Daily Business Report — March 29, 2010
The Diamond Awards
SANDAG honored eight organizations and two individuals for their efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the San Diego region at the eighth annual Diamond Awards ceremony on Friday. For a list of the winners, see the bottom of this column.
February Employment Up Over the Month-Down for the Year
County employment increased by 900 jobs over the month in February, but declined by 44,700 over the year, according to the state Employment Development Department. The unemployment rate in the San Diego County was 10.6 percent in February, down from a revised 11.1 percent in January 2010, and above the year-ago estimate of 8.7 percent. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 12.8 percent for California and 10.4 percent for the nation during the same period.
Between January 2010 and February 2010, total nonfarm employment gained 400 to reach 1,203,100 jobs.
• Agricultural employment increased by 500 jobs, or 6.0 percent.
• Educational and health services posted the greatest month-over gain, adding 1,300 jobs.
• Health care and social assistance increased by 900 jobs, while educational services added 400 jobs.
• Four out of ten other nonfarm industries also added jobs, including professional and business services (up 1,000), government (up 600), other services (up 500), and leisure and hospitality (up 300). Mining and logging reported no change in employment levels over the month.
• Trade, transportation, and utilities recorded the greatest month-over decline, down 1,200 jobs. Retail trade contracted by 1,600, while transportation, warehousing, and utilities receded by 100 jobs. Wholesale trade advanced by 500 jobs offsetting the overall job losses in this sector.
Between February 2009 and February 2010, total nonfarm employment declined by 44,600 jobs, or 3.6 percent. Agricultural employment decreased by 100 jobs, or 1.1 percent.
• Educational and health services (up 2,000), was the only sector out of 12 industries to add jobs over the year. Health care and social assistance (up 1,800), contributed to 90 percent of the job growth in this sector. Educational services added 200 jobs.
• Manufacturing posted the greatest year-over decline, down 9,200 jobs. Durable goods (down 7,500), was responsible for more than 80 percent of the job loss in this industry.
• Nondurable goods decreased by 1,700 jobs.
• Ten out of 11 other nonfarm industries also reported year-over decreases in employment levels. The most significant job losses occurred in professional and business services (down 8,100). Construction and trade, transportation, and utilities declined by 7,700 jobs each.
Photojournalists to Give Tips and Advice on Their Craft
The San Diego Press Club will host a panel of photojournalists on April 21 to discuss new digital tools and tips on taking compelling photos and videos that sell news and feature stories. The “Nuts & Bolts” workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Essy’s Studio, a photography studio adjacent to the Sports Arena in the Midway area of San Diego. Panelists for the two-hour workshop include Nancee Lewis, photojournalist and documentary photographer with 25 years of newspaper experience covering local, national and international stories and events; Sam Hodgson, former reporter-turned photographer for the online news outlet voiceofsandiego.org; and Joe Little, 10News Team reporter for local ABC affiliate KGTV. The event is free for SDPC members and $10 for nonmembers. Reservations are required before April 16 and can be made by email to reservation-sdpc@cox.net or by calling (858) 274-6160.
Scripps Mercy Appoints Associate VP of Chula Vista Facility
Scripps Mercy Hospital has appointed George Pérez as the associate vice president of its Chula Vista campus. Pérez will have administrative oversight of the campus’ facilities, support services and outpatient functions as well as business development and performance improvement. He has several years of experience in health care administration, most recently as an independent health care consultant. He also served as president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System in Sonoma County. His work with St. Joseph’s Health System also included his position as president and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley. Prior to that role, he worked for Sun Health, a not-for-profit health care organization based in Sun City, Ariz. Pérez received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UC Berkeley. He is a founding member of the Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives.
Alternative Strategies Hires Media Relations Manager
Allison Andrews has been selected as the newest media relations manager of Alternative Strategies, a marketing firm that offers public relations, advertising, graphic and Web design and special event planning services to clients. Previously, Andrews was with APA Consulting and was responsible for organizing San Diego Fashion Week.
Keel Laid for USNS William McLean
NASSCO on Friday laid the keel for USNS William McLean, the 12th ship of the Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo-ammunition ships (T-AKE). The ship is named in honor of the U.S. Navy physicist who in the 1950s pioneered the technology behind the Sidewinder missile, the first effective U.S. air-to-air missile. Construction of the William McLean began in September 2009. NASSCO is scheduled to deliver the ship to the Navy in the third quarter of 2011. When it joins the fleet, the William McLean will be used primarily to stage U.S. Marine Corps equipment abroad by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
Federal Contract Awards:
• Electronic Online Systems International in Carlsbad won a $257,278 federal contract from the U.S. Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., for integrated library system.
• Perlmutter Purchasing Power of San Diego won a $38,336.33 federal contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Dugway, Utah, for consoles.
Global Climate Change and San Diego
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation has invited Dr. Phillip Pryde, former geography professor at SDSU, to speak on April 7 on the possible effects of global climate change for the San Diego region and the likely implications for the country’s natural environment and regional economy. His presentation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Road, in Carlsbad. The presentation is free of charge. Pryde’s academic specializations include water resources, land use planning and preservation of natural areas. For more information, call (760) 804-1969.
Diamond Award Winners
Awards were presented by SANDAG to organizations in five categories, as well as to two individuals. The Diamond Awards were sponsored by VPSI Inc. and Enterprise.
Categories and honorees:
Program Excellence: Genentech (Oceanside) — Almost 20 percent of the company’s 500 employees participate in Genentech’s commuter program, which includes monthly subsidies for transit and free shuttles. In 2009, Genentech employees reduced vehicle miles traveled by more than 330,000 and prevented 250,000 pounds of CO2 from being released into the air.
Innovation: Naval Base San Diego (Barrio Logan) — The base has the largest Department of Defense Transportation Incentive Program/Rideshare Program on the West Coast, with 2,300 employees participating (1,500 on transit and 800 in vanpools).
Innovation: Sony Electronics (Rancho Bernardo) — The company’s approach includes its own Internet ridematching service. Sony also has instituted a program in which employees form a new vanpool, then the company purchases carbon offsets for the remainder of the emissions they produce, creating “carbon-neutral” groups of commuters.
Marketing: Science Applications International Corp. (University City) —The company provides incentives and free shuttles as well as facilities like bike racks, showers, and special parking spaces.
Marketing: Parsons Brinckerhoff (Downtown San Diego) — The company’s marketing efforts include a commute challenge among the staff. Winners are rewarded with free ice cream and pizza parties. As a result, half the staff members participate in the commute program.
Ongoing Commitment: VA San Diego Healthcare System (La Jolla) — Launched in 2001, the commuter program has grown to include 12 percent of the company’s 3,200 employees. The organization’s sustained effort includes annual transit fairs and new-hire orientations.
Ongoing Commitment: Genentech (Oceanside) — The company’s program has grown steadily since its launch in 2005. Genentech hires a third-party consultant to conduct an annual survey of its commuters and analyze developing trends, then uses the results to improve the program.
Best New Program: Sharp HealthCare (Kearny Mesa) — With six different hospitals, 22 clinics, and 14,500 employees, Sharp did extensive groundwork before introducing commuter services. The program offers many options to employees. As a result, 15 percent of the staff use an alternative commute.
Best New Program: San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Midway) — With goals of reducing greenhouse gases and freeing up more parking, the Authority uses transit pass subsides and free shuttle services to encourage its 5,000 airport employees to use public transit.
Individual: Debra Gutzmer — As western region facilities planning manager for Science Applications International Corp., Gutzmer was key in the formation and implementation of the company’s commuter program in 1998, and she continues to demonstrate her on-going commitment to improving transportation in the San Diego region for her fellow employees.
Individual: Clara Ung — As human resources specialist and the field transportation manager for VA San Diego Healthcare, Ung has worked tirelessly to help make the commuter program at VA San Diego Healthcare a success.
Business Meetings
April 2
COFFEE WITH CCDC: Staff of the Centre City Development Corp. hosts “Coffee with CCDC,” an informal session to discuss upcoming projects and new developments Downtown. Topics include parks, open space and recreation opportunities, waterfront revitalization, affordable housing, business attraction programs. 8 a.m., Downtown Information Center, 193 Horton Plaza, above CVC Pharmacy.
SEMINAR: National Association of Women Business Owners San Diego continues its monthly seminar series. Angie Swartz of Square Martini Media will present “Using LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool.” Noon to 1 p.m., Brandman University, 7460 Mission Valley Road, San Diego. NAWBO San Diego members free, nonmembers $25. Box lunches provided. Online reservations at nawbo-sd.org.
April 13
PANEL PROGRAM: The cost and legal ramifications of the proposed California High Speed Rail system will be discussed at a program sponsored by the Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana. 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the University Club, 750 B St., in Downtown San Diego. Panelists: John Chalker, member of the California Transit Commission; Steve DeBaum, partner with Best Best & Krieger; and Job Nelson, director of intergovernmental relations for the San Diego Mayor’s Office. Moderator: Jose Martinez, regional program manager for the California High Speed Rail Authority. $40 for ULI members, $50 for nonmembers. To register, call (800) 321-5011 or visit ulisd.org.
April 20
PRESENTATION: Juval Aviv, president and CEO of Interfor Inc., will discuss some of the major financial fraud cases he has investigated during 30 years in the corporate investigations field, including personal anecdotes. Sponsor: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) San Diego. 7 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. program, Doubletree Hotel Hazard Center, 7450 Hazard Center Drive, SanDiego. Free for ACG members, $50 for nonmembers. Make reservations at acteva.com.
The Daily Business Report is produced by REP Publishing Inc., publisher of San Diego Metropolitan Magazine, the North Park News, Kensington News and the West Coast Craftsman. (619) 906-4104.
