About Us – Greater Palm Springs Business Insider
GPS Business Insider is Greater Palm Springs’ independent business and public affairs newsroom – the first call for executives, entrepreneurs, public-sector leaders, and nonprofit innovators who need clear, timely reporting on the forces shaping our desert economy. Every day, we track the deals, policies, developments and people moving the needle forward in the region’s nine cities and unincorporated communities, publishing digital exclusives and a concise weekly e-blast that keep decision-makers a step ahead.
Why our coverage matters
- Local depth, strategic breadth. From Indio redevelopment votes to healthcare expansions and clean-energy breakthroughs, we cover the full spectrum of business and public-sector news, so readers see how one city hall decision can ripple across real estate, tourism, logistics, or water policy.
- Action-oriented storytelling. Each article pairs on-the-ground sourcing with context that helps leaders anticipate risk, spot opportunity, and make faster, better-informed choices.
- Access you can trust. Our newsroom’s relationships across boardrooms, council chambers, and community organizations open doors to voices and data you won’t find elsewhere.
- No “gotcha journalism.” At GPS Business Insider, our default approach is to look for and present the positive in every case possible. If data or direction in the economy or a given sector is negative, we will not shade the truth. However, when it comes to rumors, innuendos, insults, and recriminations tied to individuals and organizations, we won’t do it.
Read, act, and lead with confidence with GPS Business Insider as your partner.
Our Team
Bob Marra, CEO/Publisher
Bob Marra is the CEO of Marra Market Intelligence – a local business news and economic research and intelligence company – and Marra Consulting, a strategic marketing and public affairs firm.
Bob has served in executive positions for high-profile desert-based companies and organizations including Maryanov Madsen Gordon & Campbell, CPAs; Verizon and Desert Healthcare District since moving to the region in 1993. When the long-established Bob Hope Chrysler Classic PGA TOUR event became the Humana Challenge (now The American Express) Bob took the reigns as CEO for several years, helping reconfigure and turn around the tournament into more of a well-rounded, entertainment-focused event beyond professional golf.
As the owner of the firm, Bob oversees the analysis of the Greater Palm Springs regional economy and publishes a variety of newsletters, special reports and market studies for landowners, developers, banks, entrepreneurs, municipalities and many other public and privately held businesses in numerous industries. In addition to its local clients, Marra Market Intelligence has subscribers and clients in several other areas in California and states throughout the United States and in Canada.
As a marketing and public affairs consultant, Bob has helped major regional and statewide law firms, medical practices, CPA firms, financial planners, municipalities, developers and other sophisticated organizations define their brands and develop and implement creative and strategic marketing plans that have enhanced the value of their companies and greatly increased their scope of business and revenues.
Bob earned a bachelor of science degree with honors in business administration with concentrations in marketing and journalism from University of Delaware.
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Fred Bell
Chief Operating Officer, Nobell Energy Solutions
For the last eight years Fred Bell has served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nobell Energy Solutions (NES), a renewable energy company focused on solar power generation. . Fred has almost 30 years of construction development experience.
Fred served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Building Industry Association Desert Chapter.
As an Executive with Edwards Theatres (Vice President of Operations of the 150 unit $330M chain) he completed the company’s aggressive expansion plans.
Fred began his career with the Sea World theme parks. Bell was an integral part of the team that completed final development and construction, of the 250-acre Sea World of Texas attraction.
Deborah McGarrey
Public Affairs Manager, Southern California Gas Company
Deborah McGarrey is responsible for all external public affairs as it relates to SoCalGas in the Morongo Valley, Eastern Riverside and Imperial Counties. She is the liaison between SoCalGas and municipalities they serve in the community.
With over 20 years of external affairs experiences, Deborah has been with SoCalGas for 11 years. Prior to her position with SoCalGas, she worked in the waste industry for 15 years in a similar position. McGarrey attended Youngstown State University in Ohio.
Gretchen Gutierrez
CEO, Desert Valleys Builders Association
Gretchen Gutierrez is the CEO of the Desert Valleys Builders Association (DVBA), a position she has held since August 2011. Prior to joining the DVBA, she served as CEO for Friends of the Desert Mountains from April 2010 thru May 2011.
The DVBA is the regional non-profit trade association focused on the regulatory impacts to the building and construction industries. Her role at the DVBA consists of oversight and management of the Association; interaction with local and county jurisdictional agencies on legislative and regulatory issues; management of the Associations programs and membership.
Gretchen relocated to the Coachella Valley in April 2010 from the North Los Angeles County area of Palmdale & Lancaster. She is a graduate of California Lutheran University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Alan Pace
Senior Associate Geologist, Petra Geosciences, Inc.
Alan Pace is a Florida native who has been in southern California since 1987 and in the Coachella Valley since 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Colorado State University in 1987. Since moving to California he has worked consistently in the field of geology/geotechnical engineering and is registered as a State of California Professional Geologist and Certified Engineering Geologist.
Alan is currently a Board Member and Programs Chair for the Desert Valley Builders Association. He completed the Leadership Coachella Valley Course and occasionally raises puppies for Guide Dogs of the Desert and Custom Canines