News & Updates

Announcing the 2017 Visionary Awards Honorees

Continuing the tradition of honoring outstanding leaders and their work to improve the San Diego and Northern Baja California region, LEAD San Diego is hosting the 2017 Visionary Awards, Southern California’s premier leadership recognition event, on Thursday, June 8 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

“Leadership is the catalyst for positive change, providing a better future for our region,” said Lorin Stewart, CEO of LEAD San Diego. “We are excited to recognize these engaged, civic-minded leaders who give selflessly of their time and talent to make a difference in our community.”

The following individuals will be honored at the June 8 event:

Anne Ledford Evans

The Neil Morgan Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement

The Neil Morgan Memorial Award, named for the late San Diego journalistic icon, is awarded annually to individuals who have provided long-term quality leadership in our region. This year, the award will be presented to Anne Ledford Evans, who founded Evans Hotels with her late husband William D. Evans. Named chairman emeritus of Evans Hotels in 2014, Anne Evans presided over the company as chairman of the board for 30 years. In 1953, Evans Hotels was awarded the first long-term lease on Mission Bay for the Bahia Resort Hotel; the company developed the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, also on Mission Bay, in 1958, and opened The Lodge at Torrey Pines in 2002. Evans is a member of the California Tourism Hall of Fame and serves on the board of advisors of the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. She’s also a member of the Founders Circle of The Preuss School UCSD. Evans is a former chair of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and served as secretary of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. She has received the lifetime achievement award from Corporate Directors Forum and has been named Hotelperson of the Year by the San Diego Hotel-Motel Association.

Shara Fisler, Class of 2003

LEAD Graduate of the Year

The LEAD Graduate of the Year Award is presented to a graduate of LEAD San Diego’s flagship issues-focused education program who epitomizes excellence in community leadership. This year, the award will be presented to Shara Fisler, founder and executive director of Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI), a nonprofit organization that uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities to transform their lives, their community, and ultimately our world as scientific and environmental leaders. Through the past 15 years, Fisler’s leadership has enabled ODI to engage more than 65,000 young people in rigorous, ongoing science programming that enables curious youngsters to grow into aerospace engineers, environmental consultants, molecular biologists, and other professionals who make a difference. Fisler’s dedication to program integrity and business development have allowed the organization to grow into a nationally recognized model. She leads a full-time staff of 25 and manages a $2.3 million annual operating budget. Recognition of Fisler’s accomplishments include the 2016 CNN Hero Award; the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring; the California Society for Ecological Restoration President’s Award; the Union Bank/KPBS Local Hero Award; the Sunset Magazine Coastal Hero Award; and the Western Society of Naturalists’ Naturalist of the Year Award.

 Joe Panetta

The Ronald Kendrick Memorial Award for Regional Collaboration

Named for the late banking executive and community leader, the award is presented in recognition of visionary leadership as demonstrated through coalescing diverse communities, focusing on collaborative approaches to shared resources, synergies and problem-solving skills for positive regional outcomes. This year, the award will be presented to Joe Panetta, President, CEO and a member of the board of directors of Biocom, California’s largest and most-experienced leader and advocate for the life science industry. Biocom works on behalf of more than 800 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital development, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs. Panetta leads an experienced professional staff of 42, with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. Together with a 60-member board of directors, he advances initiatives that help members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. Panetta is co-founder of the Biocom Political Action Committee, the Biocom Institute for education and workforce development, and chairman of the California Biotechnology Foundation. He is past chairman of the Council of State Bioscience Associations and founding chairman of the State Medical Technology Alliance. Panetta serves on the board of directors of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and CONNECT.

 

Mark Dankberg

Economic Opportunity Award

Each year, LEAD San Diego presents the Economic Opportunity Award in recognition of a visionary leader who has created economic opportunities that, absent their efforts, might not otherwise exist. In 2017, the Economic Opportunity Award will be presented to Mark Dankberg, who co-founded ViaSat (headquartered in Carlsbad) in 1986 and has held the position of chairman of the board and CEO ever since. Dankberg is an acknowledged industry expert in the communications, aerospace and defense sectors, and is the leading visionary for a new generation of ultra-high capacity satellite systems. He holds a number of patents in communications and satellite networking technologies; has participated on Department of Defense advisory panels; and has received a number of innovation leadership awards, including the 2016 Director of the Year award by Corporate Directors Forum, induction into the Society of Satellite Professionals International Hall of Fame in 2015 as well as Via Satellite Magazine’s Satellite Executive of the Year, among others. Dankberg began his career with the Collins Radio Division of Rockwell International, and at Linkabit Corp., where he held positions in engineering, technical management and business segment management. He earned B.S. EE and M.S. EE degrees from Rice University and is a member of the Rice University Electrical and Computer Engineering Hall of Fame.

 

Dr. James W. Turpin

The Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for Cross-Border Region Building

The Charles Nathanson Memorial Award is named for the late champion of cross-border communication and development and recognizes visionary leadership demonstrated in addressing joint solutions to cross-border issues, further uniting San Diego and Baja California for a common future. This year, the award will be presented to Dr. James W. Turpin, founder of Project Concern International (PCI). While a physician in Coronado, Dr. Turpin volunteered at a health clinic in Tijuana, where in 1961 he saved the lives of two small children who were dying of pneumonia. The experience inspired him to found PCI to fight disease and poverty among the world’s most vulnerable people. Dr. Turpin led the organization for almost 15 years, heading its expansion to areas of need in Asia, Africa and the Americas, while always staying active in Tijuana and the border region. Building on Dr. Turpin’s vision to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable people in Tijuana, PCI has facilitated health and development programs throughout the region for more than five decades in areas spanning maternal and child health; infectious disease (HIV/AIDS and TB); community and public health; violence prevention; gender equity; and local capacity building, urban upgrading, and resilience. After his official role with PCI ended, Dr. Turpin re-entered private practice in North Carolina. Now retired, Dr. Turpin continues to advocate for PCI; because of his legacy, PCI helps empower more than 19 million people annually to end hunger, enhance health and overcome hardship.

The recipient of the 2017 Community Spotlight Award, which recognizes unsung community heroes who improve lives in our region through extraordinary dedication to people, organizations or causes and comes out of the monthly 10News LEADership Awards, will be announced at the Visionary Awards on the evening of June 8.

Title Sponsor of the 2017 Visionary Awards is Bank of America. Other confirmed supporters to date include Southwest Airlines, Anchor Sponsor; Wells Fargo, Community Spotlight Sponsor Reception Sponsor; Union Bank, General Reception Sponsor; WD-40 Company, Theme Sponsor; CBRE, SDG&E, Qualcomm, San Diego Business Journal, and 10News, Presenting Sponsors; Moss Adams, Sweet Endings Sponsor; and WD-40 Company, Trumpfheller Libation Station Sponsor.

January Policy Update

XBorder Lunch

WEDNESDAY: Cross-Border Vision for 2017 Luncheon
With the inauguration just days away and as the future of international trade remains uncertain, more than 200 elected, business, and community leaders will gather to share one unified vision for the cross-border business community.

Dr. Lee E. Ohanian, the UCLA Economics professor who served as an advisor to the presidential campaigns of John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Jeb Bush, will share his insight as we align priorities for the Cali-Baja region.

Click here to save your spot today.

Sacramento

2017 Chamber Leadership Delegation to Sacramento: Feb. 28 – March 1
As the nation prepares for a Trump administration, key legislators in Sacramento have expressed a clear intention to defend conflicting goals with respect to: international trade, immigration, climate change, the Affordable Care Act, and more. While our state leadership navigates the new political landscape, they’re looking for input on how policy decisions will affect local communities.

Now is the time for business, community and policy leaders to unite and share their insight on policy directives. Lend your voice to our Leadership Delegation to Sacramento and help us ensure the priorities of Sacramento reflect the needs of San Diego’s regional business community.

Policy priorities for this year’s delegation include:

  • Transportation and Infrastructure Funding
  • Housing Supply and Affordability
  • Climate Change
  • Water
  • International Trade & Commerce
  • Legalized Marijuana Regulations
  • State & Federal Elections

Chamber members – save $75 and register now before the January 31 early bird deadline. To join the Chamber’s hotel block at discounted pricing, be sure to make hotel reservations before February 10.

Capitol

Governor Brown Releases California State Budget Proposal
Yesterday morning, Governor Brown released his budget proposal and outlined his priorities for the year. A large portion of the budget will be determined by actions at the federal level, but our Sacramento lobbyists have provided a helpful overview of where the state will begin to negotiate.

Read the full memo here.

White House

Incoming Trump Administration and New Congress Set Ambitious Goals Including ACA Repeal
The incoming administration and recently sworn in Congress have set a full agenda for their first 100 days. Many details remain uncertain, but we expect an expedient repeal of the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.”

ate on Wednesday, Republican Senators approved a budget blueprint that represents the first significant step in repealing the Affordable Care Act on a 51 to 48 vote. The Chamber’s Healthcare Committee, active in producing comments and educating membership about the implementation of ACA years ago, will continue its role to ensure the ACA replacement is fully vetted while advocating for stability for businesses and individuals trying to comply with this complex law.

Interested members can contact the Healthcare Committee staff liaison, Stefanie Benvenuto, at sbenvenuto@sdchamber.org.

mexico

Mexico Replaces Foreign Minister with Advocate of Trump’s
Visit to Mexico

In an attempt to improve its relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump, Mexico’s President, Enrique Peña Nieto, has named Luis Videgaray as his new foreign minister. Videgaray made headlines last year when resigning his cabinet position after the political fallout from his support of Trump’s visit to Mexico.

Videgaray will serve as Mexico’s main representative during the NAFTA negotiations with Trump’s administration.

lyft

Airport Authority Considers Future of Lyft & Uber
Chamber staff testified in support of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board continuing permits for transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber & Lyft.

The Authority Board voted to approve the permit for TNCs through 2017 while also reducing its environmental tax.

liberty

FEEDBACK WANTED: Share How Immigration Affects Your Business
As reports indicate that a border security bill may be one of the top priorities for the new Congress, Business Forward – a national non-profit organization for job creators – is seeking input from business stakeholders.

Help them share feedback with members of Congress by providing your input below.

Should immigration reform be a priority for Washington?

sdyl 2

Seeking New Interns for Chamber’s Policy & IBA Departments
The Chamber’s International Business Affairs (IBA) and Public Policy departments have several internship opportunities available. For more information and to apply, visit the Chamber’s Careers page.

capitol2

Business Organizations Across the Nation Unite in Support of Regulatory Accountability Act 
The San Diego Chamber signed on to a coalition letter urging the 115th Congress to act on the Regulatory Accountability Act in early next year. The letter was signed by 380 chambers and associations from around the country, sending a strong message to Capitol Hill that regulatory reform continues to be a critical priority for the business community.

buildings

New Year, New Leadership: City and State Committee
Chairs Announced

Our policy team compiled a handy summary of new committee leadership assignments at both the state and municipal level.

Read it here.

kamala

Kamala Harris Sworn In; Xavier Becerra Nominated as
Attorney General

The United States welcomed its newest Senator from California, former state Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Following her election win, Governor Brown was quick to nominate Xavier Becerrato replace her in the role of Attorney General. His confirmation hearing began January 10th.

gaspar

Supervisor-Elect Kristin Gaspar Sworn In January 9
Chamber-endorsed candidate Kristin Gaspar was sworn in this week to represent the County’s 3rd District. Gaspar will represent the coast from Del Mar to Encinitas along SR-52, including Carmel Valley, and I-15 from Tierrasanta to Escondido.

Gaspar hired Supervisor Horn’s former Chief of Staff and 2016 SDYL Member, Dustin Steiner, to lead her team. Steiner was honored by the Chamber at the 2016 Legislative Lounge for his excellent work at the County.

More News

New Year, New Leadership: City and State Committee Chairs Announced

California State Legislature:

Assembly Member Todd Gloria enters his freshman year in the State Assembly as part of leadership. Gloria was named Assistant Majority Whip by Speaker Anthony Rendon.

Also of note, Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez takes another round as Chair of the vital Appropriations Committee and Assembly Member Shirley Weber will lead the Public Safety Budget Subcommittee. On the Senate side, Senator Ben Hueso returns as Chair of Energy, Utilities and Communications.

Rounding out Vice Chair assignments include Public Safety and Constitutional Amendments Committees for Senator Joel Anderson and Business, Professions & Economic Development for Senator Patricia Bates.

For a full list of Senate and Assembly assignments click on the links below.

San Diego City Council:

Council Member Myrtle Cole was voted by her colleagues to be Council President for 2017 with Council Member Mark Kersey assuming the role as Council President Pro Tem. Council President Cole will also chair the Rules Committee in this capacity.

For a full list of committee assignments and appointments to outside organizations click on the links below:

Member Spotlight: Baja California Railroad, Inc.

bjrrBaja California Railroad (BJRR) is the railway company that operates the Tijuana-Tecate short line in Baja California, Mexico. Our main activity is the transport of freight & goods between both sides of the California’s border; working under high-quality standards, delivering an efficient, safe and sustainable service bringing competitiveness for the region.

BJRR is located in one of the most prominent industrial corridors in México, reaching over 1,500 “maquiladoras” in the region. Every year the company handles more than 3,400 railcars a year.

bjrr-photo-1BJRR connects to the northwest with San Diego Imperial Valley Railroad (SDIY), exchanging railcars in Downtown San Diego with BNSF, a Class One railway in the US; on the northeast, the railway connect with Union Pacific (UP), achieving the full connectivity for the bi-national region.

Desert Line Project by BJRR

bjrr-photo-2The desert line was built more than a century ago, motivated by the strategic vision of connecting by rail San Diego and Arizona. The rehabilitation of the desert line puts us on the right track on strengthening the infrastructure and capacity of BJRR; thanks to the MTS approval and the investment that will allow the come and go’s of logistic cargo, benefiting the San Diego – Tijuana Region.

The project will have an investment of more than 70MD which will be used to rehabilitate: 112.75 KM or railway / 57 bridges / 17 tunnels. This project has MTS approval and the supervision of CBP and DOT. The completion and operability of the railway is expected to be April 2019.

bjrr-photo-3Benefits of the Desert Line

  • Optimizing logistic in the Cali-Baja region
  • Double stack capacity
  • Reduce cross boarders waits
  • Intermodal facility
  • Full connectivity with class one railways
  • Clear Southern California’s highways & freeways of traffic

Contact Information

Website: www.bajarr.com

Jorge Izquierdo E.
Sales and Marketing Executive
jizquierdo@bajarr.com   /   clientes@bajarr.com
Phone. + 51 (664) 607 5168  /  01 (619) 207 4607
Mobile.+ 51 (664) 669 0817

México
Ave Ferrocarril #1
Col. Libertad P/B
Tijuana B.C.

USA
3065 Beyer Blvd.
Ste. B103
San Diego, CA 92154

Member Spotlight: Seasons 52, San Diego Seaport District

seasons-52-logoWe believe incredible food starts with excellent ingredients, and there’s always something new to discover at Seasons 52 Seaport District. Conveniently located in The Headquarters adjacent to Seaport Village and a short walk from nearby Gaslamp District, Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar offering a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced at the peak of freshness, complemented by local artisanal spirits, craft beer, and an ever-changing wine list.

patio-fire-pit-couchesAs our guest, you expect seasonally inspired fare year round – from entirely new chef innovations to a seasonal take on more traditional dishes, like brick-oven baked Flatbreads and our classic Mini Indulgence desserts. The menu changes quarterly, but there’s always something new to discover as ingredients come into their prime throughout the year.

We’re open every day for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and everything in-between. Join us at the bar for our Sunset at Seasons happy hour on weekdays from 4-6:30 p.m. – complete with Chef-inspired small plates, signature cocktails, and wine and beer selections. Or, pop in for Sunday brunch from 10am-1pm for unique chef creations and cocktails before a stroll downtown. With an open kitchen, bar seating and two exceptional patios to choose from, we have the atmosphere for any occasion.

exteriorLocal California and artisanal spirits serve as the focal point of our bar, and guests can enjoy handcrafted, seasonal cocktails thoughtfully prepared with their favorite spirits from the region. We also partner with regional breweries to offer a selection of craft beer. It’s not California without an excellent wine selection! We offer an impressive wine list with at least 52 wines available by the glass, and a carefully crafted “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” list of up-and-coming wines for you to try.

Looking to host your next dinner or private event? At Seasons 52 Seaport District we offer a welcoming atmosphere for casual social gatherings and business meetings alike. In addition to a Chef’s table, our three state-of-the-art private dining rooms can accommodate up to 100 guests. Our flexible private and semi-private dining spaces dining spaces are AV equipped and include access to one of our two exceptional patio spaces.

For any questions or to book a reservation, don’t hesitate to reach out at (619) 702-0052.

Chamber Board Votes to Support County Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan

The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support the County’s Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan (CREP) with detailed recommendations to ensure the business community’s voice is heard. While CREP’s efforts are similar to the Climate Action Plan, the plan is still separate – where the latter incorporates renewable energy as a component of its plan, CREP focuses on energy exclusively.

Among the Chamber’s recommendations:

  1. Initiate and lead both a regional and collaborative dialogue about the best practices to reduce carbon emissions while prioritizing the transportation sector,
  2. Prioritize county decisions based on the most cost-effective strategies to reduce emissions, minimizing risk, and maintain flexibility
  3. Continue to explore all opportunities for increasing renewable energy including through future and existing programs already authorized by the State and offered by San Diego Gas & Electric.

For a detailed briefing of the Chamber’s analysis, click here.

Nominations Open for Young Leaders Board

Join the Chamber Young Leaders Board of DirectorsSDYL40_logo

Do you know a San Diego young professional, age 21 to 40, with a commitment to community involvement and professional growth? Help us cultivate our San Diego Young Leaders program and nominate them for the Board of Directors.

Entering its second year, the San Diego Regional Chamber Young Leaders (SDYL) program drives young professional growth in the San Diego-Baja region by providing the relationships, mentoring and community awareness necessary to become an influential business leader. The Board of Directors responsibilities will include directing the group’s goals and setting the standards for success with respect to recruitment and professional development priorities.

To nominate someone for the 2017 Board of Directors download and complete the nominations form available here. Deadline for nominations is January 13, 2017.

For more information and to submit your nominations contact Hannah Castillo, Leadership Development Manager, at hcastillo@sdchamber.org.

 

Gerry Seelman with Amec Foster Wheeler to Retire Chairmanship of DVM Committee

Gerry Seelman, Chamber Board member and current chair of the Defense, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee has been promoted in his role at Amec Foster Wheeler and has decided to retire as chair of the committee. The Chamber team is extremely appreciative of all of the time and energy he has put into making the committee what it is today.

Gerry, thank you for your leadership, guidance, and insights.

New San Diego Councilmembers and City Attorney Sworn In

Congratulations to incoming San Diego City Councilmembers: Barbara Bry – District 1, Georgette Gomez – City Council District 9, and Chris Ward – City Council District 3; and incoming City Attorney, Mara Elliott.

Returning councilmembers include Mark Kersey and Scott Sherman, and Mayor Kevin Faulconer will also be sworn in for a second term.

Chamber Hosts 2016 International Tribute Dinner

dsc_0473The Chamber hosted its International Tribute Dinner Thursday, December 8 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. More than 200 business executives, community leaders, and elected officials gathered to hear a thought-provoking discussion – moderated by Chamber VP Paola Avila – with former United Nations Ambassador Enrique Berruga-Filloy and Dr. Antonio Ortiz-Mena, the former Head of Economic Affairs at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The main topic of discussion: how a Trump presidency will affect the cross-border economy.

“This year’s presidential election has put a spotlight on our binational region, making our role at the Chamber as a champion for cross-border commerce, connections and collaboration more important than ever…

Those of us who live and work here are embracing this time as an opportunity to showcase the people, projects, and attributes that make Cali-Baja one of the most vibrant and globally competitive regions in the world and we are proud to be a part of that effort.”

dsc_0502Jerry Sanders, San Diego Chamber President & CEO

While both guests agreed Trump’s attitudes towards Mexico and NAFTA are troubling, they also remained hopeful, emphasizing the need for local players to step up. Similarly, Marcela Celorio – the “cross-border” Mexican Consul General – delivered an address emphasizing the two countries’ common values and called upon leaders to continue to follow them in the aftermath of the election.

dsc_0511The Chamber also presented two awards recognizing projects that have made a difference in enhancing the economic prosperity of our border region:

  • SMINSA and Scripps Health were presented the “Cross-Border Collaboration” award for their partnership in building the first binational hospital.
  • Cross Border Xpress – who recently celebrated its one-year anniversary – was presented with the “Change Maker” award for revolutionizing travel between our countries and showcasing the great opportunity that exists through collaboration.

For more highlights and photos from the 2016 International Tribute Dinner, follow the hashtag #ChamberTribute16 on Twitter and check out the Chamber’s photo album on Facebook.