Welcome!
SDNEDC New Members! Please join us in welcoming our
new members: JDS Production & Southwest Community Bank.
Clay Phillips gave a presentation on the City of
Escondido’s current economic status and present development
stage as of January 12, 2006.
The City of Escondido has
reorganized to bring developmental services under a new Deputy
City Manager position. Jo Ann Case is the Director of Economic
Developmet and creator of the economic development master plan
which is a guide for the city's economic development efforts.
There has been increased growth in specialty restaurants that
have opened in Escondido such as: Uno Chicago Bar & Grill,
Asia Vous, Fat Burger, Remy’s on Grand, Chipotle Mexican
Grill, Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill as well as having the most
Starbucks (8) in North County. New businesses projected to be
built in Escondido are:
- Lowe’s
- PF Chang’s and On The Border at the North County Fair
mall
- Stone Brewing facility with plans to open a 10,000
square foot restaurant
- 550 mega watt Sempra Power Plant
- New Downtown Housing – Approximately 400 units are under
construction
- 197 room Marriott Hotel in the Downtown Escondido area
- Escondido Research Technology Center (ERTC) prospective
plans in process for the construction of Palomar Hospital.
This is tremendous growth for Escondido considering the
cities’ industrial vacancy is only 3%. A city pastime event
that has also contributed to the economic growth of Escondido
is Cruisin’ Grand. Cruisin’ Grand takes place every Friday
evening from April thru September which showcases classic cars
from all parts of the county. Cruisin’ Grand continues to
increase in popularity drawing thousands. The California
Center for the Arts of Escondido has impacted the economic
development through the flourishing of the galleries which has
increased economic growth through private investments. The
California Center for the Arts continues to redefine Escondido
as a city known for arts and culture. Economic Development is
a top priority for Escondido and is essential for the
financial health of the community and its quality of life.
Marketing Committee – Gary Knight gave an
update regarding the North County Economic Outlook
publication. All the advertising has been sold out which
covers the costs of the publication. The publication is ready
for print and the inauguration date will be at the State of
the County Address. In conjunction with the publication the
SDNEDC will profile twelve of the business clusters
highlighted from the Outlook and spotlight one cluster a month
with a press conferences and press releases. The goal of
highlighting the prominent business clusters is to support the
economy of North County, raise the business profile of North
County as well as attract new businesses and retain the old
businesses. There are sponsorship opportunities available to
participate in the press conferences as well as being
highlighted in the press releases. Call Stephanie Weber at
760-598-9311 to learn more.
Public Policy Committee – Paul O’Neal addressed the
Board regarding the need to have more participants in the
committee. Paul O’Neal informed the Board that Don McKinney
will be the representative for the San Diego Regional Airport
Authority Land Use Committee and that he would be the
alternate. The Public Policy committee will be carefully
monitoring the traffic flows at the grade crossings when the
Sprinter is in use. The crossings will be closed seventy-two
times a day for the Sprinter to cross which may cause
significant congestion in vital traffic corridors. Paul O’Neal
updated the Board of the presentations of large infrastructure
projects that will be held during the Public Policy meetings.
If the committee deems it necessary, the presentations will
then be held during the Board meetings. Presentations to the
Public Policy committee are as followed:
- February – SDG&E
- March – Granite Construction
- April – Nevada Hydro Project
Paul reported that
at SANDAG he’ll be interacting directly with the Public
Utilities Commission and be a part of the deliberative
process. There is a business workshop that will be held in
Riverside with the three large utility companies and this
would be a great opportunity for small businesses to
participate in the workshops. A representative form the BHCC
(Business Health Care Connection) would like to do a
presentation on their organization. The BHCC helps business
who can’t afford healthcare build toward affording it through
subsidies and other avenues of opportunity. The NCTD (North
County Transit District) – Transit Alliance for a Better North
County is looking at the SDNEDC for our interest and
participation on hosting leadership forums. The SDNEDC Public
Policy Committee is becoming a leader in San Diego North
County for setting the standard of action.
For more information on how to become a member of the EDC,
or if you know of someone that should be involved, please
contact our office at 760-598-9311.
