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The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized five regional elected officials and public servants from the Cali-Baja region during its annual Legislative Lounge event, celebrating their contributions to advancing local communities.
The event, attended by more than 300 community leaders, featured an awards ceremony and reception. Each honoree received a personalized caricature as a commemorative award.
This year’s Legislative Lounge honored five individuals for their leadership and service across the Cali-Baja region. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Mayor John Duncan of Coronado with the Business Friendly Elected Award (BFE) and Doug Liden, former Senior Environmental Engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency, with the Bridge Builder award.
Other honorees included Simon Tse, Supervising Development Project Manager for the City of San Diego, who received the Hot Spot Hero award; Heather Kosvka, Deputy Chief of Staff for County Supervisor Joel Anderson, recognized as the Smooth Operator; and Chris Jonsmyr, Communications Director and Legislative Assistant to Assemblymember David Alvarez, who earned the Staffer Who Gets Sh*t Done award.
Chris Cate, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significance of the event, saying it serves as an opportunity to thank public officials and staff for their ongoing efforts to improve the region. “Their hard work and collaboration are what keep San Diego moving forward, and we couldn’t do what we do without them,” Cate said.
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s economy by serving as a unified voice for businesses across San Diego. As one of the largest chambers on the West Coast, it advocates for policies that promote job creation, economic growth, and cross-border collaboration. Through its extensive network of members, the Chamber connects business leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to address key issues affecting the region’s competitiveness and quality of life.
Beyond advocacy, the Chamber provides a platform for professional development and networking opportunities that empower local entrepreneurs and business owners. It hosts events, leadership programs, and policy discussions that encourage collaboration and innovation. These initiatives help members gain access to resources, foster partnerships, and stay informed about trends in areas such as housing, transportation, workforce development, and sustainability — all critical components of San Diego’s economic success.
The Chamber also plays a significant role in fostering binational relations between the United States and Mexico. Recognizing that the San Diego–Tijuana region operates as a single economic ecosystem, the organization promotes cross-border cooperation to enhance trade, tourism, and infrastructure development. By engaging with both U.S. and Mexican officials, the Chamber helps shape policies that support a smarter, more efficient border, strengthening the economic and cultural ties that define the region’s identity.