The Deputy Sector Navigator (DSN) for Global Trade & Logisitics and the CITD convened a meeting with representatives of local companies involved in international trade and community college educators to discuss the skills employers look for in employees in this industry. The meeting began with a presentation by Zhenya Lindstrom, Director of the Center of Excellence for the San Diego and Imperial region, on the international business labor market. The presentation covered both the demand for qualified employees for trade related job openings, as well as the supply of students coming out of international business programs at the community colleges and four-year universities. This led to an interactive discussion on the skills employers value most, how industry and community colleges can develop partnerships to better prepare students for successful employment, and trends in the industry that could help determine future educational and training needs. 

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Thirty-five high school teachers from across the Inland Empire/Desert Region participated in an intensive two day training in San Diego related to global trade and entrepreneurship. The goal of the training, led by IE/Desert region Deputy Sector Navigators Lily Wong and James Johnson, was to provide the teachers with a better understanding of the global marketplace and how they can teach their students to cultivate and leverage entrepreneurial skills in order to compete for jobs and find success in the workplace.

The training included a series of presentations, group exercises, and activities related to global trade and entrepreneurship. Presenters during the two days included statewide Sector Navigator for Global Trade & Logistics, Jeff Williamson, and officials from the Port of San Diego.  One of the first activities the group participated in was a site visit to the 10th Street and National City Marine Terminals, which was organized by Victor Castillo, Deputy Sector Navigator for Global Trade & Logistics for San Diego & Imperial Counties and the CITD at Southwestern College, and allowed them to see trade-related activity first hand. The event was organized and hosted by the Inland Empire/Desert Region Regional Chair, Julie Pehkonen, and Riverside Community College District SB70 CTE Community Collaborative.

 See additional pictures from the training here.

CANACINTRA, a chamber of commerce representing companies in the manufacturing/processing industry, hosted a  Binational Supply Chain Seminar at its offices in Tijuana. CANACINTRA and the San Diego CITD are collaborating on these monthly seminars with the goal of integrating regional supply efforts and strengthening supply chain channels.

This month's seminar featured TACNA, a shelter services company that represents more than 24 manufacturers across a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, furniture, beauty products, and more in Baja California. More than 70 businesses attended the event and had the opportunity to discuss supplier opportunities with 14 of TACNA represented companies in business-to-business meetings arranged for the event.

For more information about these events, visit our calendar.

The San Diego District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration conducted a series of four Export Trade Workshops in Imperial County and in Oceanside in conjunction with the Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (IVSBDC) and the North San Diego Small Business Development Center (NSD SBDC.) SBA co-sponsor and partner, the San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD) supported the courses and provided both training and Success Stories. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the United States Export Assistance Center (USEAC) also provided extensive programming.

SDGE provided facilities for the classes in Imperial Valley. MiraCosta College provided space for all the classes held in Oceanside.

The programs were designed to help companies ready to export or those currently exporting to expand their services and increase profitability.

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The San Diego Regional Investment Center (SDRIC) is an EB-5 Regional Center approved by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to provide immigration through investment.  Foreign investors who invest in SDRIC sponsored job-creating projects, in San Diego and Imperial counties, can become permanent residents of the U.S. along with their spouse and children under the age of 21 and get on a timely path to citizenship.

The San Diego Regional Investment Center promotes economic development, job creation and improved regional productivity through sponsorship of job-creating projects across a range of industries.  SDRIC provides consultation on all phases of the EB-5 visa process from project initiation and investor identification through the pathway to permanent residence for immigrant investors.

SDRIC Principals have extensive experience in international business, management, sales and law as well as a long track record of building relationships, working with companies of all sizes and navigating through government agencies.  We provide step by step guidance and straight forward and detailed information throughout the entire EB-5 process. Integrity, quality, experience and value are the core elements of our company.   Sponsored projects must meet high standards of excellence and create quality jobs and real value for foreign investors.

For more information on the SDRIC, go to www.sdregional.com

Want to expand your business by becoming a supplier to major manufacturers in Baja California?

Save the date for MEXPORT 2014! Organized by the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, MEXPORT is the region's premier trade show promoting supplier opportunities in Baja California's manufacturing industry.

The San Diego CITD is offering eligible participant companies counseling sessions with business specialists before or during the expo, at no cost. Business specialists at the CITD assist Southern California companies find business partners in the Baja California region. Let us help you increase your business through exports.

The San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD) assists small and medium-sized enterprises expand internationally by providing low and no-cost programs and services including, one-on-one technical assistance and consulting, market research, training and educational programs, trade leads and special events.

International trade counseling is available by appointment at the following San Diego CITD Locations: