San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Economic Impact Reports

The Chamber is dedicated to bringing up-to-date, relevant and important information to the San Diego business community.  To that end, the Chamber and the County of San Diego jointly produce studies and reports that provide useful data and signaling trends to help businesses make better decisions now and in the future.

Military Veterans in San Diego's Labor Force (PDF)

A comprehensive report evaluating military veterans in San Diego's workforce and how San Diego comparies to other military cities in the U.S.  Highlights include recent employment figures, new trends and recommendations on how to help veterans reintegrate into the civilian workforce.

REPORT SUMMARY
San Diego is one of the largest military cities in the United States.  The County is the third largest inthe U.S. in terms of veteran residents, and the number one destination for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Demographically, San Diego County veterans are younger,  better educated and earn higher incomes than national averages.  However, veterans - especially young individuals who are more susceptible to high unemployment - may experience specific barriers when reintegrating into the civilian labor force.



The State of Small Business (PDF)

A look at today's small businesses in San Diego and across the nation, including how to define a small business, common challenges they face, and their impact on our local and national economy.

REPORT SUMMARY
There are multiple definitions used today for the term “small business”, but which one is accurate? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – an independent federal governmental agency that was established in 1953 under President Eisenhower to aid and protect the interests of small businesses - the definition depends on which specific industry is being discussed.



What San Diego Small Businesses Need to Succeed (PDF)

Part two of the 2012 Small Business Outlook, this report provides direct feedback from San Diego's small business community about what they need to grow and thrive in our region.

REPORT SUMMARY
This report is two-fold, covering both general public policy factors that will make small businesses more successful, as well as specific business needs that will help small businesses succeed in 2012 and beyond.  The report shows four top public policy priorities for the San Diego small business community, which include 1) road and infrastructure maintenance; 2) more of a voice in local government; 3) a stronger voice in Sacramento; and 4) greater energy reliability and cost stability.

 


2012 San Diego Small Business Outlook (PDF)

This August 2012 report provides an insight into San Diego County's small businesses' outlook on the local economy and business projections.  The report serves as follow up to the 2010 San Diego Small Business Barometer report. This is a joint project of the County of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

REPORT SUMMARY
This most recent survey - a follow up to the 2010 San Diego Small Business Barometer – tracks general perceptions and attitudes from June 2010 to April 2012, including anticipated hiring, business-friendliness of local government, employee healthcare costs, and much more.

More importantly, this survey shows that business people who own or manage firms with 50 or fewer employees have moved from cautiously optimistic to a more positive outlook today. While some areas have not improved or remained steady, the majority of San Diego small businesses show a more confident and optimistic attitude for the next twelve months.


San Diego's Road to Economic Recovery (PDF) 

This recent report, released in June 2012, details trends from the first quarter of 2012 that show gradual and positive growth in San Diego's economy in the areas of unemployment, tourism, real estate and production.  Click here to read the full report or read the report summary below.  This is a joint project of the County of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

REPORT SUMMARY
Like all American cities, San Diego suffered from the 2008 financial crisis and ensuing recession. Unemployment rates increased, the real estate market fell, and output declined. Fortunately, recent trends indicate that the worst of it is over and most recent economic indicators from the first quarter of 2012 reveal mostly positive trends. These improvements are gradual, and a full recovery is still several years away, yet the San Diego economy appears to be heading in the right direction...more.


Healthcare Reform and San Diego Business (PDF) 

This report, released in June 2010, provides a comprehensive and information summary of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" and its potential impacts on the San Diego business community.

REPORT SUMMARY
The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (the Act) recently passed by Congress has been heralded as a way to provide insurance opportunities for nearly 33 million Americans who now do not have, or cannot afford, quality health care.  The legislation provides a number of tax realted incentives, as well as corporate and individual penalties, that would presumably entice firms and individuals alike to seek coverage.



2010 San Diego Small Business Barometer (PDF) 

This report, released in June 2010, provides interesting highlights from a 12 month outlook from the San Diego's small business community, such as their view of government and what small businesses need to achieve success.  The Chamber uses these findings to better adovcate at the local, state and federal level for small businesses and job creation in San Diego.  This is a joint project of the County of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

REPORT SUMMARY
Generally, San Diego County's small business people have adopted a cautiously optimistic outlook.  Things would be better, the survey shows, were it not for the perception that government is more in the way than lending a helping hand.  The initial results suggest deep misgivings about the posture local government is taking towards small business...more


San Diego and the 2007-2009 Economic Crisis (PDF) 

This report, released in June 2010, traces the effects of the 2007-2009 financial crisis through several sectors of the economy.  Regional analysis compares San Diego to both national and California aggregate averages, and breaks data down by industry and economic sector.  This is a joint project of the County of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

REPORT SUMMARY
Most analysts anticipate a protracted period of recovery. GDP is forecast to exceed 3.2% nationally and 3/5% for San Diego in 2012.  Analysts also predict a rise in employment.  The 2010 forecast for San Diego highlights the creation of 12,000 local jobs, and a fall in the unemployment rate to around 9%...more



Interested in the Regional Economic Indicators for the County of San Diego?  Click here.