EDCs Receive $225,000 Grant for Mega-Region Initiative

SAN DIEGO, CA, Apr 10 (MARKET WIRE) --
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration has today
awarded San Diego Regional EDC and Imperial Valley EDC a $225,000 grant to
develop a mega-region strategy for global competition. The grant is the
first of its kind awarded by the Federal Government.

An additional $75,000 in matching or in-kind contributions is being provided
by
AT&T, Bank of America, SDG&E, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Imperial
Irrigation
District, Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce, Brawley Inn, County of
Imperial, and the San Diego County Water Authority.

Under the Mega-Region Initiative, over the next 12 months the economies of
San Diego County, Imperial County and Northern Baja California, Mexico, will be
studied to develop economic strategies to enhance the global competitiveness of
the bi-national mega-region, with a focus on workforce and infrastructure. The
intent is to ensure that high-wage industries flourish within the larger
mega-region
by creating an economic environment attractive to outside investment, especially
in
Imperial County.

"This grant will provide a sound research base for developing strategies
infive industry clusters that we believe are critical to the future of San
Diego and Imperial Counties' economies -- cleantech,
distribution/warehousing/transportation, specialized manufacturing, construction
materials, and applied biotechnology," said Julie Meier Wright, President and
CEO of San Diego Regional EDC.

Tim Kelley, President and CEO of Imperial Valley EDC, said, "The outcome
ofthis study will create a roadmap for Imperial County to more effectively
partner with
San Diego County in ways that will help grow and stabilize our economy."

Dr. Christina Anne Luhn of the San Diego Regional EDC has been named
SeniorProject Manager for the study. Previously she managed large-scale
projectsat the International Energy Agency in Paris, France, and at the National
Security
Council at the White House. Dr. Luhn played an instrumental role in winning
the grant.

For additional information contact Megan Carleton or visit
www.sandiegobusiness.org.

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation is the region's
primarycatalyst for a competitive economy, provides comprehensive client
services to
companies looking to expand or locate in the San Diego region, and tracks
numerous data regarding the high-technology industries clustered here.

CONTACTS:

Megan Carleton
San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
(619) 615-2968
(619) 234-1935
Email Contact
www.sandiegobusiness.org

Tim Kelley
Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation
(760) 353-8332
Email Contact
www.ivedc.com

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