The leading economic development entity for the region surrounding San Diego, California spent three days in Louisville in September learning from the city’s success.

“Similar to GLI’s GLIDE trips, these leaders from California took time to dive deep into what Louisville is doing right,” GLI President & CEO Kent Oyler said. “And they flew away impressed!

The delegation’s visit to Louisville was organized by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and sold out. The group chose Louisville to learn about its inclusive economic development strategy, talent attraction and workforce retention programs, and several collaborative efforts spurred by partnerships among government, business and philanthropy.

“Our hope is to inspire new approaches to challenges and opportunities in our region,” San Diego Regional EDC’s COO Lauree Sahba said. “And of course, we enjoyed the bourbon and amazing hospitality of your city!”

The group heard from Mayor Greg Fischer, toured GE’s First Build and UofL, the Muhammad Ali Center, and Churchill Downs.  Much of the trip was focused on community branding and talent attraction through the GLI-lead “Live in Louisville” campaign.  Significant attention was paid to Louisville’s reputation as a welcoming, compassionate place with a burgeoning international population. They also met with leaders from 55,000 Degrees, KentuckianaWorks, and along with the CEO of Passport Health, Mark Carter, and other local private companies that are making significant investments in economically under-served areas of the city.

About San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC’s) mission is to maximize the region’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. As an independently funded non-profit fueled by more than 160 companies and organizations, EDC takes a data-driven approach to attracting, retaining and expanding companies and the talent pool across the region’s three traded economies: military, tourism and innovation. sandiegobusiness.org

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. - the Metro Chamber of Commerce is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region’s largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads economic and global outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community’s talent base.  As the voice of Greater Louisville’s business community, GLI advocates for a pro-business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness.  For more information, visit www.greaterlouisville.com.