Daily Business Report — March 13, 2012
Employers to Hire at ‘Respectable Pace’ in Second Quarter
Employers in San Diego County expect to hire at a respectable pace during the second quarter of 2012, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. From April to June, 16 percent of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 7 percent expect to reduce staff. Another 75 percent expect to maintain their current workforce levels and 2 percent are not certain of their hiring plans. This yields a Net employment Ooutlook of 9 percent, the Manpower report said. “The employment forecast for the second quarter is brighter compared to the first quarter of 2012 when the Net Employment Outlook was 1 percent,” said Manpower spokesperson Phil Blair. “Employers expect similar employment prospects compared with one year ago when the Net Employment Outlook was 10 percent.” The Manpower report said that, for the coming quarter, job prospects appear best in Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation & Utilities, Information, Financial Activities, Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Other Services and Government. Employers in Construction and Wholesale & Retail Trade plan to reduce staffing levels, while hiring in Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing is expected to remain unchanged.
Women’s Resource Fair to be held in Downtown San Diego
The 23rd annual Women’s Resource Fair sponsored by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program will be held March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Golden Hall in the Downtown Civic Center. The fair will offer a range of medical, legal and social services, bringing together more than 100 nonprofit organizations and government agencies under one roof. “The Women’s Resource Fair offers empowerment for women facing economic challenges, women in recovery from addiction or crisis, and those who just need extra support to turn their lives in a more positive direction,” says Cynthia Morgan, co-chair. Participants may talk to a counselor or lawyer, get a mammogram, sign up for job training or learn about public benefits, among other services. Breakfast and lunch are provided to the participants free of charge, and all participants also receive a complimentary gift bag. Free child care will be provided at the event.
Village at Market Creek Receives High Development Rating 
The Village at Market Creek has become only the third redevelopment project in the country to earn the Silver designation under the LEED Neighborhood Development rating system. “LEED for Neighborhood Development certification provides independent, third party verification that a development’s location and design meet high standards of environmentally responsible, sustainable development,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED at the United States Green Building Council. “It is my sincere hope that this project serves as a model for sustainable design in communities across the country.” The Village plan is to transform up to 84 contiguous acres of blighted properties into a vibrant cultural “village” that includes residential, commercial, and recreational spaces integrated around the Euclid transit hub. The plan includes the creation of 1,000 affordable homes, 2,000 jobs and 250 new businesses, 5,500 linear feet of restored wetlands and 1.6 million square feet of new construction.
Pauma Tribe Obtains Financing for Casino Upgrade
The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians has secured $66 million in financing from CIT Bank for the renovation of Casino Pauma in the Pauma Valley. “These funds will allow for the renovation of the Casino Pauma, which employs 500 individuals in the greater San Diego community,” said Steve Epperly, senior director of gaming finance and advisory for CIT. Pauma Tribal Chairman Randall Majel said the financing will enable the tribe to enhance the environment for casino and restaurant customers, attract new patrons and reducing its debt.
Jamul Indian Village Tribe Revives Casino Plans
The Jamul Indian Village tribe said it will pursue new plans to develop a casino in Jamul, a controversial project that was begun in 1999 but went nowhere. The tribe said it had terminated its agreement with Lakes Entertainment of Minnesota, the firm it partnered with in 1999 to pursue the development of a gaming facility. “The tribe is moving forward with revised plans for its gaming facility,” the tribe said in a press release. “This revised direction will allow the tribe to achieve an economic and cultural foundation for its membership, while also working with its neighbors and the county to address the development’s physical scope and potential environmental impact.” Said Tribal Executive Chairman Raymond Hunter: “We look forward to proceeding with our efforts to strengthen the economic base of the tribe and the region, consistent with the character of the Jamul area and respectful of the local processes inherent to this goal.”
PERSONNEL MOVES ____________________________________
La Jolla — Nancy Casady, 69, of La Jolla, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture by Gov. Brown. Casady has been the general manager of Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Co-Op since 1996. She was co-owner of Casady Whole Foods Market from 1988 to 1994. She served as vice president of the National Cooperative Grocers Association from 2006 to 2009 and was a member of the National Cooperative Development Board from 2009 to 2011. The position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Casady is a Democrat.
San Diego — Stephen King (no, not the sci-fi author), has been promoted to president of PMB Real Estate Services. King’s area of expertise include real estate operations, development, construction, leasing, asset management, property management and financial administration.
Small Business Workshops
Helping startup and established small businesses throughout San Diego and Imperial counties prosper, SCORE San Diego continues its series of low-cost workshops. Workshop fees range from $29 to $109, depending on the program. For more information, call (619) 557-7272.
Upcoming Workshops:
March 14 – Internet Marketing 101 – Use the Internet to Successfully Market Your Business – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University – Kearney Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
March 16 – Women’s Networking Breakfast and Exhibits – 8 to 11 a.m. at Morgan Run Resort & Club (5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe 92091; Attendees: by Jan. 17 $30, $40 thereafter; Exhibitors: by Jan. 17 $80, $90 thereafter).
March 17 – Business Basics 101 – 9 to 11 a.m. at National University – Carlsbad (705 Palomar Airport Rd., Carlsbad 92011; No charge – please pre-register)
March 20 – QuickBooks Basic – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National University – Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by SD METRO. Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865. manny@sandiegometro.com.
