Daily Business Report — Oct. 12, 2012

Algae Are a Growing Part of San Diego’s Appeal

Business Week reports that San Diego may be “the mecca of algae technology development” due to so many research institutions and biofuel companies in the city that are working on turning algae into fuel. “Algal biofuels research generated $80.9 million in economic activity in the region last year and employed 466, up from 215 in 2009,” the magazine reported, quoting a study by the San Diego Association of Governments. For the complete report, visit www.businessweek.com. Flasks of algae at the Sapphire Energy Lab in San Diego.

Community Plans Tribute to Mayor Jerry Sanders

A tribute to San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, who leaves office in December, will be held Nov. 17 at the new Central Library Downtown, one of major accomplishments of Sanders’ administration. Proceeds from the 6 p.m. event will benefit the San Diego Public Library Foundation, Barrio Logan College Institute and the Balboa Park 2015 Centennial Fund. Food, live entertainment and local beer offerings will be available. Admission is $45. To purchase tickets, visit www.sanderscelebrationcommittee.com.

Former Professors Donate $2.4 Million
To SDSU’s Musical Theater Program

Two former professors at San Diego State have partnered to contribute $2.4 million to the university’s musical theater program. The gift from Carey Wall and Terry O’Donnell will endow a faculty position in the program. Wall was a professor from the College of Arts & Letters. She was a professor of English (specializing in American literature) for 37 years, and served as the department chair for a dozen years. O’Donnell retired in 2008 after 35 years as a professor in both theater and music. He is a founding member of the musical theater MFA (master’s of fine arts)  program, and taught in the program since its inception in 1982. Students and graduates of th program have performed on and off Broadway, in regional theaters, in national and international tours and on local stages.

Mexican President Opens Tijuana Technology
Conference with Kyocera’s Ceramic Scissors

TIJUANA, Mexico — In a tribute to industrial innovation and technology, Mexican President Felipe Calderón used ceramic scissors from Kyocera in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday to inaugurate the Tijuana Innovadora 2012 global technology conference, which continues through Oct. 21 at the Tijuana Cultural Center. The ribbon cutting was assisted by Carlos Bustamante, mayor of Tijuana; San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and José Osuna Millán, governor of Baja California. While most scissors are everyday household items, Kyocera’s highly specialized ceramic scissors reflect the high-tech theme of the conference, which showcases the city as a center for innovation and technology. Ceramic scissors are used for specialized tasks in the laboratory and in manufacturing because they are chemically inert, non-magnetic, electrically non-conductive, and less likely to transmit electrostatic energy to semiconductors or other sensitive electronic devices. Kyocera is among more than 50 exhibitors displaying their latest products at Tijuana Innovadora.

Lunch With Sen. Dianne Feinstein

For $75, you can have lunch with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on Oct. 23 at the Westin San Diego in Downtown. Her appearance is sponsored by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., which states that the event is not a political fundraiser. Feinstein will report on Washington, D.C., happenings and have a question and answer session. To register, visit www.senatorfeinstein.eventbrite.com.

U.S. Green Chamber Appoints President

Irene M. Stillings, former executive director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy, has been appointed president of the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce headquartered in San Diego. Stilling has more than 35 years of energy industry experience. Stillings has held a variety of positions at New York State Electric & Gas Corp. and was vice president of business development at ConneXt. Inc, a software company. She also was director of customer care at Navigate Consulting Inc. Stillings is a board member of the national Marketing Executives Conference and Environmental Entrepreneurs. She holds a master’s degree from Syracuse University.

Viejas Tribe Signs Joint Powers Pact
With Heartland Fire Training Authority

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Heartland Fire Training Authority have entered into a joint powers agreement (JPA) that will give Viejas full member status, including access to Heartland’s fire training facility and voting rights over operational and budget matters involving the existing training facility in El Cajon and one under construction in Rancho San Diego. It is one of the first JPAs involving a Native American tribe in California. Previously, tribes were not allowed to enter into JPAs in the state. That changed when AB 307 was passed into law and took effect Jan. 1, 2012, permitting federally-recognized Indian tribes to be considered a public agency that may enter into a joint powers agreement. “This JPA finally allows Viejas to have a seat at the table and have a full and meaningful partnership with other area fire agencies that we’ve worked with for years in a very productive way,” said Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz.