As Silicon Valley is to high tech, San Diego is to BlueTech.

 

So say leaders representing the region’s maritime, ocean and water industries who will gather Friday at Grossmont College for a panel discussion and networking session focusing on what they call the blue economy.

 

As defined by the Maritime Alliance, the blue economy is “the sum of all economic activity having to do with oceans, seas, harbors, ports and coastal zones.”

 

BlueTech is an emerging sector that includes science-based jobs in maritime, ocean, and water industries, said Renee Nasori, the college’s Career Services supervisor.

 

“This is an exciting opportunity for Grossmont students and community members to learn about the blue economy and employment opportunities, as well as network with industry experts,” Nasori said.

Register for the event at www. bluetechgrossmont.eventbrite.com

 

The free event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Griffin Gate in the Student Center is open to the public and is part of the college’s Career Week activities highlighted by a career expo Thursday that will draw more than 80 companies and businesses.

 

Participating in the BlueTech forum will be:

 

• Venezia Zandrelli, senior lead engineer, Clear Blue Sea, a local non-profit fighting ocean plastic pollution
• Dave Abrams, CEO, of one of the largest maritime training centers on the West Coast, Training Resources Maritime Institute,
• Emilio Vargas, CEO, Intellecy, a San Diego company producing smart home products
• Corey Umstead, operations manager, Pacific Maritime Group, whose staff works with the Coast Guard to keep the shoreline free of pollutants.
• Dean Wakeham, president, XST, Inc., consultants in maritime technology

Kate Gallagher, economic development manager for San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, is moderating the panel that kicks off with Melissa Fischel, with TMA BlueTech , which promotes BlueTech and blue jobs. According to a 2012 San Diego Maritime Industry report sponsored by the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the San Diego Regional EDC and the Maritime Alliance (now TMA BlueTech), the maritime industry brings in more than $14 billion a year and supports more than 46,000 jobs in San Diego.

 

Grossmont College is at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon.