san diego open for business

If longevity is an indicator of an organization’s success, then the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce would be an excellent case study. Around for more than a century, the chamber was the vision of Alonzo Horton who in 1870, along with other business pioneers, set out to bring railroads to the area, stimulate commerce and establish communities.
Back then, ensuring the town had fresh water was on the top of the chamber’s “to do” list.
Fast forward nearly 140 years. Today, the chamber, which has more than 3,000 members, focuses on building a stronger business community through improved opportunities within San Diego County and business outreach to Mexico, especially right on the border in Tijuana.
Standard objectives for a chamber of commerce, perhaps. But the chamber’s long tradition of leadership and advocacy has also put it front and center in dealing with the unexpected challenges from the recent devastating wildfires that swept though the area, destroying homes and businesses.
Preliminary figures estimated that more than 100 businesses were lost, according to Robert Horsman, the chamber’s chairman of the board. The chamber immediately set to work coordinating government agencies like the SBA to assess how those businesses could receive assistance.
“The focus was on San Diego businesses, and helping them navigate through the process as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” says Horsman. That included bringing in the same consulting group that helped assess the business climate after Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. The chamber also co-hosted a National Wildfire Disaster Response Conference Call with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, FEMA, the American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security—all in an effort to provide aid the affected businesses.
At the helm has been chamber President and chief executive Ruben Barrales, who took office in January 2007. Barrales‘ previous job was in the White House, where he spent five years as President George W. Bush’s deputy assistant, a role that required he act as the president’s liaison to state and local government. It prepared him well for the leadership position with the chamber, which maintains a much wider view than just the immediate recovery efforts. Long-term, a solid business community is a better business community for all—and that is where Barrales is investing his expertise and experience.
Working in the White House “gave me a better understanding of how the region and chamber need to be more aggressive working with D.C. as well as Mexico, so we can be heard in the capitol of both nations,” Barrales says.
Barrales says some chamber members go to Mexico and Washington, D.C. annually to talk about priorities, which include more efficient border crossings to ensure safe and efficient trade, and transportation infrastructure issues.
The chamber’s Mexico Business Center is charged with promoting trade—products and services—between San Diego County and Mexico. “It’s the most effective tool we have in assisting businesses; it gives us more strength in that community,” agrees Horsman, the board chairman.
Border restrictions since 9/11 have hampered businesses, and the chamber is trying to get additional routes and increase border access, Horsman explains. In the last five years, they’ve improved the border infrastructure for a freer flow of commerce, which is terribly important given the backup of trucks coming into the U.S. Many consider the area the world’s busiest border crossing.
It’s a top priority for the membership, which ranges from biotechnology, research institutes and pharmaceuticals to military, manufacturing and tourism. Just ask chamber board member Karen Hutchens. Outreach across the border is “important to the region and economy,” she says. “Our organization helps to develop and cultivate a climate in which businesses can thrive.”
Bridging the border gap to increase trade opportunities and investments is just one of the chamber’s priorities. Another objective, according to Barrales: “Using technology to create opportunities for chamber members to do business with each other, communicate and network.”
Networking is important to members like Jesse Segura, director of sales for Executive Realty and Mortgage Group. “The chamber gives us significant exposure into new markets ... generating a countless number of business partners.” Segura calls them “power partners.” “We measure our success by relationships that are built,” he adds. Segura heads the chamber’s Business Alliance Group, which meets twice a month. Members share personal and professional strategies, database development ideas, and sales techniques—especially that all-important 30-second elevator pitch.
For members like Rosa Maria Robles, president of MANA de San Diego, a non-profit mentoring program for young Latinas, the chamber is a great resource. It gives her organization exposure to mentors for the hermanitas (MANA is short for hermana, Spanish for sister). “Latinas are very proactive and persistent in starting new business,” Robles says. She hopes to team with the chamber to help the program’s young women start businesses. “It’s important that chambers work with non-profits like us. We’re a different type of member, but should be targeted,” she says. “We need help with things they already have in place.” Those things include expertise on business startup, key contacts and exposure.
Whatever the challenge, the business community is ready. Despite the fires, San Diego’s hotels, restaurant and attractions, research institutes and universities have forged ahead. A post-fires video message from Barrales on the chamber’s website reiterated the message of San Diego as America’s Finest City, and how the city, a leader in biotechnology telecommunications, international trade and defense-related industries, is still open for business.
“Ruben brought in a more outgoing [approach]—more hands on, more outreach,” Segura says. “A different perspective allows for significant growth.”