February 2009

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (January 2009)
- Featured Company – Dixon’s New Tech and R&D Center – Efficient Drivetrains Inc.
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (January 2009)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 495 Edison Court, Suite A, Fairfield – 5,200 SF lease to European Closure Industries
- 400 Crocker Drive, Vacaville – 95,750 SF lease to Pacific Cycle
- 871 Cotting Court, Vacaville – 6,240 SF lease renewal to Baby Signs, Inc.
- Building 117, Mare Island, Vallejo – 9,256 SF lease to Olde World Mill & Cabinets

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 7297 Chevron Way, Solano County – Leased ±10,000 s/f to Asbury Environmental Services, Inc.
- 7297 Chevron Way, Solano County – Leased ±2,000 s/f to Wellington Energy, Inc.

Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- 1249 Illinois St, #1-A, Fairfield - 3,700 SF leased to Hank Dominquez
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Dixon’s New Tech and R&D Center - Efficient Drivetrains Inc.

Dr. Andy Frank and a Research Vehicle

On February 6th, 2009 Efficient Drivetrains Inc. in Dixon held the opening of their technology research and development center at 1150 Business Park Drive. EDI is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle technology provider based out of Palo Alto. The City of Dixon has entered into a $150,000 business loan agreement with the firm through Dixon's Community Development Block Grant Program.

"We hope to help Dixon carve out a little larger space on the map, as we also help to expand the concepts behind green vehicles around the world," said, Dr. Andy Frank, founder and chief technology officer of Efficient Drivetrains.

The City of Dixon was enthused to welcome EDI to its community, adding to its ‘green’ resume.

"The City of Dixon is excited about the business expansion and quality technology jobs associated with Efficient Drivetrains," said Mark Heckey, economic development director for the city. "We look forward to their success and future expansion of Dixon's role in the movement toward the new Green Technology Industrial Sector."

Mayor Jack Batchelor agreed adding "The Dixon business community is very excited that Efficient Drivetrains has chosen Dixon as the home for its technology research and development center for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles." "This company's products will bring forth a new breed of vehicles that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and provide clean and efficient transportation, while providing local employment."

EDI is one of the latest R&D operations to set up shop in Solano County.

"It's really the future coming to Solano County," said Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. "Most people have no idea about plug-ins and we'll have a top-notch researcher here in Solano County."

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Did you know?

Q: What was the first Solano County Business that was certified as a Green Business?

A: Triangle Digital INX Company in Dixon holds the honor to be the first and second certified Green Business in the County. They have two locations, a manufacturing plant and a shipping warehouse, that are both independently certified. Vineyard RV Park in Vacaville was the third.


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

Future of life science industry in Solano County Discussed at Solano EDC event, Feb. 26

The current status of the life science industry in Solano County – and its future – will be discussed at the Feb. 26 Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting.

Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics, will present his firm’s life science findings as part of the on going Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress.

Solano County currently is a key to San Francisco Bay Area’s strong life science industry. The cluster study reports a growing and diverse expansion of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, research and development and testing labs locating in Solano County which provide high paying job opportunities for local residents.

Henton will reveal the results of the Life Science Cluster Report which provides insights to the history of the industry’s growth and importance to Solano County. More importantly, it identifies what Solano County can do to encourage continued development of life sciences, according to Michael Ammann, president of the Solano EDC.

The event is sponsored by Novartis - BPO Vacaville. It will be held Feb. 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program to follow at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members, and $35 for non-members. For information contact EDC at 707 864-1855.

As part of the on going research project, Collaborative Economics is studying five growing industry clusters. In November 2008 the firm released the Solano Index for Community and Economic Progress which will be updated annually, keeping economic development professionals and business and community leaders informed on vital information that can be used to develop strategies for attracting and keeping businesses, and creating job opportunities for local residents.

The monthly EDC meetings are underwritten by organization’s chairman circle members, Potrero Hills Landfill, Solano Garbage Company and Touro University.