We are pleased to share the official South County EDC Economic Summit 2025 Recap Video, provided by our media sponsor, Energy Media. This video highlights the key moments from our recent Economic Summit, which took place on April 29th, 2025.
Watch video here.
Press Release:
South County Economic Development Council Celebrates a Sold-Out and Transformative Economic Summit
CHULA VISTA, CA — The South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC) proudly hosted its 2025 Economic Summit on Tuesday, April 29th at the Liberty Station Conference Center, welcoming a sold-out audience of more than 300 business leaders, community advocates, invested residents, and regional changemakers for a day of bold dialogue and regional vision.
With the theme “The Future is Now,” the event explored the transformational forces shaping the next chapter of South County’s growth and prosperity. The Summit opened with a keynote address from Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California, who highlighted the powerful role tourism plays in the local economy and the need for proactive branding strategies to elevate South County as an emerging destination.
A forward-looking forecast panel brought together Josh Williams of BW Research, Scott Andrews of Neighborhood National Bank, and Dr. Farhang Mossavar-Rahmani, Professor at National University, who spoke to the interconnected dynamics of housing, workforce readiness, and economic evolution. Their discussion underscored how rapidly emerging trends are reshaping the region and creating new growth opportunities.
One of the most highly anticipated sessions was the South County Mayors’ Roundtable, featuring Mayor John McCann (Chula Vista), Mayor John Duncan (Coronado), Mayor Paloma Aguirre (Imperial Beach), and Mayor Ron Morrison (National City). The mayors explored critical regional issues, including housing affordability and diversity, job creation, environmental sustainability, infrastructure investment, and homelessness. The conversation emphasized unity and collaboration as South County’s path forward.
Later in the day, a panel on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation tackled how emerging technologies are transforming the future of healthcare, education, and the workplace. The panel included Shane Thielman, SVP & CIO at Scripps Health; Dr. James Frazee, Vice President & CIO at SDSU; and Devin Valdez, Sr. Solutions Architect at Rapidscale. The session provided attendees with an eye-opening look at how AI is already reshaping our daily lives and the future workforce.
The SCEDC also celebrated exceptional leadership and community impact through a special awards ceremony. We proudly recognized the following recipients:
Congratulations to Our 2025 Award Winners
- Binational Endeavor Award – Anthony Llompart, MediExcel Health Plan
- Greg Cox Pioneer Award – Laura Muñoz Humphreys, YMCA of San Diego
- Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award – Port of San Diego
- Tony McCune Regional Leadership Award – Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
- Marilyn Lassman Golden Dedication Award – Neil Mohr, Republic Services
- Corky McMillin Best of South County Award – Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
“While the Summit was a tremendous success, it’s only the beginning,” said Jim O’Callaghan, President & CEO of SCEDC. “We’re launching a new web series to dive deeper into the Summit’s focus areas—workforce development, tourism and meetings growth, and infrastructure investment—so we can continue building the next round of regional momentum. Our future is now, and just as we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, we’re laying the foundation for generations to come.”
SCEDC extends its deepest appreciation to all of its partners, sponsors, speakers, moderators, and attendees who made the day a success—and to Title Sponsor Tony McCune, whose unwavering support continues to help drive transformative work throughout South County.
For more information on upcoming initiatives and to view Summit highlights, visit www.southcountyedc.com.
