SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A new study is revealing the monumental economic impact Qualcomm has on San Diego County.
The technology giant is San Diego's largest private employer, supporting more than 11,000 local workers. Its presence adds more than $4.5 billion to the regional economy.
Mayor Bob Filner says the company's success is a good reminder about the importance of small start-up business. Qualcomm started in 1985 as seven men in a San Diego basement.
"We have to do more as a city. I mean, venture capital is not as much as it used to be. And this tells us just how important it is to do the start-ups because the start ups turn into Qualcomms," Filner said.
Qualcomm also has a great charitable impact. From 2000 to 2011, the company donated an estimated $85 million to local charities.
