News & Updates

San Diego Chamber Shares Our Binational Mega Region’s Success Story at Conference in D.C.

International

March 15, 2019

Chamber VP, Paola Avila joined Davin Lopez President, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance of New Mexico & Luis Ramirez President, Ramirez Advisors Inter-National of Arizona on a panel regarding border development at the XVIII Congressional Border Issues and NAFTA/USMCA Conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Paola shared insight about our region’s interdependence with Baja California and the deep collaborative ties which have enabled us to achieve great success such as the Cross Border Xpress and the expansion and renovations at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The border region represents opportunity for San Diego and leaders across the globe are pointing to this example as a model.

Mexican Customs Forms Binational Working Group to Advance Border Infrastructure Projects

International

March 15, 2019

In February, SAT, the Mexican Customs agency, established a new binational working group to advance infrastructure projects. The working group meets every two to three weeks and has prioritized 10 projects to focus their efforts. These projects include Otay Mesa East POE (Otay 2), and the proposed rail port of entry at Tecate featuring joint inspection facilities.

The working group includes representatives from SANDAG, Caltrans, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mexican Customs authorities, General Services Administration and its counterpart in Mexico, INDAABIN, as well as the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation, and the local U.S., Mexican Consul Generals, as well as representatives from the private sector including the Chamber which has actively participated to advocate for efficient border infrastructure.

At the most recent meeting, Mexico’s top customs administrator flew in from Mexico City to attend the meeting after a morning ceremony celebrating the opening of Mexican customs operations at Matrix, the air cargo park in Tijuana. The project, which the Chamber has formally supported, was one of the working group’s priority projects.

The Tijuana International Air Cargo and Logistics Park (Matrix) is a tremendous asset for our region facilitating cross-border commerce between Mexico, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Adjacent to the Tijuana Airport, Matrix serves companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, Aeromexico and Volaris Cargo, and includes on-site Mexican customs authorities, a bonded warehouse, office space for freight forwarders, customs agents, banking services, food concessions and the Mexican Postal Service. The air cargo park was built by a subsidiary of Grupo Bustamante, a real estate development business organization owned by Carlos Bustamante, former Mayor of Tijuana. Future plans include U.S. Customs pre-inspection operations that allow cargo carriers to expedite shipments between the U.S. and Mexico.

 

Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis Appointed as Representative for International Affairs and Trade Development

International

March 15, 2019

We applaud Governor Newsom in his recent announcement as he signed an executive order establishing the International Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee and assigning Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis as the Governor’s representative for International Affairs and Trade Development where she will advise the Governor on international opportunities. Lt. Governor Kounalakis will serve as the chair of the committee with Lenny Mendoca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor serving as vice-chair. The committee will focus on increasing the state of California’s global presence and reopening international trade offices.

The Chamber has long advocated for the reestablishment of a trade and investment office in  Mexico City to strengthen the California and Mexico’s economic partnership.

With over 565,000 California jobs supported by trade with Mexico, our state is the only border state without a trade office in Mexico. Among other things, a trade office would promote state businesses, aid with business delegations and trade shows, local government advocacy, and provide information and support on incentive packages, site selection, local workforce, and facilitating regulatory systems and permits.

San Diego Community Forum on the State Budget

Policy

March 15, 2019

Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Senator Ben Hueso, and Assemblymember Shirley Weber are hosting a community forum to break down the state budget and go over how it impacts the San Diego region. The event is on March 28th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Educational Cultural Complex. RSVP here.

Energy & Water Hears from City of San Diego Environment Committee Chair

Policy

March 15, 2019

This month the Energy & Water Committee hosted the Chair of the City’s Environment Committee, Councilmember Jennifer Campbell. Councilmember Campbell shared her priorities for the Environment Committee which include rivers and waterways; the Climate Action Plan; water, storm drains, and street sweeping; oceans and sea level rise; energy and technology; and more. The Councilmember shared that she would like to prioritize stormwater and address the challenges the City faces as well as reimagining the funding associated with such infrastructure improvements.

Education & Workforce Roundtable Explores Childcare

Policy

March 15, 2019

On February 20th, the Education & Workforce Roundtable hosted a panel on making the business case for affordable and accessible child care. Moderated by Omar Passons from the County of San Diego, panelists included representatives from Child Care Law Center and First 5 Los Angeles. Panelists highlighted the challenges of opening and expanding child care facilities due to zoning or liability costs, and members of the committee shared their own challenges as employers on the topic. The Roundtable will be focusing on all aspects of childcare throughout the year.

County Updates Land Code, Looks to ADU’s to Help Ease Housing Shortage

Policy

March 15, 2019

Following a presentation from the County to the Chamber’s Infrastructure, Housing & Land Use Committee, the Board of Supervisors voted to update a number of land-use codes in late February. As part of the Board’s effort to identify and implement strategies to address housing both in the short- and long-term, the recent vote includes a number of improvements to the code such as: making it easier to add an additional dwelling unit, or a junior additional dwelling unit to a property; exemptions for specific building types following industry feedback, and pursue increases to the density bonus. The code, which has not been updated since the 1970’s will continue to be refreshed through a formal, public outreach process directed by County leadership, and the Chamber anticipates continued presentations to the appropriate policy committees.

City Council Approves Lower Parking Requirements for Multi-Family Developments

Policy

March 15, 2019

On March 4th, the San Diego City Council approved Mayor Faulconer’s proposal to decrease the cost of developing new multi-family housing by reducing parking requirements. The Chamber-supported reform is part of the Mayor’s “Housing SD” suite of proposals. The changes to parking minimums are designed to put downward pressure on the cost of housing by increasing supply as well as to reduce auto trips and traffic congestion. The proposal enables market-based parking strategies within areas already designated by the City to be Transit Priority Areas. These market-based strategies include requiring parking to be “unbundled” from the housing unit, and allowing developers to provide demand management strategies (that are proven to decrease demand for parking) as an alternative to providing a new parking spot.

Member Spotlight: Cirque du Soleil

Member Spotlight

March 4, 2019

Corporate Events Under the Big Top

Planning your company’s next event? Cirque du Soleil’s special VIP and corporate packages that allow people to have the ultimate, luxurious Cirque experience.

Imagine yourself immersed in the world-class spectacle of Cirque du Soleil while enjoying the VIP suite, peppered with gourmet food, premium drinks and unrivaled hospitality.

Cirque du Soleil performances are known worldwide for evoking the imagination, provoking the senses, and sparking emotion; that is why Cirque makes an inspiring backdrop for a group outing, team building activity or a holiday party. Companies have even used Cirque events as an opportunity to close business deals and deepen client relationships. The possibilities are endless!

Vice President of Sales and Marketing Patrick Corneau says Cirque du Soleil events inspire guests in a unique way.

“They help people step outside of their comfort zone in unexpected ways rarely seen at corporate events,” he says.

Cirque du Soleil has played host to companies all over the world, delivering the same seamless production values they have become known for. Events are custom tailored towards the needs of each client whilst adding the creative flair of Cirque du Soleil. All you and your group have to do is relax and enjoy the VIP Experience while a personal consultant takes care of the rest.

 VIP experience: Cirque-style

An exclusive VIP suite is available, serving mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and offering premium drinks at an open bar before the show starts. Following their pre-entertainment, guests find themselves enjoying the full Cirque du Soleil experience from the very best seats the house has to offer.

During the show’s intermission, decadent desserts and sweet treats are served in the VIP suite and every guest leaves with a special souvenir of the show.

“In each city we work with our caterers to give our clients the premium experience they expect and deserve,” he says.

Corneau says clients are surprised with the attention to detail and exclusive opportunities available.

Guests can even add a behind the scenes tour to their experience and discover backstage. Your group may be among the lucky few to have a private meet-and-greet with the world-class artists after the show.

“The event is fully customizable to your needs and budget,” says Corneau. “Cirque du Soleil touring productions only stop in cities for a limited time, making the experience even more unique”
Whether it’s a weekday or weekend, an intimate crowd or a larger corporate group, Cirque du Soleil can create a custom experience that will inspire your guests and create memories that last a lifetime.

Purchase tickets: https://cirk.me/2E4pLvI

Chamber Board Member Spotlight: Rick Bregman

Member Spotlight

February 28, 2019

We are thrilled to announce the Chamber’s new Chair of the Board, Rick Bregman, San Diego Market President for Bank of America. A native of San Diego, Rick brings a wealth of experience and passion for the San Diego community to the Chamber.

As Market President, he is responsible for coordinating all lines of business for Bank of America across San Diego, as well as delivering the bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts that include philanthropic giving of over $1 million and more than 18,000 hours of employee volunteerism in the region.  Rick also oversees Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Global Healthcare Banking practice across North America, which he manages out of San Diego.  Across the country, his teams work with clients in all sectors of the healthcare industry. This includes Research Institutions, Life Sciences, Biotech, Medical Device, Technology and Pharmaceutical companies, Healthcare Insurance companies and some of the most comprehensive Hospital and Health Systems.

Raising his family in Point Loma, his own hometown, Rick’s ties to the community run deep. He currently serves on the board of directors of BIOCOM and the National Conflict Resolution Center. He was also a member of the San Diego Chairman’s Competitiveness Council, an organization focused on maximizing the competitiveness of San Diego as an economic region. He has previously served on the boards of CONNECT, the Zoological Society of San Diego (Foundation), the YMCA of San Diego County and the United Way of San Diego.

We look forward to working with Rick to continue serving the San Diego business community.

Rick Bregman
San Diego Market President, Bank of America
National Co-Head GCB Healthcare Banking, Healthcare & Institutions
Bank of America Merrill Lynch