Several North San Diego County projects and companies, including Genentech in Oceanside and Project Next and Kaiser Permanente in San Marcos, received San Diego North Economic Development Council awards Thursday, Dec. 14, for their contributions to the regional economy.
The annual Excellence in North County Economic Development Awards, which were handed out during an event hosted by the council at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside, recognize businesses and initiatives that have opened or relocated to North County; those that have launched new policies, activities or programs in the region; or current businesses and groups that have undertaken noteworthy expansions or new developments and investments.
Kaiser Permanente was recognized for the completion and opening of its San Marcos Medical Center in August.
The facility is generating more than 1,000 new jobs, according to a San Diego North Economic Development Council news release. The hospital is also the third such facility in the state to attain LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for environmentally friendly construction practices.
In Oceanside, the economic council recognized pharmaceutical research company Genentech for its commitment to the city.
“After more than four decades of manufacturing innovation, they remain dedicated to North County as their Oceanside Single Use Technology project brings over 150 permanent full-time jobs and countless construction jobs in its structural period,” the council stated in its news release. “This cutting-edge facility will further solidify North County as a home for biotech and pharma.”
Carlsbad-based Argonaut Manufacturing Services, which provides manufacturing opportunities for industries such as life sciences and pharmaceuticals, was noted for its rapid growth over the past seven years, including its expansion to five state-of-the-art facilities in the city.
“As a native Californian, I have to say North County is still a place with a manufacturing heart,” Argonaut President and CEO Wayne Woodard said in the economic council’s news release. “It is leading in the manufacturing space.”
The company expects to triple its revenue in the next five years and employ up to 300 individuals, according to the council.
“Argonaut is the embodiment of a Carlsbad success story,” Matt Sanford, the city of Carlsbad’s economic development manager, said in the news release. “They have long been a keystone of Carlsbad’s life sciences community.”
Project Next, formerly known as The San Marcos Promise, received an award for its Xcelerate program, which aims to help students who struggle academically but excel in other areas. Project Next is a program that works with high school students to prepare them for post-graduation life.
The economic council noted the organization’s Xcelerate program for its assistance in job searches, resume creation and other skills.
In addition to Kaiser, Genentech, Argonaut and Project Next, the San Diego North Economic Development Council recognized:
The city of Escondido and Fresh Brewed Tech for their AgTech Hackathon, an event designed to find solutions to challenges faced by local agriculture;
M2 Ingredients for its planned construction of a $20 million facility in Vista, which will make the company the largest mushroom powder producer in the United States;
Gary Levitt, founder of Sea Breeze Properties, who was named as the council’s 2023 North County Steward for his efforts to help develop San Marcos’ North City urban village and the upcoming Carlsbad Village Transit Center project.
The San Diego North Economic Development Council is an organization that aims to foster economic development and workforce promotion through networking and marketing.
