April 1, 2026

The SoCal Wine Country Economic Development Coalition (EDC) continues to advance its mission of fostering economic growth and innovation by spotlighting companies like Symbio, a leading hydrogen fuel cell company that established its North American headquarters in Temecula two years ago.

Symbio’s presence in the region reflects the EDC’s commitment to attracting forward-thinking industries that support sustainability and technological advancement. The company focuses on accelerating the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the United States, converting vehicles to run on clean energy as an alternative to traditional combustion engines.

California’s strong leadership in environmental policy and its continued investment in clean energy initiatives have also played a key role in Symbio’s success. The company has secured two state grants aimed at reducing emissions, reinforcing both its mission and the state’s commitment to a greener future.

Temecula proved to be an ideal location for Symbio’s expansion, offering strategic proximity to both Los Angeles and San Diego, while maintaining a business-friendly and high-quality living environment.

​Temecula proved to be an ideal location for Symbio’s expansion, offering strategic proximity to both Los Angeles and San Diego, while maintaining a business-friendly and high-quality living environment.

“Temecula is a favorable place to open our North American headquarters,” said Capucine Dumont, HR Manager North America at Symbio. “Temecula serves as a strategic hub for numerous businesses, fostering a strong ecosystem that supports our operations. The region’s relatively affordable housing, both for renting and ownership, enhances our ability to attract and retain qualified talent. Coupled with a high quality of life, including distinctive amenities such as the wineries and Old Town, Temecula offers a uniquely appealing environment for our team.”

The SoCal Wine Country EDC sees Symbio’s success as a strong example of how the region can support both innovative industries and workforce development.

“Symbio’s decision to locate in Temecula reinforces our region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and clean technology,” said Connie Stopher, CEO of the SoCal Wine Country EDC. “With California leading the way in advancing green initiatives, we are proud to support companies that are shaping the future of transportation while contributing to our local economy and quality of life.”

As the region continues to grow, the EDC remains focused on attracting companies that align with its vision of sustainable economic development, leveraging the area’s unique blend of lifestyle, location, and opportunity.

​Temecula Valley is quickly making a name for itself on the global stage.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with the wines of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. You may be less familiar, however, with the Southern California Wine Country region of Temecula Valley and surrounding towns in southwest Riverside County.
Economic development leaders in the region are working hard to change that, and judging by corporate project wins, they’re gaining traction.

From aerospace to life sciences, this stretch of Southern California in the Inland Empire is tallying an impressive roster of corporate facility expansion projects even as it grows its popular winery-based tourist business. Just ask Connie Stopher, executive director of the Southern California Wine Country Economic Development Coalition.

“Temecula 35 years ago was just a couple of stoplights. It was very rural,” she says. “We’re close to San Diego and Orange County. People could sell their $1 million condo on the coast, move here and buy a nice home for much less.”

Word is getting out as more Californians relocate each year. “Riverside is the second fastest growing county in the country,” Stopher says.
One reason for that: public safety. “Temecula and Menifee are often rated as the safest places to live in the country,” Stopher says. In Temecula, the latest crime index registers at 123 — nearly half the national average for similar‐sized cities. Riverside County’s violent crime rate is 65 per 100,000 – more than 38% below the U.S. average.

Wine enthusiasts appreciate that feeling of safety and quiet, and so does a rapidly growing collection of corporate employers in the life sciences sector. Millipore Sigma and Abbott Labs are two of the larger ones expanding in the area, notes Stopher.

“Millipore Sigma is doing a project here soon,” she says. “They do a lot of pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are a European company. Abbott also has been doing quite well. They are bringing new lines in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. We’re also growing our defense contracting business by attracting investment from parts manufacturers. Our long-term goal is to grow that industry base in the region.”

From Life Sciences to Lithium

While there are many things to like about the Temecula Valley, says Stopher, the one amenity that all investors agree upon is the award-winning wines produced here.

“We are an agricultural region in general. We grow avocados and citrus. This is where the Cuties oranges were developed and grown,” notes Stopher. “People started planting grapes here in the early 1800s. The mountains separate us from the coast. That gap allows us to grow a variety of grapes. Enough cool coastal air comes through and causes just the right dip in temperature to produce high-quality grapes. Our wines are now recognized and award-winning. We can go up against any other wine region in the world.”

Located near where Interstate 15 and Highway 79 intersect, Temecula Valley is roughly 60 miles north of San Diego and 70 miles west of Palm Springs. While the first grapes were planted by Spanish missionary padres visiting from San Luis Rey in 1820, the first commercial vineyard did not open in the valley until Vincent and Audrey Cilurzo established a local operation in 1968.

By 1984, the wine-making business had grown enough to earn an official designation as an American Viticultural Area, known as the Temecula AVA. In 2004, the name was changed to Temecula Valley AVA. In 2019, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Temecula Valley a 10 Best Wine Travel Destination; and by 2023, the region was producing more than 500,000 cases of wine annually from nearly 50 wineries. Today, at least 52 wineries dot the valley.

Stopher says vinification businesses and the corresponding wine tourism are “a huge driver of spending. People come for the wine tasting and experiences like the casino, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, vineyards and winery tours. We get a lot of tourism from Asia and Canada.”

Stopher says her goal is to leverage the tourism appeal to attract more corporate investors. “Life sciences and pharmaceuticals are a natural fit due to our proximity to San Diego,” she says. “Aerospace is another. Smaller parts makers are already here, and we have a huge veteran population — one of the highest in the country. People finish their service and want to stay. Cleantech is another target — namely, the battery sector. We’re close to the Salton Sea, which has the world’s largest deposit of lithium.”​​

​“All of our communities are very business-friendly. Visitors were used to hearing the negative narrative about California, but you definitely won’t find that here.”
— Connie Stopher, Executive Director, Southern California Wine Country EDC

With 2.6 million people living in Riverside County, Stopher says attracting qualified workers is not a problem. “With major highways like the 15 and the 215 going up to Menifee and Riverside, getting people here is no issue. Those highways connect in Murrieta just north of Temecula. The 15 goes north to Ontario, while the 215 goes through the City of Riverside.”
Mt. San Jacinto College serves the region with worker training and maintains branch campuses in Temecula, Menifee and San Gorgonio Pass. University of California, Riverside and California State University, San Marcos are four-year schools serving the region.

‘A Less Expensive Gem’

“We know we have the labor because about 75% of our workforce commutes out of the area every day,” says Stopher. “Many of them drive four hours roundtrip every day to San Diego to work. We have 122,000 outbound commuters. If they could work 10 minutes from home, they would drop that commute. We have workers in all varieties of skillsets — from blue-collar to high-tech — and we have great workforce training partners.”

Asked what she most wants corporate executives outside of California to know, she says, “You’re not alone in not knowing about us. Our rebrand is done. Our website is launched. We want people to know that we are open for business. We are a gem. We’re only an hour from Disneyland. We’re less expensive than you think. We compare well with Las Vegas on costs. We’re cheaper than Austin, Phoenix, Denver and Seattle. When you compare us to places like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego and other big markets, we’re cheaper than all of them.”
​
Her biggest wish? “Come visit us. After our last fam tour, one of the site selectors said that this was the least California-like area of the state. When they got here, they said, ‘Wow, this is really nice.’ All of our communities are very business-friendly. Visitors were used to hearing the negative narrative about California, but you definitely won’t find that here.”​

Read the original article on Site Selection Magazine: Turning in a Vintage Performance

Advancing Clean and Reliable Energy

Energy reliability is also an important component of the region’s infrastructure planning. SoCalGas has announced investments in hydrogen development and infrastructure modernization as part of its broader energy strategy. These efforts are intended to support energy system reliability and the development of lower-carbon energy resources.
“Southern California’s energy future depends on innovation, reliability, and sustainability,” said Adam Eventov, Senior Public Affairs Manager, SoCalGas. “Our investments in new technologies and energy infrastructure are designed to support economic growth while strengthening regional resilience.”

Aligning Infrastructure With Economic Growth
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The SoCal Wine Country EDC works closely with local utilities, cities, and regional partners to align infrastructure capacity with industry recruitment and long-term economic development goals. The EDC also supports funding efforts that advance utility investments to ensure residents, communities, and businesses have the resources necessary to support growth and long-term stability.
“Economic development succeeds when infrastructure planning is proactive,” Stopher added. “By coordinating across energy, water, and land-use planning, we’re supporting a region that is prepared for continued growth.”

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SoCal Wine Country EDC Promotes Skilled Workforce and Veteran Population as Competitive AdvantageTemecula, CA – January 26, 2026The SoCal Wine Country Economic Development Council (EDC) is highlighting a powerful workforce advantage fueling the region’s continued expansion in manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and life sciences: a robust talent ecosystem supported by higher education partnerships and a large, highly skilled veteran population.

At the center of this workforce strategy are strong collaborations with regional higher education institutions, including Cal State San Marcos and Mt. San Jacinto College, as well as local community and trade colleges, that align academic programs with employer needs across the Inland region. Together, these institutions deliver industry-relevant education and training that prepare students for in-demand careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare services, and life science-related fields.

“These partnerships help ensure that employers have access to job-ready talent while students gain clear, local career pathways,” said Connie Stopher, Executive Director, SoCal Wine Country EDC. “It’s a model that strengthens both our workforce and our regional economy.”

Complementing these education partnerships is the region’s strong network of veteran-serving institutions and resources, along with one of the highest concentrations of veterans in California—well above both state and national averages. This veteran population represents a significant workforce asset for industries such as cybersecurity, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Local institutions play a key role in supporting veterans as they transition into civilian careers. Cal State San Marcos, with satellite campuses in Temecula, is nationally recognized for its support of military-affiliated students. Mt. San Jacinto College operates a dedicated Veteran Resource Center, and organizations such as the Menifee VFW Post 1956, ranked 15th in the nation, actively connect veterans with resources, employers, and job opportunities. The Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange (TVE2) also offers on-site veteran resources that support workforce development and entrepreneurship.

With experience in leadership, operations, engineering, healthcare, and technical fields, veterans living in the region contribute directly to a strong and resilient workforce. Many transition into supervisory, technical, and mission-critical roles that support the Inland region’s expanding industrial base.

“Veterans bring a unique skill set to our region and workforce. Besides their technical skills, they excel at leadership, teamwork, integrity, and have a high work ethic, which only strengthens an organization” said Greg Thomas,  General Manager at Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and retired Marine, “EVMWD works closely with the schools and community, and is proud to higher veterans in many disciplines, and be a part of the region’s efforts.”

Together, the region’s education partnerships and high concentration of veterans create a compelling advantage for companies considering expansion or relocation. Employers gain access to a deep, skilled, and resilient labor pool, while residents benefit from high-quality jobs and long-term career mobility.

As demand continues to grow across defense, healthcare, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, the SoCal Wine Country EDC remains focused on aligning education, workforce resources, and economic development to support sustainable growth throughout the region.
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The Southern California Wine Country EDC is a nonprofit economic-development organization serving Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore and southwestern Riverside County. For more than 30 years, the EDC has helped businesses relocate, expand or start up in one of Southern California’s fastest-growing and most strategic regions. Leveraging partnerships, incentives and a business-friendly environment, the EDC is committed to fostering sustainable growth, innovation and quality of life. SoCalWineCountryEDC.com


Key Takeaways

• The Southern California Wine Country region has one of the highest concentrations of veterans in California, supplying industries such as cybersecurity, defense, and manufacturing with experienced professionals known for leadership, technical expertise, and strong work ethic.
• Southern California Wine Country EDC's collaborations with Cal State San Marcos, Mt. San Jacinto College, and regional trade colleges align academic programs with employer needs, producing job-ready talent for high-growth sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and life sciences.
• By integrating higher education, veteran resources, and workforce development, the Southern California Wine Country region offers companies a deep, resilient labor pool, making it attractive for expansion or relocation while providing residents long-term career mobility.

Contacts
Liselle DeGrave, APR
Liselle@DeGravePR.com
951-764-0865

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Located within a Foreign-Trade Zone and proximity to Los Angeles and Long Beach ports make the Inland Empire wine country region uniquely positioned for changing tariff dynamics.

Temecula, CA – December 22, 2025

As changing U.S. tariff structures begin reshaping global supply chains, the Inland Empire wine country region is emerging as a strategic logistical environment. Long known for tourism and agricultural assets, the region is increasingly being recognized, not only for its proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, strong distribution infrastructure, and rapidly expanding warehousing capacity, but for its location in a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ). 

Being located within an FTZ allows for deferred or reduced duty costs on imports. With tariff adjustments influencing everything from routing decisions to inventory strategy, Southern California logistics stakeholders are preparing for shifts in cargo volume, commodity mix, and customs-processing demand. Together, the San Pedro Bay Ports handle roughly 31% of all U.S. containerized imports arriving by sea, leaving manufacturers and importers to reevaluate distribution models in response to cost changes.

At just 90 miles from the San Pedro Bay port complex, the Inland Empire wine country area sits at a unique logistical crossroads providing strategic freeway access to the 15, 215, and 60 freeway corridors, proximity to major rail-served distribution centers, and more economical industrial warehouse real estate, as well as the benefits that come with being in an FTZ. 

“The wine country region also offers a growing talent base for supply chain, customs, and freight operations. Foreign-Trade Zone benefits eliminate export duties, making the region ideal for businesses working to navigate the new tariffs,” said Connie Stopher, Executive Director, SoCal Wine Country EDC. “This is a moment of opportunity. Our region offers the FTZ benefits, space, accessibility, and workforce that Southern California needs to stay competitive as the global trade landscape evolves.”

This combination places the region in a unique position to absorb increased cargo-handling needs as companies reassess where they stage inventory amid tariff costs and longer lead times. Local customs brokers and logistics executives working within the Wine Country EDC are reporting a surge in inquiries related to tariff classification, alternative sourcing, and compliance strategy.
​
 “In today’s volatile trade environment, Riverside County’s Foreign-Trade Zones offer businesses the flexibility and risk mitigation they need to remain competitive in a global market. By allowing companies to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods, including relief from tariffs on components that are later re-exported or incorporated into finished products, FTZs can significantly lower operating costs and improve cash flow. Riverside County, in partnership with ITC-Diligence, a consulting service designed to support the complexities of global trade, supports companies through the FTZ permit accreditation process and provides free business consultations, as well as bi-monthly Tariff Update webinars, to deliver timely insights and practical guidance. We encourage businesses to take full advantage of these resources,” said David Harlow, President of ITC-Diligence and Riverside County’s FTZ consultant. “As tariffs drive supply chain restructuring, the Inland Empire wine country region stands to capture new investment, expand its logistics ecosystem, and support the statewide economy.” 


About Southern California Wine Country EDC
The Southern California Wine Country EDC is a nonprofit economic-development organization serving Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore and southwestern Riverside County. For more than 30 years, the EDC has helped businesses relocate, expand or start up in one of Southern California’s fastest-growing and most strategic regions. Leveraging partnerships, incentives and a business-friendly environment, the EDC is committed to fostering sustainable growth, innovation and quality of life. SoCalWineCountryEDC.com


Key Takeaways

• The Southern California Wine Country region is increasingly being recognized for its location in a Foreign-Trade Zone. Being located within an FTZ allows for deferred or reduced duty costs on imports.
• The Inland Empire wine country region is emerging as a strategic logistical environment for commerce.

Contacts
Liselle DeGrave, APR
Liselle@DeGravePR.com
951-764-0865

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Once known primarily for its rolling vineyards and scenic charm, Southern California’s Wine Country is quickly becoming a top destination for business leaders seeking both professional opportunity, and a higher quality of life. Executives are increasingly trading congested commutes and high overhead costs for a region that blends economic vitality with a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.

A Smart Move for Business and Balance 

With its proximity to Los Angeles, SoCal Wine Country offers unparalleled access to Southern California’s major markets without the LA price tag. Companies relocating here are discovering a lower cost of living, shorter commutes, and access to family-friendly amenities that enrich employee well-being and retention.

“KTM is very happy to be in Southwest Riverside because of the skilled technicians, riders and support team members that live in the area and share a passion for racing and our brands,” says Robin Grangruth with KTM, who recently opened their North American Headquarters in the region, “The weather is ideal for year-round riding and the proximation to multiple tracks is vital to our business activities. Riverside County was incredibly helpful with our ground-up facility construction. This was our first property development, and we have only good things to say about our experience and all of the help from Riverside County.”

The Southern California Wine Country Economic Development Coalition (EDC) has played a key role in supporting these corporate transitions. Through leveraging strategic partnerships and providing tailored resources to empower local businesses and communities, the EDC has made it easier for businesses to land and expand in the region.

Building a Collaborative Business Environment

Beyond quality of life, the area is gaining recognition for its collaborative business environment. Local governments, industry groups, and educational institutions are working together to attract and sustain diverse industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and life sciences, to professional services and tech startups. The EDC is also advocating for business-friendly policies, making it a more sustainable environment for growth.

“Our success comes from collaboration,” notes Connie Stopher, Executive Director, SoCal Wine Country EDC. “Public and private partners here don’t compete — they collaborate. That spirit is what makes SoCal Wine Country a model for regional growth.”
Local municipalities are joining the movement too, Acting Mayor, Bob Karwin, of Menifee highlights recent business-friendly initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and supporting sustainable growth: “As one of the best places in Southern California to raise a family, we have a competitive advantage in providing businesses with confidence that they will be successful in our region, said Acting Mayor Karwin. “By providing a high quality of life for our families, we’re also drawing in a talented workforce rooted in the community and ready to support the expanding needs of our local businesses.”

A Region on the Rise
As executives seek locations that align with both business performance and personal priorities, SoCal Wine Country stands out as a region redefining what success looks like, blending prosperity, purpose, and the Southern California lifestyle. The EDC is dedicated to driving economic vitality, while also enhancing the quality of life in the area, to create long-term opportunities for the region's diverse industries and workforce.

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Become an Accredited EconomicDevelopment Organization!

Like vintners tending their harvests, the Southern California Wine Country Economic Development Coalition cultivates exceptional opportunities for its communities. Located in a region characterized by sweeping landscapes, vibrant innovation hubs, quality schools, top talent, and a diversified economy, the Coalition's track record speaks for itself. True to its pursuit of excellence, this EDO set its sights even higher, enrolling in the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program to deliver new opportunities, expanded resources, and a superb quality of life for people in their communities.

Remarkably, the Coalition earned AEDO accreditation with a one-person team, demonstrating that this achievement is within reach for economic development organizations of all sizes.

If your EDO seeks the gold standard in accreditation, the AEDO program measures your organization against highest professional standards. Benefits include:

• Enhanced Credibility: Independent verification as a leading authority in economic development
• Strategic Insight: Rigorous review process that identifies organizational strengths and growth opportunities
• Stakeholder Confidence: Elevated trust among board members, donors, and community partners
• Professional Excellence: Recognition of exceptional operations, structure, and procedures measured against industry best practices
• Elite Network Access: Membership in a prestigious community of top-performing economic development organizations
• Competitive Advantage: Demonstrated expertise that attracts resources, partnerships, and business opportunities

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For the Southern California Wine Country Economic Development Coalition, which is widely recognized as a "Blend of the Best" of what California offers, the AEDO designation confirms what the community has known all along: they're partnering with the best, and so can you.

Your journey starts here!