Area chambers of commerce are planning a combination of strategies and events to help businesses in Poway, Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch thrive in 2024, according to their leaders.
Adapting and adopting new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are among the challenges local businesses will face in the new year, said Chris Thorne, CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber.
Chris Thorne, CEO of the Northern San Diego Chamber of Commerce
(Courtesy of Chris Thorne)
“One of the biggest challenges facing businesses of all sizes is the need to quickly adapt to an ever-changing technology landscape,” Thorne said. “By 2024, the rapid adoption of AI technologies will transform the business landscape, from large enterprises to small businesses. Adopting artificial intelligence can improve productivity, streamline processes and revolutionize the customer experience.
“However, this digital shift requires companies not only to invest in cutting-edge technologies, but also to upskill their workforce to harness the full potential of these advancements.”
Rapid changes to the regulatory environment at the local, state and federal levels add another level of complexity to this digital transformation, he said.
“As AI technologies become more integral to business operations, regulatory guidance is adapting in tandem,” Thorne said. “Navigating these evolving frameworks requires a proactive approach from businesses to ensure compliance while maximizing the benefits of technological innovation. »
Thorne said the Rancho Bernardo-based chamber of commerce is ready to help its members stay abreast of these changes through educational programs and advocacy.
One example is its new Cybersecurity and Technology Advisory Council, designed to help business leaders and companies of all sizes understand and make their voices heard in an ever-changing technology environment, Thorne said.
Government regulations are also among the Poway Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 priorities, President Mike Leland said.
“We certainly see some headwinds for our California operations, primarily in terms of taxes and regulations,” Leland said. “The projected budget deficit just announced by Sacramento is certainly concerning, and we are monitoring this very closely to see what effects this will have on businesses and our schools.”
The Poway Chamber does a lot of advocacy work on behalf of its members and the broader business community, Leland said. To achieve this, it can notably combine efforts guided by the California Chamber of Commerce. The Poway Chamber also works with its business partners to oppose job-killing bills and other regulations that hurt businesses.
Economic impacts are another area of focus for the Poway Chamber.
“On the positive side, it is encouraging that interest rates have stabilized and may begin to fall in 2024, and that inflation is largely calming,” Leland said.
The economy is also a concern for the NSDBC.
“Businesses will continue to face persistent challenges in 2024 in attracting and retaining qualified talent,” Thorne said. “A notable concern is the housing affordability crisis in the region, which contributes to housing insecurity among employees.
“The high cost of living in San Diego County creates a divide between workplaces and employee residences,” he said. “This dissonance poses a formidable challenge to employers seeking a workforce unable to afford housing close to their workplace. »
The Chamber of Commerce’s advisory councils meet monthly to discuss key topics and take positions on current and future relevant legislation, Thorne said.
He also said businesses must seize opportunities related to sustainability as a matter of corporate responsibility and as a positive economic imperative.
“Sustainable practices are not only about reducing environmental impact, but also about fostering long-term business resilience,” Thorne said. “Businesses that integrate sustainability into their operations are able to gain a competitive advantage, attract an increasingly conscious consumer base and save money through efficiency gains. »
To achieve this, the Chamber of Commerce has a Sustainability Advisory Council whose mission is to guide businesses on the path to sustainability by sharing best practices, providing educational resources and actively shaping legislative actions , did he declare.
“The goal is to create a business community that not only thrives through sustainable practices, but also acts as a strong partner to the communities in which we live and work,” Thorne said.
The North San Diego Chamber of Commerce also remains at the forefront of advocating and supporting businesses in a vibrant and resilient community, he said.
“The dual challenges of technological change and workforce dynamics require a collaborative effort,” Thorne said. “The…chamber is committed to guiding businesses through the maze of technological advancements and fostering a workforce-friendly environment that addresses the real challenges our employees face, including housing affordability and need for safe living conditions. »
Mike Leland, President of the Poway Chamber of Commerce
(Courtesy of Mike Leland)
The Poway Chamber of Commerce continues to grow in membership and is fueled by the connections made between chamber members and the business community, Leland said.
“With this growth as our inspiration, we look forward to continuing our evolution in 2024 not only on a measurable level as a member-led organization, but also by growing as individuals, improving ourselves and, in turn, improving our local business community in Poway and beyond,” he said.
The Poway Chamber will build on many of its programs that have seen growth in 2023. Leland said this includes not only increased membership, which reached a record number of active members during the year elapsed – “more than our room has seen in almost a year. decade” – but more dynamic committees and networking groups.
“Both professional and personal relationships have been formed and blossomed over the past year,” Leland said.
Its nonprofit committee continues to thrive, bringing together more than 50 nonprofit and charitable organizations as well as businesses and individuals seeking to make a positive impact on the community. The 2023 Poway Fall Festival saw record attendance of about 12,000 people, and the new Shop Poway Chamber program was adopted, with locals purchasing $25 gift certificates that they could redeem at participating businesses.
“We are excited to see how the program continues to operate in the new year as awareness increases,” Leland said.
“As always, the mission of the Poway Chamber has been to strengthen the prosperity of members and the business community through leadership, education, advocacy and networking,” Leland said. “Based on this, we have always been and will continue to remain community and business focused. »
He said the Poway Chamber also works very closely with Poway city officials so that there are “open lines of communication to resolve any issues and opportunities that arise with our chamber members and for the business world as a whole.
As for the North San Diego Business Chamber’s other goals, Thorne said it is committed to fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
“Priorities for 2024 include strengthening digital literacy among member companies and promoting cross-sector collaboration to address common challenges,” Thorne said. “Additionally, the chamber aims to play a central role in promoting policies that support workforce development and sustainability practices, thereby ensuring a robust business ecosystem for years to come.” »
Both chamber leaders said their organizations will host events to help area businesses move forward.
The North San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s signature events include the San Diego Business Summit on January 17 and San Diego Women’s Week from February 26 to March 1. Later, there will be its business celebration and the San Diego Military Summit, Thorne said.
The Poway Chamber’s signature events begin with the Community Health and Wellness Fair on January 13, followed by a business fair and hiring event on March 19. Also planned are the 11th annual Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic, the Business Star Awards and the installation and Poway Fall. Festival, Leland said.
Both chambers will continue to hold monthly meetings and several committees will meet regularly.
