1. MARKET THE REGION

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

In 2024, we will:

• Directly assist at least 6 companies interested in establishing a new presence in North County
• Re-launch “Why North County” LinkedIn attraction campaign with updated landing page
• Increase social media engagement on all platforms
• Facilitate at least 12 positive news articles about the North County Economy in regional news publications or outlets
• Promote positive business news in weekly e-newsletters and quarterly small business resource newsletters
• Publish at least 12 original articles (including North County Stewards) about businesses, leaders, and initiatives 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 2024, we will:

• Meet with at least 40 existing employers
• Host tri-annual Chairman’s Dinners, bringing together the region’s largest employers
• Share economic development resources with businesses through educational webinars
• 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 2024, we will:

• Assume more leadership for Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) efforts
• Increase use and utility of SOCAL website
• Add 12+ new videos from 3+ new industries to expand the library of occupations
• Attend career fairs to engage students with the resource
• Amplify workforce opportunities from our higher education partners

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 2024, we will:

• Produce at least 40 research reports and briefs
  • 9 City Dashboard Fact Sheets (Bi-annually)
  • 8 Industry Cluster Fact Sheets (Bi-annually)
  • Real Time Labor Data Reports (Quarterly)
• Release the 2024 North County Indicators Report (MAY)
• Acquire IMPLAN and carry out at least 2 economic impact reports

5. EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT

SDNEDC will gain referrals for economic development services and assets and connect North County business leadership with one another through curated events.

In 2024, we will:

• Host the North County Economic Summit, sharing economic trends and how they will impact North County (May 7)
• Host the Excellence in North County Economic Development Awards, celebrating North County economic development achievements (Dec 14)
• Host the North County Spotlight, highlighting successful local entrepreneurs (September)
• Host 3+ Chairman’s Dinners, connecting the region’s largest employers
• Develop “Economic Development 101” series for newly elected officials
• Develop “Multi-Day Study Tour” to learn how another region is addressing some of North County’s biggest issues and opportunities

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

External Marketing Manager

Sofia is the External Marketing Manager at the San Diego North Economic Development Council, bringing over 6 years of experience in events and marketing. As a seasoned professional, she excels in project management, social advertising, and community engagement.

Prior to this role, she offered consulting services full-time at Something in Action, her small business marketing firm established during the uncertain times at the beginning of the pandemic. Sofia worked with other small businesses nationwide through strategic planning, branding initiatives, and large-scale attraction campaigns. Her services are still available for contract, although she no longer offers any projects at more than part-time. During this time, she uncovered her passion for event production after organizing a 700+ attended sports event in Utah.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sofia is committed to practicing the lifelong learner mindset. She recently decided to return to school and obtain her undergraduate degree at California State University San Marcos. After returning to her hometown in North County, she sought out a role where she could further develop her event experience full-time finding her new career with SDNEDC. She began as a Marketing & Event Coordinator and quickly demonstrated her ability to reach new markets after launching the ‘Why North County’ campaign within her first year.

Now recently promoted, her role has become specialized in attracting new businesses and investments from outside the immediate area in other counties and other parts of the San Diego region. As the External Marketing Manager, she serves as a vessel for growth and opportunity in North County and is currently developing a program connecting interns with local employers to begin in Summer 2024.

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.