News & Updates

Tom Reott Named New U.S. Consul General in Tijuana

NewsPolicy

August 26, 2021

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Tom Reott to the region as the new U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, a three-year assignment starting this month. Reott is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with 20 years experience in the Department of State, at both headquarters and overseas. He previously served as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. In addition to Mexico, Reott has held overseas assignments in Spain, India, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Belgium in the U.S. Mission to the European Union.

We look forward to continued collaboration with the consulate under his leadership. Read more about Tom Reott’s new career in English and Spanish.

Ribbon Cutting – Asterra

Ribbon Cuttings

August 17, 2021

Jerry and members of the Chamber team joined over 100 for the recent celebration at the Town and Country for Utilis as they launched their new brand ASTERRA.  On August 5, 2021, they hosted honored guests at a reception where ASTERRA was presented with the inaugural Innovation Award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Vice President Heather Collins.

ASTERRA products, such as Recover, lower the cost of finding potable water leaks by using a patented algorithm and satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. It uses reflected signals from a satellite to detect the underground presence of potable water. A staggering 9000M gallons of water are saved every year through ASTERRA solutions, with an average of 3.3 leaks found per day at each subscribing utility.

At the event, Elly Perets, CEO of ASTERRA, spoke about the company’s new brand. He said, “Utilis creates technology that is powerful. This technology is essential. It is a way to look at the earth and help by seeing it in a way that no one else can.” He went on to say, “This technology is used to strengthen infrastructures in the smallest of towns and in the largest of cities. This technology has so great an impact on the terrain of the earth that it needs a new name . . . ASTERRA.”

Together, they marked two great milestones, one is the Innovation Award, and the other is the transition from a leak detection company to a data provider for the greater infrastructure industry.

Click on the link to view a video that was shown at the event.  Follow ASTERRA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Stream the event here.

LEAD Graduate of the Month: Idara Ogunsaju

LEAD

August 9, 2021

LEAD San Diego Board Chair and Impact 2017 Graduate, Idara Ogunsaju

Hello fellow San Diego LEADers, As LEAD Board Chair, I am proud to be a part of LEAD San Diego.  It is an honor to support this network of change-making leaders, leaders who are doing important work in our community. I hope to continue fostering connections with you all in-person at our Annual Visionary Awards later this year. Until then, forge bonds, tap into connections made, and LEAD strong!

Fun Fact: I am a mom of 3 amazing kids!

 

 

LEADers On The Move

LEADNews

August 9, 2021

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.

Amanda Flisher (Engage 2021)is now a Board Member for the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

Sam Attisha (Influence 2011) is now the Senior Vice President of Cox Communications.

Connie Broussard (Impact 2017) is now the Lead Attorney, Litigation, Employment Law & Compliance for the Obama Foundation.

Alessandra Lezama (Influence 2019) is now a Board Member for the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

Jenna Anderson (Advance 2021) is now the Associate Director, Marketing for the San Diego Public Library Foundation.

Tess Radmill Sangster (Impact 2017) is now the Community & Economic Development Director for the City of San Marcos.

Ja’Mar Montgomery (Impact 2019) is now the Disability Unit Manager for the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association.

Sarah Brothers (Impact 2018) is now the Vice President, Marketing & Communications for the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

Christine Antoine (Impact 2014) is now a Board Member for the South County EDC.

Sarah Lyman (Influence 2021) is now a Board Member for the Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. Read more.

Karina Helgeson (Impact 2021) is now the Development Officer for San Diego State University.

La Monica Everett-Haynes (Advance 2019) is now a Board Member for the Episcopal Community Services.

Melissa Peterman (Advance 2019 graduate & SDYL Board Member ) is now the Executive Director for Townspeople.

Amy Jaramillo (SDYL Board Member) was the recipient of the Chamber’s Customers First Award at the Summer Splash & Small Business Awards.

Josh West (Impact 2018) is now the Senior Vice President & Partner at Voit Real Estate Services.

Tana Lorah (Impact 2013) is now the Lobbyist & Public Affairs Strategist for The Clay Company.

Idabelle Gutierrez (Impact 2021) is now a Member of 2021 Latina Success Leadership Cohort for MANA de San Diego.

Eight Chamber Members Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2021 Women of Influence 50 Over 50

News

August 9, 2021

We congratulate those named as San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence 50 Over 50. Of those 50 women leaders, we are proud to recognize the eight who are Chamber members. Having strong, gender-balanced leadership yields robust analysis, thoughtful workplace policies, and enhanced decision-making.

Congratulations:

Cheri Pierre of Computers 2 Kids

Debbie Chelberg of Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency

Deeanne Snyder of the San Diego Convention Center

Janice Brown of Meyers Nave

Juli Moran of Deloitte

Lisa Chan of Wheelhouse Credit Union

Marcela Escobar-Eck of Atlantis Group Land Use Consultants

Susan Couch of Bank of America

Click here for the full list.

16 Chamber Members Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2021 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under Forty

News

August 3, 2021

We congratulate those named as San Diego Business Journal’s 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under Forty. Of those 40 individuals, we are proud to recognize the 16 who are Chamber members. We hope you all continue to create a vibrant, healthy regional economy for businesses and residents to thrive.

Congratulations:

Chamber Board Member Aaron Ryan, Executive Director & Jason Egnew, Executive Director of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Sustainability & Industry Committee Chair Hanna Grene, Director of Energy Industry of Microsoft

Adrian Ayala, Estimating Manager of PCL Construction, San Diego

Chad Patterson, Executive Vice President of Dexcom

Cody Barbo, Founder & CEO of Trust & Will

Dan Meeh, Chief Estimator of Swinerton

Daniel D’orazi, Executive Vice President of Breakthrough Properties

Elvin Lai, President & CEO of Ocean Park Inn

Evan McDonald, Senior Vice President of Colliers

Jasmine Khan, Director of Logistics and Fulfillment & Michael Riga, Director of Information Technology of Cymbiotika

Michael Farrington, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Brand, and Communications & Tristan Ribar, Vice President of Finance &  of Nuvasive

Nick Frasco, Managing Director of Longfellow Real Estate Partners

Sheena Peoples, Senior Vice President of San Diego County Credit Union

 

Click here for the full list of winners.

Member Spotlight: Ryan Companies

Member Spotlight

July 29, 2021

The Team at Ryan Companies believes in the value of the buildings they design, develop, manage and construct. Not just for their dollar value, but the value they bring to the people who use them and the communities that surround them. For more than 80 years, this belief has driven Ryan Companies to take a holistic approach to every project, focusing first on the “why” behind a customer’s needs to achieve a better outcome in the end.

Three generations of Ryans have led the business, carrying on the principles they were built upon— integrity, honesty, civic pride and a sincere regard for people—while honing their skills and capabilities to stay ahead of today’s fast-paced world. They specialize in development, architecture & engineering, construction, real estate management and capital markets, collaborating at every step of the process to streamline operations and applying their experience to gain important insights into customer needs. Because they plan, design, build, own and sell buildings, they have a profound understanding of the intricate balance between beauty, function and cost.

As a $3 billion company, they operate across the country with offices that represent much of the United States. With an office in La Jolla, and projects throughout California from Santa Rosa to Chula Vista, they have established connections within the community and relationships with the best trades and suppliers, plus – they understand the particular rules and regulations within each area. But most importantly, because the community is their community, too, they are passionate about finding the right solutions for all neighbors and clients.

Learn more about our people and projects at www.ryancompanies.com

2021 Visionary Award Nominations

LEADNews

July 27, 2021

At LEAD San Diego, we believe in empowering leaders for positive change. Each year, we take time to recognize the inspiring individuals who are making a difference in our community at the annual Visionary Awards . We are now accepting nominations through July 30.

Nominate exemplary leaders in the following award categories:

The Neil Morgan Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement

Named for the late journalistic icon Neil Morgan, awarded to an individual who has served as a catalyst for positive change, resulting in a better future for our region.

 

LEAD Graduate of the Year

Awarded to a LEAD San Diego graduate who epitomizes excellence in community leadership.

 

Innovation & Economic Opportunity Award

Recognizing visionary leadership by redefining how we tackle challenges to create change or create economic opportunities that improve the quality of life in our region.

 

The Ronald Kendrick Memorial Award for Regional Collaboration

Named for late banking executive and community leader Ronald Kendrick, 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.

 

The Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for Cross-Border Region Building

Named for the late Charles Nathanson, a champion of cross-border communication and development, presented in recognition of visionary leadership demonstrated in addressing joint solutions to cross-border issues, further uniting San Diego and Baja California for a common future.

 

Submit Your Nomination 

Member Spotlight: Passion Fit

Member Spotlight

July 22, 2021

Passion Fit™ is a health, wellness and fitness company based in San Diego. The mission of the company is to empower people to flourish both personally and professionally through wellness. Passion Fit serves individuals, companies, non-profits, schools, universities and the media to help people transform their lives through a focus on fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, positive mindsets, healthy lifestyles, work-life balance, productivity, behavior change and professional strengths-based coaching.

Products, services and content include books, transformational programs, ongoing monthly memberships, online courses, personal and professional development coaching and consulting, local and livestream fitness and dance classes, an online boutique of activewear and accessories, wellness retreats, workshops and speaking engagements, a YouTube channel, a blog, newsletters, social media content and media appearances.

Passion Fit’s Founder and CEO, Reena Vokoun, also has a new book out called, The Wellness-Empowered Woman™, which is available online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Feel free to subscribe to the Global Passion Fit newsletter to learn more, and if you’re interested in business development partnerships or collaborations, please reach out to:

Reena P. Vokoun, Passion Fit, LLC Founder and CEO

Direct: 858-224-2806

Mobile: 415-845-5516

Website  Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  Twitter  LinkedIn

Rancho Guejito Reopens Tasting Room, Expands Event Capacity

Sponsored

July 22, 2021

Winery, vineyard and orchards on the 23,000-acre ranch provide picturesque setting for business retreats, weddings and more.

Rancho Guejito Vineyard is celebrating California’s reopening with the expansion of its event capacity, providing an exciting new venue option for business retreats, weddings and more – surrounded by the ranch’s unmatched natural beauty. Located in the heart of the San Pasqual wine growing region, the ranch has reopened its tasting room and is announcing a long-awaited expansion of its event capacity to groups of up to 250 people.

For many years, the ranch has received requests from patrons to host larger events, and that dream is now a reality. Featuring a winery and historic ranchlands with sweeping views of the 23,000-acre property, the ranch is San Diego County’s destination venue for events such as banquets, conventions and proms.

The idyllic natural setting of Rancho Guejito is an exquisite window into the region’s past. Located on one of the last remaining Mexican land-grants of Old California, Rancho Guejito boasts a unique climate and terrain. Vineyards planted on 40 square acres of fertile soil provide grapes for a growing selection of master-crafted wines. The land is roamed by herds of cattle and cultivated with groves of fruit trees producing avocados, grapefruits, Cuties, and lemons. Event planners can schedule a hayride tour of the groves and vineyards for guests – always a popular and memorable activity.

The ranch has an on-site tasting room, where guests can compare their favorite selections of red and white wines. The tasting room is located at the historic Rockwood Ranch Farmhouse. It features shaded gardens with scenic views looking out towards the expansive ranchlands.

With the rich history of the ranch and its picturesque terrain, there is truly nothing else like it in California or even the world. As an event venue, it provides a flexible outdoor space with multiple options for backdrops and location around the tasting room grounds.

Rancho Guejito Vineyard is located at 17224 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

For more information, visit https://www.ranchoguejitovineyard.com/.