www.sdchamber.org

President's Update

By Ruben Barrales, President & Chief Executive Officer

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 “One Region One Voice” delegation is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with White House officials from Sunday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 24, 2008.  The mission will cover issues important to the San Diego region, such as transportation, border infrastructure, healthcare, water, energy, education and the military. 

The Washington, D.C. mission is a unique opportunity for San Diego’s business leaders to personally engage high-level federal officials on issues of importance to our region.  Participants will join fellow civic leaders to advocate for regional solutions, learn what other businesses are doing, and network with peers who share our region’s priorities.

In the coming months, we will continue our preparations for the September 2008 mission.   Last week, The Chamber held a meeting attended by over 50 members interested in joining the delegation, which allowed us to identify specific topics and appropriate officials to add to the agenda. 

Our 2007 mission proved to be extremely successful, and we hope to keep up last year’s momentum and plan an equally successful and productive trip.  Last year’s delegation was a considerable step in bringing regional issues to our nation’s capital, and as a result of the trip, we have increased our support of transportation funding, the new third border crossing and the passenger crossing into Tijuana's Rodriguez Airport.  We have also strengthened our connections with Washington, D.C. decision makers, and learned the importance of having a presence in our nation's capital.  

I urge you to sign up for this opportunity to advocate for our region and to help San Diego businesses make our voice heard in Washington.  

Registration includes all meetings, the opening reception, a welcome breakfast with a keynote speaker, two group breakfasts, two group lunches and an additional evening reception. Transportation to most meetings is also included.   The Chamber has arranged for discounted group hotel rates at the The Madison - A Loews Hotel, as well as discounted airfare with American Airlines.

For more information and to register by July 18, 2008 for a discounted early-bird rate, visit: www.sdchamber-members.org/DCDelegation.htm or contact Judith Andry at (619) 544-1341 or jandry@sdchamber.org.