Gwinnett Chamber Visits San Diego, Learns Best Practices in West Coast Mecca for International Business

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

A business delegation from Gwinnett County, Georgia, recently attended the 18th annual Strategic Leadership Visit to San Diego, California. Organized by the Gwinnett Chamber and presented by Jackson EMC, the trip was designed to explore new ideas and successful strategies in economic development, transportation infrastructure, international business, and community redevelopment.

The visit featured a series of discussions on key topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on education and workforce development. The delegation also took a close look at San Diego’s “Live Well” initiative, which is focused on improving community health and wellness and offered a model that could inspire community redevelopment efforts in Gwinnett and the metro Atlanta region.

Housing and community development were major focal points during the visit and introduced discussions on innovative housing solutions, including the use of public land for development. The group also delved into San Diego’s water management strategies, which are key to the region’s sustainability.

On the final day, the focus shifted to transportation and international trade. The delegation explored transit strategies in the major metro region. They also learned about the economic collaboration between San Diego and Tijuana, bringing a deeper appreciation for how cross-border partnerships can drive regional growth and foster international business trade and relations.

The visit wrapped up with a tour of the USS Midway Museum, where the delegation had the opportunity to reflect on how historical perspectives can inform modern-day strategies and solutions. Ultimately, this group’s visit to San Diego highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, innovative redevelopment, and international economic development as a means of supporting a more vibrant and inclusive, regional community.