September 11, 2017

Kimberly Hunt, News Anchor from 10 News, paid a visit to the Guadalupe Valley to learn about Baja’s wine industry. She had the opportunity to meet with Vineyard Monte Xanic’s CEO, Hans Backoff, and internationally renowned chef, Javier Plascencia, owner of a group of restaurants specialized in “Baja Med” cuisine. Plascencia describes his dishes as Mediterranean with a regional twist. At Finca Altozano, visitors enjoy regional cuisine with fresh ingredients from the valley’s ranches and gardens. Monte Xanic is one of the oldest vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe, recognized for its innovative ways of creating wine while still honoring traditions.

Last year more than 160,000 tourists visited the Guadalupe Valley in Ensenada, just two hours south of the U.S./Mexico border in San Diego. Every year, this number triples. Today, the Guadalupe Valley is home for over 150 wineries, and more hotels and restaurants are opening to keep up with the demand.

The Chamber supports all efforts promoting cross border commerce and tourism and encourages citizens to explore new places to increase the economic development of the San Diego – Baja region.

September 11, 2017

The Chamber welcomed Ambassador Bayan Sami Rahman, from Kurdistan (Iraq), who met with Director of International Business Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa, on August 16. The meeting provided insightful information about the presence of Kurdistan’s community in our region and allowed an open dialogue for collaboration opportunities.

Ambassador Sami shared Kurdistan’s need for foreign direct investment, particularly in infrastructure & housing, healthcare, tourism, and oil and gas services. Their office in Washington D.C. will be leading a U.S. trade mission to Kurdistan this fall and host an international trade show in Kurdistan in October on October 15^th to 18^th. This exhibition attracts local and international enterprises to explore business opportunities in Kurdistan Region & Iraq’s diverse markets, and stimulate bilateral trade relations with the region’s neighboring countries and the international community.

More information can be found here: http://www.eif-expo.com/show-hours-and-venue-guide

September 11, 2017

The Chamber has been working with Anthony Kleppe, Senior Asset Manager with the General Services Administration (GSA) to receive updates on the upcoming temporary closure of southbound vehicle traffic on the I-5 and I-805 freeways. Traffic will be redirected to State Route 905 from 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23^rd until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25^th, 2017. Therefore, access to Mexico through El Chaparral-San Ysidro Port of Entry will be closed during that period and rerouted to Otay Port of Entry via SR-905.

What you need to know:

• Northbound and Southbound pedestrian access will not be affected.
• After the 57-hour closure, three lanes on the east side will be open.
• In the following stage, four lanes (west side) will be in operation by Thanksgiving.
• The Mexican government committed to having most lanes open at El Chaparral-San Ysidro Port of Entry and continues its efforts to facilitate access to the Otay Port of Entry.
• Additional nocturnal closures will take place at the San Ysidro Port of Entry Northbound, Monday to Friday at 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., starting September 18 until December 30. The closure only affects the east side entrance to I-5 at night while a pedestrian bridge is built over it. Traffic will be rerouted to the west entrance to I-5 and is not expected to create any delays.

For more on the closure, please visit: https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/164586

September 11, 2017

On August 16, Jerry Sanders joined border Mayors and other elected officials from the United States, Mexico, and Canada for a press conference to urge federal leaders in Washington to support the modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement and continue their ongoing effort to make the region one of the most prosperous in the world.

Representatives from the U.S. included:

• Mayor of San Diego, Kevin Faulconer
• Mayor of Imperial Beach, Serge Dedina
• Mayor of National City, Ron Morrison
• Consul William Ostick from the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.

Representatives on behalf of Mexico included:

• Mayor of Tijuana Juan Manuel Gastelum
• Mayor of Mexicali, Gustavo Sanchez
• Ambassador Marcela Celorio from the Mexican Consulate in San Diego.

Additionally, Consul James Villanueva, from the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles, participated in the representation of our Canadian neighbors.

The group expressed their support of NAFTA and highlighted the importance of a renewed commitment to trade in North America. Mayor Faulconer commented, “trade between Mexico and the United States, moving through San Diego has increased threefold totaling $60 billion each year, a $5 billion growth under NAFTA”. The Mayors agreed on the economic driver NAFTA has been to the region and all three countries.

San Diego and Baja California have leveraged NAFTA to create a $2.5 billion manufacturing supply chain that supports co-production between the two cities. The Chamber continues its advocacy efforts in support of NAFTA through its support and involvement in tthese discussions A delegation of almost 150 binational business, community, and government leaders will travel to Washington D. C. from September 24^th to 27^th to advocate for NAFTA among other binational priorities. As part of the agenda, a trade panel moderated by Congressmen Darrell Issa will analyze and discuss the economic impact of trade nationwide and cover areas of opportunity.

For more on the press conference click here to read the press release.

August 7, 2017

On August 7^th, the Chamber hosted a Good Government Speaker Series roundtable discussion on NAFTA renegotiations with Congressman Darrell Issa. San Diego and Baja California have leveraged NAFTA to create a $2.5 billion manufacturing supply chain that supports co-production between the two cities. Congressman Issa highlighted the importance on modernizing NAFTA and harmonizing environmental standards amongst the three countries. Although communication between different government agencies across borders can be challenging, he added that when success gives you a problem, it is solvable. Problems arising from failures are much difficult to fix, but NAFTA has been a success all along.

The conversation turned to automotive manufacturing and how cars are a great example of products made in the U.S. with the support from Canada and Mexico. Today, 10% of San Diego’s jobs are in manufacturing, because companies allocate here to create intellectual property and co-produce with Mexico. As a result, manufacturing is the second highest paid sector in San Diego after IT. “NAFTA can systematically reduce the barriers on manufacturing across the border, let’s keep looking for opportunities” he added.

In closure, Congressman Issa noted that NAFTA renegotiations is an opportunity for a dialogue on immigration. He commented on the correlation between trade and immigration, and highlighted the need for nimble immigration policies which respond to the changing needs of trade. Rep. Issa further noted the importance of a guest worker program in order to address the shortage of labor force in the U.S. in certain industries and prevent hiring of undocumented labor.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Congressman Issa with the “Spirit of Enterprise” award, naming him the champion of small business organizations, for his 100% voting record on businesses’ highest priority issues last year.