San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC) hosted its last Chairman’s Dinner of 2024 at Tortilla Mia in Carlsbad on November 14. Chairman Jim Callaghan Jr. and CEO Erik Bruvold gathered 30 attendees from different industries and companies including AES, the City of Carlsbad, CSUSM, National University, The Classical Academies, C.W. Driver, and more.
Economic Development in Carlsbad
Mayor Pro-Tem Priya Bhat-Patel of the City of Carlsbad gave a brief outline of the city’s economic development efforts including economic growth, business retention, and city governance. She reported that Carlsbad’s GRP was $17.1 billion, marking it the highest in the North County region. Additionally, results from the city’s biennial business survey show that 90% of businesses are satisfied to work and stay in Carlsbad. Under Bhat-Patel’s leadership, Carlsbad continues to work on attracting more talent and developing a strong workforce by initiating programs and events that allow residents and visitors to connect.
Carlsbad Village and Mainstreet America
Christine Davis, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Village Association, detailed economic development efforts in Carlsbad Village. The Carlsbad Village Association’s objective is to promote the city as a great place to live, work, and be. Major goals include maintaining the city’s beauty and charm, promoting locals and tourists to visit Carlsbad’s downtown, and increasing Carlsbad’s activity in Main Street America. This impact-driven movement is dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood districts nationwide. These awareness efforts are promoted through community events, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, educational programs, and more.
AES and Battery Safety in North County
Michael Huynh addressed safety concerns about battery storage in North County, particularly regarding the proposed AES project in Escondido. California is responsible for over half of energy storage efforts in the nation. Battery storage is critical to support the increasing efforts to lessen our carbon footprint and minimize the effects of power outages. AES continues to work with fire experts to implement new codes and standards for best practices to prioritize safety. Huynh also enumerated the project’s economic benefits like increased manufacturing-related jobs within the county.
Chairman’s Dinners are invitation-only events, hosted by SDNEDC’s current Board Chair, for North County business professionals and elected officials. SDNEDC aims to limit its attendees to these dinners to around 30-40 people per dinner to promote opportunities for connection. The next Chairman’s Dinner will be in February or March of 2025.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Event
The Devvies, our 6th Excellence in North County Economic Development Awards luncheon, will take place on Dec 19 at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside. To learn more about Chairman’s Dinners and or December’s event, please contact Caitlyn Canby at ccanby@sdnedc.org.
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About the Author
Katja Hokanson is the Marketing and Events Coordinator at SDNEDC. She has her bachelor’s degree in history with a Minor in Business obtained from UC San Diego. She has experience in the hospitality and tourism industry as well as in marketing and communication. Katja moved to San Diego from Los Angeles and loves learning more about and being a part of the San Diego community. Katja enjoys traveling, exploring new places, picking up new hobbies and overall being creative!