The Deputy Sector Navigator for Global Trade and Logistics- San Diego & Imperial (DSN-GTL) and the CITD recently released a labor market gap analysis for its industry sector. The DSN-GTL and CITD commissioned the Centers of Excellence to prepare the analysis with the objective of identifying and measuring San Diego's export activity, workforce trends, and employer job requirements and hiring practices.

The DSN-GTL and CITD will use the information gleaned from the analysis to help community colleges in the San Diego and Imperial region develop and enhance programs that better prepare students for a career path in the trade and logistics field.

Read the full report here.

The San Diego District Office of the Small Business Administration (SBA) conducted its annual Small Business Awards event at the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The breakfast event celebrated local small businesses that have persevered and succeeded as well as those who advocate for small businesses.

The ceremony was conducted by Reo Carr, Executice Editor of the San Diego Business Journal with opening remarks given by Ruben Garcia, SBA San Diego District Director, Donna J. Davis, SBA Region 9 Director, Melinda Nish, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College, and special guest speaker, Eugene Cornelius, SBA Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations. Short videos commemorating the awardees were played as they were called to receive their awards.

Among the awardees was Paul Thomas, founder of Julian Hard Cider, who's business won Exporter of the Year not only for the San Diego District, but also Region 9, which includes, California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. Julian Hard Cider produces premium handcrafted alcoholic ciders made with fresh fruits including apples, cherries, blueberries and blackberries. Mr. Thomas' business has grown tremendously over the last few years, in part due to his success in exporting his products.

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Agencia de Proyectos Baja along with cycling groups and associations in Baja California have teamed up to create the first edition of Expo Ciclismo 2014. Companies invited to participate as exhibitors are: bicycle manufacturers, replacement parts makers, uniforms and specialized clothing suppliers and cycling accessories suppliers. According to show organizers, the event will bring together approximately 200 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees. Conferences, workshops and outdoor activities have also been added to the expo's program.

Expo Ciclismo will be held on Saturday July 12th and Sunday July 13th at the Centro Metropolitano de Convenciones BC CENTER. More information about this event here.

If you have questions or would like assistance with registering for this event, contact us at (619) 482-6393 or support@sandiegocitd.org

WUSATA will be hosting a Central America and Mexico Fresh Produce Inbound Buying Mission in California and Washington July 14 - 16, 2014. This will be an excellent opportunity for Western U.S. companies interested in the Central American and Mexican markets to meet one-on-one with qualified buyers of fresh produce. 

The Central American and Mexican markets continue to be growth markets with some of the best opportunities in the world for U.S. exporters of food products. Some of the products of interest to buyers include:

• Fresh Fruits: Apples, apricots, plumbs, peaches, nectarines, cherries, grapes, berries, and other specialty fruit products.

For additional information on this trade mission, appointment schedule, and to register for the one-on-one appointments, click here.

Given our border relationship and long-lasting historical, cultural and economic ties, Mexico is a natural partner to further expand two-way trade and investment, and strengthen cooperation on global climate change. Delegates will visit with high ranking officials in Mexico City, tour California companies and projects in Mexico, and lead events to promote California to potential Mexican investors.

A participation fee of $5,000 covers delegate expenses for the four days in Mexico including transportation, meals, interpreters, events, and programs throughout Mexico City (excluding hotel and air travel).

You are invited to apply to join the delegation. If you have any questions, and to return Delegate Application, please contact the International Affairs Department at the California Chamber of Commerce at international@calchamber.com or (916) 444-6670.

For additional information, click here.

EXPORTECH is a comprehensive program designed for manufacturers to expand their global markets. The program brings together all of the elements to assist manufacturers in developing export plans that include assistance with logistics, distribution, country
selection, fees, regulations, best products to export and much more.

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) works with a variety of partners to deliver this comprehensive training program with proven results. On average, participating manufacturers generate $770,000 in new export sales.

October 7, November 11, and December 9, 2014 in Claremont, CA.

For more information, go to http://www.cmtc.com/exporting

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: