1. MARKET THE REGION

SDNEDC will market economic development opportunities and amplify positive news about the North County economy.

In 2023, we will:

• Directly assist at least 6 companies interested in establishing a new presence in North County
• Grow social media
• Facilitate at least 10 positive news articles about the North County Economy in regional news publications or outlets
• Promote positive business news in weekly e-newsletters
• Publish 18 North County Stewards Articles about business leaders making an impact in North County

2. RETAIN EMPLOYMENT

SDNEDC will help existing North County employers grow by helping them solve specific business challenges.

In 2023, we will:

• Meet with at least 24 existing employers
• Host quarterly Chairman’s CEO Dinners
• Support Innovate78 efforts across the SR-78 corridor

3. CONNECTING EMPLOYERS & EDUCATORS

SDNEDC will connect K-16 educators and employers through events and individual meetings to strengthen workforce programs throughout North County.

In 2023, we will:

• Support Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) efforts and continue to expand library of occupations
• Develop at least 6 research reports on in-demand occupations in North County.

4. RESEARCH & REPORTS

SDNEDC will conduct research and collect data on the North County industries and clusters that are driving economic prosperity. SDNEDC will also carry out economic forecasts, undertake economic impact reports, and conduct specialized research services for clients and investors.

In 2023, we will:

• Produce at least 10 research reports and briefs
• Release the 2023 North County Indicators Report
• Carry out at least 2 economic impact reports
• Launch an Educational Webinar Series focusing on core North County Economic Development topics

W. Erik Bruvold

Chief Executive Officer

Erik is the Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego North Economic Development Council. As CEO, Erik has responsibility for all council operations, including programming, economic development services, and regional economic research and analysis.

Before accepting this position, he was the Chief Economist with the National University System and the President of the National University System Institute for Policy Research. He had responsibility for examining how academic programs throughout the system aligned with workforce needs in the communities the system services. While at National he also was head of a university-affiliated public policy and economic think tank where he oversaw the authorship of more than 100 economic and policy studies focusing on regional economic competitiveness. Topics the institute studied ranged from an examination of the impact of the supply chain of San Diego shipbuilding industry to the economic impact of QUALCOMM to an estimation of the size and economic impact of San Diego’s short-term rental industry.

Before joining the National University System, Erik was Vice President for Public Policy & Research for the San Diego Regional EDC. While at EDC he headed up the organization’s research division while also leading several specific responses to such challenges as the last round of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure process and campaign to pass a ½ cent sales tax to fund vital infrastructure improvements.

He has taught at college level courses in political science, urban economic development, urban planning and international relations. He holds a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Denver and a Masters from the University of California, San Diego. When he isn’t pouring over economic forecasts, he is enjoying biking with his two children and wife in beautiful San Diego.

Sofia Ayad

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Sofia is a US-Based Digital Marketing Specialist & Graphic Designer, with experience managing various teams at a time and up to $20k campaigns. Her background in telecommunications, travel, and eCommerce brings together a strong understanding and approach to the operations in different industries.

Over the years she has proven herself more than capable with her professional and personal accomplishments. Sofia managed the launch of an advertising magazine, stood as Lead Designer in several businesses’ Web Redesign projects, and led her team to win Best of Show in a 48-Hour Film Festival.

Beyond her studies and experience, she utilizes her downtime to continue staying up to date on current marketing strategies and add upon her design skills via online courses, podcasts, and blogs. Sofia recently finished an Intro to Web Development Course writing in HTML, CSS, and Java. With an interest in thrill-seeking hobbies like skydiving, rock-climbing, and backpacking, Sofia is constantly reinvigorated with inspiration for her work.

Although she may be a bit of a wild card, Sofia believes mindfulness in the workspace is key to success and finds a time of stillness in her practice of yoga and meditation. She is currently working on some Freelance Design Projects and is always interested in a new challenge!

When you invest in the SDNEDC, you are investing in your own economic future.
We use your resources to market the region, work directly with employers to meet their needs and connect the region’s education leaders with private sector innovators to strengthen our talent pipeline.