Why the CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce Attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit
By Patrick Ellis, President/CEO, Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce
As CEO of a local chamber of commerce, traveling to Washington, D.C. for a federal event might raise some eyebrows - and fair enough. After all, doesn’t my job mostly revolve around ribbon cuttings, networking mixers, and coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions? Yes... and no.
This May, I had the honor of attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, alongside Scott Agajanian, Economic Development Director for the City of Murrieta. Together, we represented our region as part of California’s official delegation, joining a nationwide coalition focused on showcasing America’s best landing spots for international companies.
So why were we there? Two words: strategic growth. Or better yet - targeted, international, future-forward economic development.
The Power of Business Attraction
A thriving community doesn’t happen by chance. It takes intention, relationships, and a little boldness. Business attraction is one of the most powerful ways we can build a resilient economy - and that doesn’t just mean chasing big corporations with giant tax incentives. It means engaging with the right companies - those that align with our strengths, values, and community goals.
At SelectUSA, Scott and I focused on international startups in the Life Sciences and Health Tech sectors, which directly aligns with our collaborative efforts on the Murrieta Innovation Center. This is more than just a project - it’s a purpose-built launchpad for global innovation right here in Southwest Riverside County.
Through our coordinated presence, we opened doors to international startups seeking soft landings in the U.S - and we made it clear that Murrieta isn’t just ready, it’s already running.
As Dee Dee Myers, Director of California's Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), aptly stated:
“When international businesses establish themselves in California, they make our communities more vibrant, more dynamic and more globally connected.”
That’s the kind of validation we don’t just hope for - we work for.
Why Murrieta? Why Now?
Murrieta and Wildomar are uniquely positioned. We offer proximity to San Diego’s biotech ecosystem and the Inland Empire’s industrial backbone - without the high costs and congestion. We’ve got the infrastructure, the mindset, and the collaborative muscle between public and private partners.
Our message in D.C. was simple: We’re ready to partner. We’re ready to grow.
What This Means for Our Chamber Members
Let’s bring it home.
When we attract innovative businesses, our local members benefit - period.
- Local Suppliers and Services: New companies need everything from CPAs and insurance brokers to branding pros and real estate help. That’s opportunity.
- Talent Development: Growing sectors create demand for workforce training, internships, and career pipelines. That’s sustainability.
- Partnerships & Innovation: International businesses bring fresh R&D energy and global connections—fertile ground for local collaboration.
- Community Investment: These companies become part of our Chamber network, contributing to events, nonprofits, and civic life.
Bottom line: What happens at SelectUSA doesn't stay in D.C. - it reverberates throughout the 951.
A Global Perspective, A Local Mission
Attending SelectUSA alongside Scott Agajanian wasn’t a photo op - it was a mission. One rooted in collaboration, ambition, and a shared vision to make Murrieta a global hub for innovation.
The work we do at the Murrieta Innovation Center isn’t theoretical. It’s where international companies find their first U.S. home. It’s where entrepreneurs incubate bold ideas. It’s where our community positions itself for long-term economic health.
The future doesn’t knock - it’s invited. And in D.C., we both extended that invitation.