full proposal here.

Vaccines Required for Foreign Travelers

The United States started requiring vaccinations for all border crossings on Jan 22.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide, the U.S. will require non-U.S. travelers entering the country by land or water to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning Saturday, Jan. 22.

The new rule affects both the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico border crossings and it includes travel for essential or non-essential reasons. Some exceptions include minors and diplomatic passport holders. This does not apply to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Current requirements to enter the United States:

  • All foreign travelers who intend to enter the United States will have to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as described by the CDC
  • You are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by air.
  • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required in indoor areas of public transportation, including airplanes.

Learn more here.

COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards

The COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) are still in effect. The workplace standards were updated in December 2021 to include minor revisions related to returning to work after close contact. The revisions became effective on January 14. In addition to these requirements, employers must follow public health orders on COVID-19. The latest order from the California Department of Public Health on January 5, 2022 requires the use of face coverings by all employees when indoors. More information on the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards is available in Cal/OSHA’s Frequently Asked Questions.

The fact sheets posted include:

Free PPE Available at the Chamber

With the rise of Omicron in the community, the Chamber is aware that businesses are in need of basic supplies to help protect their staff, clients, and customers. We have received a new shipment of PPE which will be available for all businesses.

  • PPE distribution will take place on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Chamber office: 402 W Broadway UNIT 1000, San Diego, CA 92101
  • We have N95 masks and sanitizer available to any business, nonprofit, or government entity. You do not have to be a Chamber member to receive PPE.
    • Update 2/11 – N95 masks and sanitizer are back in stock!
  • No appointment is needed, just visit the Chamber office on Fridays during the specified timeframe. PPE will be distributed on a first come basis.

 

 

Member Spotlight: Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) San Diego

What do you think of when you hear ‘supply chain management’?  In today’s business environment, the most prominent leaders look to supply chain as the ‘make or break’ critical business function.

“The supply chain stuff is really tricky” – Elon Musk

Where can your team stay up-to-date on the latest business issues and trends? How can you stabilize, streamline, and optimize your operations? How do you upskill your workforce so that they are ready to face the next supply chain disruption?

 ASCM San Diego is here to help!

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is the global leader in supply chain organizational transformation, innovation and leadership.  The San Diego Chapter focuses on education, career development, networking, and best practices for supply chain & operations management.

Building on their 55-year legacy of serving the San Diego community, they have developed new programs to serve Southern California, Southern Arizona, Baja California, and Sonora, MX.

Attend one of their complimentary webinars, network with other business professionals & thought-leaders, upskill at one of their workshops, seek an internationally recognized certification, and make sure to add your email address to receive their newsletter here.

 

Contact ASCM San Diego:

Homero Escandón, President

Amanda Hockley, Office Manager

For more information, contact ASCM at info@sandiego.ascm.org or visit their website at www.sandiego.ascm.org

 

 

Chamber Member Exclusive: Office Depot Special Offers

 

Get Fit Mobile Instructions

While Daily Endorphin performs maintenance on the Daily Endorphin app, here are steps for adding a shortcut to the log-in page to your Apple device’s home screen.

First, visit https://getfitsd.dailyendorphin.com/de/login from your device’s internet browser. 

Then, expand the options on the bottom of your browser. Click  “Add to Home Screen” and create a name for the shortcut. 

And you’re done! You’ll have the link to the app right on your device’s home screen.