November 2009 Real Estate Roundup (September/October 2009)  Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com) 4251 Park Road, Benicia - 8,030 SF lease to C&C Automotive Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com) 535 Getty Court, #E & F, Benicia - 20,160 SF lease renewal to Gunnebo Entrance Control Inc. 6860 Goodyear Road, Benicia - 15,808 SF lease renewal to Interstate Electric Company 3140 park Road, #B, Benicia - 2,400 SF lease to Lawrence Custom Floors 5001 Fermi Drive, Fairfield - 71,550 SF lease to Crystal Geyser Water Company 4705 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield - 2,155 SF lease to PHM Services, Inc. 4717 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield - 1,441 SF sale to E Davis 2051 Cessna Drive, Suite 100, Vacaville - 12,375 SF lease to Vacaville Fruit Co., Inc. 190 S Orchard Road, Suite B-115, Vacaville - 2,175 SF lease to Bronico Incorporated Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com) 801 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield - 29,520 SF least to Diablo Valley Packaging 4820 Business Center Drive, Fairfield - 27,000 SF lease renewal to Geovera Insurance 4820 Business Center Drive, Fairfield - 2,650 SF lease to Dr. Gupta 4820 Business Center Drive, Fairfield - 2,500 SF lease renewal to Nelson Staffing Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net) 260 Link Road, #C, Fairfield - 1,700 SF lease to Chad Pananganan

Lots of "Energy" Forecast for Solano's Future www.solanocounty.com/energycluster This month's EDC breakfast event gave attendees lots to think about: Solano County has lots of wind and sun, and is located in one of the nation's largest research areas, making it the perfect place for renewable energy.           Economic researchers paint a rosy picture for Solano County's energy growth opportunities in the energy sector. Collaborative Economics has just completed research into the history and potential for economic grown for Solano's energy cluster.  The conclusion: "Solano is rapidly creating new (energy) opportunities for economic prosperity and job growth."           "We are strategically placed," Michael Ammann, president of EDC said. "There is billions of dollars being invested in clean energy research in Northern California, and Solano has both the land and workforce skills to become a key player in this vital new industry.  But, to take full advantage we need to begin working on a unified, dedicated effort.           "Can we pull our policy folks together to get this done?" Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC asked during the meeting.           Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics, presented findings of the study, and told attendees "...this is a very exciting time for investment."           Henton said that the renewable energy cluster in Solano County is ", small today, but it is fast growing."           In the past 10 years the energy growth in Solano County has been constant.  Still small, this industry cluster promises great potential as more emphasis is placed on clean, renewable energy sources.           One way to "jumpstart" opportunities in this field is through a unified, cooperative support to attract both research and production industry.           Both Solano EDC and the County of Solano are dedicated to spearheading a more collaborative effort that will increase the opportunities in this field.           Ammann told attendees that Solano EDC is ready to work actively with both private and public sectors to create a strong, viable collaboration that can result in faster energy growth opportunities.           Board of Supervisors chair John M. Vasquez said: "All of you need to have that edge (over other counties)--that hook that makes you just a little different than the rest (of the region)."             Currently there are some 20 clean energy generation (solar and wind) projects, energy conservation, and clean transportation efforts in Solano and employment has increased 71 per cent in this energy cluster since 1995.           Although the energy cluster is small compared to other industries, it promises to afford high growth potential in the years ahead.

Time to Renew Membership in Solano EDC Now's the time to join or renew your Solano EDC membership.  The 2010 membership drive was kicked off last month.  For more than 25 years EDC has served the interests of Solano County.  Now, more than ever before, funding is needed to maintain this on-going activity which has guided Solano's economic development.   Budget cuts in the public sector have greatly reduced city and county capabilities to fund EDC as past levels, and the Board of Directors is urging private sector organizations to help keep funding at current levels.  The Board is committed to assuring that EDC is functioning at a level that can help during these tough times, and also position Solano to take full advantage of the sure-to-come opportunities in the months ahead.            So, join today, to help assure a bright future for our communities and residents.  Call 707 864-1855 for more information. Membership in Solano EDC is truly a worthwhile investment for a better tomorrow!

Did you know? - Turkey Trivia Did you know that 90% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving but only 50% of Americans eat turkey on Christmas.  Q:  What country eats the most turkey a year per capita? A:  It's not the US; Israel eats the most turkey a year per capita. Q: What great American statesman lobbied to make the turkey the national symbol? A:  Benjamin Franklin, I am sure glad he did not get his way, would that mean we would be eating a Bald Eagle instead of a turkey on Thanksgiving?

The Solano Economic Development Corporation's mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in Solano County communities through the attraction, growth and retention of business and industry. Solano EDC Team Mike Ammann, President (mike@solanoedc.org) Sandy Person, Vice-President (sandy@solanoedc.org)  Pat Uhrich, Office Manager (pat@solanoedc.org) Andy Turba, Special Projects (andy@solanoedc.org) Solano Economic Development Corporation 360 Campus Lane, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534 Phone: (707) 864-1855  Fax: (707) 864-6621 Website: www.solanoedc.org

Opportunities for energy growth in Solano County Explained at EDC meeting, Nov. 19

Opportunities for energy growth in Solano County
Explained at EDC meeting, Nov. 19

Researchers will highlight energy growth opportunities in Solano County at the Nov. 19 Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting in Fairfield.

Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics, and his firm recently completed research on energy accomplishments and opportunities in Solano County. It is part of the on going Index of Economic and Community Progress, funded by the County of Solano and managed by EDC.

“This report brings us some much-needed good news, and our efforts to capitalize on it will be bring us some positive economic energy,” said Solano County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Vasquez.

The Energy Cluster Report will provide both public and private officials the insight into this industrial cluster’s growth potential, and areas of best “return for effort.”

Michael Ammann, president of EDC, said “…we have a great story to tell, and growth in the energy sector has been very high, but it this report shows how much better growth can be with better coordination and cooperation between our communities and businesses.”

The meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m., Thursday Nov. 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members. To register, call 707 864-1855.

Clean energy, is a small, but fast growing sector of Solano’s economy, increasing 72 percent in employment since 1995.

Ammann said this growth rate is much higher than the carbon-based energy sector, at 45 percent, or even the county’s 30 percent growth rate.

“There’s so much more we can do to interest outside sources in our clean energy opportunities,” Ammann said. “This Energy Cluster report gives us the important history and up-to-date statistics we need to move forward.”

“In the Bay Area Solano has both the resources and the land available for clean energy development projects,” he said.

Solano real estate picture aired Oct 29 by developers

Three of Solano’s top industry experts will forecast Solano County’s real estate future Oct. 29 in Fairfield.

Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation said the event “is a great opportunity for both government and private sector to learn more about the current commercial and industrial real estate market and what can be expected in the months ahead.”

The three participants and the areas of development they will address are: Business/Industrial Parks, Brooks Pedder, Colliers International; Global Real Estate Trends, Jose McNeill, McNeill Real Estate Services; and Retail, Jim Shepherd, Cornish & Carey.

The event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Registration begins at 7:30. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members. To register call (707) 864-1855.

The 2009 Real Estate Round-up is sponsored by: Vacaville Christian Schools; Sutter Health, and Sharp Public Relations. The event is part of the monthly meeting series held by EDC, and underwritten by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Syar Industries; Touro University; Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services, Inc.

September 2009

Table of Contents

-  Real Estate Roundup (August 2009)

-  PG&E Solar Project Marks Construction Milestone

-  Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup - (August 2009)

CBRE   (www.cbre.com)

-  767 Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 65,000 SF lease renewal to CSK

-  640 Eubanks Court, Suite 900, Vacaville – 5,600 SF lease to Novartis

Colliers International   (www.colliersparrish.com)

-  5357-5365 Industrial Way, Benicia – 13,930 SF lease renewal to Areva NP, Inc.

-  2701 Maxwell Drive, Fairfield – 150,000 SF lease renewal to Amcor Pet Packaging USA

-  324 Campus Lane, Fairfield – 13,930 SF lease expansion to Private Industry Council

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)

-  499 Edison Court, Fairfield - 5,100 SF lease to Westinghouse

-  499 Edison Court, Fairfield – 3,300 SF lease to Michael Ellis 

-  2850 Cordelia Road, Fairfield - 1,700 SF lease to NdataStor 

-  380 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield – 1,700 SF lease renewal to Honeywell 

Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)

-  260 Link Road, Fairfield – 3,500 SF lease to Living Waters Ministries, Inc.

The Wiseman Company   (www.wisemanco.com)

-  2420 Martin Road, Fairfield – 7,500 SF lease to EMQ Families First    

_____________________________________________________________________

PG&E Solar Project Marks Construction Milestone

For many construction projects, the biggest challenge is getting past all the reviews and winning all the approvals needed to actually put shovels in the ground.

PG&E's 2 megawatt solar photovoltaic pilot project--named the Vaca-Dixon Solar Station after the electrical substation it neighbors--has achieved that milestone and is moving quickly to become a reliable source of clean, renewable electric power later this year.

This photo, taken September 14, shows the first panels going up. They are polycrystalline modules from Solon Corporation, which PG&E selected after competitive bid as the turnkey supplier to build the facility.

Solon is building the facility with help from Silverwood Energy, Inc., a California disabled veteran business enterprise.

The pilot represents the utility's first step in implementing its plan to promote 500 MW of clean new PV power over five years--250 MW to be built by the utility and 250 MW by independent developers. (The plan, proposed in February, is under consideration by the California Public Utilities Commission.)

If the projects are approved and finished by 2015, they are expected to deliver more than 1,000 gigawatt hours of power each year, equal to the annual consumption of about 150,000 average homes. In all, this program would meet over 1.3 percent of PG&E's electric demand.

For more information on Solano’s energy opportunities be sure to attend the Solano EDC Member Breakfast Event, November 19^th, 2009 on the Solano Energy Cluster Study.

Marshall, Jonathan.  “PG&E Solar Project Marks Construction Milestone”.  PG&E.  Web.  September 15, 2009. 

_____________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

Queen Elizabeth II was one of many celebrities known to stop by the Nut Tree for a visit.

In fact, in 1983 they catered a state luncheon for her in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Sacramento serving sole and shrimp as the entrée (They were an early leader in a cooking style called ‘California Cuisine’).   Trying to please the Queen, the Nut Tree staff brewed 50 different types of teas so the queen could pick her favorite.  She decided she would have a coffee instead, later switching to a gin and tonic.

The Solano Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in Solano County communities through the attraction, growth and retention of business and industry.

Solano EDC Team

Mike Ammann, President (mike@solanoedc.org)

Sandy Person, Vice-President (sandy@solanoedc.org)

Pat Uhrich, Office Manager (pat@solanoedc.org)

Andy Turba, Special Projects (andy@solanoedc.org)

Solano Economic Development Corporation

360 Campus Lane, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534

Phone: (707) 864-1855 Fax: (707) 864-6621

Website: www.solanoedc.org

Impact of state’s raid on city and county budgets

Impact of state’s raid on city and county budgets
Explained at Sept. 30 Solano EDC event

The impact of California’s raid on city and county budgets will be explained when John Shirey, executive director of the California Redevelopment
Association speaks in Fairfield.

The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, hosted by the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

In a move to help reduce California’s state budget deficits, Sacramento has turned to local governmental entities, taking and/or reducing funding that has helped sustain local economic balance.

“The moves at the state level have, and will result in some drastic changes in local communities,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said. “Literally millions will be lost to Solano cities and county governments because of the state’s inability to balance its own budget.”

The monthly breakfast meetings are hosted by EDC as a way to bring attention to important economic issues that affect the residents and private sector.

“Our cities will face some critical budget shortages because of California’s actions,” Ammann said. “John Shirey will be able to help us grasp the enormous loss in money that local entities will have to battle.”

The Sept. 30 meeting is sponsored by Vacaville Christian Schools and Kitchell, and is presented by the Solano EDC chairman Circle members: Syar Industries, Solano Garbage Company, Touro University and Republic Services, Inc.

To register call 707 864-1855. Cost sf $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members.

August 2009

Table of Contents

-  Real Estate Roundup (July 2009)

-  Dixon Ridge Farms: A Leader in Sustainable Farming

-  Did you know – Solano at the State Fair

Real Estate Roundup

(July 2009)

CBRE   (www.cbre.com)

  -  853 Cotting Court, Suites C & D, Vacaville, CA – 4,620 SF lease to VWR International

  -  821 Eubanks Drive, Suite C, Vacaville, CA – 4,542 SF lease to Dow Diversified

  -  871 Cotting Court, Vacaville, CA – 3,450 SF lease to North Coast Energy Services

  -  Quarters O, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 7,358 SF lease to Green Tech Power Group

Colliers International   (www.colliersparrish.com)

  - 506 Stone Road, Benicia - Lease Renewal of 12,624 SF to Mission Linen Supply, Inc.

  -  4620 Westamerica Dr. (Pony Express) Fairfield - Sale of 12,830 SF to MV Transportation, Inc.

  -  4725 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield - Sale of 2,155 SF to Sierra Pacific Investment Co., LLC

Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)

  -  4950 Fulton Drive A&B, Fairfield – sold ±10,328 SF to Prema Thekkek

  -  473 E. Channel Road, Suite B, Benicia – leased ±4,000 SF to Benicia Fabrication & Machine, Inc.

______________________________

Dixon Ridge Farms: A Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

Dixon Ridge Farms located east of Winters in Solano County are leaders in organic walnut farming and sustainable agriculture.

Over the year the owners, Russ and Kathleen Lester, have worked hard to reduce their farms carbon footprint with great success through simple and advanced techniques.

In 2007 Dixon Ridge set a 5 year goal for energy self-sufficiency.  The goal led them to become the first farm to use a 50 kilowatt BioMax co-generator which converts walnut shells (they have plenty of them on a walnut farm) into renewable energy.  The generator uses a technology called “flash pyrolysis” which transforms the walnut shells into biogas which is sufficient to power their 12,000 square foot storage refrigerator and also provides a good amount of the propane needed in the walnut drying process and heating all of the buildings in the winter.  The system has been such a success for Dixon Ridge they plan on adding an addition BioMax generator in the near future.

They also take action to conserve water.  On the portion of the farm where they use flood-irrigation, they have retention basins to retrieve the excess water and recirculate it into the irrigation system.  The Lesters also use extra walnut shells as mulch which reduces weeds and slows water evaporation.

By running an Organic farm they eliminate waste and the use of chemicals.   By using natural fertilizers and such as compost the can return twig, leaves and hulls removed during the harvest back to the orchard where they can return their nutrients to the soil.  This returns all the ‘waste’ to the farm which would be removed and burned in traditional farming practices.

With the Lester’s efforts and environmental conscience they were awarded the state’s highest environmental honor in 2008, the Governors Environmental & Economic Leadership award in the categories of sustainable practices that reduce the effects of climate change.  They set a great example of putting the land first.

To learn more about Dixon Ridge Farms check out their website, www.dixonridgefarms.com.

______________________________

Did you know?

 Did you know that Solano County won three awards at this year’s State Fair?  Solano County won…

-         Best of Show & The Gold Award for the Solano County State Fair Exhibit (for the 5^th year in a row!)

-         The Agricultural Award which is presented by the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors to recognize an individual or organization that has contributed extensively over a number of years to the promotion, advancement and growth of the California State Fair Agricultural programs. (This is the first time a county has ever won the in the 17 year history of the award)

Congratulations to all that help set the high bar of achievement that is expected from Solano County.

 Solano EDC Team

Mike Ammann, President (mike@solanoedc.org)

Sandy Person, Vice-President (sandy@solanoedc.org)

Pat Uhrich, Office Manager (pat@solanoedc.org)

Andy Turba, Special Projects (andy@solanoedc.org)

Solano Economic Development Corporation

360 Campus Lane, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534

Phone: (707) 864-1855 Fax: (707) 864-6621

Website: www.solanoedc.org

August 2009

Table of Contents

-  Real Estate Roundup (July 2009)

-  Dixon Ridge Farms: A Leader in Sustainable Farming

-  Did you know – Solano at the State Fair

Real Estate Roundup

(July 2009)

CBRE   (www.cbre.com)

  -  853 Cotting Court, Suites C & D, Vacaville, CA – 4,620 SF lease to VWR International

  -  821 Eubanks Drive, Suite C, Vacaville, CA – 4,542 SF lease to Dow Diversified

  -  871 Cotting Court, Vacaville, CA – 3,450 SF lease to North Coast Energy Services

  -  Quarters O, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 7,358 SF lease to Green Tech Power Group

Colliers International   (www.colliersparrish.com)

  - 506 Stone Road, Benicia - Lease Renewal of 12,624 SF to Mission Linen Supply, Inc.

  -  4620 Westamerica Dr. (Pony Express) Fairfield - Sale of 12,830 SF to MV Transportation, Inc.

  -  4725 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield - Sale of 2,155 SF to Sierra Pacific Investment Co., LLC

Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)

  -  4950 Fulton Drive A&B, Fairfield – sold ±10,328 SF to Prema Thekkek

  -  473 E. Channel Road, Suite B, Benicia – leased ±4,000 SF to Benicia Fabrication & Machine, Inc.

__________________________________________________________________________

Dixon Ridge Farms: A Leader in Sustainable Agriculture

Dixon Ridge Farms located east of Winters in Solano County are leaders in organic walnut farming and sustainable agriculture.

Over the year the owners, Russ and Kathleen Lester, have worked hard to reduce their farms carbon footprint with great success through simple and advanced techniques.

In 2007 Dixon Ridge set a 5 year goal for energy self-sufficiency.  The goal led them to become the first farm to use a 50 kilowatt BioMax co-generator which converts walnut shells (they have plenty of them on a walnut farm) into renewable energy.  The generator uses a technology called “flash pyrolysis” which transforms the walnut shells into biogas which is sufficient to power their 12,000 square foot storage refrigerator and also provides a good amount of the propane needed in the walnut drying process and heating all of the buildings in the winter.  The system has been such a success for Dixon Ridge they plan on adding an addition BioMax generator in the near future.

They also take action to conserve water.  On the portion of the farm where they use flood-irrigation, they have retention basins to retrieve the excess water and recirculate it into the irrigation system.  The Lesters also use extra walnut shells as mulch which reduces weeds and slows water evaporation. 

By running an Organic farm they eliminate waste and the use of chemicals.   By using natural fertilizers and such as compost the can return twig, leaves and hulls removed during the harvest back to the orchard where they can return their nutrients to the soil.  This returns all the ‘waste’ to the farm which would be removed and burned in traditional farming practices. 

With the Lester’s efforts and environmental conscience they were awarded the state’s highest environmental honor in 2008, the Governors Environmental & Economic Leadership award in the categories of sustainable practices that reduce the effects of climate change.  They set a great example of putting the land first.

To learn more about Dixon Ridge Farms check out their website, www.dixonridgefarms.com.

__________________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

Did you know that Solano County won three awards at this year’s State Fair?  Solano County won…

-         Best of Show & The Gold Award for the Solano County State Fair Exhibit (for the 5^th year in a row!)

-         The Agricultural Award which is presented by the California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors to recognize an individual or organization that has contributed extensively over a number of years to the promotion, advancement and growth of the California State Fair Agricultural programs. (This is the first time a county has ever won the in the 17 year history of the award)

Congratulations to all that help set the high bar of achievement that is expected from Solano County.

 Solano EDC Team

Mike Ammann, President (mike@solanoedc.org)

Sandy Person, Vice-President (sandy@solanoedc.org)

Pat Uhrich, Office Manager (pat@solanoedc.org)

Andy Turba, Special Projects (andy@solanoedc.org)

Solano Economic Development Corporation

360 Campus Lane, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534

Phone: (707) 864-1855 Fax: (707) 864-6621

Website: www.solanoedc.org