Category: News

Rep. Peters, WTCSD to lead Singapore trade mission to strengthen economic ties in Asia

By Bree Burris,

WORLD TRADE CENTER SAN DIEGO CONVENES REGIONAL LEADERS TO HELP BUSINESSES IN SAN DIEGO MEGA-REGION EXPAND GLOBALLY, CREATE LOCAL JOBS

In order to foster vital global economic partnerships, Congressman Scott Peters, San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo, and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD), the international arm of San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), are leading the 2024 trade delegation to Singapore. During the September 30—October 4 trade mission, business and civic leaders will promote the region’s key industries and seek to establish and strengthen business relationships across biotechnology, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and urban infrastructure.

A generational shift in U.S. industrial strategy aimed at reducing reliance on China, coupled with federal legislation like the Chips and Science and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts, position Singapore as a natural partner in advanced industries. As national governments continue to incentivize the reshoring and nearshoring of activities, gateway regions like Singapore-Malaysia in Asia and San Diego-Tijuana in the Americas are perfectly positioned to take advantage of these global shifts.                                                    

“Singapore’s strategic position and expertise in innovation industries make it an ideal partner for our San Diego-Tijuana binational region,” said Congressman Scott Peters. “This trip with World Trade Center San Diego will help strengthen our global brand, drive investment, and bolster the resilience of our local businesses.”

Home to the world’s busiest transshipment port and border crossing, Singapore is a highly developed center for global trade and a hub for U.S. companies conducting business in Asia. Situated in one of the most strategically important locations on the planet, the city-state boasts a free and business-friendly economy with low corruption, low tax rates, a skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure.

As the U.S. strengthens its alliances in Southeast Asia, San Diego finds in Singapore an economy with shared expertise in knowledge-intensive industries, including artificial intelligence, medical device manufacturing, and information communications technology. Singapore boasts satellite operations for some of San Diego’s premier innovators including Qualcomm, ResMed, and Illumina. Further, Singapore has poured $12.8 billion in FDI into the U.S. since 2019 in industries such as manufacturing, information communications technology, and energy. The U.S. has matched that amount, investing $12.5 billion during the same time period. Looking closer, Singapore is the #10 country investing venture capital into San Diego by deal count, just behind Denmark and India (2014—2020), primarily in the medical equipment and technology industries. Singapore also shares in San Diego’s binational identity, with Singapore-Johor seeing nearly 1.6x the number of border crossings per day compared to San Diego-Tijuana’s border (450,000 and 283,000, respectively).

“Guided by data and shifting geopolitics, each year WTCSD leads a trade mission to a strategic international metro. For 2024, Singapore was a standout choice for our delegation of public-private leaders,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of World Trade Center San Diego and senior vice president at San Diego Regional EDC. “As gateway regions, Singapore-Malaysia in Asia and San Diego-Tijuana in the Americas will anchor the critical supply chains of the future. We’re here to deepen international ties and maximize our economic impact.”

Over the four-day trade mission across Singapore, San Diego will look to build lasting institutional relationships and attract foreign investment in industries critical to the future.

Agenda items include:

  • The celebration of a recent partnership between UC San Diego and National University Singapore, as well the exploration of new opportunities around soft-landing space with Singapore commercial real estate developer CapitaLand
  • Opportunities to showcase San Diego-Tijuana and major regional development projects for foreign investors, including innovation developments by San Diego State University and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
  • Local, small- to mid-sized businesses Biolinq and Visaic will pitch to global investment firm Temasek
  • Meetings with Port, Airport, Border, and infrastructure partners to better connect our regions through nonstop air and liner service, as well as sharing energy transition and urban development innovations
  • Government convenings with Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Gan Kim Yong and other dignitaries
  • Formal meetings and tours of major employers in both regions, including Illumina, ResMed, as well as the Mandai Wildlife Group—a peer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Delegates will participate in upwards of 15 meetings over the course of the trade mission, sharing best practices and driving business connectivity across many verticals. The two dozen San Diego delegates include representatives from Cubic, Mitsubishi Electric, Qualcomm, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and smaller businesses including Visaic and Biolinq. Also in attendance are delegates from key agencies, academic institutions, and civic organizations such as Port of San Diego, San Diego International Airport, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, MiraCosta College, Tijuana EDC, San Diego Tourism Authority, Connect, and others.

“As San Diego’s Economic Development Chair, I have two key goals: creating high-paying jobs and lowering costs for families in our city,” said San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. “International trade and partnerships with businesses in Singapore and elsewhere bring advanced technology, high-skill workers, and robust tourism and investment to our local region. This strengthens our economy and delivers benefits like more affordable products that our citizens will see in their day-to-day lives.”

The trade mission is organized by World Trade Center San Diego, the international team at EDC, with assistance and support provided by the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, and sponsorship by Qualcomm, Ambix Ventures, San Diego Tourism Authority, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Learn more about Singapore and San Diego’s connection here, and follow along during the trade mission: #SDinSG. 

WTCSD has previously led trade missions to South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Vancouver, and more.

For media queries or other questions, contact:

Bree Burris
Bree Burris

Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – September 20, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of September 20, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

Apply: Advancing San Diego Verified Program Designation

Education programs: Apply to be recognized among EDC’s Verified Programs by September 27. Vetted by industry and informed by Talent Demand Reports, the region’s Verified Programs benefit from an employer-recognized curriculum, networking opportunities, internships, and visibility through EDC’s marketing channels.

Apply Today!

 

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – September 13, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of September 13, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

Investor Spotlight: ArkusNexus

Supported by more than 150 organizations like ArkusNexus, EDC helps companies of all sizes achieve economic prosperity in line with regional Inclusive Growth goals. This monthy, we spoke with Younes Aatif, CEO of ArkusNexus—a cross-border software development company—about San Diego’s unique value proposition as a binational mega-region.

Read More

 

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – September 6, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of September 6, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

San Diego’s demand for talent in business

This summer, EDC’s Advancing San Diego program, in partnership with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, launched the 2024 Business Talent Demand Report. We gathered insights from six leading San Diego employers and surveyed 120 businesses to identify key skill gaps and in-demand entry-level roles. The report highlights high-demand positions, alongside turnover and training challenges, which emphasize the need for more intentional talent pipeline development.

Learn More

 

Business information and resources page

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – August 30, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of August 30, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

San Diego surpasses Inclusive Growth goal for quality jobs, and why the work isn’t over yet

On August 14, EDC held its second Inclusive Growth Roundtable, focusing on progress toward the 2030 small business jobs goal. While small businesses in San Diego have increased the proportion of quality jobs, challenges remain, particularly with lower-paying jobs disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Continued regional collaboration is needed to support inclusive economic growth.

Learn More

 

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications

San Diego’s demand for talent in business

By Bridgette Coleman,

This summer in partnership with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, EDC’s Advancing San Diego program convened six leading San Diego employers that collectively employ more than 24,000 San Diegans to participate in an Employer Working Group (EWG) and provide a real-time picture of the region’s talent demand for entry-level business roles. Additionally, 120 businesses were surveyed to gain a regional snapshot of talent demand, find gaps in business related training, and identify in-demand entry-level positions for individuals training to enter the workforce. Leveraging strategies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management® framework, Advancing San Diego is excited to share the 2024 Business Talent Demand Report to serve as a snapshot of local demand for entry-level business professionals.

Business Talent Demand Report

This report serves as a tool for education partners to understand what skills and competencies students need for entry-level business positions in San Diego County. Based on employer feedback, the report focuses on in-demand external facing roles (Customer Service Representative and Advertising, Sales, and Marketing) and internal facing roles (Purchasing and Buying and Project Managers), and highlights the demand for Accounting, Auditing, and Bookkeeping positions which were identified as high priority by EWG participants.

Key findings

  • Twenty percent of businesses reported a high turnover in four out of eight listed in-demand occupations.
  • Lack of sufficient training or education was cited as the primary reason for hiring difficulties for entry-level business positions.
  • For non-entry level positions, lack of sufficient industry or work experience and inadequate training or education were the primary hiring challenges.
  • Employers predicted the highest job growth for purchasing and buying roles over the next 24 months, noting that 30 percent of these positions take more than six months to fill.
  • The most challenging positions to fill included supply chain and logistics positions, finance, and project manager roles, all of which reported high turnover rates.
  • Hispanic and Latino, as well as Black and African American individuals are underrepresented in entry-level business positions, indicating a need for investment in equitable access to strengthen the regional workforce.

Occupation demand

San Diego’s economy is powered by its diverse industries, from defense and technology to life sciences and manufacturing, supported by more than 71,000 business jobs. However, many employers struggle to find candidates with the necessary skills for entry-level roles, particularly as technical skills become increasingly crucial. With nearly 5,400 businesses competing for talent, the shortage of qualified candidates makes it challenging to fill positions.

Sixty-three percent of surveyed businesses noted that available talent does not have the relevant training or education, highlighting the need for better access to post-secondary education, work-based learning, and internships to strengthen talent pipelines and prepare students for success.

What’s next?

  • Save the date: Join EDC on November 13 at UC San Diego Park & Market for Advancing San Diego’s Verified Program event. More details to come.
  • Apply to be a Verified Program! Learn more about the process and benefits here. Verified Program applications close September 27.
  • Read other industries’ Talent Demand Reports here.

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Bridgette Coleman
Bridgette Coleman

Manager, Talent Initiatives

Introducing USD’s Global Executive Seminar

By Bree Burris,

EDC sat down with Paula Cordeiro, PhD, Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership at University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, to learn about an exciting new program: the Global Executive Seminar Exploring ‘Business for Good.’

The new, first of its kind program begins January 2025 and aims to serve established professionals in instituting innovative social practices to drive change.

As EDC continues to promote inclusive growth across San Diego, we know it is only with and through employer-led initiatives that we can maintain the region’s competitiveness and ensure more San Diegans can thrive here.

Here’s what Dr. Cordeiro shared:

What is the Global Executive Seminar and why introduce it now?

Business for good isn’t just a trend; it’s a critical response to our planet’s finite resources. We’ve created the Global Executive Seminar (GES) to give motivated professionals, particularly those in the mid to late stages of their careers, the knowledge, and tools to align innovative social practices with forward-thinking commercial strategies. Participants will explore models in ‘Business for Good’ through a 15-day program that begins in January blending in-person visits to businesses across Spain, Rwanda, and San Diego with online meetings and personalized consulting sessions.

Who should participate?

As folks consider transitions in careers, this USD program gives executives the tools to develop new models and practices as the foundation for new ideas or improving their existing businesses. Board members and advisors in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors interested in best practices that are rooted in positive economic and social impacts are also welcome.

How will participants benefit?

Participants will have on-location learning at high-performing, sustainable organizations in Spain, Rwanda, and the San Diego region. In each location, we’ll showcase business leaders who have successfully balanced economic success with social and environmental impact. The seminar experience offers a global network of like-minded professionals with whom participants can collaborate, share knowledge, and form partnerships. Participants will develop action plans built on principles and strategies that can generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes.

Give us a glimpse into what you’ll focus on in San Diego.

In addition to setting the course foundation, we’ll meet with leaders from local companies including 100 percent employee-owned business Taylor Guitars, recognized globally for its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, and Dr. Bronner’s, a global leader in the certified B Corporation movement.

What can participants expect to learn in Spain and Rwanda?

Participants will meet with leading businesses in Barcelona who exemplify business for good as well as with Mondragon, the world’s largest business co-op in Bilbao. In Rwanda, participants will see the beauty and incredible rebirth of this Land of a Thousand Hills and learn about unique partnerships between businesses and government, empowering the region to become the fastest growing economy in Africa.

What is the time commitment and schedule?

  • January 2025: 3 days in San Diego
  • April 2025: 5 days in Spain
  • July 2025: 5 days in Rwanda
  • October 2025: 2 days wrap up in San Diego

What are the fees and deadlines?

Registration details are available here. Final registration deadline and fees are due December 31, and a $2,000 early bird discount is available through October 4.

For questions, contact Paula Cordeiro: cordeiro@sandiego.edu

Learn more about GES

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – August 23, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of August 23, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

Commute with Enterprise, Dr. Bronner’s partner on vanpool program

EDC investor Commute with Enterprise recently partnered with Vista-based Dr. Bronner’s to launch its employee vanpool program. As part of a commitment to sustainability and employee welfare, the partnership will reduce Dr. Bronner’s carbon footprint and support its 360+ employees amidst the region’s rising cost of living through reduced commuting expenses.

Learn More

 

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications

Dr. Bronner’s engages Commute with Enterprise for vanpool program

By EDC & Dr. Bronner’s,

Vista-based personal care products manufacturer Dr. Bronner’s has launched a new employee vanpool program with EDC investor Commute with Enterprise. Through this program, Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides the company with two vehicles to support 10 employees in vanpooling to work daily.

A testament to its commitment to sustainability and employee welfare, Dr. Bronner’s engaged Commute with Enterprise in order to reduce its carbon footprint and support its 360+ employees amidst the region’s rising cost of living.

As part of its core values, Dr. Bronner’s recognizes environmental impact extends beyond the production process. Engaging in Commute with Enterprise’s vanpooling program is a step in reducing that impact as well as aligning with its Earth First principle.

The program also allows employees to save on fuel, maintenance, and wear and tear on personal vehicles and is particularly beneficial for younger workers, lower-income households, and employees from communities of color, who often face the greatest challenges with transportation. As the Dr. Bronner’s facility is in a commercial area with limited pedestrian and public transit access, Commute with Enterprise provides a reliable and affordable commuting option, removes barriers and helps employees, and promotes inclusive growth across the region.

Currently, the program is saving employees $34,200 annually, and 60,240 commuter miles are reduced per year.

By the numbers

  • Employees pay $50 per month, compared to $285 for solo commuting (IRS, 2024).
  • Emergency ride credit of $500 per car provided by SANDAG covers three emergency rides home per year, per participant.
  • One vehicle with five employees commuting an average of 25 miles round trip reduces CO2 emissions by more than 10 metric tons per year compared to individual driving.
  • Program aims to save 25 parking spaces with future growth.

“Our partnership with Commute with Enterprise started with a serendipitous call amidst early research into vanpooling programs. This led to months of discussions and planning that culminated in the launch of a pilot program that focused on first-shift production employees. They have consistent shift times and are the most impacted by transportation challenges. This makes them the ideal group to benefit from this initiative.

We encourage other companies to explore similar initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

—Brennan Ziegler, Dr. Bronner’s

The Dr. Bronner’s + Commute with Enterprise partnership offers a strong example of how the region’s employers can support their staff and drive inclusive growth.

Read Dr. Bronner’s full writeup.

Join the movement. Learn more about the region’s Inclusive Growth goals.

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – August 16, 2024

By Enya Castañeda,

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 San Diego.

Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday. → Sign up

For the week of August 16, 2024, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

From our partners:

Last call: Join us at EDC’s Summer Bash

Together with Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and Novo Brazil Brewing Co., join us August 22 at EDC’s annual Summer Bash. Meet our keynote speaker Vividion Therapeutics’ President and CEO Aleksandra Rizo, and enjoy a lively evening celebrating all that makes San Diego: Life. Changing.

Get Tickets!

 

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Enya Castañeda
Enya Castañeda

Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications