An additional $75,000 in matching or in-kind contributions is beingprovided by AT&T, Bank of America, SDG&E, San Diego Workforce Partnership,Imperial Irrigation District, Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce,Brawley Inn, County of Imperial, and the San Diego County Water Authority.

Under the Mega-Region Initiative, over the next 12 months the economies ofSan Diego County, Imperial County and Northern Baja California, Mexico,will be studied to develop economic strategies to enhance the globalcompetitiveness of the bi-national mega-region, with a focus on workforceand infrastructure. The intent is to ensure that high-wage industriesflourish within the larger mega-region by creating an economic environmentattractive to outside investment, especially in Imperial County.

"This grant will provide a sound research base for developing strategies infive industry clusters that we believe are critical to the future of SanDiego and Imperial Counties' economies -- cleantech,distribution/warehousing/transportation, specialized manufacturing,construction materials, and applied biotechnology," said Julie MeierWright, President and CEO of San Diego Regional EDC.

Tim Kelley, President and CEO of Imperial Valley EDC, said, "The outcome ofthis study will create a roadmap for Imperial County to more effectivelypartner with San Diego County in ways that will help grow and stabilize oureconomy."

Dr. Christina Anne Luhn of the San Diego Regional EDC has been named SeniorProject Manager for the study. Previously she managed large-scale projectsat the International Energy Agency in Paris, France, and at the NationalSecurity Council at the White House. Dr. Luhn played an instrumental rolein winning the grant.

For additional information contact Megan Carleton or visitwww.sandiegobusiness.org.

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation is the region's primarycatalyst for a competitive economy, provides comprehensive client servicesto companies looking to expand or locate in the San Diego region, andtracks numerous data regarding the high-technology industries clusteredhere.

CONTACTS:Megan CarletonSan Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation(619) 615-2968(619) 234-1935Email Contactwww.sandiegobusiness.orgTim KelleyImperial Valley Economic Development Corporation(760) 353-8332Email Contactwww.ivedc.com