Event panelists included former Mayor Jerry Sanders and Scott Eckert from the U.S. Chamber

SAN DIEGO, CA – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) welcomed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to San Diego to showcase the region’s ‘innovation ecosystem.’ The event is part of Peters’ effort to raise the profile of San Diego in Washington D.C. and across the United States to encourage business growth and investment.

“San Diego is a hot bed of technology, scientific research, start-ups, and universities – the economic engines that will keep our nation globally competitive over the next decades,” Congressman Peters said. “Bringing groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to town is important for our region’s ability to expand our reputation as a hub for economic growth and job creation.”

The forum, called “America’s Innovation Economy: San Diego Leading the Way,” featured a panel of local business group executives and Scott Eckhart of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It was held at Qualcomm, a world leader in wireless innovation and San Diego’s largest private employer.

“Thanks to Scott Peters and Jerry Sanders for bringing business leaders together to talk about what they're doing together to create jobs in San Diego,” said Scott Eckart of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Washington can definitely learn from the collaborative, independent approach of Scott Peters and San Diego. In his short time in Congress, Scott quickly distinguished himself as a strong advocate for economic opportunity. We are grateful for his work in this area and his willingness to engage the business community.”

 “It is an honor to have the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in town today to hear how San Diego is leading the way in so many fields, and what our region has to offer the national economy,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Showcasing our vibrant and diverse local economy to the rest of the country continues to be a top priority for us at the San Diego Chamber, and I know it is for Congressman Peters as well, as we look to create jobs and expand economic output.  I’m glad we had another platform for our region to show that San Diego is the best place to do business and create jobs in California.”

“I want to thank Rep. Peters for continuously showcasing San Diego’s innovation economy on a national stage,” said Mark Cafferty, President and CEO of San Diego Regional EDC. “Because of his leadership, the U.S. Chamber will experience the region’s world-class talent pool, diverse industries and inventive companies first hand.”

Regarding the event, Biocom stated, “As the advocacy voice of the Southern California life science community, Biocom thanks Congressman Scott Peters for bringing the US Chamber to San Diego so that these national leaders can hear first-hand what issues our local companies face on a day to day basis. It is invaluable that Congressman Peters is bringing Washington business leaders to his district, which is in the heart of one of the most innovative and visionary regions in the entire country. We appreciate the Chamber’s interest in our issues and appreciate their voice in Washington as a representative of business and in building the economy. We hope it will continue to work with Congressman Peters in his efforts in these areas.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Scott Peters for bringing the US Chamber to San Diego. This is an important opportunity for San Diego and Washington DC leaders to discuss the innovation ecosystem,” said Greg McKee, CEO of CONNECT.

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