Stories for October 2005
Monday, October 31
Executive Profile: Neal E. Schmale
Neal E. Schmale of Sempra Energy climbed the corporate ladder the hard way. A 30-year veteran of the oil business, Schmale started out as a roustabout offshore and as a drilling foreman.
Steven G. Rowles, District 1
Steven G. Rowles, Morrison & Foerster, LLP
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: David Geerdes
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: Nov. 1 - 7
Fresno PR Firm Heads South to Open Office
Fresno-based marketing and communications firm Panagraph Inc. said it is opening a small office in Downtown San Diego to be closer to local clients and try to attract new ones.
Santa and His Elves Set to Move Into the Hotel Del
Santa and his elves set to move into the Hotel Del.
Region Sees Small Gains in Affordable Housing
San Diego's housing market is stocking a lot of filet mignon, when lots of folks here would be happy to order up some hamburger, one industry watcher observed. But there has been some good news of late.
Jeff Quinn, District 6
Jeff Quinn, JK Investment Properties, Inc.
Anaheim Wouldn't Trade '05 for Previous Years
The outlook for trade shows is better than it has been since 2000. Some of the fastest-growing segments are ones where Anaheim already has a footing.
SpaceDev Announces Merger Deal
SpaceDev, a small Poway-based company known for its contributions to private sector space travel and national defense, has chosen to triple its work force and its revenues this month.
Courage of Conviction Essential To Ethical Decision-Making
Courage of Conviction Essential To Ethical Decision-Making
Health System Addressing Community's Concerns
Locals worry about obesity and access to care, according to a Palomar Pomerado Health system study.
Frye, Sanders Line Up Support As Vote Nears
As problems continue to mount, two mayoral candidates have been trying to convince San Diego voters that they have what it takes to fix the mess.
Correction
For Oct. 10, 2005.
Week in Review
Top Business News: October 21 - 27, 2005
San Diego Shows Well On Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing List
San Diego , and its high-tech industry in particular , has made a strong showing on Inc. magazine's annual 500 fastest-growing privately held companies in the country list.
Steady Vacancy Figures Reveal Strong Market
The San Diego office market continued its strong performance in the third quarter.
Express Logic Threads Itself Through All Types of Gadgetry
Express Logic threads itself through all types of gadgetry.
SDG & E; Also Bracing For the Long Winter
San Diego's grim winter energy forecast is likely to get worse before it gets better, and consumers aren't the only ones dreading a colder climate. Several industry insiders are also frustrated.
Disabled Vets Finding New Opportunities At Center
Urban Miyares, a blind Vietnam veteran who's also a serial entrepreneur, has dedicated the last 20 years helping thousands of fellow disabled veterans find their way in the business world.
A Whirlwind Military Tour Gives Pause to Salute
A Whirlwind Military Tour Gives Pause to Salute
Jennifer Whitelaw, District 3
Jennifer Whitelaw, Whitelaw Marketing
Costs Force Firm to Go Private
Synbiotics Corp., a maker of veterinary diagnostic testing and other products used on animals, is going private, citing escalating costs involved with maintaining its publicly traded status.
Traffic Jams Offer Unique Opportunity for Websense
The I-5 commute becomes an impromptu meeting for Websense execs.
Caligiuri to Lead UCSD Program
UC San Diego has created a new umbrella for two of its programs, which will be overseen by the newly appointed Michael Caligiuri, a UCSD professor of psychiatry.
Frank Pettit, District 7
Frank Pettit, Alpha Cars
Money Management Crucial as Biz Grows
Question: How do I know if my finances are being managed properly?
All Aboard
Meeting planners from throughout the nation put San Diego's USS Midway Museum in their sights.
Economy Helping Local Businesses Meet Goals
Local meeting planners and destination managers are ringing up more sales this year than last, as they distance themselves from the tight-fisted corporate budget years that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Proxy , ViaSat, Inc.
ViaSat, Inc.
Nu & #324;ez, Other Democrats Bet Against Election
When Fabian Nu & #324;ez became speaker of the Assembly two years ago, he surprised many by standing up to the star power of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, even as other Democrats were busy cutting deals.
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
Feds Put S.D. Firm's Cancer Drug on Fast Track
The Food and Drug Administration recently granted SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a fast-track designation for its drug Troxatyl.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Port Confident Hilton Is Nearing Reality
At least one San Diego Unified Port District official is confident the long-awaited Hilton San Diego Convention Center Hotel is nearing reality.
Small Business Spotlight: Easy-Turf, Inc.
David Hartman, president, Easy-Turf, Inc.
Brenda Pierce, District 4
Brenda Pierce, Bronze Beauty Salon
Family Still Has Value in Auto Biz
United Auto Group, Inc.'s proposal to acquire the Cush Automotive Group would put more San Diego dealerships under a corporate umbrella.
Tourism Firms Say 'Preferred' Plan Is Unfair
Several destination management companies are complaining about a plan by the San Diego Convention Center Corp. that would give one such firm a "preferred" status.
Cory Miller, District 2
Cory Miller, Ciao Bella beauty salon.
Rick Otis, District 8
Rick Otis, RPM Material Handling Co.
Small Business Help Line
Question: How do I know if my finances are being managed properly?
What Businesses Want in Their Next Mayor
San Diego businesspeople , one from each of the city's eight districts , sound off as the Nov. 8 election approaches.
Bernard Mougel, District 5
Bernard Mougel, Bernard'O French restaurant
Infiniti M45 an Impressive Entry Into Luxury Market
Infiniti M45 an Impressive Entry Into Luxury Market
New-Home Raffle A Boost for Charity And the Company
New-home raffle a boost for charity and the company.
Bird Flu Worries Not Taking Flight
A Department of Defense official is pleading for San Diego business leaders to prepare for an avian flu pandemic. But companies just don't seem to be talking about avian flu.
Numbers Don't Lie When It Comes to State Testing Scores
Numbers Don't Lie When It Comes to State Testing Scores
Friday, October 28
Six Companies Target Qualcomm
Six technology companies have filed complaints with the European Commission alleging anti-competitive conduct by Qualcomm Inc.
Thursday, October 27
St. Bernard Looks Toward Nasdaq
St. Bernard Software, Inc., a privately held San Diego company specializing in computer security, announced plans to go public.
Wednesday, October 26
Business Group's Endorsement Is a First
The San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce, for the first time in its 83-year history, on Oct. 26 announced its endorsement of a political candidate Jerry Sanders, who is running for mayor in the Nov. 8 election.
SpaceDev to Buy Colorado Company
SpaceDev announced Oct. 26 that it is buying Starsys Research Corp. of Boulder, Colo.
Graham Appointed as CCDC Chief
Nancy C. Graham, 59, a former mayor of West Palm Beach, Fla., has been named president and chief operating officer of the Centre City Development Corp.
Tuesday, October 25
Ground Broken on Water Project
The Otay Water District celebrated a major milestone on Oct. 24 as it broke ground on a $15 million, 6-mile recycled water pipeline.
Monday, October 24
Medical Spa Serves Up a Quick Shot Of Botox
Medical spa serves up a quick shot Of Botox.
Cush Handing Keys to United Auto Group
San Diego-based Cush Automotive Group founder and President Stephen Cushman has announced the pending sale of his seven-car dealership to Detroit-based United Auto Group Inc.
MedVantx Machine Pops Out Generic Medicine
A San Diego company is helping patients and health plans save money with an ATM-like drug-dispensing machine in some doctors' offices.
Beyond Botox: Allergan Inc. Looks to the Future
Concerns about eventual competition for Allergan Inc.'s cash cow Botox don't seem to be weighing on the Irvine drug maker's shares.
A Shift of Power Key in Sacramento
A Shift of Power Key in Sacramento
San Diego-Based Sharp HealthCare Continues to Grow
San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare continues to grow.
S.D. Telecom Council Begins Update of Its Image
Leaders of the San Diego Telecom Council say they are changing the trade organization's name to better reflect the times. The new name is CommNexus San Diego.
Garden Fresh Gets Taste of New Firm to Run Company
San Diego-based Garden Fresh Restaurants is in new hands, but don't look for changes in the management or operation at the company's local Souplantation buffet-style eateries.
Qualcomm's Road a Little Less Traveled
To lessen the impact of tired, irritable employees on company profits, some businesses offer special programs designed to ease commuter woes. One survey ranks Qualcomm Inc.'s as one of the best.
Battling Ballot Issues Could Affect Local Life Science Firms
Life science executives fear San Diego's competitive edge in the industry could be hurt if Proposition 79 passes.
U.S. Advice to Singapore an Ill-Timed Message
U.S. Advice to Singapore an Ill-Timed Message
Doctors, Construction Workers Try New Tool
Poway-based HM Electronics, Inc. unveils a hands-free communication tool designed as an alternative to ordinary walkie-talkies.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Hurricane Katrina Donations and Fund Raising; Executive Spotlight: Bob Tuttle
Construction Journal
Contract awards and construction milestones
Market Cooling, But Industrial Here Is 'Unyielding'
San Diego's industrial market is "unyielding," according to the headline of Grubb & Ellis' just-released third-quarter 2005 report.
Executive Profile: Bob Sexton
Bob Sexton, a one-time broadcasting executive who rose through the ranks at TV stations in some of the nation's largest markets, decided that if continuing the ascent meant leaving San Diego, he'd rather get off the ladder.
Jeep Commander Elevates SUVs to New Level
Jeep Commander Elevates SUVs to New Level
Small Business Spotlight
Stephanie Benner, owner, Expressive Fortunes.
Area Tribe Meets Resistance to Barstow Casino Plan
San Diego County's Los Coyotes tribe meets resistance to Barstow casino plan.
Local Firm Looks to Help Build a Better Engine
Automobile manufacturers and engine designers have the daunting task of figuring out how to create more fuel-efficient vehicles without breaking the company bank. They're getting help from a Sorrento Valley company.
Jobless Rate Sinks in September
San Diego's unemployment rate dipped to 4.1 percent in September from the prior month's 4.3 percent, and continued a long-term trend of maintaining a rate below that of the state and the nation.
Hotel Values Keep Climbing as S.D. Properties Sizzle
For those fortunate enough to own a hotel or two in San Diego, it's quite likely they are more fortunate this year than in 2004.
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: Oct. 25 - 31
Venture Capitalist: More Local Funding Needed
A local venture capitalist says big businesses and government should invest more money in the biomedical community here.
Outsourcing Doesn't Always Mean Going Overseas
Question: When does outsourcing make sense?
Qualcomm Taps Flash as New BREW Ingredient
Macromedia, Inc., the Anaheim-based software writer, will develop a new version of its Flash platform to work with BREW, Qualcomm Inc.'s software for mobile phones.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Week in Review
Top Business News: October 14 - 20, 2005
Internet's Newest Upgrade Slowly Taking Root
The current Internet obsolete? Already? Well, no, but a new version, with the inelegant name IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6), is starting to get serious attention.
Matchmaking Web Site Ready to Take Next Step
Hobbymatch.com founder and Chief Executive Gwen Chambers discovered San Diego can be a pretty lonely place for newcomers.
Biosite Opens Corporate Campus
Biosite Inc., a medical diagnostics company founded and based in San Diego, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate campus in Sorrento Valley.
Cymer Revenue Drops, Beats July Forecast
Cymer Inc., a San Diego-based maker of laser light sources used in the production of microchips, reported net income of $12.7 million on revenue of $99.7 million during the third quarter ended Sept. 30.
La Jollan Gets State Health Post
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has named La Jolla resident Mark Horton to be California's public health officer.
Bird Flu Potential Puts Officials on Alert
San Diego County health officials have been piecing together a plan for an avian flu pandemic since a December drill revealed the area is vulnerable to a public health crisis.
Campus Life in Off-Campus Condo
Parents find it pays to put college students in a university-area condominium.
Not Venturing Out on Their Own
Health industry startups often rely on funding from venture capitalists.
Proxy
ITLA Capital Corp.
Community Bank Stocks Drawing Interest
California Community Bank in Escondido extended its stock offering for a few more weeks and should raise an additional $1.2 million in capital, underscoring a healthy market for community bank stocks.
Thursday, October 20
Lodging Industry Applauds Governor
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is soon to be honored by the California Lodging Industry Association for restoring $7.3 million in funding for tourism marketing that was slashed from the budget during the Gray Davis administration.
Wal-Mart Sees Possibilities in Chula Vista
A third Wal-Mart store is coming to the South Bay. Management hopes to draw shoppers from both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border.
Retirement Board Member Resigns
John A. Torres has become the latest member of the beleaguered San Diego City Employees' Retirement System board to call it quits.
Port Undertakes Pier Work
A $1.2 million construction project funded by the San Diego Unified Port District is under way to repair worn planks and pilings on the 1,500-foot Imperial Beach pier.
BBB Issues Alert Regarding Check Business
The San Diego Better Business Bureau said it has issued an alert about Qchex.com, a Rancho Bernardo-based Internet services company that allows users to print or send checks via e-mail to recipients that can print the checks.
SAIC Deal Could Be Worth $15M
A $7.7 million contract to provide technical help desk support at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Michigan has been awarded to Science Applications International Corp.
Ballpark Village Clears Major Hurdle
The controversial $1.4 billion Ballpark Village a proposed 3.2 million-square-foot complex of offices, shops and condos planned for Park Boulevard got a green light on Oct. 18, following a marathon session of the San Diego City Council.
Wednesday, October 19
Earnings Rise at First Community
First Community Bancorp, the Rancho Santa Fe-based holding company to First National Bank in San Diego, reported net income of $13 million for its third quarter, up 36 percent from the same period last year.
Tuesday, October 18
Insurer Continues Bowl Sponsorship
The Pacific Life Holiday Bowl said its primary sponsor, Pacific Life Insurance Co. of Newport Beach, extended its title sponsorship of the game through 2009.
Net Loss for Peregrine Systems
Peregrine Systems, the San Diego-based software firm that announced its sale to Hewlett-Packard Co. last month, reported a net loss for its first quarter ended June 30 of $9.8 million on revenues of $44.6 million.
Software Deal Mixes Flash, BREW
Macromedia, Inc., the Anaheim-based software writer, will develop a new version of its Flash platform to work with BREW, Qualcomm Inc.'s software for mobile phones, the two companies announced Oct. 18.
Garden Fresh Fares Well for Investors
Centre Partners, the New York-based private equity firm that held the controlling interest in San Diego- based Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., sold the company to Sun Capital Partners, a Florida-based equity firm, for $198 million.
Cymer Revenue Drops, Beats July Forecast
Cymer Inc., a San Diego-based maker of laser light sources used in the production of microchips, reported net income of $12.7 million on revenue of $99.7 million during the third quarter ended Sept. 30.
Monday, October 17
Center Guides International Visitors Through S.D.
The International Visitors Information Center turned 20 this month. And despite its lackluster quarters in a temporary building across from the Downtown cruise ship terminal, the center has an impressive history.
San Diego Trust Bank Makes a Profit
San Diego Trust Bank reported nine-month profits of $426,000 compared with the same period last year, when it lost $944,000.
La Jollan Gets State Health Post
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has named La Jolla resident Mark Horton to be California's public health officer.
Hotelier Adds S.D. Property to Portfolio
William J. Yung III, whose privately held Kentucky company owns a vast portfolio of hotels and casinos, recently added one of Downtown San Diego's most visible properties to the list , the Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza.
2006 Range Rover Continues Rolling Over the Competition
2006 Range Rover Continues Rolling Over the Competition
Pesky Rumors of Overland Sale Won't Go Away
Overland Storage, a San Diego-based maker of tape storage devices, must feel like a person who keeps getting hit on by an unwanted suitor. The suitor in this case is Redmond, Wash.-based Advanced Digital Information Corp.
SRO Hotels A Dinosaur In Demand
Single-room occupancy hotels, so prevalent in Downtown San Diego, are a dying breed.
Tourism Industry Assessing Itself
Hungry for more tourism and the money it brings, some hospitality industry groups are working to develop private revenue sources and become less reliant on a dwindling supply of government funds to tell their story to the traveling public.
Congress: Training Ground for State's Power Brokers
Congress: Training Ground for State's Power Brokers
At Least San Diego Isn't the State's Priciest Market
San Diego isn't the least affordable housing market in the state. That honor goes to Santa Barbara.
Firm Benefits From Changes in Record Keeping
Newport Beach-based TriZetto Inc. benefits from changes in medical record keeping.
Proxy
Callaway Golf Co.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Hurricane Katrina Donations and Fund Raising; Executive Spotlight: Kenneth Weber
$5.1 Million Goes to Open Space
The county's Multiple Species Conservation Program will receive a $5.1 million grant from the federal Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund.
Solar Industry Pushes State's PUC to Keep Incentives Coming
Local solar installers and manufacturers have embarked on a last-ditch effort to convince the California Public Utilities Commission to get behind a solar incentive program.
S.D., Irvine Accounting Firms Merge
Coradino, Hickey and Hanson, a San Diego-based accounting firm, said it has merged with Irvine-based Robert Redwitz & Co.
Letter
Getting Taken for a Ride
Toy Industry Sings The Blues as Local Retailer Sees Green
Brian Miller, the owner of San Diego-based specialty toy chain Geppetto's, said he's gearing up for a great holiday season. He may be the only one.
Week in Review
Top Business News: October 7 - 13, 2005
Tech Firms Among Finalists for Best Product
The 2005 finalists for San Diego's 18th annual Most Innovative New Product awards have been announced, and the category with the most nominations highlights everything from tiny surveillance cameras to a covert contraband detection system.
Small Business Spotlight
Amy Lind, president, the Basket Corner, Inc.
Planning Key to Soften Tax Hit After Firm's Sale
Question: How do I legitimately minimize my tax obligations when I sell my business?
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: Oct. 18 - 24
Molina's Medicaid Health Plans Receive Honors
Molina Healthcare of California, a managed care plan for low-income families that only recently established a presence in San Diego, has ranked among the top Medicaid plans in the United States.
Metabolife Continues Its Search for Buyer
Metabolife International Inc. is still looking for a buyer after a New York firm backed out of an arranged sale late last month.
Carwash Firm Cleans Up at Fashion Valley
Fashion Valley Center and a carwash company are getting ready to offer shoppers their own version of spring cleaning , a carwash at eight parking structures.
Hotelier Doug Manchester Donates $5M to University
San Diego developer Doug Manchester and his wife, Elizabeth, are donating $5 million to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.
College District Issues $245M in Bonds
The San Diego Community College District issued $245 million in a second series of general obligation bonds earlier this month to pay for a variety of capital improvement projects at its three campuses.
VitroRobertson Helps Disney Launch Magazine
The launch of a new Disney publication, a parenting magazine called
First Pacific Bank Assets at $255M
First Pacific Bank of California reported net profits of $705,000 for the third quarter, more than double what it made in the like quarter of 2004.
Diversa Executive Steps Down
Jay Short, one of Diversa Corp.'s founders and its chief executive officer, has resigned, the company announced Oct. 6.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Biotechs Here Struggling to Make a Buck
California biotech analysts disagree over how damaging it is to a company's reputation to trade under $1, but they agree that being delisted can be detrimental.
Sandag Mulls Boarding S.D.-Imperial Rail Study
Congress has set aside $800,000 to study a 300-mph train line, one that would get San Diegans to and from an airport in the Imperial Valley.
No Simple Cure for Lawsuit Abuse
No Simple Cure for Lawsuit Abuse
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Causing Headaches for Firms
Sarbanes-Oxley Act causing headaches for small firms.
S.D. Chamber Spokesman To Leave Post For SDG & E;
Eugene "Mitch" Mitchell is leaving the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to become the regional vice president of external affairs for the San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas companies.
Loose Lips Won't Sink DefenseWeb's Ship
Security concerns have led high-tech companies such as DefenseWeb Technologies, Inc. to create customized Web services for the Department of Defense.
Executive Profile: Lindsey Burroughs
Lindsey Burroughs, vice president, Cox Business Services.
A Solid Receiver
He's much better known as the developer of landmark Downtown buildings such as Symphony Towers and Park Loft, but Doug Wilson also has a deserved reputation as a court-appointed fiduciary managing "troubled assets."
Coastal Panel OKs Resort Plan
A 'resort village' planned for the grounds of the former San Diego Naval Training Center got unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission Oct. 12.
Friday, October 14
Noted Economist Bashes Frye Tax Plan
Arthur Laffer, the economic adviser to President Reagan and creator of the now-fabled Laffer Curve, put in his two cents Oct. 14 on mayoral candidate San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye's proposal to raise the sales tax by a half a cent.
Thursday, October 13
Chamber Spokesman to Leave V.P. Post for SDG
Eugene "Mitch" Mitchell is leaving his post at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to become an executive with the San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas companies.
Earnings Season Draws Near
Several locally based public companies are scheduled to announce quarterly earnings during the next few weeks.
Profits Up at San Diego Trust
San Diego Trust Bank reported nine-month profits of $426,000 compared with the same period last year, when it lost $944,000.
Wednesday, October 12
Summit Brings Binational Group Together
A contingent of San Diego-area movers and shakers, along with Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, will join Tijuana Mayor Jorge Hank Rhon for the 15th annual South County Economic Summit on Oct. 14 at the San Diego Convention Center.
College District Issues $245M in Bonds
The San Diego Community College District issued $245 million in a second series of general obligation bonds earlier this month to pay for a variety of capital improvement projects at its three campuses.
K2 Earnings Slip Thanks to Paintballers
Shares of Carlsbad-based sporting goods maker K2 Inc. slid to a new 52-week low Oct. 11 after the company cut its 2005 earnings and sales forecast.
Airport Search Has Public's Attention
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority released results of a survey showing residents have become increasingly aware of the agency's search for a suitable spot to relocate the airport from its cramped Downtown quarters.
Manchesters Donate $5 Million to Wake Forest
San Diego developer Doug Manchester and his wife, Elizabeth, are donating $5 million to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.
SAIC Awards WFI Subcontract
San Diego-based companies Wireless Facilities, Inc. and Science Applications International Corp. will join forces to fulfill a $104.5 million defense contract designed to help the Navy keep track of its stuff.
Tuesday, October 11
S.D., Irvine Accounting Firms Merge
Coradino, Hickey and Hanson, a San Diego-based accounting firm, said it has merged with Irvine-based Robert Redwitz & Co.
Monday, October 10
Investors Turn to Local Firm for Solid Returns
In its 12th year of operation, Equastone intends to obtain even more commercial real estate across the United States , to the tune of more than $1 billion during the next three years.
Letter
A Mission Worth Taking
Civic Bankruptcy Forum Set for Oct. 11
A public forum on bankruptcy for the city of San Diego is set for Oct. 11.
National Crafts New Lesson Plan With County
A new private-public partnership between county education leaders and a local university system catering to working professionals aims to increase employee productivity in San Diego.
Local Winery Hopes Turning to Japanese Will Bolster Its Sales
A shipment of 1,667 cases of wine to Tokyo late last month is proof to Leon Santoro that, "You can't be a prophet in your own town."
Businesses Buying Into Trend
Most consumers have had it hammered into them that buying a home is better than renting one. Businesses are increasingly coming to that same conclusion, buying their own office condominiums in suburban areas throughout the county.
Globalization Shines on the Diamond This Fall
Globalization Shines on the Diamond This Fall
Avnet, Unisys Shutter Local Offices in Tech Consolidations
Two technology companies with operations in San Diego, Avnet and Unisys, are closing their local offices, both citing savings as a result of consolidating facilities.
Effective Marketing Can Be an Elusive Thing
Question: How can I be sure my marketing is going to be effective?
Feds' Decision Sends Firm's Stock Spiraling
After the federal government announced it wants to buy far less medicine than expected to treat radiation in case of a nuclear attack, Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals, Inc. saw its stock fall by about 40 percent.
The Funding of Fleet Week
Forget the tax advantages; community giving appears to be good for business, especially for defense contractors sponsoring San Diego's ninth annual Fleet Week celebration.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Hurricane Katrina Donations and Fund Raising; Executive Spotlight: Mike FitzGerald.
Infill Plan Heads To College Area
San Diego developers can't create new land here, but some are finding opportunities abound in older neighborhoods around the county. Veteran Downtown San Diego developer Douglas Wilson intends to mine them.
Acquisition, Split Keep iVow Busy
Carlsbad-based iVow Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sound Health Solutions, a Seattle company specializing in the medical treatment of obesity.
Software Firms Look to Go Small for Right Deal
The environment for buying software companies is apparently picking up, based on the sale of two San Diego companies, Infommersion and Web Technologies.
Ace Tools Up Aggressive Growth Plan
In 1995, Bruce Reeves quit his job as a government budget analyst to go into business for himself. Now the owner of the Ace Hardware store in Hillcrest, Reeves says he hasn't looked back.
Jamul Adds Fire Angle to Its Pitch for New Casino
"Don't forget our offer for fire protection." That is the latest public appeal from the Jamul Indian Village, which wants to go into the casino business on its reservation south of Jamul on state Route 94.
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: Oct. 11 - 17
Schwarzenegger's Governorship a Tale Of How to Succeed Synthetically
Schwarzenegger's Governorship a Tale Of How to Succeed Synthetically
Selling a Small Biz Is the Topic Of Seminar
The Vanguard Resource Group has teamed up with three local firms to educate small and midsized companies on the ins and outs of buying and selling businesses.
Shhhhh , the Next Governor Of California Is ...
Shhhhh , the Next Governor Of California Is ...
Executive Profile: Judy Thompson
Having survived three recessions since launching her staffing business in 1981, Judy Thompson is now enjoying a boom time in the accounting and finance industry.
Unmanned Aircraft Get a Bit More Freedom To Fly From the FAA
For the first time in National Airspace System history, an unmanned aircraft system capable of flying itself for more than 30 hours has received permission to roam more freely over U.S. skies.
MS Society Finds New Partner for Fitness Expos
Health Dimensions, a San Diego-based company that puts on health and fitness expos for corporate clients, recently partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to become a sponsor for events.
Small Firms Can Get SBA Real Estate Loans
San Diego small businesses don't have to be tiny to qualify for the Small Business Administration's owner-user commercial real estate loans , and they'd have to be huge not to qualify at all.
Week in Review
Top Business News: September 30 - October 6, 2005
Progress Report
Sales
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
Tri-City Hospital Nurses Look to Join Union
Nurses at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside are attempting to join nearly 3,000 peers in San Diego County who are already members of the California Nurses Association.
State Prepared for Disaster, But Concerns Exist
California is behind on deadlines to ensure that hospitals and schools are seismically upgraded.
Kimmel Expansion Gets Financing
The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center has obtained $24.5 million in bond financing through San Diego County and Bank of America to fund a 79,000-square-foot research facility at the cancer center's 10-acre campus.
Port Gets Options for Pension
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sept. 29 signed legislation designed to provide the Unified Port of San Diego with the authority to use an alternate system for retirement and disability services.
$5.1M Goes to Open Space
The county's Multiple Species Conservation Program will receive a $5.1 million grant from the federal government.
Chula Vista Hotel Complex Plan Draws Two New Hopefuls
Three companies have shown interest in developing a hotel and conference center on a portion of Chula Vista's bay front. Already the selection process has the makings of a soap opera , real estate style.
Proxy
Royale Energy, Inc.
Silvergate Says It's Playing Things Safe These Days
While nearly every lender in the region , indeed the nation , expands its loan portfolio in this still-growing economy, San Diego-based Silvergate Bank is shrinking itself.
SAIC Completes IMAPS Acquisition
Science Applications International Corp. announced Oct. 10 that it had completed the acquisition of nearly all assets of IMAPS, an Illinois-based company specializing in geographic software.
It's No Mystery Where Visitors Will Be Able To See Fossil Exhibit
Work on "Fossil Mysteries," the San Diego Natural History Museum's first major permanent exhibition, is now under way with Melhorn Construction Co. of San Diego at the helm.
Small Business Spotlight
Jean Zagrodnik, partner, Zagrodnik and Thomas Architects LLP
Atkins Calls for Pension Board Resignations
San Diego Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins on Oct. 4 called for the resignations of Lawrence Grissom, administrator of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System, and Loraine Chapin, the system's general counsel.
End Drawing Closer For Local Defense Firm
Remec Inc., the Del Mar-based defense contractor that's been liquidating itself for most of 2005, mailed out a second cash distribution check to shareholders Oct. 4 and has wound down its operations to a skeleton crew of a dozen employees.
Cypress Stock Drops Following Inconclusive Test Results
Stock plummeted more than 56 percent Sept. 29 for Cypress Biosciences, Inc., a San Diego drug development company, closing at $5.53 per share.
Friday, October 7
Chamber to Announce $1 Million Endowment
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 11 is scheduled to announce a $1 million endowment in honor of Jack Borchers, chamber president and chief executive officer from 1955-1975.
IPO Ahead For Somaxon
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals filed to go public Oct. 7 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Diversa Executive Steps Down
One of Diversa Corp.'s founders and its chief executive officer, Jay Short, has resigned, the company announced Oct. 6.
Thursday, October 6
Harris To Take Helm at Nassco
National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. will have a new president come Jan. 1 when Frederick Harris replaces Richard Vortmann as head of the only major U.S. ship construction yard on the West Coast.
Hotel at Emerald Plaza Sold
The Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza has been sold to Columbia Sussex Corp. of Fort Mitchell, Ky., as part of a $1.4 billion deal that included 13 other full-service Wyndham International Inc. hotels.
Kimmel Expansion Gets Financing
The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center announced on Oct. 5 that it has obtained $24.5 million in bond financing through San Diego County and Bank of America to fund a 79,000-square-foot research facility at the cancer center's 10-acre campus atop Torrey Pines Me
AMN Grows By Acquisition
AMN Healthcare Services Inc., a San Diego-based nurse staffing company, said it acquired all the stock of MHA Group Inc., an Irving, Texas, company providing physician and related health care staffing, for $160 million plus minimum earn-out provisions of
Metabolife Plea Deals Reached
William Bradley, one of the three owners of Metabolife International, along with the company, pleaded guilty to multiple felony criminal counts involving federal income tax evasion.
Goodbye, Good Guys: Seven Stores Closing
The Good Guys, Inc. home entertainment chain announced Oct. 6 that it will close all 46 stores in California, including three San Diego locations that will be closed immediately.
Wednesday, October 5
Atkins Calls for Resignations
San Diego Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins on Oct. 4 called for the resignations of Lawrence Grissom, administrator of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System, and Loraine Chapin, the system's general counsel.
Tuesday, October 4
Qualcomm Snags Cox Channel 4 Exec
Dan Novak, who has driven the success of Channel 4 San Diego for Cox Communications, announced Oct. 4 that he has accepted an opportunity to lead the programming of Qualcomm Inc.'s MediaFlo USA Inc. unit.
SYS Buys Web Technologies
SYS Technologies of San Diego said it acquired San Diego-based Web Technologies LLC for an undisclosed price.
Port Gets Options for Pension
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation designed to provide the Unified Port of San Diego with the authority to use an alternate system for retirement and disability services.
CancerVax Calls Off Tests, Shares Dive
CancerVax Corp. stock plummeted 52 percent in the last two days, and the Carlsbad-based biotech said it will cut its work force by more than 50 percent.
New VP at WFI
Wireless Facilities, Inc. announced Oct. 4 that David Claassen will soon join the San Diego-based company as vice president of Internet protocol and core network engineering.
Monday, October 3
N.Y. Firefighters Get Assist From S.D. Firm
The New York City Fire Department, which rose into the national conscience after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is getting help communicating from San Diego-based Deccan International.
Lincoln Adds Glitz and Guts to Its Truck Line
Lincoln Adds Glitz and Guts to Its Truck Line
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Week in Review
Top Business News: September 23 - 29, 2005
Hurricanes' Effects Ripple Toward San Diego: 2
Officials from Sempra Energy are breathing a bit easier after concluding that two Sempra-owned parcels in the Gulf Coast , earmarked to be liquefied natural gas sites , suffered no serious hurricane damage.
Corrections
For Sept. 19, 2005 and Sept. 26, 2005.
FDA May Delay Avanir's Laughter Medicine
Crying is no laughing matter to San Diego-based Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which announced recently that the Food and Drug Administration will likely delay review of Avanir's drug Neurodex, designed to treat uncontrollable laughter or crying in patient
Hurricanes' Effects Ripple Toward San Diego: 1
While Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have been used to justify the rising cost of gasoline, building materials also are being impacted.
SAIC Sending Its Bull Out to Pasture With IPO
When San Diego-based Science Applications International Corp. conducts its initial public offering early next year, it would end one of the more curious aspects of being a company entirely owned by employees: maintaining its own stock exchange.
National Home Price Index Puts La Jolla At the Top of the List
La Jolla and Killeen, Texas, are not only about 1,350 miles apart, they also are poles apart on the annual Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index. Plus notable sales, and more.
Paris Putting Unique Stamp on the Hilton Brand
From "Scent of a Woman" to "Extreme Makeover," Hilton Hotel Corp. builds on brand placements.
Follow Several Steps Before Selling Business
Question: How can I maximize the amount of cash I receive when I sell my business?
Associations Differ on Endorsement Policies
Late last month, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce endorsed a San Diego mayoral candidate , an action so rare that no one seems to recall exactly when it last happened. The chamber backs Jerry Sanders.
Firms Lock Down Chance at Hiring Parolees
National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. has been hiring ex-offenders for about 20 years. Now the local shipbuilder is sharing its story with other companies in the hopes of encouraging more San Diego businesses to hire recently paroled prisoners.
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: Oct. 4 - 10
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones.
Proxy: Diversa Corp.
Diversa Corp.
More to City Pensions Than Meets the Eye
More to City Pensions Than Meets the Eye
A Small Fortune of Riches
Four companies from the Fortune 50 find being in San Diego worth their while.
Cartridges Part of the Caboodle
Charles Shin's discount replacement printer cartridge store opened on Midway Drive in Point Loma on Sept. 17 without fanfare, but Shin is confident clients will come.
Small Business Spotlight: Premise Inc.
It wasn't long ago when Gregg Witt was an amateur national skateboard champion that he was consulting advertisers and venture capitalists on how to make money in the action sports world. Today, Witt is using his insight to build on his own marketing agenc
Employer-Assisted Housing Still a Tough Sell
Employer-assisted housing remains a tough sell in San Diego. "I did about 15 interviews, approached 15 companies, and never got any of them to sign up for the program," said one real estate agent promoting the idea.
Job Growth Reveals New Tech Boom
San Diego's telecom industry is on the upswing once again, reflecting an overall growth in high-tech jobs both here and across the nation, according to two recent reports.
Retirement System Lawsuit Dismissed
Superior Court Judge Charles Wickersham on Sept. 30 dismissed the lawsuit filed by San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre against present and past members of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System.
It's Imperative to Restore Order to U.S.-Mexico Border
It's Imperative to Restore Order to U.S.-Mexico Border
Selling Themselves to San Diego Singles
Businesses eager for a piece of the billion-dollar U.S. dating industry pie are flourishing in San Diego County thanks in part to a built-in marketplace.
SAIC Deal Could Be Worth $105M
The Navy Automatic Identification Technology Program Office is about to get an $8 million technical support boost from Science Applications International Corp.
Three Cheers for Price Gougers
Three Cheers for Price Gougers
Bankruptcy Attorneys Take A Dim View of New Regulations
Changes to the federal bankruptcy law taking effect later this month are causing a surge of new filings by debtors worried they won't qualify for the Chapter 7 liquidation process.
Executive Profile: Brent Jacobs
As one of the less obvious, but instrumental pioneers of San Diego's biotechnology industry, Brent Jacobs of Burnham Real Estate has been fostering biotechs for nearly 30 years , from the ground up.
Matchmaking Firms Must Deal With Ethical Issues
Whether they're pitching online profile matches or raging singles parties, businesses going after the dater's dollar are in a unique position, ethically and legally, when it comes to selling and marketing their product.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Hurricane Katrina Donations and Fund Raising; Executive Spotlight: Amy Alving
Mexican Insurance Plan Lowers Costs For S.D. Employees
Employees at SOS Metals, Inc. in Chula Vista save about $100 a month on health insurance by receiving their care from doctors in Mexico, according to the company.
There's a Need For Leaders, Yet There Are Few To Fill the Void
There's a Need For Leaders, Yet There Are Few To Fill the Void
WFI President Named to CTIA Board
Eric DeMarco of Wireless Facilities, Inc. has been named to the 2006 board of directors of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, effective Jan. 1.
Hyatt Regency Islandia Purchase a Done Deal
Seattle-based Kennedy Associates Real Estate Counsel, Inc. is nearing completion of a deal to buy the 421-room Hyatt Regency Islandia Hotel on Mission Bay for $62 million.