Daily Business Report-June 3, 2013
The Pelican State, a petroleum tanker built by NASSCO for American Petroleum Tankers
NASSCO to Hire 800 Additional Workers for Contruction of Liquified Natural Gas Tankers
General Dynamics NASSCO has been awarded a contract by American Petroleum Tankers to build four liquified natural gas tankers, a project that will require the hiring of 800 workers. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015, continuing through 2016. The deal has options for four additional tankers.
The 610-foot-long tankers are a new “ECO” design that offers improved fuel efficiency and incorporates the latest environmental protection features, including a ballast water treatment system. All of the ECO-class tankers will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The company said the contract builds upon the strong relationship NASSCO and APT developed during the construction of five State-class product carriers from 2007 to 2010.
American West Bank to Acquire Four Pacific Trust Bank Branches in San Diego County as Part of Eight-Branch Deal
American West Bank of Spokane, Wash., will purchase eight Pacific Trust Bank branches in Southern California, including four in San Diego County, the banks reported today. The county branches included in the acquisition are two in Chula Vista and one each in El Cajon and Clairemont. The other branches are located in Riverside, Temecula and Lakewood. The deposits being sold total $477 million.
“Adding these branches is a natural expansion of our existing footprint, providing us with greater branch density in a thriving region of California, said Scott Kisting, CEO and chairman of AmericanWest Bank. The acquisition will bring American West Bank’s branch network to 20 between Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
The branches involved in the sale will continue operating as PacTrust Bank until the transaction is approved and completed later this year, the banks said.
AAA to Reduce Car Insurance Premiums to 1 Million Customers
The Automobile Club of Southern California said that about 1 million of its customers will receive an average $65 reduction in their annual car insurance premiums. Auto Club President Robert Bouttier said it is the fourth reduction in the last nine years. The rate cut totals $70 million or 4.1 percent for policies renewing after July 1. The reduction has been approved by California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Bouttier also said the latest cuts include a number of new discounts for homeowners, college alumni group members, medical professionals and some students.
SANDAG Hosts Binational Seminar
Experts from the United States and Mexico will meet Tuesday to discuss border challenges and opportunities as part of the 2013 Binational Seminar hosted by SANDAG. It will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Caltrans District 11 headquarters, 4050 Taylor St., San Diego.
By the end of the decade, Mexico is expected to be among the world’s 10 largest economies. The seminar will feature presentations and panel discussions on the 20th anniversary of the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the 30th anniversary of the La Paz Agreement. Both agreements have been important for binational cooperation to improve competitiveness and sustainability in the border area. Panelists also will discuss upcoming legislation that can affect border policy and identify actions the region could take to influence the process.
Adaptive Sports Foundation Changes Name to Adaptive Sports & Recreation Association
The nonprofit San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation has changed its name to Adaptive Sports & Recreation Association (ASRA). The change is part of a rebranding effort to highlight the expansion of program initiatives. The new website is: www.adaptivesportsandrec.org. “Changing our name to Adaptive Sports & Recreation Association more accurately describes how we have evolved over time and who we are today,” said Jon Richards, ASRA executive director. “We are expanding our programs to offer more variety in adaptive sports in order to further empower and inspire individuals with disabilities so they will thrive.”
Chula Vistan Named to Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs
Kirin Macapugay, 35, of Chula Vista, has been appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs by Gov. Brown. Macapugay has been director of marketing and business development at Operation Samahan Community Health Centers since 2012. She was resource development manager at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation from 2010 to 2012. Macapugay was director of development at Operation Homefront from 2007 to 2010 and development manager at the Union of Pan Asian Communities from 2006 to 2007. The position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Macapugay is a Democrat.
Alan Bersin to Speak on the Future of Immigration
Alan Bersin, assistant secretary for international affairs and chief diplomatic officer for the Department of Homeland Security, will speak at a June 4 event hosted by the City Club of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Bersin will speak on “The Future of Immigration.” The event will be from noon to 2 p.m. at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. The cost to attend is $30 for chamber and City Club members and $45 for all others.
Filner Chairs U.S./Mexico Border Mayor’s Association
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner was elected chair of the United States/Mexico Border Mayor’s Association last week during a convention for the organization in El Paso, Texas. The Mayor spoke to the group via Skype and reiterated his commitment to cultivating border relations. “It is imperative that we live, work, commute and develop our economies in harmony with each other. A border is merely a marker of territory,” said Filner. The purpose of the U.S./Mexico Border Mayor’s Association is to help create policies that affect the border communities of Mexico and the United States.
Viejas Casino & Resort Receives Four Diamond Status
Viejas Casino & Resort has been awarded Four Diamond status by the American Automobile Association, eight weeks after the grand opening of the Viejas Hotel. The AAA defines a Four Diamond property as “upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. Physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout, including an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.”
TOMI Leases Space in San Diego County for Research
TOMI Environmental Solutions Inc. of Beverly Hills, a bacteria decontamination and infectious disease control company, announced that has leased space in San Diego’s metropolitan area for use as a research and development facility for its Binary Ionization Technology (BIT), described by the company as a “highly effective decontamination and infectious disease control system.” The system was acquired from L-3 Communications.
