SoCal Wine Country EDC Promotes Skilled Workforce and Veteran Population as Competitive Advantage1/26/2026  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. ### 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
Contacts Liselle DeGrave, APR [email protected] 951-764-0865 Read this story on the following news outlets: Reportable News Yahoo News News File Corp Citybuzz
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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
Contacts Liselle DeGrave, APR [email protected] 951-764-0865 Read this story on the following news outlets: Newsfile Corp. Ontario Farmer Reportable News Trading View Yahoo Finance |
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