SAN DIEGO, CA--(eMediaWorld - May 21, 2009) - The Mega-Region Initiative launched last year as one of the most promising long-term economic development strategies for the greater San Diego County, Imperial County, and Baja California region. Today at the University Club in downtown San Diego, San Diego Regional EDC, in partnership with Imperial Valley EDC and business and government leaders in Northern Baja, Mexico, unveiled the Mega-Region Initiative international marketing brand.

The new brand is Cali Baja, a Bi-National Mega-Region. Its tagline is Invest. Innovate. Grow. It was developed to capitalize on the larger region's diversified assets and maximize its marketing position for investment. Present at the unveiling were Julie Meier Wright, President & CEO, San Diego Regional EDC; Timothy E. Kelley, President & CEO, Imperial Valley EDC; The Honorable Jerry Sanders, Mayor, City of San Diego; Wally Leimgruber, Chairman, Imperial County Board of Supervisors; and The Honorable Jorge Ramos, Mayor of Tijuana.

Our mega-region brings together distinct assets to offer incomparable development opportunities for global businesses. San Diego County's assets include intellectual capital in the form of an educated workforce, world-class academic and applied research centers, access to venture capital, and a well-developed life sciences, communications, and defense cluster. Imperial County is a boundless land of opportunity for global businesses interested in renewable energy, agribusiness, and international trade and logistics. Baja California has an extensive higher education system, a sophisticated manufacturing base, a large labor pool, and a diverse and well-established network of manufacturing plants.

A partnership between the San Diego and Imperial Valley EDCs, the Mega-Region Initiative began as a first-of-its-kind federal grant to bring together business, civic and government leaders to assess the advantages and shortfalls of doing business in the region, and ultimately market the region internationally. The grant, funded by the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce, was matched by generous local stakeholders including AT&T, Bank of America, Brawley Inn, County of Imperial, Imperial Irrigation District, Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and Solar Turbines Incorporated.

CONTACT: Megan Carleton Marketing Manager office (619) 234-8484 cell (619) 417-5884 www.sandiegobusiness.org