Submitted By Michael Ammann,
President, Solano Economic Development Corporation
One of Solano Economic Development Corporation’s most important long term partnerships exists with First 5 Solano – a countywide organization that devotes its efforts to early childhood development.
In today’s convoluted economic world, it may be difficult to fully appreciate the importance of EDC’s support in this long term approach toward making Solano future’s bright. Some may argue that the pressures of today’s economic challenges need to be the sole focus of EDC’s efforts. While it is indeed true that the pressures of today’s financial world require most of EDC’s attention, we cannot overlook the importance of planning for the future.
Simply stated, the current economic situation will improve in the coming months and years – and we in Solano County must be ready to pounce on the opportunities to bring new industry, business and jobs into our communities. In the changing industrial work we must have a workforce ready to fulfill the demands of business that is projected for the future.
The EDC Economic Index research study said that in 2006 more than 1,100 people with bachelor’s degrees moved into Solano County. This is good news, since they bring with them higher paying salaries. And, those with college educations are more inclined to want their kids attending great schools, realizing that knowledge leads to success through higher skilled jobs that pay well. We need to encourage these “new” residents to become active voices for better education in our schools.
Our high school dropout rates are rising at a time when the bay area economy demands higher skills from the local workforce. The best way to turn this trend around is to devote more energy and resources toward our young people – particularly those in early childhood.
Thus, the importance of Fist 5 Solano becomes evident.
Research and statistics have demonstrated just how important the first five years of a child’s life are. Research has demonstrated that investments in early childhood development, child care and education help determine which communities attract and retain businesses.
Solano County is below the norms in many early childhood benchmarks. For example, 13 percent of Solano Children, below 5 years of age, live below the poverty line. And, only 38 percent of three and four year olds are enrolled in preschool, compared to the state average of 48 percent.
A lack of preschool education is a major factor that contributes to lower high school graduation rates.
Clearly, Solano County’s economic success depends in part on early childhood investments.
Solano EDC and its members recognize this simple truth and are therefore forging partnerships and collaborations with First 5 Solano which will prepare children for formal education.
Children in kindergarten think pretty much in magical terms. Their world is open to new ideas and learning. They have tremendous capabilities to use their energies. And, it has been demonstrated that those youngsters who enter kindergarten with a sound foundation – physical health, social skills and cognitive skills – enjoy a more successful education experience. This translates into a more successful work skills and opportunities in their adult life.
First 5 Solano is our first line of offense to assure our young people enter schools prepared.
A child, by the age of four is already asking himself (or herself) “why?” and “how?” Parents, family, friends and communities can all play a role in helping the child develop these born-given traits to seek learn and discover.
The task of serving children and their families during these first five years of life is one that requires the resources, funding and support of both government, private and community organizations.
Solano EDC and First 5 have conducted numerous focus groups with business leaders to help prioritize the basic needs for workers with small children.
Here’s a short list:
o Affordable and convenient health care
o Quality child care
o Flexibility for a family needs
o Effective education (beginning with preschool)
o Ongoing training opportunities
o Reliable transportation
It would be difficult – difficult indeed – to find anyone who did not believe that “Solano’s future is in our youth.”
That being said, it is easy to see why Solano EDC supports and invites others to join First 5 Solano.
Future of energy growth in Solano County discussed at Solano EDC meeting this month
Senior Economist Sara Banaszak of the American Petroleum Institute will be the keynote speaker at the event, set for 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.
Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said Banaszak is a top ranking economist in the field of energy.
“She will talk about the local implications of the global and national energy outlook,” Ammann said, “and discuss the vital role that oil and natural gas plays in energy efficiency through new problem-solving technologies.”
Cost for the breakfast event is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members. Call 707 864-1855 for reservations or email pat@solanoedc.org.
Ammann said that the 2009 Solano Economic Index study clearly indicated not only the important role that the energy cluster plays in Solano’s economy, but also the growth opportunities which abound for both carbon based and alternative energy sources.
“We are currently working to create a high level group which can look at ways to initiate policies with Solano County which will position us to take full advantage of the energy growth potentials,” Ammann said. “Sara Banaszak is recognized as one of the nation’s best economists in this industry. She has worked with many clients, helping them create natural gas strategies.
The April event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, NECA & IBEW and is part of the monthly series of breakfast events which focus on economic issues of importance to Solano County. The breakfast series is underwritten by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Solano Transportation Authority, Syar Industries, Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services.
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