Businesses, leaders honored to end 2024
From arts programs and community impact in Encinitas and Escondido, to Frontwave Arena and a paid student internship program in Vista, many made their mark
OCEANSIDE — Closing out 2024 saw several businesses and individuals celebrated by the San Diego North Economic Development Council for their achievements and collaborative spirit driving growth in North County.
More than 300 business and community leaders gathered on Dec. 19 at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside to celebrate “The Devvies,” North County’s premier awards luncheon recognizing outstanding contributions to the region’s economic development.
The awards highlight achievements but underscore the collaborative spirit driving North County’s growth. From cutting-edge infrastructure to groundbreaking educational programs and sustainable innovations, the event celebrated a region poised for a prosperous future.
Transformational developments recognized
Among the honorees was Frontwave Arena, celebrated for its $85 million, 7,500-seat facility in Oceanside. The arena has quickly become a regional landmark, hosting sports teams like the San Diego Sockers and Clippers, as well as concerts and special events promising to attract thousands to North County annually.
“We’re proud to be North County’s gateway to sports and entertainment. Go Sockers, go Clippers, and we’ll see you at the arena,” said Chasen Eddow, director of Sports and Youth Community Relations at Frontwave Arena.
Another standout was the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, which completed a $70 million renovation. This investment revitalized the iconic property and secured it as the host of the NCAA men’s and women’s golf championships for three years. The resort’s enhancements are expected to significantly contribute to the region’s $5.7 billion tourism industry.
Innovative initiatives and community impact
The City of Encinitas earned accolades for the Pacific View Arts Center, North County’s first municipally run arts facility. Since its opening, the center has hosted 160 cultural arts classes and has become a hub for the creative economy.
“This has been a 10-year effort. It’s not just me, our current staff or council. It’s our past mayors, councils, staff, and a lot of volunteers who made this happen,” said Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers.
Similarly, the City of Escondido’s Public Art Strategic Plan was recognized for uniting stakeholders to enrich cultural expression while fostering economic opportunities for local artists and businesses. This year, the city has made the largest solicitation for arts in its history, with a $250,000 call for the Escondido Creek Trail Project this month and a $500,000 call for the Grand Avenue Project expected to be released in March.
Trailblazing educational programs
California State University San Marcos received honors for two initiatives: the SWIFT Scholars in Wellness and Innovation Fast Track program, an expedited three-year program designed to address the region’s mental health workforce needs, and its Summer Opportunity Workshops, which introduced more than 100 local high school students to higher education and business leadership.
“This program is vital to building the San Diego workforce, as 8 out of 10 students stay in the region,” said Dr. Ronald Ramirez, dean of the CSUSM College of Business Administration.
MiraCosta College was awarded for its new Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree, developed in partnership with industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand careers and a variety of specialties and industries.
Sustainable innovation and workforce development
Vista-based Amai was recognized for its innovative edible, all-temperature cups made from recycled beer grains. An environmentally-friendly alternative to single-use cups, these vegan, protein-rich options can hold hot liquids for up to 48 hours without leaking — all while being free of soy, nuts, dairy, and eggs.
“I like to think of this award not only as recognizing what we’ve accomplished but also your belief in what we will achieve with this company in the future,” said Amai chief executive officer Jeannine Davison.
Now in its third year, the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Velocity Summer Internship program has grown each summer, supporting 74 students with paid internships at 30 area businesses in 2024. This scalable and sustainable program also provided more than half of the participants with their first work experience and strengthened the local workforce pipeline.
Kevin Hamm Impact Awards
The Kevin Hamm Impact Award honored two individuals who connect others with resources and elevate the visibility of others. The first was Linda Kurokawa who recently retired as Director of Community Education & Workforce Development for MiraCosta’s Technology Career Institute (TCI).
Kurokawa launched TCI from the ground up in response to the increasing need from local companies for employees with specific technical skills. She worked with employers to design and deliver work skills and technical training programs to help meet the demand for skilled labor.
“You are the change-makers in San Diego’s North County,” Kurokawa told the audience. “I am so honored to be a part of that team.”
The second winner was Cassandra Schaeg, Emmy Award-winning TV producer, acclaimed series host, and visionary entrepreneur. Schaeg opened SIP Wine & Beer in Escondido, and she co-produced and hosted two seasons of “Fresh Glass,” a lifestyle docuseries that spotlights diverse innovators in food, beverage, and entrepreneurship.
Schaeg has been a powerful advocate for women and diverse communities within the food and beverage industry, while also offering mentorship and guidance to emerging entrepreneurs in North County and beyond.
“Everything in North County is why I am standing here right now. National (syndication) is great, but it all started right here,” Schaeg said, crediting North County Economic Development Managers Michelle Geller and Jennifer Schoeneck as a big part of her success. Gellar previously worked for the city of Escondido before taking the same position in Oceanside several years ago.
North County Steward Award
A North County Steward is an individual who has worked to make this community a better place for those who live here and who passionately believes in making it better for the generations to come. As superintendent and president of MiraCosta College, Dr. Sunny Cooke has championed groundbreaking initiatives, including California’s first biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree, preparing students for careers in high-demand industries.
Her visionary “futures thinking” ensures MiraCosta not only meets today’s workforce needs but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.
“When you lead an organization, you get to stand up here and talk about what the organization has done. You get to accept awards like this, but it is clear that it’s the 1,600 workers at MiraCosta who make these things happen,” Dr. Cooke said.
Follow North County Pipeline on Facebook, Instagram, X and Reddit. Send story ideas and tips to ncpipeline760@gmail.com.