Daily Business Report-July 10, 2018
Dan Hendricks, president of Open Source Maker Labs
Startup 78:
Growing the Startup Community in North County
By Courtney Cromer
North County San Diego is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed lifestyle, but innovative industrial growth is garnering attention to the area by storm. Open Source Maker Labs (OSML) opened its doors in 2014 to support this movement, and there has never been a more exciting time for entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities in the area.
As California continues to expand across growing industries like information technology, health care, hospitality, and agriculture, city leaders in North County have zeroed in on what their region brings to the table.
This created a like-minded collaboration between OSML and innovation leaders in North County who recently launched a new entrepreneurial initiative — Startup78. The 78 is reference to State Route 78 in North County.
With more land to build businesses and by harnessing a community effort to support the goals of each city, the North County cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, and Escondido joined forces to focus on the economic prosperity of the area, creating Innovate78. Recognizing the growing number of entrepreneurs in North County, Innovate78 along with San Diego Regional EDC launched a separate action specifically for startup companies, thus the Startup78 initiative was born in spring 2018. Startup78 works to unite and maximize the resources available to entrepreneurs as they begin to develop their companies, and support their growth as they become sustainable and successful businesses.
When entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life, it creates job growth and economic benefit towards the surrounding communities as well. Jennifer Schoeneck, economic development manager for San Diego Regional EDC and program manager for Startup78, explains this role: “98 percent of firms in San Diego are small businesses. When we give entrepreneurs the resources they need to be successful, it adds jobs to our local economy which in turn helps individuals and families.” With San Diego County’s unemployment rate at 2.9 percent being lower than the California average (4.2 percent) as well as that of neighboring Los Angeles (3.9 percent) and Riverside (4.1 percent), something is clicking into place in the small business and startup ecosystem of the county.
Simply put, economic growth in North County creates more career options for local residents along with a major cut in commute time to dense workplace areas that lie miles away from home, with one example being the technology sector. The 78 corridor has created more than 25,000 jobs in technology, and the number of tech firms in the area rests at 42 percent above the national average. The number of jobs created in technology also induced upwards of 16,000 additional jobs that support the industry. In the tech sector of the 78 corridor, 80 percent of firms are small businesses that employ less than 10 people each. Residents see the opportunity available in the 78 corridor; this area has transformed into an environment that breeds entrepreneurs and scalable businesses.
With the emergence of Startup78, a symbiotic relationship between the initiative and Open Source Maker Labs came into full effect. With OSML being the only makerspace in North County, the labs provide the space for entrepreneurs to code, 3D print a prototype, or use a variety of other tools and materials such as the laser cutter, or metal and woodworking materials that are otherwise hard to come by. With OSML hosting teams of bright and dedicated college students getting hands-on experience in their STEM fields, startups have talent pools to draw from for hiring purposes.
Schoeneck also highlighted OSML’s role from the startup community’s perspective. “Volunteering their time, expertise and resources, OSML plays a critical role in the North County startup community,” she explained. “We are proud to have [OSML President] Dan Hendricks on our Regional EDC Startup78 committee to help drive the strategic agenda to provide startups with the resources they need to grow and thrive in North County San Diego.”
Hendricks appreciates seeing these companies and business relationships develop firsthand. “I enjoy seeing the creativity and energy in the startup community, and the increase in self-confidence by people as they go through the startup journey,” said Hendricks. “We’ve seen a lot of talent develop right here in our lab through the many projects we have, and that’s led directly to startup initiatives and hiring by startups in North County.”
Hendricks feels that as more attention is drawn to the businesses in North County, funding and investment will continue to develop, creating rapid growth across multiple industries. Compared to larger cities, he said, the secret ingredient to this area is the new collaboration that is happening between the five cities along the Innovate78 corridor while each city continues to retain its specific characteristics. This will ultimately create novel opportunities for talent and business to locate in North County.
From the rise of the technology sector, to the emergence of numerous local breweries, economic growth can only continue to expand in North County. Paired with the focus on collaboration between the five cities and the holistic mindset of preserving a balanced lifestyle of family, friends, and outdoor appreciation, the synergy of North County has created a refreshing atmosphere for startups to thrive in. With events and resources available through Startup78 and Open Source Maker Labs, entrepreneurs are encouraged to get involved as the 78 corridor brings new business to life.
For more information on Startup78, visit: http://www.innovate78.com/startups
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Airport Authority starts process
for replacing Terminal 1 at airport
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority on Monday released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for its Airport Development Plan— the replacement of the 51-year-old Terminal 1at San Diego International Airport.
With construction anticipated to begin in early 2020 if approved, the project elements also include a new on-airport entry roadway, dual-level roadway and curbfront at the new Terminal 1, expanded close-in parking, and major airfield efficiency improvements. The ADP is a master plan designed to optimize the 661-acre site to accommodate the region’s demand for air travel and maintain high levels of passenger satisfaction.
“This is the official launch of the most extensive improvement of San Diego International Airport in its 90-year history,” said Kimberly J. Becker, Airport Authority president/CEO. “Upon completion, San Diego residents and visitors will enjoy a truly 21st century airport for decades to come.”
Current plans call for the Terminal 1 replacement (Phase 1a) to open in 2023. The cost for the entire project is estimated not to exceed $3 billion. The Airport Authority will fund the project primarily through ongoing user fees. Phasing of the project elements will allow the Airport Authority to meet demands that might change over time, as well as facilitate financing.
This marks the start of a 45-day public review and comment period slated to close Aug. 23. Public involvement is encouraged. The DEIR is online at www.san.org/plan and comments may be submitted to planning@san.org. To join an e-mail list for updates, contact Rebecca Bloomfield at rbloomfi@san.org.
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Kratos announces delivery of first
production BQM-177A drone system
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. in San Diego announced the delivery of the first production BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target (SSAT) Drone System for the U.S. Navy. These production deliveries are part of the previously announced Low Rate Initial Production Year One contracts worth $37 million.
To honor the occasion, Kratos is hosting a Rollout Celebration on Wednesday at the McClellan Conference Center in McClellan, Calif. The event, in partnership with the U.S. Navy, celebrates the first production delivery of Kratos’ highest performance jet powered unmanned aerial target drone system.
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SDSU Sports MBA Program
Ranked Among World’s Best
For a second consecutive year, San Diego State University’s Sports Master of Business Administration (SMBA) program was recognized as one of the best programs in the world. SportBusiness International, the foremost ranking system for postgraduate sports management courses, ranked SDSU first in the world for student/alumni satisfaction as well as for providing students with the “most useful” education. The program ranked No. 7 globally and is the top-ranked university in the western United States.
The company surveyed alumni and course leaders from more than 75 programs around the world. Assessments were based on several factors, including the quality of course content, the provision and quality of work placements and internships, as well as alumni support.
Each institution’s overall academic reputation, staff numbers and experience, and research capability also factored into the results.
The program’s ranking was lifted by its high marks from alumni, which makes the achievement particularly meaningful to Scott Minto (SMBA ‘06), the program’s director since its infancy.
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Kit Pogliano named dean of UC San Diego
Division of Biological Sciences
The University of California San Diego has selected Kit Pogliano, a professor of molecular biology, as the new dean of the Division of Biological Sciences. Currently dean of the university’s Graduate Division, Pogliano was selected after a national search and will begin her new appointment on Sept. 15, 2018. Shesucceeds Bill McGinnis, a developmental biologist who has led the division since 2013.
Pogliano is the fourth dean of the division and its first female leader. She will lead a renowned Biological Sciences Division that consistently ranks among the world’s best in biology research and education.
A member of the UC San Diego faculty since 1996, Pogliano’s research focuses on the application of cell biological tools to understand the design principles of bacterial cells, and to discover new antibiotics and develop diagnostics for multidrug resistant bacterial infections. Leveraging her experience with the biotech community, she cofounded a company to bring this technology to the pharmaceutical industry to accelerate new drug discovery.
As dean, McGinnis guided the division through an unprecedented period of scientific achievement and growth among faculty and the undergraduate population. McGinnis, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, will remain on the Biological Sciences faculty as a distinguished professor of Cell and Developmental Biology.
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Northrop-Built unmanned
helicopter completes test
GovCon Daily
A U.S. Navy aviation unit has conducted an initial operational test and evaluation of an MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter produced by Northrop Grumman.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 assessed Fire Scout’s intelligence gathering, target identification and surface warfare functions through simulated engagements onboard USS Coronado, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said.
The IOT&E activity took place June 28 off the coast of Southern California and involved mission scenarios with the Sikorsky-built MH-60S Seahawk helicopter.
The Navy will use data from the test in efforts to determine how they can integrate MQ-8C with platforms such as LCS.
Pier-side tests that focus on the maintenance and cyber systems of the unmanned helicopter will continue through mid-July.
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Personnel Announcements
Greenhaus adds several new staff members
San Diego-based advertising agency Greenhaus has added several new employees and expanded the duties for an existing team member. The company has hired Arzan Lali, director of digital development; Olivia Arbaugh, senior account executive; Brittany Messenger, copywriter; Joe Harrington, traffic manager and expanded the role for SEO strategist Kimberly Forney to now serve as digital optimization manager.
Arzan Lali has been brought on board to manage both internal and external developers and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of all digital development projects at Greenhaus. Before joining the agency Lali was a technical product lead at Phone.com for five years and prior that served 14 years as a technical program manager and software developer at Donnell Systems.
Olivia Arbaugh comes to Greenhaus as a senior account executive, developing multi-platform (online and offline) marketing programs for diverse clients spanning across master-planned communities and tourism destinations. Arbaugh worked at Edelman Barcelona, where she assisted in orchestrating the language site launch of LinkedIn in Russia, Romania, and Turkey.
Brittany Messenger will be crafting content for a variety of campaigns on clients such as Cane Island, Front Porch and Maracay. Working for nearly a decade as both in-house staff and as a freelancer, Messenger has served ad agencies, branding firms, and design studios as a copywriter, namer, and strategist.
Joe Harrington is Greenhaus’ newest traffic manager, working to facilitate interagency communication and coordinate between various departments. Most recently Harrington was a senior product specialist at Game On Sports.
The agency has expanded the role of Kimberly Forney from SEO strategist to digital optimization manager. Forney will still manage all SEO
work and reporting for clients and will now play a greater role in developing conversion optimization strategies and testing.
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Lisa Manolovitz joins Kidder Mathews
Lisa Manolovitz has joined Kidder Mathews’ Property Management Services where she will manage office, retail and industrial assets for select clients in the San Diego area.
Manolovitz has nearly 15 years of commercial property management experience and has managed diversified portfolios including over 1 million square feet of industrial, office, medical and retail properties.
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Danielle Moore named chair of
Fisher Phillips’ Development Committee
Fisher Phillips, a national labor and employment law firm representing employers, announces that Partner Danielle H. Moore has been named chair of the firm’s Development Committee. The Development Committee works closely with the firm’s marketing department to lead institutional efforts in branding, marketing and business development. Moore will co-chair the committee for a six-month transition period with Partner James J. McDonald Jr., who has served as chair since 2004. She will assume full duties on Jan. 1, 2019.
A partner in the firm’s San Diego office, Moore represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation and wage-and-hour class action lawsuits. She also counsels clients on employment handbook and personnel policy preparation and general preventive advice including hiring, discipline and termination practices. In 2013, Moore co-founded the Women’s Initiative and Leadership Council, a firm-wide initiative to advance and develop the role of women in the firm and in the legal profession, and she continues to serve as co-chair.
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John Couvillion joins Murphy Development Co.
John R. Couvillion has joined Murphy Development Company (MDC) as senior vice president and director of development. He will be responsible for overseeing the development process at all MDC projects from acquisition and construction through leasing or disposition, as well as analysis of new development and acquisition opportunities.
Couvillion is a real estate development executive who has entitled and developed more than 2.5 million square feet of office and industrial properties and entitled thousands of residences during his 30+-year career.
Most recently, he served as vice president of development for Badiee Development, involved with the acquisition, entitlement and design of six industrial properties totaling 420,000 square feet in North County.
In 2011 he established Integritas Holdings LLC. Among his projects, he acted as Stone Brewing Company’s real estate development and construction liaison for the recent development of its 55,000-square-foot Packaging Hall in Escondido and Stone’s newest restaurant, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, in Liberty Station.
Earlier, Couvillion was director of development for JRMC Real Estate Inc., a privately held commercial real estate development company specializing in government entitlement processing, land development and commercial construction management of company-owned assets.
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Debra Schwartz re-elected to NAFCU’s board of directors
Debra Schwartz, president and CEO of Mission Federal Credit Union since 2008, has won re-election as director-at-large on the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions’ (NAFCU’s) Board of Directors for a three-year term. With her re-election, Schwartz will serve on the NAFCU Executive Committee as board vice chair for a two-year term. She also chairs the NAFCU Regulatory Committee and is a NAFCU Services Corporation Board Member.
Schwartz has been a director-at-large since 2012, and served as treasurer on the executive committee from 2016-2018 and as secretary from 2014-2016.
Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience at financial institutions. She was named President and CEO of Mission Federal Credit Union in 2008; prior to that, she served as Executive Vice President and Interim CEO in 2008. She has been with Mission Fed since 2007.
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Daniella Velazquez de León joins Organics Unlimited
Organics Unlimited, San Diego-based grower and distributor of organic tropical fruit, announce the addition of Daniella Velazquez de León as its new logistics manager. She is a fourth-generation member of her family with its roots planted firmly in growing organic bananas.
Joining the family business wasn’t a set expectation for Velazquez de León or her siblings. Her parents wanted their children to find their own way, which eventually led her back to Organics Unlimited.
Prior to joining Organics Unlimited, Velazquez de León worked in a number of roles for Amobee (and Adconion Direct prior to being acquired by Amobee) over the past seven years. While at Amobee, she began on its social media team overseeing Facebook ads and worked on display, mobile and video ads where she helped integrate these digital components into client campaigns. She then helped create and oversaw all aspects of the company’s Pinterest team building interest in its advertising channel along with its Snapchat programs.
A graduate from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance degree, Velazquez de León has worked on a wide range of campaigns for Fortune 500 companies like Airbnb, among others. She envisions building on the lessons she learned during her time at Amobee, including fostering a fun company culture and pursuing opportunities to innovate, as Organics Unlimited prepares for the future.
