News & Updates

NAFTA Renegotiations Continue into 2018

International

January 11, 2018

An intersessional round of negotiations for NAFTA were held in Washington, D.C. from December 9th to 15th, 2017. Lead negotiators from each country agreed to postpone the most controversial chapters until the sixth round of negotiations which will take place January 23rd-28th in Montreal, Canada. These remaining issues include rules of origin on U.S.-made content in the automotive sector, restrictions on agricultural products, and the five year sunset clause proposal.

Significant progress was made on chapters related to anticorruption, enterprises managed by the State, environment, financial services, and telecommunications. It is expected that the sixth round of negotiations allows the completion of some chapters and critical agreements in controversial topics.

U.S. Senator Jeff Flake recently spoke to address the economic consequences of leaving NAFTA, including the fact that Mexico spends 26 percent of its GDP on American goods, the increase of poverty and unemployment in the U.S. due to millions of jobs depending on trade, and potential rise of illegal immigration. A video of Sen. Flake’s remarks can be viewed here.

The Chamber continues its advocacy efforts to educate Congress and the business community on the importance of NAFTA and the positive economic impact it has had on the region and nation. On December 12, 2017, The Chamber submitted a letter for the record to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade which held a hearing titled: “The Future of the North American Free Trade Agreement”. You can read the letter here.

Additionally, on January 3rd, Chamber’s Vice President Paola Avila spoke as Chair of the Border Trade Alliance with host Ezra Shabot of Mexico’s MVS Noticias about the ongoing NAFTA negotiations. You can listen to the interview here.

Avila highlighted that negotiations must be addressed with urgency in order to minimize the uncertainty in the North American economy.

Member Spotlight: CODET Vision Institute

Member Spotlight

December 21, 2017

CODET Vision Institute is a world-renowned full-service ophthalmic institute whose main objective is the continuous development of the treatment of eye health. Located in Tijuana, Mexico, it is a first-rate facility that has had some of the most technological advances and breakthroughs in ophthalmology.

Led by the prestigious Dr. Arturo Chayet, specialist in Cataracts, Cornea and Refractive Surgery as well as his highly trained and experienced medical CODET team in, Retina and Uveitis, Glaucoma, Oculoplastic and Pediatric Ophthalmology, offers you an optimal healthcare option for people all over the world.

CODET Vision Institute’s principal characteristic is a desire within its walls to develop the best and most efficient treatments possible for the patients and, at the same time, treating them with the utmost care according to each and every individual case. The medical center’s objective is to provide the best eye healthcare in the world in a way that is safe, warm, and affordable for patients.

All of this is accomplished thanks to some of the latest innovations in the medical field for eye health: The first and only in Mexico Z8 Femtosecond Laser for refractive, corneal and cataract surgery; Panoptix® and Panoptix® Toric, one of the most advanced trifocal intraocular lenses only available in Mexico and not in the USA; the Light Adjustable Lens, the most advanced and innovative technology in intraocular lens in the world that will be soon available in Mexico, only at CODET (also not in the USA), and the MiBo technology for evaporative dry eye, available first and only in Mexico.

With all these breakthroughs, CODET is always on the lookout, creation, and development of all advances to help patients’ lives be a little bit easier when dealing with their eye conditions.

Another important feature is a combination of its location and its openness. CODET is located one mile from the USA border and provides free transportation from any county in San Diego to anyone who wishes to be checked or treated there at a fraction of the price. All staff and members of CODET are bilingual and have and will treat patients that come from anywhere with the same care and understanding as any other, while providing an opportunity for travelers and newcomers to get to know the major tourist attractions of Baja California.

CODET Vision Institute is not just a vision care institute but a dream, a well-established vision of the future in which it is not only the best ophthalmological institute in Mexico but in is a world renowned Institute. CODET is a 21st century endeavor that continues to grow and develop thanks to the help of its skilled staff and its wonderful patients. CODET always takes care of its patients in the now but also looks forward, always for the patient, always innovating.

Community Partner : San Diego Food Bank

Community Partners

December 15, 2017

This year for our Holiday Reception we asked attendees to bring non-perishables for the San Diego Food Bank. Below is a letter from Food Bank President James Floros on the impact our members and their donations had.

On behalf of The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, but more importantly, those we serve, thank you for once again partnering with the San Diego Food Bank for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Party! Your commitment to fighting hunger is evident: you donated a total of 255 pounds of food that will allow the Food Bank to provide 213 meals to those in need. That is a wonderful impact! Please extend our gratitude to all those involved.

One in six people in San Diego County face the threat of hunger every day. With the addition of the North County Food Bank, we now provide emergency food to 370,000 children and families, active duty military, and fixed income seniors living in poverty every month. You make it possible for them to bridge the gap between their limited income and their daily dinner table.

Your continued support is vital to our success and we deeply appreciate it. For volunteer opportunities, as well as information on our programs, please visit our website at
www.sandiegofoodbank.org. Thank you again for making a difference!

Warm Regards,

James A. Floros
President/
Chief Executive Officer
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Get Fit 30-Day Challenge Member Participation

Chamber Offers

December 13, 2017

The Chamber knows that healthy and happy employees are key to a productive and successful workforce. That’s why we’ve partnered with Kaiser Permanente to bring the Get Fit 30-day Challenge to all San Diegans.

If you’re ready to focus on health and wellness join the Challenge – it starts January 8th, 2018.

Each year, the Get Fit San Diego Challenge brings together more than 700 individuals – including corporate teams – to compete in health and wellness activities. We’re offering different opportunities to help businesses reach a community that’s ready to make a lasting change in their lives.

See the opportunities available below and what’s included. To participate fill out the form below or contact your Membership Director.

Tasting Event by Tequila Berrinche and Dos Culturas Coffee

International

December 12, 2017

Chamber new member Tequila Berrinche and Dos Culturas Coffee on their Inauguration Event happening Thursday, January 25th 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Marina Village Sunset Hall located 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, 92109. Attendees will be able to enjoy tequila tasting, appetizers, a live mariachi performance, art exhibition by Alejandro Loccoco, and more.

Their tequila is made of agaves that are transformed into a wide selection of tequilas: Plata (filtered and oxygenated); aged (4, 18, and 36 months); and diamond platinum (distilled 3 times and oxygenated twice). Tequila Berrinche is proud to employ local artisans from Jalisco, Mexico.

Please RSVP to gpinternational2017@gmail.com to be added to the guest list.

Cruise the Mediterranean with Master Sommelier David Glancy, Founder of The San Francisco Wine School

Sponsored

December 11, 2017

July 7th, 2018 – Azamara Quest – Rome to Venice – 9 Nights

 

On this stunning voyage, sail from one side of Italy to the other, with the remarkable Dalmatian coast in between. Beginning in Rome, you’ll travel to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Be sure to take an Amalfi selfi. From Amalfi, we travel to another medieval town atop a cliff, Taormina, where Mt. Etna (an active volcano) looms in the distance. Around Italy’s boot you’ll sail next to the Greek island of Corfu – turquoise water, gorgeous sand beaches, enchanting Old Town – home of the remarkable Bay of Paleokastritsa. Then up the Emerald Coast to the marble streets and 16th-century battlements of Dubrovnik.

(click for larger image)

Finally, sail to Venice, the most magical city on earth. And on this voyage, it becomes even more so. As our guest, you’ll attend the Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer), a religious celebration with a cultural side. At sunset, St. Mark’s Basin begins to fill up with boats of all kinds, and barges form a bridge to the island where the Church of Redentore sits. At 11:30, the fireworks begin, lighting up the spires, domes, and bell towers of the city. With the reflections in the water and on the ancient façades, there is really nothing else like it.

From $3,595.71 pp – Ocean View Stateroom

Includes:

  • All meals on board, including 24-hour room service
  • All-inclusive beer, wine and liquor
  • Pre-paid gratuities
  • Entertainment on board the ship
  • Welcome Wine Reception with David Glancy
  • Private Wine Tasting event with David Glancy
  • Private Group wine dinner on board
  • Private Wine Related Shore Excursions (to be announced for an additional fee)
When one didn’t exist, David Glancy created a Certified Sommelier Program at the Professional Culinary Institute (now known as ICC), successfully coaching more than 400 students to pass the Court’s Certified Sommelier exam.
Glancy’s program remains the only Certified Sommelier program officially approved by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Soon after in 2011, Glancy founded San Francisco Wine School to create the ideal educational setting from the ground up.
Read about his vision.
Glancy is one of only twelve people in the world to hold both the revered Master Sommelier diploma and a Certified Wine Educator credential. A certified French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Professional, and Certified Specialist of Spirits, Glancy has earned the credential for every program he teaches, and more. He taught wine and business management at Le Cordon Bleu’s California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, and served on the editorial board of Sommelier Journal. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Society of Wine Educators.
ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO WINE SCHOOL
San Francisco Wine School strives to open up the world of wine to serious students and enthusiasts everywhere while helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their career, or simply pursue their passions. Founded by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator David Glancy, San Francisco Wine School is the largest wine school in the U.S., offering the most thoughtful approach to wine study. Their inspired educational programs and workshops are taught in their state of the art wine education & events center and their cutting-edge virtual classroom by industry-leading instructors from all major educational disciplines. San Francisco Wine School’s curriculum features the best content in the business: expert course materials, carefully conceived wine flights, and in-depth blind tasting exercises designed to engage students, illuminate course content and enhance learning. Their brand new 4,000 sq ft wine education & events center is conveniently located just 5 minutes from San Francisco International Airport making it the perfect place to enjoy classes, industry seminars and tastings and host a wide variety of private events—from serious educational programs for wine/hospitality industry staff to team-building and other fun, social, private events for wine enthusiasts.

Learn more about the cruise: http://www.martindaletravelandtours.com/rw/view/9701

Join the IBA Committee

International

December 7, 2017

Through its international work, the Chamber drives the development of global policies that boost the economy through efficient cross-border commerce and robust international business, political, and cultural relationships. The Chamber supports the international needs of companies and organizations through the region and relies on its committees to consider emerging concerns, ratify policy positions, and inform and educate the private and public sector on issues critical to the binational business community. Policy actions adopted by committees are recommended to the Board of Directors and become the basis of the Chamber’s on-going advocacy efforts.

Through participation in the Chamber committees, members have an active voice in the organization’s decision-making process. Among other benefits, participating in the Chamber’s International Business Affairs Committee and/or one of the Chamber’s Public Policy Committees provides members with:

  • Ability to participate in events, workshops, and lobbying trips hosted by the Chamber
  • Help shape the Chamber’s advocacy efforts to grow our binational economy and create jobs
  • Access to discussions with elected officials and government agency leaders
  • Become team leaders at key IBA meetings in the Washington D.C. or Mexico delegation annual trade missions

If you are interested in serving on the International Business Affairs Committee, please contact the Chamber’s Director of International Business Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa, at kzamarripa@sdchamber.org or (619)544-1316.

NAFTA 2.0 Presentation by the Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office for Mexico in D.C.

International

December 7, 2017

The Chamber and the Mexican Consulate in San Diego co-hosted a presentation by Guillermo Malpica Soto, Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office for the Ministry of Economy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. The presentation’s purpose was to connect with the business community to share insight on the NAFTA negotiation rounds and Mexico’s overall strategy and priorities. Malpica Soto was also able to answer industry-specific questions from the Chamber members including the following highlights:

  • The chapters on SME and completely have been finished. New chapters include digital trade, labor, environment, gender and aboriginal groups.
  • Although not a chapter itself, entrepreneurship is addressed in several chapters as a desired result, i.e., facilitating digital trade and protecting small businesses.
  • Mexico remains optimistic, although alternatives include new trade agreements and negotiations with Brazil, European Union, Australia, Singapore, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which includes determining the suspension of the U.S. participation and those policies in which the U.S. had interest.
  • Mexico has proposed a review mechanism to counter the U.S. sunset clause. The negotiation strategy aims to make a statement on the undesired path to follow.
  • Among the top priorities for Mexico, negotiators seek to enhance North America’s competitiveness as a region in the global market and modernize the existing trade agreement.

The Chamber continues with its advocacy efforts in support of the modernization of NAFTA and a positive outcome that will benefit the binational economy of the region.

Cali-Baja Real Estate Investment Symposium

International

December 7, 2017

Chamber VP Paola Avila participated in “The Opportunities and Challenges for the Cali-Baja Region” panel which was part of the Cali-Baja Real Estate Investment Symposium. The event was held in Tijuana, and the panel provided attendees with an insight on business and investment opportunities in Baja California on the Real Estate sector.

The Chamber had previously organized a Cross-Border Business Forum at the beginning of November focusing on Baja’s property development, opportunities, and investment with guest speakers from the Metropolitan Institute for Urban Planning of Tijuana and stakeholders from both sides of the border who discussed the current status of the industry and the opportunities and challenges that the future may bring.

IBA Committee shares input to USCIS

International

December 7, 2017

On November 17th, the International Business Affairs Committee held a conference call meeting with staff from the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services in Washington D.C. The committee shared the Chamber’s position on immigration issues and discussed the region’s interests and concerns. The Chamber followed up requesting clarification and information on the following topics:

  • Information on a merit-based system’s priorities
  • Appeal processing time
  • Clarification on visa options and procedures for small businesses with no access to legal advice
  • Information on the public comment period for the entrepreneur role
  • Clarification on the immigration process for unwed mothers’ babies born outside of the U.S.

The Chamber will continue to follow up with USCIS and share any updated information as it becomes available.