| April 27, 2017 |
SDSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXPANDS WITH PILLARS OF SAN DIEGO BUSINESS COMMUNITY
SDSI is humbled to welcome five prominent members of San Diego’s Business community to its Board of Directors: Emilie Cotter (FleishmanHillard), Melissa DeVita (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.), Michael Lawrence (Morgan Stanley Wealth Management), Eric Northbrook (Voit Real Estate Services) and Roger M. Spatz (Reef/Eagle Creek).
“These new additions to our board are watershed moments in our organizations' history—these people, and the companies that they represent, are all foundational pillars in our region, community, and economic cultural and social space,” said Bill Walton, Executive Director, SDSI. “We could not be happier, more fortunate, privileged or honored, to have each of them officially on our team. Today, SDSI reached a milestone; from this point forward, we now have the skills, strength, expertise, breadth and depth, to fully implement our purpose, mission and goal. On behalf of the SDSI team, we welcome these new members and appreciate their sacrifice, commitment to a shared vision, and willingness to be a part of something truly special—something that is so much bigger and better than any of us alone. Here we go, time to get to work.” Read the full release and more about our new members here.
2016 Springboard Impact Report – 87% of graduates are still in business!
The 2016 SDSI Springboard Impact results sponsored by Voit Real Estate Services and Vantage Point Advisors are now in and we are psyched to give you a sneak peek at the incredible stats before the full Report is releases next month. Our 70 graduates have created 441 jobs, have raised $54.2M in capital funding and an incredible 87% of graduates are still in business. As our Executive Director Bob Rief likes to say, “If you have started just one company you know how challenging it is, image jump starting 71 companies.” That is what SDSI Springboard, with the support of its dedicated volunteer mentor team, does for these businesses. Stay tuned for more exciting stats in the full Impact Report next month.
SDSI featured in Tech.co’s “What It’s like to Be a Startup in San Diego”
SDSI’s Renne Catalano Gussman was recently featured in Tech.co’s article interviewing 14 entrepreneurs on what it’s like to be a startup in San Diego, “San Diego’s Sports and Active Lifestyle community and San Diego’s larger business and entrepreneurial community are incredibly collaborative and supportive of the growing businesses in San Diego. So many successful executives and entrepreneurs are willing to give their time and share their experiences to help up-and-coming startups hit the ground running.” SDSI member Jurgen Schmerler, founder of VerifiR, was also quoted touting SDSI as one of the valuable resources cultivating the connections and relationships vital to entrepreneurs’ success. Read the full article at Tech.co.
COR Surf launches new line of waterproof duffle bag
COR Surf continues to grow its line of waterproof bags and packs with their new 60 liter waterproof duffel bag. Dubbed the "bottomless pit", the new duffel bag can hold a serious amount of gear. The bag also comes with interior pockets for travel essentials, water resistant exterior pocket, compression straps and removable shoulder strap with extra cushion for long treks. Learn more at corsurf.com.
Competitor Group and ElliptiGO present Ultimate Meb Experience
In honor of Marathon Legend Meb Keflezighi’s retirement from professional running, ElliptiGO and Competitor Group have partnered to offer an Ultimate Meb Experience to the June 3 San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon. The lucky winner will win VIP race entrance for two - including roundtrip ticks and accommodations, a VIP experience with Meb, an ElliptiGO bike and more. Get all the details at ElliptiGO.com.
Ian McIntosh named top 40 Under 40
The Daily Transcript’s annual 40 Under 40 publication shines the spotlight on some of the best and brightest young professionals making a difference in San Diego County. This year among the honorees is Ian McIntosh, President and Co-Owner of Mesa Rim Climbing and Fitness Center. Ian is a steward for the growth and development of the Indoor Rock Climbing Industry through his high-level expertise as a National Route Setter for USA Climbing and his mission and vision for Mesa Rim. Ian and Mesa Rim are also active leaders in the development of climbing as an Olympic Sport which you will see in the 2020 Games. Join us in congratulating Ian for his accomplishments and dedication. Read the full list of honorees here.
ElliptiGO expands team
ElliptiGO, creator of the world’s first elliptical bicycle, adds two new members to their sales and marketing team. Kate Cornelius, new Territory Sales Manager, will locate out of Portland covering the Pacific Northwest region. Djohara VandeCasteele joins as new Strategic Marketing Manager working out of the ElliptiGO headquarters in Solana Beach.
Injinji launches new website with Digital Operative, new product line, showroom
Injinji, in collaboration with San Diego marketing agency Digital Operative, launched its fully redesigned website showcasing the brand’s messaging and new animated product comparison tool. Also coming this fall are two new product lines and a makeover of their San Diego headquarters including a new showroom. Read more here.
Sticky Bumps continues partnership with Ezekiel Lau
Prior to the start of his 2013 partnership with Sticky Bumps, Ezekiel “Zeke” Lau was riding for the company's grom-centered brand, Ransom. You can find Zeke on Sticky Bumps’ Hawaiian Tropical Formula wax packaging with new images coming out this summer. Read more about the partnership here.
Sony is major player in the virtual reality market
Amid a surge in stock gains for several virtual reality/augmented reality products, Sony is well positioned to participate in the success of this rapidly growing segment. “In the nascent market for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming, there's really no one that approaches Sony's dominance of the market -- and at any level. Starting at the most obvious, Sony makes the PlayStation 4 gaming console, of which there are already 53.4 million units in circulation. That gives Sony a 51% market share in consoles worldwide.” Read the full story.
TurningPoint Executive Search launches Sales & Marketing Leader Awards
SDSI Board Member Ken Schmitt and TurningPoint Executive Search celebrates their 10th anniversary by launching the Sales & Marketing Leader Awards! Taking place on October 4 at the Marriott Del Mar, this annual event showcases the region's leading Sales & Marketing professionals across a wide range of industries and company sizes. Sponsors include Alaska Airlines, Silvergate Bank, Cox Business and Elevated – additional sponsorships available!
San Diego YMCA launches Biz Kid$ Bash to teach youth about money and business
San Diego YMCA has partnered with the San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) and to host Biz Kid$ Bashes at YMCA locations throughout the county to teach youth about money and business. Research shows that the average high-school graduate lacks basic skills to manage personal finances and many young people experience trouble balancing a checkbook. The program aims to bridge the education gap and equip youth with the skills needed for a successful future.
Shapers Studios hosts 4th Annual Self Shape Surf Festival
Shaper Studios, the world’s first DIY surfboard workshop, will host the Self Shape Surf Festival at Seaside Reef Saturday, April 29. The free and open to the public festival is the world’s only surf contest where every competitor rides on his or her own handmade surfboard. Festivities include a free concert and a beer garden with a portion of proceeds benefitting SurfAid. Learn more about the festival here.
Surfrider Art Gala & Auction
Don't miss The Surfrider Foundation 17th Annual Art Gala & Auction at Paradise Point Resort on Friday, May 12! This event will reconnect guests with the Surfrider mission and celebrate the foundation's impact, all while supporting the art community. Details here.
Recruit more Best Athletes! How is it that Qualcomm, ResMed, Google, Apple, Zappos, Facebook and Amazon always seem to hire the best talent? Simple – they make hiring a company-wide endeavor, rather than an HR activity. The best companies attract the best talent by leveraging the collective networks of their entire team. As new positions open, the job spec goes out to the entire organization, along with a reminder of how every employee referral brings a $250 or $500 or even $1000 bonus with a new hire. In today's hyper-competitive, candidate driven market, it is imperative that companies utilize every resource at their disposal to attract top candidates – Internal HR/Recruiting, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, employee referrals and outside recruiters for those highly specialized positions. To find more best practices, check out our latest Talent Summary.
Director of Brand Innovation, Telecom – Los Angeles
Sr Sales Executive, CPG – Orange County
Account Executive, Medical Products – Los Angeles/Santa Barbara
Sales Executive, Industrial Products - SoCal
Sales Executive, Building Products - SoCal
Challenged Athletes Foundation – Multiple Positions Available click for info
Competitor Group – Multiple Positions Available click for info
ElliptiGO - Strategic Marketing Manager click for info
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa - Multiple positions available click for info
J!NX - Multiple positions available click for info
KPMG - Multiple positions available click for info
Red Door Interactive - Multiple positions available click for info
SKLZ - Multiple positions available click for info
TurningPoint Executive Search, ranked #33 on SDBJ "2016 Fast Growing Private Company", is SDSI's resident expert for hiring, retention and job search. A San Diego native with more than 16 years of recruiting experience, President and Founder, Ken Schmitt is available as a sounding board who can share industry “best practices” with SDSI members.
May. 9 – SDSI Springboard 15 Minute Presentation #2
Jun. 7 - SDSI Advisory Board Meeting at SeaWorld, 10am-12pm
Jun. 13 – SDSI General Membership Meeting 8:30-10am
Jun. 20 – SDSI Springboard 15 Minute Presentation #3
Jul. 25 – SDSI Board of Directors Meeting at Petco Park
Aug. 1 – SDSI Springboard Quick Pitch/Elevator Pitch Presentation
Aug. 9 – SDSI General Membership Meeting
Aug. 22 – SDSI Advisory Board Meeting 4-6pm
Sep. 12 - General Membership Meeting
Oct. 24 – SDSI Board of Directors Meeting at Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, 4-6pm
Nov. TBD – General Membership Meeting
Nov. 14 – SDSI Advisory Board Meeting
Dec. 12 – SDSI Holiday Party
April 29 – Shaper Studios 4th Annual Self Surf Festival, Seaside Reef, click for info
May 6-7 - The Boardroom International Surfboard Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, click for info
May 12 - Surfrider Art Gala & Auction, Paradise Point Resort, San Diego, click for info
May 13 - Del Mar Mud Run click for info
May 11-14 - Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women’s Race click for info
May 14-20 - Amgen Tour of California click for info
May 20-21 - Belgian Waffle Ride, San Marcos, CA click for info
Jun. 17 - County Fair 5k click for info
Jun. 19-23 - San Diego Startup Week click for info
Jun. 22 - America's Finest Corporate Dash click for info
Jul. 25-29 - Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Salt Lake City, UT click for info
Sep. 13-15 - SFIA Industry Leaders Summit, Chicago, IL click for info
Sep. 20-22 - Interbike, Las Vegas, NV click for info
Oct. 4 – TurningPoint Executive Search: Sales & Marketing Leader Award, Del Mar, CA click for info