Daily Business Report/Nov. 28, 2016
SDSU undergraduate students assisted in the research that went into developing the California Export Guide. (Photo: Jeffrey Brown)
SDSU Develops Guide to Assist Firms
Looking to Expand in Global Market
By Gina Jacobs | SDSU NewsCenter
California companies are going global and the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business Administration is helping them get there.
ThinkGlobal Inc., in partnership with SDSU CIBER, has launched the California Export Guide, available in print and online. The colorful, magazine-style guide is a free resource for California exporters to find the tools they need to succeed in global markets.
The purpose of the guide is to provide California companies and foreign investors with expert advice and answers to frequently asked questions about exporting, foreign direct investment and global business.
“As a designated national center of excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, SDSU CIBER consistently strives to meet the information needs of California businesses so they can compete better overseas,” said Mark J. Ballam, SDSU CIBER managing director. “The California Export Guide is one example of how we accomplish the goal of improving U.S. business competitiveness.”
SDSU undergraduate students assisted in the research that went into developing the guide, including the extensive list of international trade resources in countries around the world.
The guide is being distributed throughout California by state and local economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, world trade centers, ports, and private sector service providers.
“The guide provides California companies with a comprehensive source of information related to exporting and international trade, in print and online,” said Greg Sandler, ThinkGlobal CEO and the guide’s publisher. “It also includes key contacts, websites and other resources for exporters.”
The California Export Guide was made possible by a number of public and private sector partners, including the California Chamber of Commerce, District Export Councils, Export Import Bank of the United States, Los Angeles International Airport and California Bank & Trust.
ThinkGlobal Inc. is a publishing and lead generation company that produces the California Export Guide and other print and web resources.
CIBER was established in 1989 and assists in linking work force and information needs of U.S. businesses with the international education, language training and research capacities of universities across the United States.
____________________________
Kevin Graney to Take Reins
of General Dynamics NASSCO
Kevin M. Graney, 52, has been elected a vice president of General Dynamics and appointed as president of General Dynamics NASSCO, effective on Jan. 1, 2017, following the retirement of Frederick J. Harris.
Graney was appointed vice president and general manager of NASSCO in November 2013. Previously, he held leadership positions in operations, programs and engineering.
He joined NASSCO in 2006 from General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he started working in 1995.
Graney is a U.S. Navy submarine veteran.
Graney was promoted at the same time that Dirk A. Lesko was elevated to president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.
“Dirk and Kevin are seasoned leaders with proven track records of managing complex shipbuilding projects and driving continuous improvement at every level of their business,” said John P. Casey, executive vice president, Marine Systems. “Both have worked for General Dynamics for more than 20 years and they have the right management and operations experience to ensure these shipyards are positioned for the future.”
____________________________
UCSD Theater and Dance Department
Lays Off Entire Production Team
UC San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance has laid off its entire production team of 21 staff members shared with La Jolla Playhouse in a restructuring that has raised concerns throughout the San Diego theatre community.
UCSD and the La Jolla Playhouse have developed a new staffing plan that separates staff who previously worked joint shifts for both institutions into separate teams, according to a statement from UCSD. This decision was announced to the staff members following Election Day on Nov. 9.
“While we know any change can be difficult we believe that proposed modification will ultimately benefit our students and staff, and allow the university to build on the world-class program it offers,” said the statement.
By January the new staffing plan will be fully implemented, with UCSD’s production staff reorganized to be fully dedicated to either UCSD or the La Jolla Playhouse, no longer sharing time with each institution, according to the statement.
University and playhouse officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
However, some laid-off employees have expressed concern that UCSD is taking advantage of the restructuring process to lower their salaries, and consequently reduce the quality of the university’s prestigious theater department. The employees were encouraged to apply for new positions with less time and lower salaries, according to a letter from the laid off employees.
____________________________
December Nights in Balboa Park
Balboa Park December Nights, the nation’s premier holiday festival, will take place for the 39th consecutive year on Friday, Dec. 2 from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon-11 p.m.
Friends, families and the community are invited to come together for festive fun, food and attractions throughout the park, including complimentary admission to Balboa Park museums from 5-9 p.m. The largest free community festival in San Diego, December Nights is expected to attract more than 350,000 visitors to the park over two days to revel and enjoy the season.
As in years past, the event will offer seasonal entertainment for the whole family as well as festive holiday lighting throughout the park — from the Plaza de Panama canopy — to the Botanical Building — to the landmark Moreton Bay Fig Tree. Delicious cuisine and holiday cheer are also all part of the long-standing San Diego celebration.
