December 18, 2022
This month, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated our region’s outstanding commitment to binational collaboration by honoring four individuals from San Diego and Baja California who are leading the way at the 2022 International Tribute Awards. View event photo album here
“The International Tribute Awards are a celebration of our binational region – the people, the success stories, and the attributes that make us one of the most dynamic regions in the world,” said Jerry Sanders, Chamber President, and CEO. “Our region has become a model for how bilateral relationships should function. We are taking this opportunity to thank those who are leading in advocating for policies and initiatives that help our region – and countries – thrive.”
This year’s International Tribute awardees are:
International Business of the Year: Energy Communications, Corp.
This Latina-owned small business was founded in 1989, representing the only local Spanish TV station in San Diego and the largest producer of Spanish content in the world known as Televisa Californias. Energy Communications, Corp. has made incredible strides beyond the business sector and cross-border by partnering with local government and nonprofit organizations in efforts to connect with the Hispanic population and support public emergency messaging to engage with this community.
International Leader of the Year: Carlos Jaramillo, Board Chair for the Tijuana EDC and CEO of Via Capital.
As Chair of Tijuana EDC, Carlos co-led efforts with the Chamber, bringing together nine business organizations from both sides of the border to promote the binational region and make it the top destination for foreign direct investment.
He was also a vital advocate for an initiative to increase private-sector engagement in public policy development in Baja California.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Dr. Maria Keckler and Dr. Ramona Perez with San Diego State University.
This award highlights the important role our region’s academic institutions play in promoting and strengthening binational relations. San Diego State University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, such as becoming a top Hispanic & Latinx serving institution, has uplifted collaboration between international communities within our region. Dr. Maria Keckler and Dr. Ramona Perez have been crucial to some of SDSU’s most successful programs and initiatives to help move our binational region forward.