(San Diego, Calif. – Sept. 8, 2009) – The
Fermanian School of Business and Business Center of Point Loma Nazarene
University and Title Sponsor Nielsen Construction are pleased to announce the
finalists for the 2009 “Dealmakers of the Year.” The Dealmaker awards annually honor
those San Diego individuals and firms that are creating significant long-term
value for the region.
Nominations were solicited from the general
public as well as a formal nominating committee. Members of the nominating committee
include faculty and staff of the Fermanian School of Business as well as a
group of San Diego business leaders and PLNU alumni. From approximately 35 total
nominations received and reviewed by the committee, three finalists were chosen
in each category. The finalists in each category are:
Individual Dealmakers of the Year
Neal Schmale, President and COO for Sempra Energy, for leadership in numerous strategic initiatives for the San
Diego-based Fortune 500 Company, which lead to a #1 ranking in customer
satisfaction for all U.S. utilities. Sempra was recently named the “Smartest
Utility in the U.S.”
Dr.
Harry Gruber, CEO and President of Tocagen, a local biopharmaceutical company pursuing the discovery,
development, and commercialization of products for the treatment of cancer. An
initial focus is on treatments for terminally ill cancer patients for whom
no adequate treatment currently exists.
Allan
Camaisa, Founder and CEO of Anakem Inc., for forging a clear vision of identity security through
technological innovation that is user-friendly, secure, and affordable, leading
to industry breakthroughs for health care, national defense, and other fields,
as well as for leading numerous other entrepreneurial ventures in San Diego.
Firm Dealmakers of the Year
Poseidon Resources/Carlsbad Desalination Project for tenacity and leadership in addressing regional water
shortages. After 10 years of planning and five years in a state permitting
process, the project has now received final approval and will be operational in
2011.
NAVFAC Southwest and its 3,000 dedicated employees for providing
local construction employment and helping to offset the slowdown in
construction through solar power projects at various military bases, communications
buildings, and other locations. NAVFAC Southwest has been a significant hirer
of new college graduates.
San Diego Zoo for a wide
variety of regional and global efforts, including activities as diverse as
protection and expansion of endangered species, animal habitat, and health, as
well as direct leadership in biodiversity and biomimicry (the emerging field of
innovation inspired by nature).
The Collaboration of the Year
The San Diego Center for Algae-Based Biofuels for the effective collaboration of nine San Diego area companies
seeking to replace petroleum-based products in five to 10 years. Their
technological efforts are expected to be a major source of new jobs in the
coming years.
The U.S. & Mexico Philanthropic Partnership for promoting greater investments in the region through
harnessing and directing the attention and power of philanthropic organizations
towards economic development that will help to improve the quality of life for
communities throughout the border region.
The Campo Indian Tribe for their
collaborative $300 million wind-power project in the mountains east of San
Diego. The project, which involves the Campo Indian Reservation, SDG&E, and
Invenergy Co., will be California’s second largest wind-power project and will
provide 160-megawatts of renewable electricity.
Randy Ataide, director of the Fermanian Business
Center and professor of entrepreneurship at PLNU, said, “We are grateful for
the hard work of the nominating committee, as well as the many citizens and
businesses that submitted nominations. Each nomination is a value-creator for
the San Diego region and well represents the spirit and intent of the
Dealmakers of the Year Awards.”
In mid-September, the nominating committee
will submit by secret ballot their selection for each category. The winners
will be announced at the Dealmakers of the Year Business Breakfast to be held
on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at The Dana on Mission Bay.
“At the breakfast presentation, all people in
attendance will learn of the final selection, including the nominating committee
members. This really helps creates suspense and surprise at the breakfast,” said
Ataide.
To
attend the Dealmaker Breakfast or to obtain more information on the event visit
www.pointloma.edu/Fermanian or contact
Cathy Gallagher at (619) 849-2564 or at cathygallagher@pointloma.edu.
History the Dealmaker
Awards
In 2006, the Fermanian School of Business
began researching various business events held throughout the U.S., and
determined to create a unique event that would focus upon value-creation
through ethical practices, personal and professional fortitude in solving difficult
problems, and creativity and collaboration. Through consultation with various business leaders and
representatives of the university, the Fermanian School of Business developed
the annual Dealmakers of the Year Business Breakfast.
# # #
Point Loma Nazarene University is
a selective liberal arts university located in San Diego, California, and sits
on a 90-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to more than 50
undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers
in Bakersfield, Arcadia, Mission Valley (San Diego) and the Inland Empire.
Founded in 1902, PLNU serves more than 3,500 students.