Daily Business Report-July 22, 2013
Oktoberfest in Munich is on the itinerary for San Diego North Chamber’s Germany and Austria Tour
San Diego North Chamber Hosts
Tour to Germany and Austria
The San Diego North Chamber of Commerce will host a tour to Austria and Germany featuring Munich’s famed Oktoberfest from Oct. 1-9. “Chamber and community members are invited on this unique travel opportunity to immerse yourself into the spirit of Oktoberfest and gain a new perspective on Austria and Germany’s history, cuisine and culture,” says the chamber.
Tour price is $2,999 per person, double occupancy, and includes roundtrip airfare from San Diego, first-class hotel accommodations, 10 meals, professional tour escort, baggage handling, sightseeing and admission to all attractions.
Travelers will have the opportunity to visit many of the Alpine region’s most scenic and historic sites. “Enjoy the convenience of spending seven nights in one hotel, located in the historic city of Innsbruck. Delight in Munich’s famed Oktoberfest, the world’s largest fair and a tradition dating back to 1810,” the chamber says.
Travel to Neuschwanstein Castle, built by “mad” King Ludwig and reminiscent of a fairy tale. Take a trip to Meran, Italy nestled in the Italian Alps and enjoy a wine tasting at a local wine cellar. Experience Salzburg, setting for “The Sound of Music” and the birthplace of Mozart. An excursion to the top of the Hintertux Glacier via three cable cars is also available.
More information on the tour will be given at a July 30 preview from 5 to 6 p.m. at the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce office in Rancho Bernardo. Or call Sandy Schmitt at (858) 487-8051, Ext. 10.
Will the Mayor Show Up?
Mayor Bob Filner is scheduled to give a speech next month at a fundraiser for the National Women Veterans Association. The fundraiser’s theme is opposition to sexual assault, sexual harassment and violence. Filner won’t get an award as scheduled, but he’s still expected to speak. The head of the association spoke at a press conference over the weekend and said the event is “going to be very, extremely uncomfortable for him,” the U-T San Diego reported. Attendees will get to ask him questions, she said, adding that he’d better show up or else: “We helped get him into office, and we can help get him out.” (Reported by Voice of San Diego)
San Diego’s New Planning Director Featured
William Fulton, San Diego’s new planning director, is the guest speaker at the Aug. 13 breakfast meeting of the Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana. Fulton is the former mayor of Ventura, an urban planner, author and professor. His books include “The Reluctant Metropolis: the Politicsw of Urban Growth in Los Angeles”; and “The Regional City: Planning of the End of Sprawl.”
The meeting will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The University Club, 701 B St., in Downtown. Cost is $30 for ULI members and $50 for nonmembers. Registration: (800) 321-5011 or www.ulisd.org.
Northrop Grumman Delivers Upgraded Fire Scout to Navy
The U.S. Navy got its first look at the upgraded MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned system when Northrop Grumman Corp. delivered its first system this month. Northrop Grumman is the Navy’s prime contractor for the Fire Scout. The company delivered the first aircraft to the Navy in early July in preparation for ground and flight testing. The MQ-8B aircraft currently operates on Navy frigates and in Afghanistan, where it provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to maritime and ground commanders. The first deployment of the upgraded MQ-8 system with the MQ-8C Fire Scout aircraft will be in 2014.
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Signs Agreement with Azure Biotech
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. has signed an agreement with Azure Biotech for the development of a formulation of lasofoxifene, a drug to combat osteoporosis and other diseases, targeting an underserved market in women’s health. Under the terms of the agreement, Ligand is entitled to receive $2.7 million in potential development and regulatory milestones and a 5 percent royalty on future net sales. “Lasofoxifene has a promising profile, and we are excited to see it move forward in development,” said John Higgins, president and CEO of Ligand.
North County Transit District to Get New Equipment
Wabtec Corp. has signed a $9 million contract with Herzog Technologies Inc., to provide Positive Train Control equipment and services for North County Transit District (NCTD). The contract includes an option worth an additional $5 million. Under the initial contract, Wabtec will provide its train management system equipment and installation for seven locomotives and 10 passenger transit cab cars on the Coaster train.
Laressa Newman Joins FOX Sports San Diego
Laressa Newman has joined FOX Sports San Diego as account executive. Newman previously was with ESPN’s Los Angeles office where she served as a digital account executive for over three years. Prior to that, she held various positions at several San Diego stations including ABC 10 News, FOX 6 (currently FOX 5 San Diego) and NBC San Diego. Newman attended Point Loma Nazarene University, graduating with a degree in communications and public relations.
