Daily Business Report-July 7, 2020
Illustration by Visual Capitalist
Visualizing the size of Amazon,
the world’s most valuable retailer
As brick-and-mortar chains teeter in the face of the pandemic, Amazon continues to gain ground. The retail juggernaut is valued at no less than $1.4 trillion—roughly four times what it was in late 2016 when its market cap hovered around $350 billion.
Last year, the Jeff Bezos-led company shipped 2 billion packages around the world.
Today’s infographic shows how Amazon’s market cap alone is bigger than the nine biggest U.S. retailers put together, highlighting the palpable presence of the once modest online bookstore.
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General Atomics unit to build spacecraft
for NASA’s solar energy project
Govcon Wire
A General Atomics business unit has secured a potential six-year, $32.9 million contract to develop spacecraft that NASA will use on a mission to measure solar energy input to Earth.
The company’s electromagnetic systems group will help the space agency build and test the space vehicle for the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-2 effort, NASA
The award contains a $22.9 million base value for spacecraft development work, nine options worth potentially $2 million for launch and mission operations support, and a time-and-materials provision valued at $1.6 million.
Services will also include testing of the TSIS-2 observatory, integration of the main instrument, verification of in-orbit performance and spacecraft decommissioning.
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Brian Mooney named chairman of Urban
Land Institute’s SD-Tijuana District Council
The Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) San Diego-Tijuana District Council has named Brian F. Mooney chairman of the 700-member binational council, which promotes responsible land use and sustainable communities in the Cali Baja mega-region.
Mooney has designated a theme for ULI’s fiscal year which started July 1: “The Inclusive Region: Facing Challenges and Opportunities in the New Normal.” ULI will explore real estate development’s impact on diversity, equity and inclusion; public space as it relates to public health; and the future of urban development.
Mooney’s two-year term will culminate with the San Diego–Tijuana Council hosting ULI’s 2022 Spring Meeting, April 19-21, which will attract thousands of ULI members from around the world and showcase the best of San Diego’s residential, commercial and civic development.
Mooney serves as the managing principal of the Community Planning and Sustainable Development Division at Rick Engineering Company. He has more than 40 years’ experience in planning, public outreach, environmental analysis, research and development of public policy. He is highly respected in public and private planning arenas and is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
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San Diego firm BioPPE launches advanced
pathogen protection products
San Diego-based BioPPE, a maker of smart-tech pathogen protection devices, has launched the BioMask Bluetooth+, Bluetooth-enabled, thermal cooling antimicrobial face mask with speakerphone, along with touch-free face mask dispensers, UV-C disinfection boxes, and more.
“When the pandemic hit, the world ‘knee jerked’ in managing the initial impact of COVID-19,” said BioPPE CEO Brock Flint. “Meanwhile at BioPPE, we focused on the phases beyond that, inventing products and solutions to not only help organizations prepare, operate effectively and sustain for the new normal, but to also be equipped for the possibility of future contagions.”
The stylish, comfortable antimicrobial face mask incorporates an innovative Bluetooth 5.0 module and localized speakerphone, enabling users to communicate clearly on mobile calls and in person. This Bluetooth module can also play music for the wearer for up to 8-10 hours of use.
The proprietary cooling technology, antimicrobial microfiber material and adjustable Velcro strap make the BioMask Bluetooth+ lightweight and comfortable while protecting the user from harmful pathogens present in the outside world, according to company officials.
Click here for information on all the products.
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Shane Kinkennon launches leadership
skills and advisory firm in San Diego
Shane Kinkennon announced the launch of his leadership-skills and advisory company headquartered in San Diego — S. Kinkennon Enterprises— to offer leadership skills products and advisory services for business and nonprofit leaders.
Kinkennon left his post July 1 as the COO at San Diego-based American Council on Exercise (ACE), where he joined the team in 2017 as chief strategy officer before his promotion to chief operating officer shortly thereafter.
During Kinkennon’s three years at ACE, he helped grow the total number of ACE certified professionals, sharpened ACE’s strategic map, streamlined annual operating plans, and advanced ACE’s work in advocating for widespread availability of lifestyle behavior-change coaching. ACE will be the first client of S. Kinkennon Enterprises.
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Escondido school district is first to adopt
Good Food Purchasing Program
The Escondido Union School District Board of Education unanimously voted to commit to the Good Food Purchasing Program(GFPP). This vote marks an important milestone for a campaign led by San Diego Food System Alliance and a diverse coalition of partners to encourage public institutions to adopt GFPP.
GFPP encourages school districts to purchase food that meets robust labor, health, animal welfare and sustainability standards, while prioritizing local food sources. As the first institution in San Diego County to adopt the nationally recognized GFPP framework, Escondido Union School District reaffirmed itself as a leader in school food. With more than 3 million meals served annually, EUSD is poised to have a significant impact on students, food vendors, and growers across the region.
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Meals on Wheels San Diego County
turns March for Meals into virtual event
Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s annual March for Meals “Commit to Getting Fit” challenge, originally scheduled for March, will now be virtual and participants will be encouraged to Commit to Getting Fit between Sunday July 12, and Sunday, Aug. 23.
The fitness challenge, presented by Barona Band of Mission Indians, will help support San Diego’s homebound and isolated senior population.
Although the event is free this year, fundraising is encouraged and donations are welcome as proceeds will help provide nutritious meals and a daily wellness checks for this most vulnerable and fragile population.
Each registrant will be given the opportunity to fundraise and earn prizes as they “March for Meals” on their own and share their progress via social media. This six-week event encourages participants to walk in their neighborhoods, share their progress on their fundraising page and social media using the hashtag #MOWSD2020Walk
“I am personally committing to walk a minimum of four miles per day for the entirety of the event and will be asking friends to support my progress,” said Amie Brown, director of development for Meals on Wheels San Diego County.
The final day of the event will be Aug. 23 and will entail a Facebook Live video at noon. with a message from Meals on Wheels’ leadership, as well as awards for top fundraisers, walkers, and influencers. Prizes include gift certificates, gift baskets, and more. For more information, to make a donation, or to RSVP, click here
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Jewish Community Foundation
promotes Sharleen Wollach
The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) has announced the promotion of Sharleen Wollach to chief impact officer,
Wollach, who joined JCF in 2009, oversees the foundation’s innovative approach to donor services. She acts as grant consultant to major family foundations, and many Donor Advised Fund holders, guiding them through their philanthropic journey from current giving to charitable estate planning.
Wollach serves as a liaison with grantee organizations to promote donor philanthropy and to enrich their relationships with the foundation, ensuring strong community connections.
Wollach directs the Create a Jewish Legacy program and the Endowment Leadership Institute (ELI), working in partnership with local Jewish agencies. In addition, she manages the Governance Leadership Institute (GLI), to educate community organizations about best practices in board governance. She designed and implemented the Trusted Charitable Advisor program, an exclusive learning environment at JCF engaging professional advisers who work closely with donors in developing and building relationships for current and future philanthropy.
