By: GARY KNIGHT - For the North County Times
As we begin a new year, I want to take this opportunity to thank the many readers who have called or e-mailed me throughout the past year with ideas and encouragement.
It has been my honor to have this chance to share information and my thoughts about the economy in San Diego North. I am always amazed at the interest others have in a topic that is near and dear to my heart and are willing to take action to help improve the way we work and live in this region.
Over the last year, I examined the business clusters that are the primary economic drivers for the sub region known as San Diego North. We have looked at health care, transportation, agriculture, tourism and gaming, high-tech manufacturing, education, military/defense and marketing communications.
In the next few months, I will complete our list with banking and finance, biotech and action sports. This overview is a follow-up to the release of a publication that the San Diego North Economic Development Council distributed in February called the San Diego North Economic Outlook. Copies are available and can be ordered for the cost of postage by e-mailing our office at info@sandiegonorthedc.org.
The purpose behind the Outlook and the subsequent articles I have written is to raise awareness of the types of businesses in this region, along with the types of jobs they bring and what the future may hold for our children and grandchildren.
Over the last 20 years, we have seen a transition in San Diego from a heavy dependence on military manufacturing to a more diverse economy led by communications and biotechnology. For the United States to remain competitive in this global economy, it will be vital for us, specifically in San Diego North, to maintain a focus on work that is creative, innovative and requires our intellectual skills more than a reliance on cheap labor.
The faster we allow the world economy to catch up in wages and the cost of living, the faster we will become competitive again in our manufacturing and reduce the number of jobs lost overseas.
This year holds the promise of bringing a strong economy with low unemployment and a focus on improving our infrastructure throughout the region. Work continues on our roads, and new money coming from bonds will help expand this work along with major renovations at Palomar College and expansion at Cal State San Marcos. |
