Learning, learning, learning.

There is a lot to learn these days, and many ways to learn it. At the Carlsbad Chamber, we have jumped in with both feet into the deep AI waters – trying to better ourselves and provide resources to our members.  But aside from learning new technology, we can all grow our businesses by looking at other businesses, such as sister organizations, collaborators from different industries, and competitors.  Sam Walton, the Founder of Walmart, wrote in his autobiography about his relentless curiosity and competitive intelligence and how this drove him to visit competitors’ stores to see what they were doing well and then adopt those ideas (Sam Walton: Made in America). I remember reading a book once where a Junior Executive at Walmart shared how he accompanied Sam on many of these visits.  One day, they were walking through a store that was clearly inferior to Walmart. The Junior Executive could only see how much better Walmart was than the store they were visiting.  However, as they walked the aisles, Sam got very animated and excited about a particular display he saw that he felt was brilliantly designed.  It was a big lesson for the Junior Executive, which taught him that you should always be open to new ideas.

So, what about us?  How are we getting outside our bubbles to learn and grow?  One thing we have embraced here at the Carlsbad Chamber is Study Trips.  Last year, we joined with a couple of our neighboring organizations and led a trip to Round Rock, Texas, which is in the suburbs of Austin. We spent two days meeting with different groups and organizations to learn about everything from Economic Development to innovative homeless solutions. It was a great opportunity to see how other jurisdictions in other parts of the country approach community development.

In 2026, we are leading another Study Trip with our North County friends.  This time we are going to the suburbs of Denver, Colorado.  This is going to be a very interesting experience.  Some of the groups/topics we will be learning about and/or visiting will include the following: Active sports industry (parent company of North Face, Vans, Timberland, more); Economic Development in Art (cool museum); Mall rebirth (Belmar Lakewood Mall); Unique Career Technical Education initiatives (Cherry Creek Innovation Campus); Plus other Economic Development tidbits.

This trip is well-suited for business leaders and executives, civic leaders, City Council members, Mayors, Economic Development professionals, and more. We will be leaving San Diego on Wednesday morning, June 24th, and returning on Friday evening, June 26th. The cost is $2,500 for current Chamber members ($3,000 for nonmembers) and includes airfare, hotel stay, meals, and transportation. $500 deposit is due May 1, 2026.  If you are interested, contact me directly: [email protected]

As Aristotle once said, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know”.  Or was that Thomas Jefferson?  Not important.  But growing yourself and seeing challenges you are facing through different lenses is very important.  Hope some of you join us on this adventure!