Brief Description:

The Economic Research Bureau Records (1927-2000) document the operations of the Economic Research Bureau, established as a branch of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, to conduct research and publish reports & directories related to the economic development and corporate investment in the San Diego-area economy. The collection consists of reports, publications, newsletters, photographs, and correspondence & memos.  Of special interest in the collection are the 1966 study, San Diego Economic Development Research Program, and the subsequent 1969-1970 update; the 1997 Bootstrap Marketing Plan and Executive Summary; and a series of reports on the Overall Economic Development Program (OEDP) from 1977-1980.

The collection is arranged in four series: Administrative Files, Topical Files, Publications, and Artifacts and Memorabilia.

The Administrative Files (1927-2000) series are arranged in three sub-series: Boards, Committees and Councils, Office Files, and Reports.  The Boards, Committees, and Councils files include meeting minutes from the various administrative groups, including the ERB’s Executive Committee and the Research Committee/Council. The Office Files include general administrative files, arranged alphabetically by topic. The Reports sub-series includes periodic reports by the Chamber of Commerce and the ERB.

The Topical Files (1931-1999) series are arranged in ten topical sub-series: Business, Climatological Data, Demographics, Population and Labor, Economic Research and Development, Health Sciences, Housing and Building, Oceans, San Diego, Transportation, U.S.-Mexico International Border.  Each sub-series consists of files and published reports on the economic development of San Diego. Each sub-series is arranged alphabetically.

The Publications (1965-1997) series are arranged in three sub-series: Newsletters and Bulletins, including the ERB’s Economic Bulletin newsletter; Directories , including various directories published by the ERB and Chamber of Commerce; and General Publications, which includes San Diego-area promotional guides for tourists.

The Artifacts and Memorabilia (1969-1992) series includes several artifacts related to the ERB and San Diego-area special events.

Created by: Economic Research Bureau (1952-)

Volume: 13.4 Linear Feet

Acquired: 00/00/2002. 2002, 2004.

Arrangement:

I: Administrative Files, 1927-2000

            1: Boards, Committees, Councils

            2: Office Files

            3: Reports

II: Topical Files, 1931-1999

            1. Business

            2. Climatological Data

            3. Demographics, Population, and Labor

            4. Economic Research and Development

            5. Health Sciences

            6. Housing and Building

            7. Oceans

            8. San Diego

            9. Transportation

            10. U.S.-Mexico International Border

III: Publications, 1965-1997

            1. Newsletters and Bulletins

            2. Directories

            3. General Publications

IV: Artifacts/Memorabilia, 1969-1992

Biographical Note for Economic Research Bureau (1952-) :

In 1870 a small group of men led by Alonzo E. Horton (1813-1909) met and formed a group that would eventually become the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. When the group originated, its primary focus was the development of San Diego with particular emphasis on the arrival of railroads to the vicinity. In the following years the Chamber also focused its attention on gaining access to drinking water and encouraging the development of military bases. By 1909 the Chamber had helped to create Balboa Park and was the driving force behind the Panama California Exposition held in 1915-16. Over the years the Chamber of Commerce has become more active in the development of San Diego.

In 1952 the Chamber expanded with the development of its Economic Research Bureau (ERB). The purpose behind its development was to analyze the research and research economic trends of the city and county of San Diego. The information collected by the ERB is open to members of the community as well as those in government offices. The ERB publishes a monthly newsletter titled "Economic Bulletin," which contains the most recent economic data related to the San Diego regin.

Access Restrictions: This collection is open for research.

Subject Index

Languages of Materials

Rights/Use Restrictions: The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine.  Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.

Acquisition Notes: San Diego Chamber of Commerce  Gift.

Related Materials:

San Diego Chamber of Commerce Records

San Diego Junior Chamber of Commerce Records

Related Publications:

Grant, Michael. San Diego Tapestry, Memphis Tenn.: Tower Pub., 1992. Special Collections: F 869 .S22 G717 1992 fo

Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Business Referral Directory, San Diego, CA: Hart Enterprises, Inc., 1982-1998. Special Collections: HF 3161 .C2 S3

San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Business Directory of San Diego County, San Diego Calif.: San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 1966-1972. Special Collections: HF 3161 .C2 S3

San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Business Directory, San Diego Calif.: San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 1975-1980. Special Collections: HF 3161 .C2 S3

San Diego Chamber of Commerce. San Diego Business, San Diego, Calif.: San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 1925-1927. Special Collections: HF 296 .S2759

San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Economic Research Bureau. San Diego Economic Development Research Program, San Diego, Calif.: San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 1966. Special Collections: HC 108 .S39 E19

PreferredCitation: Identification of item, folder title, box number, Economic Research Bureau Records, Special Collections and University Archives, Library and Information Access, San Diego State University.

Finding Aid Revisions: Finding Aid revised and expanded 2019.