SweetLabs Finds Window(s) Of Opportunity in Start Menu
TECHNOLOGY: Firm Also Aims to Improve ‘Neglected’ PC Platform
Microsoft is moving on, moving on with a dramatically redesigned Windows 8 operating system. But some personal computer users aren’t so eager to follow.
Eyewear Targets the ‘Site-Seeing’Crowd
OPTICS: Computer Glasses Need Is Big in an Online World
What makes a good business plan? “You look for uncharted territory with little competition and massive market potential,” said Joe Croft.
Data Centers Offer Workspace for Customers in Emergencies
TECHNOLOGY: Clients Can Maintain Key Services At Functioning Facilities
San Diego area data center operators are offering more than just space for computers. They are making space for people too.
Socket rocket
AUTOS: More Models Help to Drive Local Sales of Electric Cars
Paul Schulman has a big birthday coming up and he’s thinking about a big purchase: an electric car.
Combined Forces Tackle Aircraft Maintenance
AVIATION: In FY 2012, Navy, Contractors Do 227 Overhauls
The biggest aviation shop in the region belongs to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., which counts 4,400 employees in San Diego County.
Disaster Plans Must Be Tailored to Each Business’s Needs
PLANNING: Versatility Is Also Required to Ensure Continuity in a Crisis
The market for business continuity and disaster recovery services is definitely not one-size-fits-all.
Military Contracts Take Poway Firm on Tour
DEFENSE: PKL Services Lands $95M Support Deal For Royal Saudi Air Force
The longer Sam Flores Jr. sticks with the military, the more of the world he sees.
Paul Jacobs Sees Data and More Data in Our Future
TECH: At CES, Exec Discusses Trends and Unveils Snapdragon 800
Bigger, more capable and extra-fast electronics are bound for U.S. markets this year.
Confident Public Helps Get New Auto Sales Back on Track
VEHICLES: Dealers Sweeten Pot With New Technology, Incentives
The numbers bode well for auto sales in 2013.
Wireless Industry Keeps Building Momentum
TECH: ‘Near Field’ Advances Open Door to Further Innovation
Five billion plus. That is the number of microchips specifically tailored for wireless connectivity that manufacturers are expected to ship during 2013.
Defense Outlook Is Clouded by Politics
MILITARY: Any Number of Variables May Affect Policies
What’s ahead for defense contractors during 2013? The smoke has yet to clear.
Still In It to Win
SPORT: New Owner Gets Media, Event Firm That Chases Opportunities
Competitor Group is used to bringing like-minded companies together. It has acquired 17 companies in the endurance sports space during its five-year history.
App on Board: Company Gives Surfers a Real Wave Selection
TECH: American Wave Machines Can Offer Custom Rides
There is now an app for making waves. American Wave Machines of Solana Beach designs pools with technology that creates waves big enough to surf on. They can bring the familiar sport to places that are nowhere near the ocean.
Having Experience as a Guide
COACHING: Executives Learn Valuable Lessons On Leadership and Life From Pat Hyndman
At age 98, Pat Hyndman has a perspective on business that few people can match. He takes the long view, one that goes back before the crash of 1929.
Mickelson to Take On Torrey Pines North
SPORTS: Golfer’s Design Team Looks to Create ‘Fun Challenge’
The future of the Torrey Pines municipal golf course — specifically its north course — is in the hands of San Diego native Phil Mickelson.
We’re (Wireless) No. 1?
WIRELESS: Region Sees Technological Top Spot Being Within Its Reach
Who deserves the crown of wireless capital of the United States? In a world where people and things are increasingly connected by radios, San Diego could have bragging rights.
Firebird’s Uniqueness Lands Northrop a Deal
DEFENSE: Pilot Is Optional In New Category of Aircraft
Northrop Grumman Corp. is carving a unique niche for itself, producing military aircraft where the pilot is — well, optional.
Return Customer Brings Nassco an Unusual Job
SHIPPING: It Will Build LNG-Powered Container Ships
One look at the back of this boat tells you this shipbuilding project is going to be different. General Dynamics Nassco has announced a commercial ship construction deal that will keep employees busy through early 2016.
SETTING THE STAGE
EVENTS: A Passion for Music Led to a New Career in Events
The music bug bit Ray McKewon hard. It was 12 years ago when McKewon was asked to play the guitar in a band at a company function.
Surgeons Can Count on Firm’s Medical Device
MEDICINE: Sponges Get RF Tag to Ensure They Are Recovered
Bill Blair recalled sitting at a table at a Greenwich Village eatery as his surgeon friend laid out a work-related challenge.
Taking a Defensive Posture
MILITARY: Contractors, Forces Brace for Change As Fiscal Forces Play Out
What does lean look like?
Fore!
Sports Business: Country Club Owner Plays By Her Own Rules
Madeleine Pickens has infectious enthusiasm.
Local Defense Contractors Adjust to Changing Budget Realities
DEFENSE: They Pursue Key Technologies and International Markets
The prospect of Pentagon budget cuts has federal contractors rethinking their business plans.
GA Aeronautical Systems Receives $125M Deal for Modified Drone
The Defense Department announced recently that it has awarded Poway-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. a $125.5 million contract for 10 upgraded versions of the Reaper unmanned aircraft. The aircraft will go to the U.S. Air Force.
Financial Services Jobs Rebound Following Recession Lull
EMPLOYMENT: Companies Hiring Again; Several Positions Unfilled
Employment in the financial services sector is on the rebound from the Great Recession, and a handful of the small local banks reflect that trend. Judging from state employment figures, however, the employment level is not back to pre-recession levels.
The Other 'Military Spending'
DEFENSE: Sailors’, Marines’ Salaries Help Support Local Business
With 20 years of retail experience on Mission Avenue, Rick Wright knows the lay of the land in Oceanside.
Promising Firms Get a Head Start at EvoNexus
TECH: 5 Startups Picked in Field of 110 for Incubators
Five young companies recently became the newest tenants of the EvoNexus incubators run by CommNexus, the San Diego technology nonprofit.
Firm Brings Order to a Confusing World of Data
ANALYTICS: Goal Is ‘Real-Time Understanding Of the Customer Journey’
Businesses face an “explosion of data” about customers and potential customers, observed Pelin Thorogood.
Firms Invite Veterans To Join Their Ranks
HIRING: Outreach Efforts Are Mutually Beneficial
Sondra Meek spent 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring in 2010 as a master sergeant.
Fuel Prices Take Bite Out of Bottom Line
ENERGY: Firms ‘See Red’ As Their Fleet Costs Climb
Sprawling San Diego is not the ideal place to deliver flowers. So says Jim Martin, owner of Windy’s Flowers in Clairemont and Dave’s Flower Box in North Park. He operates six vehicles, most of them SUVs and minivans.
Home Field Advantage: AT&T Installs 4G Network at Qualcomm
TECHNOLOGY: Faster, More Compact Network Improves Cellphone Service
More and more, the pastime of watching a ballgame involves bringing a smartphone to the venue.
iPhone 5 Popularity Benefits Area Companies
TECHNOLOGY: New Smartphone from Apple Drives Business Locally
Apple Inc.’s new iPhone 5 is a global success with big impact for some local companies.
Association Adds Legal Service
The San Diego Employers Association recently struck a partnership with the Brown Law Group, where the law office will provide association members one hour of free legal consultation per month.
Hobie Cat Brings a Familiar Face Aboard
SPORTS: Hobie Cat Europe Acquisition Unifies Efforts
Seeking to expand into markets more quickly and boost its worldwide brand, Hobie Cat Co. is combining two businesses that had operated separately for 23 years, company officials said.
TIG Adeptly Spreads Its Reach and Its Net
TECH: Acquisitions and Expansion Bring Growth
There’s a U.S. map in the conference room at Technology Integration Group, thick with dots marking the computer systems integrator’s offices and warehouses. The dots have proliferated in the last decade.
Privately Held Defense Companies Thrive in Niche Markets
DEFENSE: Competition, Sequestration, Increasing Costs Are Industry Concerns
Boeing and United Technologies Corp. make billions of dollars in profit for their shareholders, while collecting annual revenues of $68.7 billion and $58.2 billion respectively.
House of Blues to Power Pechanga Concerts
Live Nation’s House of Blues entertainment division will book acts to play at Pechanga Resort & Casino near Temecula under a new deal announced recently.
Energy Center Retains Higgs
Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP has announced that the California Center for Sustainable Energy has retained the firm as its outside general counsel.
ViaSat Electronics Orders Going to U.S., Turkey
ViaSat Inc. recently received a $34 million contract for communication electronics from the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as a $15.8 million delivery order.
Directed Turns 30
Directed, the electronics maker famous for the Viper car alarm, marked its 30th anniversary recently at its Vista plant.
120 Seconds Are Vital In Pitch Contest
Quick Pitch time has returned.
It Is a Small World For Website Screen Displays
TECHNOLOGY: Firm Adapts to the Mobile Device Marketplace
The small screen is a big deal to Qualcomm Inc. The company’s business is built heavily around smartphones and mobile devices.
Blue Economy Set to Grow, Generating New Jobs
REPORT: Companies With Ties to the Sea Look to Promising Future
What do shipbuilder General Dynamics Nassco, undersea robot maker SeaBotix Inc., and a maker of membranes for removing salt from seawater, all have in common?
Fall Color: Quick Pitch Arrives With Autumn Leaves
Quick Pitch time has returned. Tech Coast Angels is again sponsoring its contest to see how compelling a pitch an entrepreneur can muster during 120 “short” seconds.
Nik Software Is Acquired by Google
Google Inc. announced recently that it has acquired San Diego-based Nik Software Inc.
Stone Brewing Puts Iowa on its Marketing Map
Escondido-based Stone Brewing Co. said it will move into the Iowa market beginning on Oct. 1.
Mayoral Debate Tonight to Focus on Business Issues
The two candidates for San Diego mayor will discuss business issues tonight at the La Jolla Playhouse on the UC San Diego campus.
Market Forces
RETAIL: Partners’ Drive Makes Food Hub a Reality
Perseverance, with pickles. Stick-to-itiveness, with strawberries.
It’s Debt Vs. Defense in Sequestration Debate
DEFENSE: Some See $16T Debt as Threat to Security
Few if any San Diego defense contractors would admit to liking “sequestration,” the federal government’s program to drastically pare its budget.
Manufacturing ‘Enterprise Zone’ Expands North of Interstate 8
State officials have OK’d the city of San Diego’s request to extend the city’s enterprise zone to industrial areas north of Interstate 8, Mayor Jerry Sanders’ office announced.
