Businesses honored at Spirit of Solano Event

Nine Solano County businesses will be honored at the annual Spirit of Solano luncheon, Dec. 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

            Celebrating its 17^th year, this premier event showcases the exceptional recipients that have been selected by the Solano County Chambers of Commerce for their outstanding spirit and community support.  The Spirit of Solano is proudly hosted by Westamerica Bank and the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

            The awards program was designed to emulate the Spirit of Solano, recognizing the role chambers of commerce play in economic development and honoring those businesses who take an active role to improve the communities they serve.

            This year's recipients are:

·         HISPANIC CHAMBER: Marisela Barbosa, Monarch Engineers

·         BENICIA CHAMBER: Dennie Geltz and Frances Hurley, Printer Concepts Technology

·         DIXON CHAMBER: Dorothy Luedke and Cher Besneatte, Curves of Dixon

·         FAIRFIELD-SUISUN CHAMBER: Pat Holzwarth, Delta Graphics and Sohail Tabar, Ford Lincoln Fairfield

·         FILIPINO-AMERICAN CHAMBER: Omar Enrique Martinez Zerbato, Martinez Multi Services    

·         SOLANO BLACK CHAMBER: K. Patrice Williams, 123 Target Marketing

·         VALLEJO CHAMBER: Krissy and Richard Hiteshew, A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

·         VACAVILLE CHAMBER: Gary Passama, NorthBay Healthcare

            Seating for this popular event is limited.  The event runs from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Cost is $40 per person, $400 for a table of ten. To make reservations contact: Pat Uhrich at 707 864-1855 or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org. RSVP no later than November 28, 2012.

Signup for "lean manufacturing" workshop and watch your profits grow

Ways to use "lean manufacturing 101" fundamentals will be featured at an Aug. 16  workshop in Fairfield, presented by the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) and Solano Economic Development Corporation.

The workshop is intended for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers and will show participants how to easily and quickly apply Lean principles in today's world of intense competition and challenges.

The event will be led by Bill Browne, director of client services for Manex.  Class size is limited and early registration is urged to reserve a spot.

The workshop will be at held 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Calbee Foods, 2600 Maxwell Way, Fairfield.  To register contact Sandy Person, Solano EDC president, at 707 864-1855.

"This workshop offers  tremendous opportunity for Solano manufacturers to gain knowledge on developing long term strategies to streamline  their operations”, Person said.

The workshop is federally funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and is offered complimentary to manufacturers, distributors and suppliers.

Highway 12 Economic Study results to be released

The Comprehensive Highway 12 Economic Study results will be presented by consultant economist Dr. Fountain at a workshop sponsored by the Solano Economic Development Corporation. The results will provide an insight as to what could happen to the Hwy 12 corridor if it were widened to enable more efficient traffic capacity. The workshop will be held at 6:00 PM, on Thursday, June 28th at the D. H. White Elementary School multi-purpose room, 500 Elm Way, Rio Vista Ca 94571.

A copy of Dr. Fountain's report can be viewed here:

Early childhood education in Solano takes center stage

May Breakfast release

Contact:  Sandy Person, 707 864-1855

The importance of early childhood education – and how Solano County is preparing its young people for the future – will be featured at the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s May 24 breakfast event.

First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission will host the program which begins at 8 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

            Keynote speaker will be Catherine Atkin, Executive Director of Preschool California.  She will be introduced by Matt Regan, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Bay Area Council.

            “This is the third year EDC has teamed with First 5 Solano to bring this important issue to center stage,” Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC said.

“Early childhood education is critical, and its success requires the full support of not only educators but families, the private sector and local government. We in Solano have worked diligently these past few years to create a long term program which will pay tremendous dividends for our future.”

            The Solano 2012 Family-Friendly Business Awards will also be presented during the program, sponsored by the Alliance of Business for Children.  "The Solano Alliance of Business for Children (ABC) has been invaluable in strategically strengthening and deepening our partnerships with businesses, chambers of commerce and economic development collaboratives in Solano County," said Dana Dean, First 5 Solano Commission Chair.  "The Solano ABC partnerships founded the Family-Friendly Business Awards, now an annual First 5 Solano Program.  Employee-nominated businesses are being honored for having family-friendly business practices that make it possible to balance the demands of family and work, resulting in stronger families and a stronger economy."

Each year Solano companies are recognized for their workplaces which encourage family participation in a child’s development.  Employees nominate their companies for recognition of their programs which support working families.

            This year’s winners include:  Ball Metal Beverage Corporation; Genentech; Jelly Belly Candy Company; Kaiser Permanente; Meyer Corporation and State Farm Insurance.

Other speakers during the program will be: Jay Speck, Superintendent of Solano County Office of Education; and Dilenna Harris, executive director of Solano County Library Foundation.

            Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members.  To make reservations contact 707 864-1855 or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.

            The event is sponsored by First 5 Solano and supported by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members:  Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Syar Industries, Inc., Solano Transportation Authority, Republic Services, Inc., and Solano Garbage Company.

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Retention of existing businesses in key industrial sectors discussed at April 26 Solano EDC meeting

The importance of retaining Solano County firms that do business in key industrial growth sectors will be discussed at Solano Economic Development Corporation’s April 26 breakfast event in Fairfield.

The event will kickoff Solano EDC’s efforts to help fill the voids in local economic development programs, created by the loss of state redevelopment funds and local tax revenues.

It will be held at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

Sandy Person, Solano EDC president said, “It is just so critical that we do whatever we can to assist cities and local business organizations in their ongoing efforts to retain and help existing businesses survive in this economy.  We can build on our current successes in critical industrial sectors and attract new companies.”

The event will feature Dr. Robert Eyler, professor of economics at Sonoma State University.  Eyler will share his insights into ways to utilize strategic planning to help existing businesses grow and thrive in today and tomorrow’s environment.

Armed with five years of research, funded by the County of Solano, EDC has identified industry clusters (www.solanocounty.com/economicindex) that promise the best opportunities for future economic growth.  Dr. Eyler will show how these research studies are invaluable assets in the efforts to not only assist existing companies, but also attract new companies to Solano County.

"These index studies are the cornerstones for a strategic roadmap that will result in retention, expansion and new companies locating within our county,” Person explained.               

For reservations, contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855, or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.  Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

The breakfast event is sponsored by Sutter Health.

The event is part of the annual series of breakfast meetings presented by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District; Republic Services, Inc.; Solano Garbage Company, Solano Transportation Authority, and Syar industries, Inc.  Topics and issues critical to the economic development well being of Solano County are highlighted at these events.

2012 Solano EDC Membership Directory

Connections 2012 Membership Directory provides the latest information on the organizations who are dedicated to economic development through their membership in the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

It is your annual publication that profiles the vast array of local products and services provided by EDC members.

Business-to-business in Solano County is one of the many ways we can support our local economy and we urge you to keep this directory handy during the year.

Click here for the online version of Connections 2012. It is also is available at www.solanoedc.org under the membership tab.

This publication was underwritten by: UC Davis; First Northern Bank; Gateway 80 Business Park; NorthBay Healthcare; Sutter Health; Touro University; Travis Credit Union; Jelly Belly Candy Company; Kaiser Permanente and the Workforce Investment Board.

We thank you for your continued commitment to grow business investment and create jobs during these difficult economic times.  Your support is essential as we move forward to provide the leadership necessary for a full recovery.

Sincerely,

Sandy Person
President

Retention of existing businesses in key industrial sectors discussed at April 26 Solano EDC meeting

            The importance of retaining Solano County firms that do business in key industrial growth sectors will be discussed at Solano Economic Development Corporation’s April 26 breakfast event in Fairfield.

            The event will kickoff Solano EDC’s efforts to help fill the voids in local economic development programs, created by the loss of state redevelopment funds and local tax revenues.

            It will be held at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

            Sandy Person, Solano EDC president said, “It is just so critical that we do whatever we can to assist cities and local business organizations in their ongoing efforts to retain and help existing businesses survive in this economy.  We can build on our current successes in critical industrial sectors and attract new companies.”

            The event will feature Dr. Robert Eyler, professor of economics at Sonoma State University.  Eyler will share his insights into ways to utilize strategic planning to help existing businesses grow and thrive in today and tomorrow’s environment.

            Armed with five years of research, funded by the County of Solano, EDC has identified industry clusters (www.solanocounty.com/economicindex) that promise the best opportunities for future economic growth.  Dr. Eyler will show how these research studies are invaluable assets in the efforts to not only assist existing companies, but also attract new companies to Solano County.

            “These index studies are the cornerstones for a strategic roadmap that will result in retention, expansion and new companies locating within our county,” Person explained.               

            For reservations, contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855, or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.  Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

            The breakfast event is sponsored by Sutter Health.

            The event is part of the annual series of breakfast meetings presented by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District; Republic Services, Inc.; Solano Garbage Company, Solano Transportation Authority, and Syar industries, Inc.  Topics and issues critical to the economic development well being of Solano County are highlighted at these events.

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Highway 12 corridor offers opportunities for Solano County

Highway 12 Corridor is crucial to the economy Solano County, and in the future, with increased traffic capacity, the commercial potential for the area could be limitless!

The Highway 12 is the County’s second busiest thoroughfare and its economic impacts  will be discussed at the March 29 Solano Economic Development Corporation's monthly membership breakfast event in Fairfield.

Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC, said the event will provide an opportunity to learn more about this vital corridor as it is today and what are the possibilities that can lead to improved economic vitality!  The Solano Transportation Authority (STA) has turned to Solano EDC to gather the data and study the economic influences of the corridor which runs from Lodi through Rio Vista, Suisun and Fairfield to Napa Valley. 

The event will be held at 8:00 AM on March 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.  Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.  Reservations may be made by calling 707 864-1855 or e-mailing pat@solanoedc.org.

Person said the Highway 12 project demonstrates once again the "...value of creating working partnerships between Solano EDC and critical county and regional organizations. We have been called upon to conduct the economic analysis at this early stage of planning.  Too often economic issues are not fully researched and publically aired until a project selection is well underway.  This partnership shows how progressive our STA is and we at EDC are delighted to be a member of this important planning process."
 

Speakers at the March 29 breakfast will cover various aspects of the Highway 12 corridor, including reviews of its current traffic flows and the needs for infrastructure improvements throughout the route. Currently, project planning studies are being conducted which can lead to the critical highway capacity improvements.  When completed, Highway 12 would be a major feeder route between the Central Valley and the Bay Area. 

Speakers include:  Jim Spering, Solano County Supervisor and long- time MTC Commissioner; Daryl Halls, STA Executive Director;  Dr. Robert Fountain, Regional Economic Consulting, Mitch Conner and Peter Stanley of ArchiLOGIX.  

The event is sponsored by Sutter Health.  

The Solano EDC breakfast meetings are underwritten by the Chairman's Circle Members:  Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Republic Services, Inc., Solano Garbage Company, Syar Industries, Inc., and Solano Transportation Authority.

Impact of no redevelopment funding from state will be aired at Solano EDC event, March 1

The State of California’s decision to eliminate its long standing redevelopment funding for local communities will take center stage at the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s breakfast event, March 1.

For years local communities and counties have relied on the funding as ways to improve low income communities, breathe new life into downtown areas and maintain a sound infrastructure system.

            Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC, said  one of the most critical issues now facing local governmental officials is how to replace this funding and keep up the “…necessary and important task of economic revitalization in local areas of our county.”

            The event will feature expert speakers who have been actively involved in the redevelopment controversy and are knowledgeable about the importance of funding by the state:

Anthony Gonsalves of Joe A. Gonsalves & Son, is one of the longest tenured lobbyists in Sacramento, with more than three decades of experience.  He is recognized as one of the most successful in handling the complexities of the political process in Sacramento.

            Greg Stepanicich of Richards, Watson & Gershon has represented local public agencies for almost 35 years, serving as city attorney for Fairfield, and Mill Valley, and as counsel for numerous agencies.  He concentrates on government law areas including land us, local taxation, development fees and telecommunications.

            In addition, a representative from the City of Vacaville will outline the impacts of the state’s actions, and also give some thoughts on what lies ahead as communities attempt to continue the task of maintaining and improving infrastructures.

            The March 1 event is sponsored by Sutter Health. The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.  Reservations may be made by calling 707 864-1855.

            The breakfast events are held throughout the year to keep private sector and government official informed about the challenges facing Solano County’s economic development issues.

            The series of events is underwritten by members of the Solano EDC Chairman Circle members: Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Republic Services, Inc., Solano Garbage Company, Solano Transportation Authority and Syar Industries, Inc.

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Solano EDC Annual Meeting January 25, 2012

Reservations are being accepted for the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s annual meeting, Jan. 25 at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn.

 "We are excited to launch the New Year 2012 with an outstanding program” Sandy Person, president of Solano EDC said. “I urge those who plan to attend to make their reservations as soon as possible.”

Sunne McPeak, President and CEO of California Emerging Technology Fund and former secretary of the State of California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency for Gov. Schwarzenegger is the keynote speaker for the event. Recognized as one of the state’s most dynamic speakers, and named “a woman who could be president by the San Francisco League of Women Voters, McPeak is head of a statewide organization that works to bridge the technology gap that exists between communities and segments of the population.     

After leaving state government McPeak became the first president and CEO of California Emerging Technology Fund, a position she currently holds. In that position she has gain insight into the economic development issues which confront California and the Northern California region.

During her tenure in Sacramento she worked to reduced department costs by more than $180 million, and also created improved customer service for DMV—reducing average wait times at DMB from more than one hour to just 21 minutes.

Under her leadership, CETF is working to create a 21st centurn infrastructure that is increasing broadband high speed internet access. Through her direction California can increase its dominance as a state-of-the-art leader in technology applications.    

Highlight of the annual meeting will be the economic development report on the major happenings during 2011. Person will review with attendees the key events which occurred in each of Solano County’s cities and what impact them have in both the short and long term. New board members and officers will also be announced at the meeting.

Reservations for the event, which begins at 11 a.m., can be made by contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855 or e-mail pat@solanoedc.org.

Event Sponsored by: AT&T; City of Benicia; Law Offices of Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell; Kaiser Permanente; Sutter Health; Travis Credit Union;

Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District; Solano Transportation Authority; Syar Industries; Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services, Inc.