News & Updates

Chamber Welcomes New Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

Uncategorized

December 19, 2023

The Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce Jessica Anderson as the new Senior Vice President of Public Affairs.

With an impressive background in public policy and a passion for community development, Jessica brings a wealth of experience to our organization after working as Director of Policy for Mayor Todd Gloria. Her dedication to fostering positive change aligns seamlessly with our commitment to promoting a thriving business environment making the San Diego region the best place to live and work.

Home Sales Down While Price Tags Increase

Uncategorized

December 19, 2023

The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors released their monthly report showing that, overall, single-family resale home prices were down by 17% in November compared to October. Single-family home prices are up approximately two percent and condos, and townhome prices are up one percent. 

Despite the decline in home sales, the report reveals that home prices have increased. This may seem counterintuitive, as a typical market trend might see an increase in demand leading to higher sales and potentially higher prices. However, in this case, it suggests a more complex market dynamic.  

The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors provides specific details on the price changes. You may check out the full report highlighted in this month’s Policy Update newsletter. 

See full report here

San Diego City Council Updates

Uncategorized

December 19, 2023

San Diego City Council Updates

Here’s what happened at the San Diego City Council Hearings this month:

  • City Council approved Chamber-endorsed Housing Action Package 2.0, a package of housing reforms and development incentives put forward by Mayor Gloria to spur housing production, especially for affordable and workforce housing. 
  • The Chamber Policy Team was an instrumental part of the advocacy efforts in support of the package for months and is pleased to see the Council support the package and continue the City’s efforts to address our housing crisis. 
  • Council President Sean Elo-Rivera was appointed as Council President for another term and Councilmember Joe LaCava was appointed as Council President Pro Tem.
  • The Council voted to declare a behavioral health bed crisis in the City and to direct staff to push for more funding and policies that will increase mental health resources and reduce hurdles in care at the county, state, and federal levels.
  • Lisa Jones’ received confirmation as President & CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission!

 

Ambassador Gonzalez ratified to serve in Los Angeles

InternationalPolicy

December 18, 2023

 

Chamber friend and partner Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez, currently serving as Consulate General for Mexico in San Diego, was ratified unanimously by the Senate yesterday to serve as Consulate General in Los Angeles. We wish him the best in this new position and know we’ll continue to have an ally to strengthen our ties with Mexico. Our region will welcome Alicia Kerber to our region and we look forward to our continued partnership with the Consulate now under her leadership. 

Learn more

Ped West Suspends Operations Indefinitely 

InternationalPolicy

December 18, 2023

 

(Video courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego)

 

This month, Ped West Land Port of Entry suspended operations indefinitely and reallocated local personnel to assist at other ports out of state. 

Elected officials and regional business leaders have expressed concern due to the devastating impact on San Diego’s economy and cross-border community, particularly amidst the busiest time of the year. Without PedWest, travelers are experiencing up to five-hour waits as the PedEast facility processes the up to 25,000 pedestrians that cross through San Ysidro every day. 

Subsequently, cross-border trade and commerce continue to be impacted at land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection suspended vehicle processing operations indefinitely at the Eagle Pass and Lukeville ports of entry in Texas and Arizona, respectively

A letter from a trade community coalition, in which the Chamber participated through our membership with the Border Trade Alliance, was sent to Appropriations Committee Chairs and ranking members urging support for language requested by the White House as part of a supplemental spending request that would fund 1,000 new CBP officers. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders and authorities on both sides of the border to address security concerns at the border while also prioritizing legitimate trade and travel, both tremendous economic engines for our binational region.

Six Leadership Action Team Partner Agencies Named by LEAD San Diego

LEAD

December 8, 2023

LEAD San Diego has announced its six nonprofit partner agencies for 2024. Members of LEAD’s Impact San Diego Class of 2024 will form teams to gain hands-on experience by working with these organizations to accomplish vital projects that will benefit the agencies and our community.

The Six Leadership Action Team Partner Agencies are:

Balboa Park Cultural Partnership is a nonprofit organization through which 25 full members of arts, science, and cultural organizations in Balboa Park collaborate to achieve greater organizational efficiency, innovation, and excellence. The Partnership’s member institutions vary in size and type and include museums, performing arts groups and theaters, cultural centers, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.

Black Entrepreneurs Leaders and Learners (BELL) was formed by a group of community leaders who share a mission to help create and connect opportunities for black & minority communities through entrepreneurship, ownership, education, and networking. BELL is creating generational wealth opportunities for its members through its programming and partnerships.

The Chicano Federation was formed in 1969 by a tireless group of advocates established to advance civil rights and civic participation of San Diego County’s Latine community (pronounced la-ti-ne, a gender-neutral form of “Latino” used by Spanish-speaking communities). The organization is open to all, serving clients regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital and/or immigration status. The Federation provides advocacy and social services, leveraging 54 years of experience as a trusted community partner and advocate for immigrants, refugees, and low-income, high-potential San Diego County residents. Because of Chicano Federation’s commitment to racial equity and social justice, it will be recognized as “2023 Outstanding Organization for Diversity & Inclusion” at the 51st annual National Philanthropy Day hosted by AFP San Diego.

Interfaith Community Services was founded in 1979 in response to rising rates of hunger and homelessness in North San Diego County. It has grown to become the most comprehensive human service agency in North County, serving 20,250 individuals last fiscal year. This includes homeless men and women, veterans, families with children, seniors, and persons with severe mental illness, long histories of substance abuse, and a range of chronic health issues, including those who are criminal justice involved. They provide both immediate safety net services and long-term, life-changing programs that help to stabilize and rebuild the lives of people in crisis. Programs include street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, recovery services, multiple models of case management, referral, and advocacy.

STAR/PAL‘s efforts are built around providing mentorship and removing obstacles for youth in historically underserved communities, and on promoting ethical policing and cooperation in the process. The organization was founded in 1988. Based in San Diego, STAR/PAL builds relationships between youth and law enforcement through a variety of leadership and mentoring programs focused on recognizing potential and supporting growth. STAR/PAL has been nationally recognized for its model of police and community collaboration, which models an example of ethical community policing standards and mentors under-resourced youth.

The League of Amazing Programmers is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that teaches coding to kids and teens in 5th-12th grade. Their mission is to help more youth, including girls and underserved students, acquire the skills and education needed to be leaders in the digital age, and contribute to the workforce of the 21st century. They aim to create a positive impact on all students by helping them develop critical thinking skills and self-confidence through learning computer programming.

Each Impact LAT will make a presentation about their completed project at their graduation event. It will be free and open to the public. Stay tuned to see how our Impact Class and Leadership Action Teams work together to make lasting changes within our region.

LEADers On The Move

LEADNews

December 8, 2023

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.

Kimberly J. Becker (Influence 2018) has been named Director of the Year, Large Airports Division by Airport Experience News.

Julie Coker (Influence 2022) is the Pioneer Award Recipient by the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals.

Danny Milla (Impact 2023) is now a Board Member for Casa Cornelia Law Center.

Alondra Alvarado (Advance 2020) is now the President and CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition.

Hernán Luis y Prado (Impact 2015, Influence 2023 & Board Member) has been named Veteran of the Year, 79th Assembly District by CA Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber.

Lisette Islas (Influence 2021) has been named Chief Executive Officer for Lifeline Community Services.

Jason Bowser (Impact 2007, Influence 2013 & Past Board Member) is now the Senior Vice President – Branch Banking, Investment Services, and Business Development of Mission Federal Credit Union.

Pamela Gutierrez (Advance 2023) is now a Board Member of Girls on the Run.

Ana Diaz (Impact 2014) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Pamela Gabriel (Influence 2020) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Susan Guinn (Impact 2014) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Emily Hill (Influence 2023) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Carrie Jones (Impact 2012) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Alessandra Lezama (Influence 2019) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Sarah Thompson (Impact 2019) is a finalist for the 2023 Business Woman of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal.

Sam Attisha (Influence 2011) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Valerie Attisha (Impact 2005 & Advance 2020) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Kimberly J. Becker (Influence 2018) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Phil Blair (Impact 1983, Past Board Chair) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Trevor Blair (Impact 2007, Influence 2017 & Past Board Chair) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Steve Brass (Influence 2016) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Betsy Brennan (Impact 2006 & Influence 2018) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dan Broderick (Impact 2005) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Jennie Brooks (Impact 2005) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Reid Carr (Influence 2011) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Paul Downey (Impact 1996) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Steve Espino (Impact 1990) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Jane Finley (Influence 2015) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

John Frager (Influence 2016) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Inez González Perezchica (Impact 2001) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Melissa Hayden-Cook (Influence 2015) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Peter Heald (Influence 2013) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Stephen Jennings (Influence 2016) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Rudolph Johnson, III (Impact 1994) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Steven Jones (Influence 2020 & Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Stath Karras (Impact 1994 & Past Co-Chair) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Sara Katz (Impact 1989) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Tim Keane (Influence 2020) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Daniel Kuperschmid (Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Susan Lew (Impact 1987) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Alessandra Lezama (Influence 2019) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Arnulfo Manriquez (Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Lidia S. Martinez (Influence 2011 & Former Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Mark David Milliron (Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Dan Moshavi (Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Michael Neal (Impact 2000) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Mark Neville (Impact 2015) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Eric Northbrook (Influence 2016) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Grant Oliphant (Influence 2022) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Lisa Ordóñez (Influence 2020) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Jason Paguio (Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Julian Parra (Influence 2009) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Tom Pellette (Influence 2010) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Cheri Pierre (Impact 2005) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Alan Prohaska (Influence 2015) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Liz Ramírez (Advance 2020 & Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Garry Ridge (Influence 2016 & Past Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Rip Rippetoe (Influence 2019) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Manuel Rodriguez (Influence 2019) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Nancy Rohland-Heinrich (Impact 2000, Influence 2017 & Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Mark Sanchez (Influence 2021) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Jerry Sanders (President, CEO & Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Nancy Sasaki (Impact 1993) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Jim Schmid (Impact 1984) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Elizabeth Schott (Influence 2023) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

James Sly (Impact 2015) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Sean Spear (Influence 2021) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Seth Stein (Influence 2014) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Pat Sullivan (Influence 2014) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Laura Tancredi-Baese (Impact 2004) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Tonya Torosian (Influence 2013 & Board Member) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Sidd Vivek (Influence 2022) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.

Brian Zotti (Influence 2013) has been named one of the 500 Most Influential People in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal.