Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Manpower.
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For the week of June 13, 2025, here’s what we’re reading:
Case Study: Solecta leverages EDC programs to strengthen talent pipeline, expand internationally
Oceanside’s Solecta used World Trade Center San Diego’s MetroConnect export accelerator and EDC’s Advancing San Diego (ASD) programs to expand internationally and build its workforce. A $5,000 MetroConnect grant and STEP grant consulting helped boost Solecta’s international sales in Mexico and Europe, increasing web traffic by 185 percent. Meanwhile, ASD’s two paid interns spent 240 hours over the summer supporting the team, with one intern hired for a part-time IT role. Join MetroConnect VIII and apply by Aug. 1.
To celebrate and inspire the efforts of regional employers, EDC’s Inclusive Growth blog series highlights San Diego companies and organizations helping to drive progress on the 2030 Inclusive Growth goals. Below we feature San Diego’s comprehensive human services provider Neighborhood House Association (NHA).
Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals including increasing the number of thriving households locally, and making the business case for economic inclusion. Decreasing affordability in San Diego threatens progress toward all of the goals and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Household incomes have not kept pace with the cost-of-living, leaving only one in 10 households able to afford the median-priced home in the region. As of 2023, San Diego has added 49,916 newly thriving households (chart below) bringing the total number of San Diego’s thriving households in the region to 610,983.
Supporting households through a continuum of education and wellness
The Neighborhood House Association (NHA) was founded during the settlement house movement in 1914 to assist immigrants as they transitioned to living in the country.
NHA today
As a major employer and one of the largest nonprofit social services agencies in San Diego, NHA works through its Continuum of Care Model, a wrap-around service delivery model supporting households from prenatal to senior care. Its mission: To enrich lives through a continuum of education and wellness services, nurturing children and families from the earliest stages of life through adulthood, providing youth development and career exploration opportunities that allow them eventually to join the region’s workforce with a direct pipeline to workforce opportunities within NHA.
Challenges in grant-funded household support
Currently, NHA supports more than 5,000 community members by advocating for additional funding that addresses household affordability and accessibility challenges to realize dreams for as many households as possible. Because healthy and educated communities are where dreams become reality.
With federal and state grants, each program participant is assisted through a two-year enrollment period with direct support from an NHA family service worker outlining goals and needs, often including early childhood education programs and childcare services. Funds allow for more classrooms slots for children meaning that parents in households and members of the NHA workforce can go to work and school. With this, NHA sustains competitive pay with cost-of-living adjustments alongside annual merit increases to attract the best teaching and support staff for households.
Most of NHA’s programs are funded by federal and state grants, and as funding for programs like Head Start is challenged at the federal level, NHA continues to actively work with regional, state, and national leaders to ensure that program participants and employees are self-sufficient in supporting themselves and their families.
In addition to visiting state and national offices, NHA invites lawmakers to visit NHA to see programs at work in-person with the goal of increasing visibility and understanding of how the agency impacts the local economy. With an economic impact of more than $200 million each year, NHA operations are making a difference in the lives of team members, program participants, and the entire San Diego region.
As a large local nonprofit, NHA often highlights its value in San Diego’s economic development as a major local employer that allows pathways to education and workforce development. NHA President and CEO Rudy Johnson and have both served on the EDC Board of Directors and strongly believe in EDC’s work. NHA has found great value in joining EDC’s leadership trips and is a proud endorser of the Inclusive Growth initiative.
Join the movement
Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers scaling innovative and intentional solutions. Organizations like NHA are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy.
Endorse the goals, and be part of the change San Diego’s economy demands.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Manpower.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of June 6, 2025, here’s what we’re reading:
San Diego Regional EDC is on the lookout for a curious mind interested in the world of economic development research. The entry-level Research Coordinator role offers hands-on experience turning data into insights that shape how business and civic leaders make decisions. From working with EDC’s research team to maintain key economic indicators to helping produce reports, dashboards, and visualizations, this position plays a vital part in telling the story of San Diego’s economy. Applications will remain open until position is filled.
World Trade Center San Diego and 150+ voting audience award $25K for international expansion
World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)—home of the region’s Export Small Business Development Center—named Aquacycl, which provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to reduce costs and environmental impact, as the winner of the MetroConnect export accelerator program, now in its seventh year. Made possible through a grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Booz Allen Hamilton, and Deloitte, Aquacycl will use the $25,000 award to expand its presence in Europe and Mexico with its patented BETT system and micro-aeration solutions.
“In a volatile time for global trade, the results of MetroConnect’s seventh cohort are impressive and proof of the importance of international expansion for small- and mid-sized companies,” said Lucas Coleman, director of WTCSD.
“Our Grand Prize winner Aquacycl embodies the strength of San Diego’s innovation economy, leveraging our excellence in clean technologyon an international stage. Whether it’s streamlining customs processes, identifying, and securing reliable distributors, or cultivating leads in India, Turkey, and the UK amid economic uncertainty, we know that connectivity to international markets grows jobs and business resilience here at home.”
Escondido-based Aquacycl beat out three other finalists in MetroConnect VII, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch. The grand prize-winning company was decided via real-time audience vote during the Grand Prize PitchFest event June 5 at The Alexandria. Prior to this, a committee of senior international business leaders in San Diego helped the WTCSD team nominate these top performers, out of the initial 15-company cohort.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
In seven years, MetroConnect has helped 110 local, small and mid-sized businesses generate a net increase of $106 million in international sales, 552 international contracts, and 28 overseas facilities. Cohort companies have seen on average 66 percent export growth and 45 percent revenue growth. This international growth has coincided with 357 new hires here in the San Diego region.
Each cohort year, WTCSD selects 15 export-ready small businesses to receive $5,000 export grants, access to executive workshops, translation software, travel perks with international airlines flying out of SAN, and a chance to win a $25,000 grand prize to aid in further international market expansion. Applications for year eight of the MetroConnect program are now open through August 1, 2025. Interested small- and medium-sized companies that are looking to pursue international sales as a near-term priority or already exporting its goods or services may apply here.
Changes at the federal level have drastically shifted the rhetoric around global trade, but the truth remains. According to The World Bank, countries that trade internationally enjoy more economic growth, are more innovative and productive, and can provide more opportunities to citizens. San Diego is no exception—regional small businesses that export tend to have a larger and more diversified customer base, pick up best practices from global competitors, build up economies of scale, and ultimately pay their employees more. Access to international customers and markets is essential in helping San Diego boost resilience, as small businesses employ nearly 60 percent of San Diegans.
”We’re incredibly honored to be named this year’s MetroConnect Grand Prize Winner,” said Orianna Bretschger, CEO and Founder at Aquacycl. “The program has been instrumental in accelerating our international growth strategy, helping us expand into new markets while navigating complex export logistics and regulations. This recognition validates the critical role water reuse and decentralized wastewater solutions play in building a more sustainable future.”
“For over a decade, JPMorgan Chase and MetroConnect have partnered to help San Diego businesses grow globally and innovate boldly,” said Aaron Ryan, Managing Director for San Diego Middle Market Banking at program underwriter JPMorgan Chase. “We’re living in a new era of uncertainty, and navigating complex global markets takes the right support. San Diego’s businesses are rising to the challenge, and we’re proud to help them seize opportunities on the world stage.”
WTCSD hosted its MetroConnect Grand Prize PitchFest on June 5, with remarks by Nikia Clarke, Executive Director, WTCSD; Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego; Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, Co-founders, Nixon; and program underwriter Michael Monroe, Principal, Director of Data Science, Booz Allen, among others.
WTCSD maintains year-round support for global expansion through its Export Specialty Small Business Development Center and international trade missions.
San Diego Regional EDC celebrated its Annual Dinner and 60th anniversary with a passing of the gavel to Tom Seidler, Executive Vice President, Community & International Impact of the San Diego Padres, from outgoing Board Chair Jennie Brooks.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Manpower.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of May 30, 2025, here’s what we’re reading:
Four San Diego companies. One grand prize. You decide.
Join WTCSD and 150+ international business leaders on June 5 to celebrate homegrown companies making global moves. We’ll kick off with an inspiring keynote from Nixon co-founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, then we’ll ask you to help us award $25,000 to a growing San Diego company from among MetroConnect VII finalists Aquacycl, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch.
Plus: Join us by 4:15 p.m. to enter for the chance to win two round-trip tickets on Copa Airlines’ new direct flight to Panama!
San Diego needs your vote: MetroConnect VII PitchFest 2025
Join WTCSD and 150+ international business leaders on June 5 to celebrate homegrown companies making global moves. We’ll kick off with an inspiring keynote from Nixon co-founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, then we’ll ask YOU to help us award $25,000 to a growing San Diego company from among MetroConnect VII finalists Aquacycl, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch.
You’ll enjoy an evening of networking with top regional business leaders and trade offices—and join us by 4:15 p.m. to enter for the chance to win two round-trip tickets on Copa Airlines’ new direct flight to Panama! ➝ Join Us to Cast Your Vote—Use PITCH20 for 20% Off
Apply by August 1: MetroConnect VIII export accelerator
WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator is accepting company applicants for its eighth cohort. Presented by Booz Allen Hamilton and JPMorgan Chase & Co., MetroConnect helps San Diego’s export-ready companies increase their international sales through up to $30,000 in grants, executive workshops, and mentorship from leaders at multinational corporations. ➝ Learn More and Apply
White Labs reduces Australian customs holds with MetroConnect
When San Diego-based White Labs began exporting live yeast cultures, it encountered a number of challenges with worldwide distribution, including lengthy customs and logistics holds in critical markets. Learn how MetroConnect helped the company access funding, translate user manuals, and streamline its global logistics—decreasing its Australian customs holds by 84 percent. ➝ Read the Case Study
World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.
We sat down with Ranney Lochtefeld, a partner at MetroConnect VII finalist Surf Loch, to discuss the company’s artificial wave pools and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.
Tell us about Surf Loch and its mission.
Surf Loch is a company based in San Diego,
California that specializes in designing and building surf pools and wave-generating technology for surfing. We are utilizehighly-controllablepneumatic wave generating technology(compressed air and vacuum) to create quality surfing waves, just like the ocean anddesign and engineerthe underlying technology that makes man-made surfing lagoons possible, offering controlled and repeatable waves for surfers of all levels, anywhere away from the ocean.
Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?
We applied to be in MetroConnect to optimize our international exporting. Being able to competitively export our products to minimize customs duties has proven difficult, as we utilize many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that can be purchased in-country, but our specialty expertise is assembling them together and providing our software to connect everything.
Determining the mix between ‘services’ exports and ‘durable goods’ exports with our integrated systems adds a layer of complexity to our export process but also opens opportunities to minimize taxable duty.
How did MetroConnect help your company?
Our company was unaware of all the support, grant, and mentorship opportunities that were available to us before our introduction to the MetroConnect program. The program has been an invaluable resource for us to help navigate the complex world of international exports.
We appreciate the resources they have put together and the way they make it easy for us to have a one-stop shop to find the resources we need to effectively sell our products and services abroad. We intend on using the contacts made and resources made available in the future as we continue to expand our global footprint.
What is on the horizon for Surf Loch’s international growth?
The international expansion of the surf pool market is growing rapidly. We believe that there is a strong market for our products and services abroad and we are actively expanding our business in Europe, MENA, and Brazil. We intend on continuing to utilize the resources made available to us from the MetroConnect program for years to come.
What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?
Ensure that you understand the regulatory compliance requirements of where you are exporting to, and whether you will be subject to domestic licensing or reporting requirements.
Before starting the program, we were unaware that there were so many potential export requirements we could be subject to, so the MetroConnect program was very helpful in providing information on these topics.
Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!
Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.
The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.
As a nonprofit, San Diego Regional EDC is supported by the investment of more than 150 public agencies, companies, and organizations like Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center.
With these investments, EDC provides direct support, aligned with regional Inclusive Growth goals, to companies of all sizes to drive San Diego’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. EDC sat down with Ryan Redondo, CEO of Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center, which shared more on its efforts to grow San Diego’s racquet sport footprint and help regional youth build confidence on and off the court.
Tell us about Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center and its mission.
As CEO of Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center, I’m proud to lead an organization that has served as a cornerstone for youth development and community engagement in Southern California for more than seven decades. Our mission is simple but powerful: To inspire and provide opportunity through tennis, education, and character development for children from all backgrounds, especially those in underserved communities.
At the heart of our work is the Point Loma-based Barnes Tennis Center, one of the premier public racquet sport facilities in the country. A hub for youth empowerment, educational support, and family connection, we provide access to free and low-cost tennis programs, after-school enrichment, tournament training, and college prep resources. Our programs reach thousands of children each year, equipping them with life skills that go far beyond the court.
We believe racquet sport is a vehicle for change. That’s why we invest in grassroots outreach, regional partnerships, and inclusion. Our aim is to remove barriers to participation, build confidence and resilience, and open doors for children to achieve their full potential—whether in tennis, academics, or life.
What makes San Diego perfect for tennis, pickleball, and padel?
San Diego is unmatched when it comes to racquet sports. With our year-round sunshine, active community, and world-class facilities, it’s no surprise that tennis, pickleball, and padel are thriving here. Our region’s blend of lifestyle, diversity, and innovation make it the perfect environment for racquet sports to grow.
As more people take to the courts—especially in pickleball and padel—we’ve broadened our programming to include these fast-growing sports alongside tennis. The response has been incredible, and we have seen other facilities open that will positively stimulate economic development for the region.
Why have Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center chosen to invest in EDC?
At Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center, our mission is rooted in creating opportunity for children from every corner of our community.
We chose to invest in EDC because we believe that access—to sport, education, and employment—should not be dictated by zip code. EDC’s efforts to cultivate diverse talent pipelines and foster inclusive economic development directly support our work both on and off the court. Additionally, as we expand programs in pickleball, padel, and tennis, we’re increasingly involved in infrastructure, workforce, and public-private collaboration. EDC has been a key partner in helping us navigate permitting, incentives, and strategic partnerships—particularly as we grow our facilities, enhance accessibility, and scale community impact.
How does the organization collaborate with other regional partners?
At Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center, community connection is at the core of everything we do.
We work closely with regional hotels and universities to hire interns, coaches, and staff, creating real-world pathways for San Diegans interested in sports management, education, health, and nonprofit work. We also collaborate with local schools, community centers, and fellow nonprofits to offer free racquet sport programs, support after-school and summer initiatives, and provide educational resources and college preparation. Through partnerships with regional companies and utilities, we work to improve facility sustainability and expand access to technology for underserved youth and local businesses, as well as host international-caliber tournaments, including the Association of Tennis Professionals, Women’s Tennis Association, and junior events that elevate San Diego on the global stage.
Barnes Tennis Center is set to host 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. What is the significance of this moment?
Hosting the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships at the Barnes Tennis Center is a monumental moment—not just for our organization, but for San Diego’s tourism industry and national sports reputation.
This prestigious event will bring tens of thousands of players, fans, vendors, and media professionals to our region, injecting millions into the local economy and continuing to position San Diego as a premier destination for high-profile racquet sport events. For Youth Tennis San Diego, this will allow us to showcase our mission to a national audience, elevate community engagement, and generate funding and awareness to support our youth access initiatives.
The championships underscore San Diego’s role in the future of racquet sports. We’re not only keeping up with the evolution of pickleball—we’re leading it.
What is on the horizon?
2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and impactful years yet for Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center. We invite San Diego to join us at one of our upcoming events, including the Major League Pickleball Playoffs and USTA Billie Jean King National Championships in August, the Wimbledon-Chic Gala in October, and the Impact Cup Pickleball this fall.
Through our long-standing partnership with Price Philanthropies, the USTA Foundation, and the City of San Diego, we continue to operate a National Junior Tennis and at Urban Village in City Heights, providing free tennis, education, and life skills for youth in one of San Diego’s most diverse and vibrant communities.
From hosting national championships to building grassroots programs, we will continue to focus on one goal: Creating opportunities through sport that last a lifetime.
Read more about EDC’s investors in our investor spotlight blog series, and join the Youth Tennis San Diego, Barnes Tennis Center and 150 investors committed to supporting the region’s inclusive economic development by becoming a member of EDC.
Interested in publishing an investor spotlight? Contact our team:
World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.
We sat down with Orianna Bretschger, CEO of MetroConnect VII finalist Aquacycl, to discuss the company’s industrial wastewater treatment and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.
Tell us about Aquacycl and its mission.
Aquacycl provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to help companies reduce operational costs, mitigate climate impacts, and support healthy watersheds and communities worldwide. Our products and services guarantee permit compliance, greenhouse gas mitigation, reliable performance in variable production environments, and operational savings.
Aquacycl is revolutionizing the treatment of challenging industrial wastes generated from food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical facilities, with a total serviceable market opportunity approaching $100 billion, and our existing clients include PepsiCo and other global enterprises in food, beverage, and chemical production.
Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?
Aquacycl applied to be in MetroConnect for the wide variety of business resources and export support the program provides. We hoped to expand our international presence, particularly in Mexico and Europe, where industrial water challenges are rapidly growing and sustainability regulations are tightening.
How did MetroConnect help your company?
As a growing company, the support and resources MetroConnect has provided have been invaluable. For example, we were able to use the program’s grant in order to cover some of the broker fees associated with the export of our system into Mexico.
We also leveraged MetroConnect to access valuable international business resources that helped us strengthen our export readiness and better navigate the complexities of international shipping and compliance.
What is on the horizon for Aquacycl’s international growth?
Aquacycl intends to accelerate sales in the EU due to the region’s increasingly strict regulatory framework and emphasis on circular economic initiatives. We will also continue to grow sales within the tequila and mezcal distilling regions of Mexico to help customers avoid business risk through water reuse initiatives.
What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?
The advice we would give other companies beginning to grow internationally is to understand and take advantage of the suite of great resources MetroConnect offers. We also recommend companies keep export manifests short and simple to speed up inspections and avoid extra shipping or border fees.
Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!
Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.
The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.
