Carlsbad businesses soared to new heights during 2011, including one that has boldly gone where no Carlsbad business has gone before: outer space.
Carlsbad-based ViaSat launched its first satellite, ViaSat-1, into the final frontier on Oct. 19. ViaSat, which produces satellite and other digital communication products, launched the satellite to improve the economics and quality of satellite Internet service, especially in remote areas. ViaSat-1 is the world's highest capacity communication satellite.
While ViaSat was ascending to extraterrestrial altitudes, other Carlsbad businesses were making an impact closer to Earth.
Isis Pharmaceuticals moved into its new terrestrial headquarters in Carlsbad Oaks North in August. The new 176,000-square-foot corporate center and research and development complex, developed by BioMed Realty Trust, represents a $70 million-to-$80 million investment in Isis' future, and is a strong endorsement of the City of Carlsbad's commitment to hosting biotech companies.
The city's development staff did its utmost to help Isis open its new building less than two years after the company applied for its permits, a record we're quite proud of.
A slow economy didn't hold other Carlsbad businesses back, either, as they invested in the future.
The year began with a gathering of friends, family and dignitaries in Ponto to witness a groundbreaking for the new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa.
Bill Canepa and his partners at Wave Crest Resorts, the hotel developer, seemed to defy economic gravity when they attracted $60 million in financing for the $75 million beachfront resort, at Carlsbad Boulevard and Ponto Drive.
The new resort is exciting news for Carlsbad. It will add 215 guest rooms, a 5,900-square-foot restaurant and a host of other amenities to Carlsbad's tourist portfolio. With construction well under way, the new Hilton is expected to open in mid-2012.
And Wave Crest wasn't alone in announcing a large tourism investment in 2011. LEGOLAND California announced it will build a new hotel at its Carlsbad park. The 137,370-square-foot, three-story hotel is expected to open in 2013.
LEGOLAND also had a space connection for 2011, debuting its STAR WARS Miniland attraction in March.
Carlsbad continues to attract new businesses, as a number of firms moved to the city in 2011.
BREG Inc., a top manufacturer of braces for knees, elbows and wrists, and other medical devices and products, moved into its new quarters on Loker Avenue in 2011. It's suitable that BREG is now in Carlsbad. One of its original founders was Greg Nelson, a former Carlsbad Citizen of the Year, who sold the firm in 2003.
Another cutting-edge business, Aptera Motors Inc., moved back to Carlsbad after a brief period away. Aptera is developing energy-efficient three-wheel electric and hybrid vehicles that look like they just landed from outer space, but are designed to operate here on Earth.
On the retail automotive front, Car Country Carlsbad grew in 2011. Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen/Subaru completed major remodels and expansions. Bob Baker added a new Fiat franchise to its dealership portfolio, and new dealers Kia, Jaguar and Land Rover made their mark.
The city is working with Car Country Carlsbad's dealers to improve and modernize the auto row and attract more customers. Staff is looking into issues of traffic and safety, signage, and overall appearance of the auto row, and is studying potential updates to the specific plan that governs development within Car Country Carlsbad, all with an eye toward ensuring a vibrant future.
The city also is embarking on a Village of Carlsbad Revitalization Partnership Program, to spur local investment and foot traffic, and increase business. The goal is to assist in the creation of a private, non-government organization that will continue the revitalization efforts in the Village, which have been a resounding success.
Carlsbad businesses reached for the sky in 2011, and we are looking forward to a successful 2012 and beyond.
Carlsbad-based ViaSat launched its first satellite, ViaSat-1, into the final frontier on Oct. 19. ViaSat, which produces satellite and other digital communication products, launched the satellite to improve the economics and quality of satellite Internet service, especially in remote areas. ViaSat-1 is the world's highest capacity communication satellite.
While ViaSat was ascending to extraterrestrial altitudes, other Carlsbad businesses were making an impact closer to Earth.
Isis Pharmaceuticals moved into its new terrestrial headquarters in Carlsbad Oaks North in August. The new 176,000-square-foot corporate center and research and development complex, developed by BioMed Realty Trust, represents a $70 million-to-$80 million investment in Isis' future, and is a strong endorsement of the City of Carlsbad's commitment to hosting biotech companies.
The city's development staff did its utmost to help Isis open its new building less than two years after the company applied for its permits, a record we're quite proud of.
A slow economy didn't hold other Carlsbad businesses back, either, as they invested in the future.
The year began with a gathering of friends, family and dignitaries in Ponto to witness a groundbreaking for the new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa.
Bill Canepa and his partners at Wave Crest Resorts, the hotel developer, seemed to defy economic gravity when they attracted $60 million in financing for the $75 million beachfront resort, at Carlsbad Boulevard and Ponto Drive.
The new resort is exciting news for Carlsbad. It will add 215 guest rooms, a 5,900-square-foot restaurant and a host of other amenities to Carlsbad's tourist portfolio. With construction well under way, the new Hilton is expected to open in mid-2012.
And Wave Crest wasn't alone in announcing a large tourism investment in 2011. LEGOLAND California announced it will build a new hotel at its Carlsbad park. The 137,370-square-foot, three-story hotel is expected to open in 2013.
LEGOLAND also had a space connection for 2011, debuting its STAR WARS Miniland attraction in March.
Carlsbad continues to attract new businesses, as a number of firms moved to the city in 2011.
BREG Inc., a top manufacturer of braces for knees, elbows and wrists, and other medical devices and products, moved into its new quarters on Loker Avenue in 2011. It's suitable that BREG is now in Carlsbad. One of its original founders was Greg Nelson, a former Carlsbad Citizen of the Year, who sold the firm in 2003.
Another cutting-edge business, Aptera Motors Inc., moved back to Carlsbad after a brief period away. Aptera is developing energy-efficient three-wheel electric and hybrid vehicles that look like they just landed from outer space, but are designed to operate here on Earth.
On the retail automotive front, Car Country Carlsbad grew in 2011. Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen/Subaru completed major remodels and expansions. Bob Baker added a new Fiat franchise to its dealership portfolio, and new dealers Kia, Jaguar and Land Rover made their mark.
The city is working with Car Country Carlsbad's dealers to improve and modernize the auto row and attract more customers. Staff is looking into issues of traffic and safety, signage, and overall appearance of the auto row, and is studying potential updates to the specific plan that governs development within Car Country Carlsbad, all with an eye toward ensuring a vibrant future.
The city also is embarking on a Village of Carlsbad Revitalization Partnership Program, to spur local investment and foot traffic, and increase business. The goal is to assist in the creation of a private, non-government organization that will continue the revitalization efforts in the Village, which have been a resounding success.
Carlsbad businesses reached for the sky in 2011, and we are looking forward to a successful 2012 and beyond.