Category: News

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – March 10, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of March 10, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

A talent programs update

While companies continue to cut costs and make layoffs in the wake of a highly anticipated recession, the nation’s ratio of available workers to open positions remains less than one-to-one. This means that there are more open positions across the United States than unemployed people available to fill them. It’s time for San Diego to rethink talent pipeline development.

Read More from Taylor Dunne

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

A talent update from EDC

By Taylor Dunne, Sr. Manager, Talent Initiatives,

March note from our Talent Initiatives lead

While companies continue to cut costs and make layoffs in the wake of a highly anticipated (though not clearly signaled) recession, the nation’s ratio of available workers to open positions remains less than one to one. This means that there are more open positions across the United States than unemployed people available to fill them. Demographic changes can be attributed to a decline in the working age population following baby boomer retirements, as well as decreased immigration.

And San Diego is not immune to these impacts. In fact, the nature of the region’s highly skilled economy adds even greater complexity. From August to December 2022, there was an average of more than 50,000 people unemployed month over month in San Diego (BLS). During that same period, there were more than 238,000 unique job postings in the region (Lightcast). Of those 238,000 jobs, 31 percent required a bachelor’s degree or higher as a minimum requirement. Currently, these ‘must-haves’ serve as a proxy for a list of technical and interpersonal skills employers are looking for in candidates. But a recent publication by The Burning Glass Institute explores how that assumption, even in the tech industry, has been changing for the better since before the pandemic.

According to a 2021 statement, multinational tech leader IBM has “stripped bachelor’s degree requirements for more than half of [its] U.S. job openings, and [is] continuously reevaluating [its] roles to prioritize skills over specific degrees.”

Like IBM, it’s time for San Diego to rethink talent pipeline development.

Highly educated individuals are important to the growth of our innovation economy, but they cannot (and should not be expected to) fill every job. Not to mention, the nature of diversity, equity, and inclusion means not every hire should be the ‘university-educated type.’ Often, years of experience and/or non-traditional training can both substitute a degree and serve a company better.

For three years, a key feature of the Advancing San Diego program has been to help employers define the skills required for critical jobs—looking beyond the degree(s) and instead at the capability. Using the Talent Pipeline Management model, talent acquisition teams are challenged to step away from habits and traditions and gain a real understanding of the jobs of today and tomorrow. Doing so has the potential to open high-growth, high-wage occupations to opportunity populations—moving the needle on our Inclusive Growth goals and further seeding diversity of thought within companies.

As the three-year, $3 million AdvancingCities grant from JPMorgan Chase sunsets, San Diego and Imperial Valley were pursued and granted $18 million to continue this talent work. This new funding, called the Border Region Inclusive Talent Pipeline Collaborative, builds upon the work of Advancing San Diego by expanding into K-12 education, into new industries, and into new partnerships.

While this investment aligns and strengthens publicly available resources, long-term solutions to workforce challenges will require the investment and creativity of employers like you.

If you’re interested in learning more about Advancing San Diego, or you want to work with the EDC team to dream up and pilot creative talent solutions, let’s talk.

Thank you,

Taylor Dunne
Taylor Dunne

Director, Talent Initiatives

See more in our monthly report

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – March 3, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of March 3, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

Case Study: EVT leverages Advancing San Diego

EAs a small, local tech startup, Educational Vision Technologies (EVT.ai) was facing the challenge of attracting and retaining software talent. After applying to EDC’s Advancing San Diego (ASD) program, the company was selected to host a paid software intern from a vetted Verified Program at no cost. Learn how ASD supported EVT.ai in hiring a new staff member and how it’s expanded its learning platform.

Read More

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

How this local company is helping lead the electrification revolution

By Bree Burris,

‘Electrification revolution’ to drive clean energy future, job growth, innovation

Today, Carlsbad-based battery manufacturer American Lithium Energy Corporation (ALE) announces it has secured a total of $13.2 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) as part of its Realizing Accelerated Manufacturing and Production (RAMP) and Zero-Emissions Transportation Manufacturing programs. ALE will use the funding to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing production capabilities in Carlsbad, significantly grow its team in California, and increase use of U.S. and California-based raw materials and equipment supplies, in order to further its mission of developing sustainable energy solutions that promote the widespread adoption of zero-emissions transportation.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. John Fan, ALE’s technology first serviced the U.S. Army and has been actively engaged and shipping products to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and several U.S. defense primes for more than 10 years. Now, with 40 patents and the most advanced lithium-ion battery in the world, the company offers battery applications for defense, aerospace, medical devices, electric vehicles, and much more.

A 2035 state mandate for electric vehicles and other ambitious goals has spurred significant investments in battery innovation. The recent $46 million CEC award to ALE and three other zero emission transportation manufacturing companies marked the single largest state award in history—designed to support the growth of lithium battery production, develop sustainable energy solutions, and promote the widespread adoption of zero-emissions transportation.

“We are thrilled to receive this significant funding from the California Energy Commission,” said Dr. John Fan, CEO, American Lithium Energy Corporation. “This funding will allow us to expand our outreach efforts, increase our production capabilities, and continue to drive innovation in the lithium battery industry. Our goal is to become a leader in sustainable energy solutions and expand our outreach efforts, increase our production capabilities, and continue to drive innovation in the lithium battery industry, and this funding will help us achieve that goal.”

As we become increasingly reliant on battery technology and governments make bold commitments to clean energy, the availability of lithium—a key component in batteries—will play a major role in nearly every aspect of our economy. California, and more specifically the Southern Border region of San Diego and Imperial Counties, is uniquely positioned to lead in the ‘electrification revolution’. Home to the largest rare earth mineral extraction site outside of China, ‘Lithium Valley’ in neighboring Imperial Valley’s Salton Sea presents significant opportunity to catalyze the U.S.’ future energy independence. In fact, the Salton Sea could provide 600,000 tons per year of lithium carbonate, currently priced at $12,000 per ton, which exceeds the total global lithium carbonate demand.

“As oil shaped the last century, lithium will help shape the next. And as leaders in technology, science, and manufacturing, our bi-national mega-region is uniquely positioned to lead in the clean energy future. To support more innovation, jobs, and companies like ALE, we will need the talent, infrastructure, and backing of our policymakers to do this right,” said Mark Cafferty, president and CEO, San Diego Regional EDC.

This funding is considered a component of ALE’s Series A fundraising. ALE is also actively engaging in discussions with investors that invest both equity and debt into energy storage solutions in order to accelerate its mission.

Other CEC program awardees include ChargePoint, Zimeno, and Wiggins Lift.

Learn more about Cleantech, Manufacturing, and other key industries in San Diego

ALE is hiring! Job board here

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – February 24, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of February 24, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

EDC is hiring; join our team!

EDC is a 22-person team dedicated to mobilizing business, government, and civic leaders around an inclusive economic development strategy to connect data to decision-making, maximize regional prosperity, enhance global competitiveness, and position San Diego effectively for investment and talent.
Current open roles include:

  • Manager, Economic Development (Life Sciences)
  • Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications
  • Coordinator, Talent Initiatives

Apply Now

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – February 17, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of February 17, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

Investor Spotlight: Founders First Capital Partners

San Diego Regional EDC spoke with Kim Folsom, the founder, chairperson, and CEO of Founders First Capital Partners, to discuss the company’s mission to provide revenue-based financing, term loans, and business acceleration support to service-based small businesses outside of major capital markets. Check out the Investor Spotlight.

Read More

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – February 10, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of February 10, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

Case Study: Eight San Diego companies win $35K via Export SBDC

Eight small businesses reached out to the Export SBDC at WTCSD for assistance in starting and growing their international sales. Using the Getting to Global grant preparation tool, Export SBDC advisor and international trade expert Simona Racek helped each company complete their export strategy and individual export promotion plan for their winning grant applications.

Read More

Business information and resources page

Be in the know – sign up below to receive future editions of GNOTW.

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – February 3, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of February 3, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

…and here are some events and opportunities:

Go global with MetroConnect VII

Applications are now open for WTCSD’s export accelerator MetroConnect VII. The new cohort of 15 businesses will be placed into one of three specialized tracks reflecting San Diego’s economic strengths—life sciences, strategic technology, and consumer goods. Together over the course of the year, the cohort will receive resources and partnerships to increase international sales and support job growth here at home.

Apply Now

Business information and resources page

Be in the know – sign up below to receive future editions of GNOTW.

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

San Diego’s Good News of the Week – January 27, 2023

By Kyle Winnick,

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.

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

For the week of January 27, 2023, here’s what we’re reading:

 

…and here are some events and opportunities:

What the NDAA means for San Diego

The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains important provisions for the defense community nationwide, including a 4.6 percent pay raise for military and civilian workers and $32.6 billion for Navy shipbuilding. San Diego ship repair companies collectively employ more than 4,000 and stand to benefit greatly, as the region is homeport to 24 percent of all Navy vessels.

Read More from EDC

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Kyle Winnick
Kyle Winnick

Coordinator, Marketing

What the National Defense Authorization Act means for San Diego

By Katie Chaires,

For the last 62 years, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which authorizes the United States military’s spending for the fiscal year ahead.

Released December 2022, the 2023 NDAA contains important provisions for the defense community nationwide including a 4.6 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workforce. It also provides greater opportunity for the DOD to increase affordable housing options, particularly in high-cost areas, by increasing the basic allowance for housing. The NDAA includes a cumulative $20 billion cushion to address the effects of inflation on military families, construction, operations, and procurement.

Specific to the San Diego region, this agreement delivers critical dollars for military construction and readiness including:

  • $94.8 million for military construction at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
  • $151.3 million for military construction at Naval Base San Diego
    • $9 million for military construction of the Floating Dry Dock Mooring Facility at Naval Base San Diego
    • $15.5 million for Pier 6 Replacement at Naval Base San Diego
  • $70 million for water and wastewater infrastructure in San Diego County

In addition, the FY23 NDAA also allocates $32.6 billion for Navy shipbuilding, including the procurement of 11 battle force ships. Local ship repair companies BAE Systems and General Dynamics NASSCO, which collectively employ more than 4,000, stand to benefit greatly, as San Diego is homeport to 24 percent of all Navy vessels.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging economic times, San Diego’s defense industry remained a pillar of our economy—accounting for a quarter of the region’s GRP. The San Diego Military Advisory Council’s (SDMAC) recent Military Economic Impact Report (MEIR) reports that in 2022, the defense sector supported approximately 360,200 jobs (23 percent of total jobs) in San Diego.

The military is woven into the fabric of San Diego’s economy, supporting thriving families and job growth for generations past and future.

learn more in our military Industry Profile