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-Editorial
The year 2024 marked a transformative period for Imperial County, with significant strides made by key players such as IRE Development, Kilmainham Holdings, and CalEthos. These organizations have advanced groundbreaking projects that are reshaping the region’s economic, industrial, and technological landscape.
IRE Development celebrated the completion of the Calexico Gateway Center, a multi-tenant industrial park. Finished in the summer of 2024, the facility features temperature-controlled warehouses, solar-powered infrastructure, and advanced logistics capabilities. Strategically located near the Calexico East Port of Entry, the Gateway Center has already attracted tenants focused on cross-border operations.
Kilmainham Holdings also achieved a major milestone with the East Port Gateway Center, a 38acre mixed-use development adjacent to the Calexico East Port of Entry. This project introduces essential amenities, including retail spaces, a hotel, a truck stop, self-storage units, and industrial facilities. Located within a foreign trade and opportunity zone, the center has started attracting businesses that benefit from reduced regulatory and tax burdens.
Meanwhile, CalEthos made significant progress on its clean energy-powered data center project in Lithium Valley. The company completed Phase 1 of its 300-megawatt campus, which will operate on a portion of renewable geothermal energy. This phase will introduce energy-efficient cooling systems and advanced energy management technologies, setting a new standard for sustainable digital infrastructure. Building on this momentum, CalEthos expanded its development footprint to 315 acres, reflecting the growing demand for eco-friendly data centers. The additional land ensures scalability to meet the computing needs of industries such as AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale technologies, while aligning with zero-carbon power goals.
The Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and economic development in the region. In January, IVEDC hosted its 17th Annual Dinner, celebrating contributions to economic and community growth in categories like Investor of the Year and Project of the Year. The event also showcased IVEDC’s two decades of dedication to supporting business and development in Imperial Valley.
In June, the Imperial Valley Economic & Energy Summit brought together leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders at Imperial Valley College to discuss topics like Lithium Valley, renewable energy, and clean transportation. The summit served as a platform for dialogue on the region’s future, offering networking and learning opportunities for attendees.
In September, IVEDC held its Annual Membership Meeting at the newly opened Cambria Hotel, celebrating the year’s achievements, welcoming new officers, and engaging members in discussions on economic initiatives. Continuing its focus on workforce development, IVEDC hosted the Verified Programs Designation Day event in November at Imperial Valley College. This event connected local industry leaders with educators to align college curricula with workforce needs. The program also provided paid summer internships in fields like Business, Computing, and Engineering, offering students hands-on experience while addressing workforce gaps at no cost to host companies.
Throughout 2024, IVEDC demonstrated its commitment to economic growth and community collaboration. By hosting impactful events and supporting transformative projects, IVEDC continues to strengthen Imperial County’s position as a hub for innovation, industry, and workforce development.
Looking ahead to 2025, many projects that IVEDC has supported will come to fruition, reflecting years of dedicated planning and strategic economic development. From the Gateway to the Americas and the newly annexed lands in El Centro and Brawley to the Mesquite Lake and Lithium Valley specific planned areas, these initiatives will bring transformative benefits, showcasing the tangible impact of collaborative efforts and forward-thinking strategies in Imperial County.
