Daily Business Report: Dec. 10, 2024
Campus News
Communication student, alumnus team up on TV
By Tim Meehan | Cal State San Marcos — Photos courtesy of Cal State San Marcos
Every fall on high school campuses across the country, football becomes the thing to do on Friday nights.
Local TV station KUSI News for the past 26 years has broadcast a highlights and interview show called “Prep Pigskin Report,” also known as “PPR,” that canvases San Diego County every Friday night to bring high school football stories to tens of thousands of homes.
Cal State San Marcos may not have a football team, but a couple of communication students — one an alumnus and one about to be one — are heavily involved in the game locally as they comprise the “PPR” team that covers North County’s biggest game each week.
Matt Candelario is set to graduate from CSUSM this month. He handles the camera, interviews athletes and posts to social media before and after games.
The on-air talent Candelario films is Nick James, a Chula Vista native and former communication student from the class of 2001.
“Just being out there with Nick and it’s like we got our own little locker room feel where we’re prepping for the interview, we’re prepping for the game,” said Candelario, who played high school football in the Bay Area. “Who do we got on this team? Who do we got on that team? That kind of thing. So just being out there on Fridays kind of gives you the nostalgia of being out there on Friday night as a player.”
When they’re not scrambling to put together segments on tight deadlines every Friday in the fall, the duo work together in various formats.
In addition to creating content, a lot of their collaboration is focused on giving Candelario high-level sports broadcast industry experience.
After answering an email from KUSI that was forwarded from the CSUSM communication department, Candelario immediately jumped in with editing training. He eased into the position with a veteran mentor but one who didn’t do much beyond camera work and posting to social media.
Candelario was eventually paired with James, who was losing his student producer at the time to graduate school.
According to James, Candelario was lacking solely in hands-on experience. What he clearly wasn’t missing was passion, an inquisitive attitude and a natural excitement for telling stories about local sports.
That eager spirit helped him quickly close the gaps in experience.
Top photo: Matt Candelario, who is graduating from CSUSM this month, handles the camera, interviews athletes and posts to social media before and after football games for KUSI News’ “Prep Pigskin Report” show.
Shield AI and Palantir Technologies deepen partnership
Shield AI, a defense technology company with an office in San Diego,
is expanding its work with Palantir Technologies Inc., a leading provider of AI systems, to develop and deliver large-scale command and control of autonomous uncrewed systems, including operations in GPS- and communications-denied environments. With Warp Speed, Palantir’s manufacturing OS for American re-industrialization, Shield AI is doubling down on its commitment to delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions to protect service members and civilians. This announcement builds on work Shield AI and Palantir showcased at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting and Expo in October.
Sempra named among Newsweek’s ‘Most Responsible Companies’
Sempra announced it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” for 2025, earning this distinction for the sixth consecutive year.
The annual list ranks companies based on their commitment to corporate responsibility in the areas of corporate governance and responsible social and environmental practices. Sempra has been included since the list’s inception. Newsweek’s recognition of Sempra is based on publicly available key performance indicators derived from the company’s Corporate Sustainability Report and an independent survey.
BSD Builders receives seismic certification
for its state-of-thre-art Microgrid Solutions
San Diego-based BSD Builders Inc. announced it has received seismic certification from California’sOSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings.
This microgrid power solution is a self-contained electrical system that can operate independently from the main power grid. With the seismic certification, it is now available for any type of building that needs uninterruptable power.
Precision Diagnostics announces launch of VerifID solution
Precision Diagnostics, a leader in innovative diagnostic solutions, announces the launch of VerifID, a groundbreaking solution that redefines sample authentication. VerifID introduces a seamless and innovative approach to drug testing by eliminating the need for observed sample collection while maintaining unparalleled reliability and accuracy. This solution empowers healthcare providers to focus on patient care without compromising on data integrity. Integrating VerifID into testing workflow, health care organizations can elevate their standards of care, fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and unwavering commitment to patient safety.
Cordial appoints Chelsea Williams as VP of People and Culture
Cordial, the leading enterprise marketing platform that automates billions of data-driven emails, SMS and mobile app messages for companies like L.L.Bean, Adore Me, and REVOLVE, has appointed Chelsea Williams as VP of People and Culture, a strategic move to further accelerate its growth and reinforce its commitment to building a thriving, people-centered culture that drives innovation and excellence. Williams brings a decade of experience leading HR and people functions for high-growth companies and a proven track record of aligning talent, business objectives and meaningful organizational impact.
Syracuse vs. Washington State set for
the 45th DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Dec. 27
The 45th annual DIRECTV Holiday Bowl will showcase an exciting matchup between Syracuse (9-3) from the ACC and Washington State (8-4) from the Pac-12. The game is set to kick off on Friday, Dec 27, at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast live nationally on FOX from San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. This marks the first appearance by Syracuse and fifth appearance for Washington State in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. Syracuse and Washinton State met once in 1979 with Syracuse winning 52-2.
In Memorium: Salk Professor Joanne Chory
Salk Professor Joanne Chory, one of the world’s preeminent plant biologists who led the charge to mitigate climate change with plant-based solutions, died Nov. 12 at age 69 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2004 and, despite the challenges, continued to lead her research team until the time of her death. Chory spent more than 30 years studying how plants respond to their environments, and she made many important discoveries regarding how plants sense light and make growth hormones.
Scripps Oceanography awarded $ 40 million
to support Coastal Data Information Program
San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been awarded a five-year, $40 million award to support the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP). The award comes from the US Army Corps of Engineers and will help the program continue to provide real-time wave and sea surface temperature observations and forecasts. The program is known for its yellow mooring buoys that provide a wealth of environmental data. Wave data collected by CDIP plays a critical role in informing marine warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service during large and damaging storm events, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and winter storms such as atmospheric rivers and nor’easters.