October 5, 2026
Regional Business & Economy
Seminar 1 of the 2026-2027 Impact program was nothing short of spectacular. Insightful presentations, a dynamic panel discussion, a beautiful host location, and an incredible tour. Starting the program off right!
The Impact program wouldn’t be possible without our amazing partners, and we thank The US Grant Hotel, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and the Right to Dream Academy for hosting us, as well as our CEU provider, National University, as well as our series sponsor, SDGE, and scholarship sponsor, Hunter Industries.
We kicked off the day with a beautifully catered breakfast, sponsored by The US Grant, followed by an introduction from LEAD’s Executive Director Veronica Perondi, who walked through the agenda and what to look forward to. She then introduced our hosts for the day, Doug Korn (11), General Manager, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and Ronaldo Santiago (26), Director of Sales, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Fun fact: this whole seminar began as a great idea from Ronaldo, Impact Class of 2026, who brought the concept to his boss, and it evolved from there!
Doug and Ronaldo shared their experiences with LEAD, with Doug noting that he first heard about LEAD in the very room where we held the seminar. They then gave a brief history of The US Grant, from its grand opening in 1910 to its role as the city’s business hub in the 1910s and 1920s. From there, the pair explored the connection between Sycuan and The US Grant, and how the hotel was acquired in 2003.
Our first presentation featured Eduardo Velasquez, Vice President of the San Diego Regional EDC, who delved into our regional economy and gave the class a broad view of how San Diego operates, the data driving it, and what to expect moving forward. He noted the large number of small businesses in our region, highlighting that 60% of employment in San Diego comes from small businesses, compared to a national average of around 30%. It’s one more thing that makes our region unique.
We then moved into a panel that took a closer look at some of the industries shaping our region. Moderating was Richard Clarke, Clinical Professor, Academic Coordinator, MSSCM, Knauss School of Business, USD, and our panelists included Dan Baldner, Head of San Diego Finance, ASML; Aimee Faucett, President and CEO, Building Industry Association; and Eddie Sprecco, Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of America San Diego Chapter Inc. We heard about the challenges facing the development and building industries, the politics affecting the region, and the trends shaping manufacturing, including recent shifts in semiconductor acquisition.
Next came a deep dive into small business from Briana Weisinger, MA, MBA, Assoc. Regional Director, San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network. Briana broke down how the network helps small businesses and their owners, and the resources it provides. She highlighted the importance of trust and how building relationships can make all the difference. She also spoke to the current hardships in reaching certain communities due to the political landscape and mistrust of governmental entities, even though the SBDC is not a governmental organization.
After a beautifully catered lunch, also sponsored by The US Grant, the cohort rode to the Right to Dream Academy on a bus graciously provided by Sycuan. Upon arrival, they heard from Adam Day, Chief Administrative Officer, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, who gave an impactful presentation on the history of the tribe, the leaps and bounds it has made, and its future trajectory. Jeff Cook, EVP, Head of Academy, Right to Dream Academy, followed with the story of San Diego FC and how the academy came to be in San Diego. As one of the few academies of its kind in the world, it offers remarkable opportunities for prospective young futbol players, no matter their family’s economic status, location, or accessibility. San Diego FC was kind enough to gift the cohort some fantastic swag, and we headed out for a tour of the impressive campus, even meeting a couple of students and hearing their journeys!
We ended the day with a wonderful social back at The US Grant, where the hotel was lit up in LEAD blue and red. The cohort even enjoyed a special drink made just for the occasion.
Seminar 1 was a fantastic start to the program, and we couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by not only well-known leaders, but also kind, supportive, and passionate partners to LEAD San Diego.