Daily Business Report — May 20, 2010
40 Under 40 Nominations
Nominations are now open for San Diego Metropolitan Magazine’s 11th annual 40 Under 40 awards. The nomination period ends May 31. The honorees will be feted at our annual luncheon on Sept. 9 at the San Diego Convention Center and profiled in the September issue of the magazine. Visit http://sandiegometro.com/40under40/ for a nomination form.
Cubic Receives Port Security Contract
Cubic Applications Inc., a subsidiary of Cubic Corp., has received a new contract from the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide seaport security assessments and training for six ports in Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Ports included under the new contract include Buenaventura in Colombia; Manzanillo, Coatzacoalcos, Cozumel and Los Cabos in Mexico; and El Callao in Peru. Cubic will examine physical security, cargo and access controls, customs procedures, critical infrastructure, screening techniques for passengers and crews, passenger and cargo security and emergency consequence management capabilities at each port. This includes assessing cruise ship security procedures and how government agencies identify and detect contraband related to either security matters or illegal trafficking.
Under an OAS contract completed last year, Cubic provided security assessments and training to the independent Caribbean island nations of Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, and conducted consequence management exercises in Trinidad and Mexico.
Cubic’s Maritime Security Directorate, based in Tampa, Fla., began work on the new contract in March.
Patent Damages Seminar Scheduled for May 26
Patent attorneys will review the changing landscape of patent law and litigation at a May 26 seminar hosted by Fish & Richardson. “Taming the Wild West of Patent Damages: Is There a New Sheriff in Town?” will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the law firm’s office at 12390 El Camino Real, San Diego. The seminar will feature several of Fish’s top patent attorneys, including San Diego Principals Justin Barnes and Chris Marchese; Minneapolis-based Principal Michael Florey; and Boston-based Principal John Skenyon. The seminar also will feature special guest Ryan Sullivan with Quant Economics, who is a patent damages expert and has been involved in numerous patent cases. Registration for the seminar is from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Following the seminar there will be a reception from 6 to 7 p.m. To register, e-mail Roxanne Smith at rsmith@fr.com.
Downtown Sound Bites Hosts Ken Kramer
Ken Kramer, producer and host of the local television show, “About San Diego,” is the guest speaker at the June 1 Downtown Sound Bites program sponsored by the Centre City Development Corp. Kramer will talk about his inspiration for the show and future programing during the noon presentation, which will be held at the Downtown Information Center in Horton Plaza.
Enterprise Zone Workshop
South County Economic Development Council will host an Enterprise Zone Workshop on May 24 with presentations by the Franchise Tax Board and IRS to give the community an opportunity to learn about enterprise zone tax credits. Attendees will also will receive business law updates and learn how businesses qualify and claim these credits. The presentations will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. in the South County Regional Center, 800 National City Blvd., in National City. Lila Fedler of the state Franchise Tax Board and Katie Williams and Regina Lauridsen of the IRS are the presenters. There is no admission
Rescue Mission Takes Over North Park Thrift Store
The San Diego Rescue Mission has become the new owner of the North Park Thrift Store and will hold a grand re-opening ceremony of the remodeled store at 9:30 a.m. on Friday at 3055 University Ave. The Rescue Mission, a former tenant of the building, sees the store as a hybrid of retail, client training, community gathering place and a resource center on homeless services. “We’re excited about becoming an active part of community improvements in North Park,” said Herb Johnson, SDRM president and CEO. “There is a great value to our community to present a renovated facility. In addition, our clients’ involvement with the thrift store gives them valuable job training that helps them get back their life while also giving back to the community.” Speaking at the ceremony will be Johnson, Councilman Todd Gloria, James Pope, Oscar Torres and the Rescue Mission board. Representatives from ReSource Floor Inc., which donated flooring and installation services, also will be present.
Chula Vista Bayfront Development On Track Again
The development of the Chula Vista bayfront after several years of planning and false starts is back on track. The Port of San Diego and the city of Chula Vista have given the go-ahead for the development — one of the largest waterfront projects in California. The Port, the Chula Vista City Council, the city’s Redevelopment Corporation and the Chula Vista Planning Commission took several actions marking the completion of all local approvals before the project moves considerations by state agencies. Central to the actions was the certification of the 12,000-page Environmental Impact Report by the Port and city, and adoption by the Board of Port Commissioners of an amendment to the Port’s master plan for the Chula Vista planning efforts, and adoption by the city of amendments to its general plan and local coastal program.
Ideas for the redevelopment of 556 acres along the waterfront include a 1,500- to 2,000-room resort and conference center, three smaller hotels ranging from 250 to 750 rooms, 1,500 residential condominiums, including affordable units, a mix of office and commercial uses, and scenic gathering spaces around the harbor. Parks, public promenades and bike trails are envisioned throughout the entire bayfront. The development is projected to generate $1.3 billion for the regional economy over a 20-year period, including more than $11.5 million in annual tax revenues. A new, major resort hotel and conference center could create more than 2,000 permanent jobs and more than 6,500 construction jobs.
Before the project can proceed, the Port, city and Pacifica Companies, a partner in the waterfront development, must gain approval from both the State Lands Commission and the California Coastal Commission. The Port is expected to seek State Lands Commission approval of a critical land exchange with Pacifica Companies this fall. In 2011, the Port and city will ask the California Coastal Commission to approve amendments to the bayfront master plan.
SANDAG Names Director of Finance
SANDAG has promoted Lauren Warrem to the position of director of finance, a post that oversees the agency’s finance, accounting, programming and budgeting activities. After serving as interim finance director for the last year, Warrem officially took over the position on April 26. She joined SANDAG as finance manager in 2004. Before that, she worked at the Metropolitan Transit Development Board and for KPMG LLP. Warrem, a certified public accountant, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from Baker University. Warrem replaced former Finance Director Renée Wasmund, who was promoted to the position of SANDAG chief deputy executive director. As head of finance, Warrem oversees 16 full-time staff members.
Medical Office Building Planned at Rady Children’s Hospital
Highland Partnership Inc. and Architects Mosher Drew Watson Ferguson have been selected by Rady Children’s Hospital in Oceanside to renovate an existing office building into a specialized medical office building to be called the Sanford Clinic. The new facility will bring various North County satellite clinics together in one building. Centralizing the outpatient services of the current clinics will provide a continued high level of patient care while creating a stronger North County presence, according to hospital officials. The 28,315-square-foot medical office building would include the departments of primary care, specialty care, urgent care, developmental services, child abuse prevention and psych-behavioral. The renovations are expected to be completed for occupancy in March 2011. Highland’s design-build team includes as consultants Aark Engineering, Inc., SC Engineers Inc., Tanner Engineering and Interspec.
Director Chosen for Travel Escapes Club
Travel professional Ken Owens has been appointed managing director of Travel Escapes Club, the members-only travel club of Tapestry Resorts. Owens has taken the position in addition to his other responsibilities as vice president of reservations and travel services, overseeing Tapestry Resorts’ reservations, call centers and Platinum Concierge Services. Owens has more than four decades of experience in the travel industry. Prior to joining Tapestry Resorts in 2002, he was the vice president of marketing for RCI Resort Management. He has also held management, director and VP positions with Pacific Southwest Airlines, Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Radisson Hotels/Diamond Cruise line, The Moorings and Balboa Travel.
Free Concerts to Complement Del Mar Racing Season
The Del Mar Racetrack has added 11 free summer concerts to its 2010 racing season, which extends from July 21 through Sept. 8. The free concerts will be every Friday and on select Saturdays and include permances by such groups as The B52’s, ZZ Top and Super Diamond. The schedule:
• July 23 – Pinback
• July 30 – Common Sense
• Aug. 6 – The B52’s
• Aug. 13 – The Soft Pack
• Aug. 14 – Reggae Fest featuring Jimmy Cliff & Matisyahu
• Aug. 20 – Ozomatli
• Aug. 21 – Weezer
• Aug. 27 – Super Diamond
• Aug. 28 – Craft Microbrew & Local Music Showcase
• Sept. 3 – The English Beat
• Sept. 4 – ZZ Top
A different location will be used for the Friday concerts — the Seaside Terrace, located at the west end of the Grandstand.
The Del Mar racetrack’s concerts are free with racetrack admission purchased prior to the last race. Racetrack admission starts at $3 for Diamond Club members (free to sign up) and $6 without Diamond Club membership. Admission for concertgoers entering after the horses have left the gate for the last race is $20.
Two Beer Festivals, a Craft Microbrew Festival, the $1 Million Pacific Classic Presented by TVG and the Weiner Dog Nationals are among the highlights on this year’s entertainment calendar.
Racing at Del Mar will be Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is at 4 p.m. for the first four Fridays and 3:30 p.m. for the last three. There will be a special Monday racing card on Labor Day, Sept. 6. For more information, call (858) 755-1141 or visit delmarscene.com.
Small Business Workshops
SCORE San Diego has scheduled the following workshops for small business owners and persons interested in launching a small business:
• May 21 – Repeat Customers: The Key to Business Success – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Point Loma Nazarene University in Mission Valley (4007 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• May 22 – Business Plan 201: How to Write a Winning Business Plan – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Point Loma Nazarene University in Mission Valley (4007 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108; pre-paid registration $99, $109 at the door).
• May 25 – How to Start and Manage Your Own Business – 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Point Loma Nazarene University in Mission Valley (4007 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• May 25 – Business Plan 201: How to Write a Winning Business Plan – Carlsbad – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at National University (705 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad 92011; pre-paid registration $99, $109 at the door).
• May 26 – Marketing and Contracting with the Federal Government – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Point Loma Nazarene University in Mission Valley (4007 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• May 27 – Internet Marketing 201: Build Your Business Through Search Engine Optimization – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Point Loma Nazarene University in Mission Valley (4007 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
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.
