Solano EDC Press Releases

Solano EDC Annual Meeting January 25, 2012

2012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Person named Solano EDC president

2011-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sandy Person has been named president for Solano Economic Development Corporation.

"Ms. Person has been a valued leader of economic development in Solano County for many years and we are extremely pleased to have her serve as our EDC president," Scott Reynolds, chair of the EDC board of directors said. "During the past few months she has led the transition of EDC as we create a new direction for the organization. Her enthusiasm and leadership skills have proved invaluable as we tackle the challenges facing our economy.

"Anyone who has worked with Sandy knows that she is a dedicated, hard working professional who always puts the economic interests of Solano first," Reynolds added. "Her enthusiasm is contagious and it will give new life to our efforts."

Person joined Solano EDC in 1999 serving as marketing manager and was then promoted to vice president. She was named interim president this summer when Michael Ammann resigned to accept a position in Stockton.

Person said her first priorities will be to work closely with local government and the business community to attract and retain businesses in Solano County. “Our opportunities are tremendous and it is extremely important Solano County and its cities are constantly on the radar”.

"We will work even harder to bolster our partnerships to assist in the on going efforts to not only bring new businesses to the county but also explore ways that can help retain our already existing businesses. This is not the time to be comfortable with the status quo. Working with our board of directors, we are thoroughly studying ways that can best serve our membership”.

She is a native of San Diego and began her professional career in investment and commercial real estate, prior to moving to Solano County 24 years ago to join Ticor Title and Chicago Title Insurance.

Community service has been a big part of Person's life. She currently serves on NorthBay healthcare Advantage Board of Directors, Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee board of directors, immediate past chair ; Solano College Theatre Association board of directors; Travis Credit Union volunteer at large; and a founding member of the Travis AFB Community Consortium. Person also has served as a board member of the Solano County Workforce Investment Board, and a former honorary commander for the Travis 615th Contingency Response Wing.

Last year she received the 2010 business person of the year award from the Children's network of Solano County, and Travis AFB honored her with her the Golden Bear Award.

She holds a bachelor of arts degree from National University, San Diego.

Person is married and lives in Vacaville with her husband Jack and their two sons, Tanner, 19, and Sean, 17.

Future of Commercial Real Estate Opportunities Discussed at EDC Event

2011-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Contact: Sandy Person
707 864-1855

Future of Commercial Real Estate

Opportunities Discussed at EDC Event

Commercial real estate ‘s current and future growth opportunities will take center stage at the Solano Economic Development Corporation’s Oct. 27 breakfast meeting.

Leaders in the areas of office, industrial and retail will participate in a panel discussion at the 2011 Real Estate Round-up, 7:30 a.m., Oct. 27 at Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

Sandy Person, interim President of Solano EDC, said the event will provide an overview of the current situation, and also give attendees the opportunity to learn more about future forecasts for growth.

“This is an important event for anyone interested in gaining information about the opportunities that exist for growth in our commercial real estate,” Person said. “We’ve put together a great panel of leaders in the field which will share their views and ‘best guesses’ for what the next year will bring.”

Participants in the panel are: Kevin Ramos, chief investment officer for Buzz Oates; Brooks Pedder, managing partner of Colliers International; and Chuck Shaw, past state director of International Council of Shopping Centers, Northern California and a partner at Fite Development Company.

To register for this event, call 707 864-1855. Cost of $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.

The breakfast event is sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Company.

EDC presents breakfast events during the year to highlight areas of economic development – affording the opportunity for private sector, government and community leaders gain insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Solano County.

The monthly events are hosted by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District; Solano Transportation Authority; Syar Industries; Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services.

Investing in Solano Education Pays Long Term Dividends

2011-06-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

For Release

Contact: Sandy Person, 707 864-1855

Investing in Solano Education Pays Long Term Dividends

Business and education executives will stress the importance of supporting early learning programs at the Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting, June 29 in Fairfield.

Attendees at the EDC event will hear views on how investment in early education programs help to close the achievement gap and increase economic opportunities in Solano County.

“As we plan our economic development strategies for the future it is critical that we have a grasp of current and future education needs, and what is needed to give our young people the best opportunities possible,” Sandy Person, interim president of EDC said. “This event will give us an update on what is going on and how business and the community can play an important role.

Program speakers will be: Matt Regan, vice president of government affairs for the Bay Area Council, and Lisette Estrella-Henderson, assistant superintendent of education services for the Solano County Office of Education.

The event will be held at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.

Winners of 2011 Family-Friendly Business Awards will also be announced at the event. The Alliance of Business for Children sponsors the awards.

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

The June event is hosted by First 5 Solano.

To register call 707 864-1855 or email pat@solanoedc.org

Travis AFB Commanders Update Solano EDC at May 19 Meeting in Vacaville

2011-05-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Solano County’s largest employer, Travis Air Force Base, will update business and community leaders on the base’s mission and goals May 19.

The three commanders from Travis will be the featured speakers at the monthly Solano EDC breakfast event, set for 7:30 a.m. May 19 at the Travis Credit Union, Vacaville.

Sandy Person, vice president of EDC, said the base’s top officials are invited each year to give an update on Travis AFB.

“This is such a critical part of our economy,” Person said. “Travis is a dynamic 24/7/365 global logistical organization that benefits from Solano strategic location. Travis AFB represents the capstone organization in Solano’s growing trade and logistics cluster. This networking event is a great opportunity for business, government and community leaders to meet commanders of the base, and to learn more about improvement plans for the base’s future.”

The three commanders who will attend the meeting are: Col. James C. Vechery, commander 60th Air Mobility Wing; Col. Jay Flournoy, Jr., commander 349th Air Mobility Wing; and Commander Gary Gottschall, commander 615 Contingency Response Wing.

“The men and women Travis – both military and civilian — are such an important part of our county family,” Person said. “They bring a vitality and commitment to improve our communities and are active in so many different areas—schools, churches, government, and non-profits.”

To make reservations contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members, and $35 for non-members.

The event is sponsored by Travis Credit Union.

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

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Community efforts to improve education pay long-term benefits for Solano County

2011-05-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Michael Ammann,
President Solano Economic Development Corporation

I’m certain you have heard this: “What you sow, is what you reap.”

It’s probably impossible to find anyone who would disagree with this simple sentence, but when it comes to a community’s needs it takes a long time to bring about changes, and for many it’s just too hard to make long term commitments.

Solano Economic Development Corporation through its long term marketing plans seeks to improve the economic opportunities for the residents who call Solano their home.

“Under the theme “Plant Your Business in Solano County,” EDC recognizes that the future needs a well educated workforce. We cannot forget that what we accomplish today can benefit our communities in the years ahead.

We strive for a youth force that is healthy, active, supported, educated and either a high school graduate or attending a college or university. That is one of the critical building blocks for achieving the mission of a stronger economy with better paying jobs.

There’s no quick payoff for a well educated workforce. So, it’s so easy to forget that what we “sow” today is what we “reap” tomorrow.

To provide our young people with the best opportunities for a good, solid education it takes more than just the dedication of teachers in the classroom. It takes a community—all of us to be involved and provide the support and encouragement it takes to achieve the long term goal of taking a 4-year-old from preschool through high school.

Solano County has taken huge steps in the past five years to create more involvement. It’s done through parents and community leaders who band together to support schools-both emotionally and through fund raising to assure kids have uniforms, arts and crafts classes, supplies, and money for school outings.

It’s the shadowing programs of our service organizations which allow a student to spend time with an adult in office or industrial setting.

It’s all those moms who carpool, or the dads who volunteer evenings and weekends.

And, how about the seniors who give them time, just to help one student improve their reading skills.

These are the seeds that will help our education system to grow the right way, and years from now our harvest will be bountiful. We just have to stay the course.

Does all of this effort going on in Solano County go unnoticed? No. The America’s Promise Alliance has recognized Solano County four times for its efforts to bring together stakeholders and tackle key issues confronting our youth.

This is quite an honor, and few areas of the nation have been recognized as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People.” And, Solano is the only community in California to receive that honor four times.

Right now, somewhere in Solano County, one of these ground-breaking community youth programs is getting underway.

Perhaps it’s the Project WHAT (We’re Here and Talking) that reaches out to the children of incarcerated parents. They face high risk for family dislocation and poverty. The Soroptimists provided funding along with First 5 Solano for the program, providing funding for kid-friendly visiting rooms at the two state prisons in Solano, and working with Barnes and Noble to collect and distribute 1,000 books to these children of prisoners.

Then, there’s the Solano Children’s Alliance that brings together stakeholders from government, schools, health, nonprofits and juvenile justice. The goal is to integrate services for children and families, and leverage additional funds for youth programs.

And, the Solano Coalition for Better Health has its program that aims to insure every child. And it has consistently had success rates above 90 percent.

The county also has a high proportion of fast food restaurants, and this has contributed to obesity. New innovative programs, like the “Healthy Cooking with Kids” program in Benicia schools, allowing students to learn healthy nutrition habits, cooking and testing of healthy foods.

For an example of a program to increase a student’s job opportunities, Vallejo stands out. Vallejo City Unified School District has created career academies in its three high schools in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, hospitality, media and public service. Data is just coming in but these programs are already showing a promise of increased attendance and fewer drop outs.

Complementing these new academies is UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science plans to open a new satellite center May 5 in Vallejo in an effort to provide more science education directly to communities in Solano County. Getting kids into science early is key to supporting high wage jobs like the rapidly growing life science cluster who’s wages averaged $78,300 in 2006.

The point to remember is that we don’t want to be discouraged in the short run. We must keep our eyes on the goal – a bountiful harvest of high school graduates that will provide for a growing educated work force for tomorrow.

While achievement of our goal is long term, it can be measured annually-- the number of high school dropouts, the number of college students, youth crime rates, health statistics.

Sometimes it means one step forward and two back, but never giving in.

As Winston Churchill said in 1941, speaking at Harrow School in England: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never.”

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2011: It’s time to prepare for economic growth in Solano County

2011-04-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

By Michael Ammann
President, Solano Economic Development Corporation

As we move into the second quarter of 2011, things are beginning to pick up a little on the economic front, in the nation and California. With this improvement come the opportunities for Solano County to step up to the plate and take advantage of its tremendous location in Northern California Mega Region.

We are centrally located between two of the fastest growing mega regions in the nation – if not in the world. The Bay Area and Sacramento metropolitan areas, even with all their challenges, are still dynamic and full of potential.

Solano County is the “heart” of these two Mega Regions.

Just stop and think about what Solano County offers:

Transportation. Freeway link Solano County east and west, via Interstate 80. Then, add freeways that go from Solano south into Walnut Creek, Plesanton and points south. And, from Vacaville, freeways link Solano to the fast growing areas of Yolo and points north along I-5. And remember the investment in two new bridges, the repaving of I-80 and on-going improvements to Highway 12 from Rio Vista to Napa.

Solano also is within an hour’s drive of three major metropolitan airports: San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento. No other county can make that boast.

Think of it this way: within an hour you are on your way to visit family, take a business trip to New York or Europe, or just go skiing in Colorado or Canada!

In addition, express buses move easily through morning and evening freeway traffic on their way to major cities, and the Amtrak service offers the opportunity to take a ride into downtown San Francisco.

Housing: The recession and housing crash was a tremendous blow to Solano’s overall economy. That is a fact, but that will change – it already is showing signs of new life. As the economy begins to grow families will be seeking areas that offer good housing at prices lower than those they can find closer to San Francisco, Napa, and the East Bay.

Great Communities: Our cities are among the best in California. They are clean, safe, and affordable, with convenient shopping and low traffic congestion. Through all the growth of the past decade Solano’s cities have been able to maintain that “hometown” atmosphere many seek.

Jobs: While we can expect a continual need for our county residents to commute to good jobs in the Bay and Sacramento areas, we still can boast a pretty solid core of jobs – and that can be expected to grow as businesses grow in the coming years.

Solano Economic Development Corporation, working with the Solano County Board of Supervisors, has conducted extensive research studies for the past four years. These studies are creating a blueprint for growth. These combined studies make it clear where our best economic growth opportunities lie. It can allow developers and local cities to focus on economic clusters that can bring new dollars and jobs into the county boundaries. Life sciences, agriculture and food processing, alternative energy products and sources, research and development, and manufacturing—these are the areas that promise economic stability in the years to come.

It’s time for all of us – and especially those involved in planning – put on an optimistic face and move forward.

A better future for Solano County and its residents can only be achieved if we act now. Solano EDC is prepared to embrace this tremendous opportunity and all the challenges that come with it.

We truly are the “Heart of two Mega Regions – San Francisco and Sacramento.

Benefits of redevelopment projects in Solano County Take center stage March 30 at EDC meeting

2011-03-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

California legislators have been invited to attend Solano Economic Development Corporation membership networking event on March 30 to learn how redevelopment projects have benefited the Solano economy.

Meeting speakers will demonstrate how redevelopment funding has created economic opportunities through Solano County – from the Suisun waterfront to the Vacaville downtown redevelopment, and in Vallejo, Fairfield, Dixon and Rio Vista.

“The Governor has proposed in his budget that redevelopment funding be eliminated. I cannot stress too strongly just how devastating that would be to California and our Solano communities – especially right now with 12% unemployment. Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said.

Speakers at the meeting will include representatives from local cities in Solano County who discuss the impact redevelopment projects have had on the economy including new business investment, increased job opportunities and construction of low income housing. They also will address how the funding elimination will hurt the cities in the coming months and years as economic development and housing staff will be reduced or eliminated.

Keynoting the program will be Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, an organization of private business firms and executives. The Bay Area Council has endorsed Gov. Brown’s proposed budget – a move that would eliminate most of the state’s economic development programs and realign and push many state programs down to county and city agencies. However, the Bay Area Council has call for reform of Redevelopment Agencies and not there elimination.

“California’s budgets of the recent past have violated every principle of fiscal responsibility by conjuring up billions of dollars in fake revenues and pushing hard decisions off to ‘next year’,” said Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “We don’t like everything in this proposal. Our members don’t like the higher taxes, which run counter to expanding business and jobs in the state. But on balance, we need to be part of the solution and we support the governor’s proposal overall.”

“You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn and question why business leaders from around the state have endorsed the governor’s budget plan and its effect on Solano communities.”

“This is critical legislation and our representatives need to know more about the history of redevelopment funding and what it has meant to Solano County residents,” Ammann said. “It’s a positive story.”

“This proposed budget cut cannot be taken lightly,” he said. “At a time when our economy desperately needs opportunities for jobs and investment capital it just doesn’t make any sense to eliminate one of our state’s more successful programs.”

The meeting is one of EDC’s monthly breakfast meetings to provide a forum to discuss critical issues and challenges. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Private sector, government and community leaders are urged to attend. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members, $35 for non-members. Call 707 864-1855 for reservations or email pat@solanoedc.org. This meeting is sponsored by NorthBay Healthcare and First Northern Bank.

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Time to tell Solano’s story: We’re the crossroad of two mega-regions

2011-01-31T16:51:00.000-08:00

Submitted By: Michael Ammann, President,
Solano Economic Development Corporation

It’s time to tell the Solano County story.

Four years of Solano County’s economic development studies has shown that we are not what other people think we are.

Many in the Bay Area and Sacramento see Solano as a pass through agricultural open space area devoted to suburban sprawl growth patterns with lower-income job opportunities. They wrongly believe that Solano is either on the Bay Area fringe or the in between rest stop when traveling between San Francisco and Sacramento.

So what is Solano’s story?

Solano is the emerging growth center at the heart of the Northern California Mega Region.

The factual indicators presented in four years of economic development and industry cluster studies tell the true Solano story.

These studies, conducted by Collaborative Economics of San Jose, reveal clearly the long-term trend numbers. Solano Economic Development Corporation wanted to have solid research which would point toward trends in the private sector—trends that would show opportunities for new growth and higher paying jobs for residents. With funding from the County of Solano, the these EDC studies show that our community and business leaders have made wise choices on how to grow both physically as well as connect economically as the heart of a growing 12 million consumer Northern California Mega Region.

In a short 30 years, Solano’s economy changed from a primarily agriculture- and government services-based economy into a diverse economy with five major new clusters in life sciences/biotechnology, renewable energy production, professional services/higher education, state-of-the-art health care centers, and logistics.

For example, add up the numbers for the adjacent communities of Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City, Benicia, Vallejo, American Canyon and Napa. Those numbers add up to 350,000 population-sized city that is the fourth largest in the Bay area, with more than 40,000 university and college students, and home to the last major Department of Defense facility employing over 15,000.

Solano’s center to the Northern California Mega Region is also the logistical equivocate to the gateway to the world. Solanoans have access to three major passenger and freight international airports as well as the fourth largest port in the nation. Solanoans are less than hour to most of the major urban Northern California business and tourism attractions and the political capitol of California. Frankly, Solano has the best weather since “it’s always sunny in Solano.”

The vitality or our communities and residents has allowed Solano County to weather the economic storm much better than some of our neighboring counties.

In 2008 and 2009 alone some 2500 new small businesses opened their doors in Solano. That’s a tremendous number and has gone a long way toward providing income for many many families.

Our unemployment rates, even though too high—much too high—are lower than rates in surrounding counties. And, the good news is that late last year we saw a dip in the jobless rates. Another positive – our four-year college graduation rate has increased 26 per cent since 2005

Researchers conclude there is a vitality alive in Solano.

This view is seconded by Doug Hosley, interim vice chancellor for university relations at the U.C. Merced campus. Hosley says Solano’s “…vitality is making a difference” in the county’s economic picture.

It’s time for all of us to take a new step forward and go tell the new Solano story, using the real facts to change the minds of business and community leaders.

Once others begin to recognize Solano as the true heart for the Bay Area and Sacramento mega-regions we will see more opportunities for good paying jobs and increased tax revenues to maintain the high levels of service that has made Solano such a great place to live. To view the 2010 Economic Index visit www.solanocounty.com/economicindex.

Issues with Delta Water legislation will be aired June 30

2010-06-16T14:20:00.001-07:00

Solano EDC members and guests will have the chance to learn more and voice concerns or support for the recently enacted Delta Water Legislation when State Sen. Lois Wolk speaks at the June 30 membership networking breakfast in Fairfield, CA.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on June 3 signed legislation by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to extend a cost-sharing program that helps many local levee agencies afford necessary maintenance and improvements to levees that protect lives, farmland, and drinking water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

“This legislation will help sustain Delta maintenance programs during this time of transition," Wolk concluded. "Until the state develops and begins to implement its plans for the Delta, the Delta Levee Program must remain in place to help provide necessary levee maintenance and improvements that protect Delta levees and the communities living and working behind them."

Mike Ammann, President of Solano EDC said this event will provide the opportunity for members not only learn more about the Delta package but also provide recommendations that can be implemented to ensure that the Delta business community remains vital economically.

The event will be held at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. For reservations contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.

The event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health and B&L Properties and Placer Title Company.

The monthly meetings are held by the Solano EDC to bring topics of interest and concern to community, private sector and government leaders.

The monthly series is underwritten by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members, Solano Transportation Authority, Syar Industries, Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services, Inc.

Manufacturing can propel State forward—if Politicians Act

2010-05-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

Michael Ammann, President, Solano Economic Development Corporation

As Sacramento politicians grapple with a $20-plus billion dollar deficit, there is a growing disconnect between a thriving private sector economy and the dysfunctional financing of government services.

The latest example of this disconnect is the automotive industry’s departure as a California economic force. The last vehicle production facility (NUMMI-Toyota) closed in March resulting in the closure by all California auto suppliers with an estimated loss of 20,000 production jobs.

The continued debate of whether to make drastic cuts to state government versus painful tax increases has set in at the Capitol with the same old rhetoric that has got us nowhere. Those running for office especially the gubernatorial candidates need to focus on ways to get our economy growing with a strong competitive state economic development program that partners with local economic development organizations. This is in the interest of all Californians, particularly Solano County where unemployment has reached more than 13 percent and may go higher.

Even Solano’s strategic location, skilled and trained work force which makes the County’s communities an ideal location for expanding high wage manufacturing firms cannot overcome California’s negative business investment climate.

There is a continued inaction by the legislature producing unresolved growing structural budget deficits. The outcome is few and unclear business investment incentives—resulting in a “wait and see” attitude about expanding—or even worse, decisions to relocate out of state. If you question this, just try to convince an out-of-state friend or business associate to make a business invest or consider moving into the State of California. You’ll quickly learn how difficult it is to attract investment and talent to California.

Jobs and the economy have topped every opinion poll for the past 18 months. So it is only logical that the Legislature and candidates for state offices address the issues that are most important to residents - Jobs-Jobs-Jobs.

There are opportunities: the biotech industry for example. Biotech has skilled labor. It’s labor intensive and provides high wages. Biotech is crucial to California’s and Solano County’s economic future. A recent survey by the California Healthcare Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP forecasts good and bad news.

Good News -- biotechnology companies expect to maintain or add jobs over the next two years. Of the 200 biomedical employers surveyed for the report, 92% of companies see revenue growth and plan on expanding their research and development investment.

Bad News-- two-thirds of the survey’s respondents expect to increase out-of-state manufacturing as opposed to growth within California. To further exacerbate our concerns nearly 6 and 10 indicated they will grow their research and development departments outside of California.

With Genentech/Roche, Bio-Rad, ALZA and Novartis among the leading employers in Solano County, I am increasing concerned that our state leaders are not doing enough to promote growth within our state. While policymakers have long seemed content to watch California’s manufacturing base whittled away, they have also assured Californians that as long as we remain the leader in venture capital and research our state will continue to prosper. However, this report should undermine this sense of complacency.

This report coupled with our state’s terrible economic situation should be a serious wakeup call.

Our state cries out for a comprehensive consistent economic development policy, plan and staffing. While our Legislature has seen the importance in providing incentives in situations, their success has been limited to clean energy. Creating forward-looking plans to promote economic growth and jobs is something this state has been waiting on for several administrations.

The launching of the centralized Governors Office for Economic Development (GoED) office this month is too little too late, and most likely will not survive or thrive in the next administration. Meanwhile the legislature is developing bills that sunset for all investment incentives, including tax credits, deductions and exemptions, and caps how much can be claimed each year, thereby creating substantial uncertainty for employers and discouraging future investment in the state.

The final key to revitalizing California’s economy is to streamline regulations so that the entitlement process actually “entitles” investment that expands businesses that hire unemployed people. Regulatory reform will bring investment and payrolls to provide new tax and fee revenues to Solano communities.

First 5 Solano Op Ed

2010-04-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

The opportunities to retain, grow and diversify Solano County’s energy cluster will be aired at the April 22 Solano Economic Development Corporation monthly meeting in Fairfield.

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.

AT&T President Stresses Importance of Education at Solano EDC Meeting, March 31 in Fairfield

2010-03-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ken McNeely, AT&T California president, will be the keynote speaker when the importance of business and children are highlighted at the monthly Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting, March 31, in Fairfield.

“Business & Children-They Are More Connected than You Think!” is the theme of the meeting that will bring together educators, local government officials and the private sector. The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield.

Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC, said the event is a “…chance for us to focus on supporting quality child development, preschool and early literacy programs that ensure the future workforce enters school ready to learn.”

Dee Alarcon, superintendent of Solano County office of education, said that early childhood education and care is important to business and this forum will assist in creating partners who will improve community efforts.

Also speaking will be: Matt Regan, vice president of government relations for the Bay Area Council; and Solano County Supervisor Linda Seifert.

“There are clear economic incentives for local businesses to be part of the community investment in children and families,” Seifert said. “Collectively, we have the ability to have far-reaching impacts on the economy today and in the future.”

The event is sponsored by First 5 Solano and the Children’s Network of Solano County.

The monthly EDC meetings call attention to issues of critical importance to Solano County. They are made possible through the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members, Solano Transportation Authority, Syar Industries, Solano Garbage Company and Republic Services, Inc.

McNeely will address the “Key to Economic Success in the 21st Century.”

To register, call (707) 864-1855 or email pat@solanoedc.org. Cost is $25 per person.

# # # # #

STA Board Requests Federal Funds for Solano Transportation Priorities on Capitol Hill

2010-03-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Suisun City, CA- The Solano Transportation Authority (STA) Board of Directors sent a contingent to Washington, DC this week to advocate for critical federal funding for Solano's priority transportation projects.

Led by STA Board Chair Pete Sanchez, (Suisun City Mayor), representing the STA Board were Harry Price, Vice Chair (Fairfield Mayor); Len Augustine (Vacaville Mayor); Osby Davis (Vallejo Mayor), Jack Batchelor, Jr. (Dixon Mayor), Jan Vick (Rio Vista Mayor, and Elizabeth Patterson (Benicia Mayor). Also accompanying the group was Mike Ammann, Solano Economic Development Corporation Executive Director, and Anthony Intintoli, SF Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) Vice Chair and former STA Board Chair.

The STA submitted the following requests for the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation Appropriations Program:

1. Travis Air Force Base North Gate Access Improvements - $5 million

2. Transit Center at Curtola and Lemon: Vallejo - $3 million

3. Vacaville Intermodal Station, Phase 2 - $2 million

4. Fairfield Transportation Center - $2 million

5. Dixon Train Station/Parkway Blvd. Overcrossing - $2 million

6. I-80 Corridor Circulation Improvements Study: Vallejo - $1 million

7. Solano Safe Routes to School Program, Student Planning and Environmental Education - $1 million

The STA also shared its perspective on proposed changes to federal transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU: Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - a Legacy for Users), and urged members to support the four priority projects Solano submitted last July for the next reauthorization:

1. I-80/I-680/SR 12 Interchange Project - $45 million

2. Travis Air Force Base North Gate Access Improvements - $5 million

3. Alternative Fuel SolanoExpress Bus Replacement - $2 million

4. Vacaville Intermodal Station, Phase 2 - $1.5 million

A full schedule of meetings with Solano's Congressional members and staff also included discussions with the Federal Transit Administration. Meetings were held with:

♦ Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bridget Petruczok, Legislative Assistant

♦ Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): Ben Kramer, Legislative Assistant

♦ Congressman George Miller (D-CA)

♦ Office of Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA): Josh Franco, Senior Legislative Assistant

♦ Office of Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA): Sandra Wiseman, Legislative Assistant

♦ Matt Welbes, Federal Transit Administration Executive Director

The STA conveyed a strong message to the legislators by having all seven mayors of Solano's cities present transportation priorities. "This is a challenging time for Solano County with California in the midst of a significant state budget crisis and the fiscal uncertainty for near term federal and state transportation funding," said STA Board Chair Pete Sanchez.

Solano County has worked hard in recent years to obtain limited federal funds for projects such as the I-80/680/SR 12 Interchange, the I-80 Truck Scales Relocation Project, Travis Air Force Base Access Improvements, the Jepson Parkway, I-80 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes, SR 12 East Safety Improvements, Vallejo Baylink Ferry Facilities, and expanded express bus service along the I-80/680/780 corridors.

"We have our work cut out for us advocating for federal transportation appropriations and reauthorization this year, as well as urging our legislators to seriously consider reforming the nation's infrastructure funding authorization process," said Sanchez.

As appropriation requests work their way through the legislative process, funding levels will not be determined until probably October of this year. "We have joined together to present a unified message from Solano County to help make the congressional members' job easier by clearly identifying our mutual federal funding priorities," said Sanchez.

The STA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, programming transportation funds, managing and providing transportation programs and services, delivering transportation projects, and setting transportation priorities. The "STA's Federal Priority Projects" booklet can be downloaded from the STA website at The booklet contains the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Appropriations Requests as well as Fiscal Year 2010 Federal Reauthorization Requests.

For further information about the Solano Transportation Authority's legislative program, contact STA Executive Director Daryl Halls or STA Marketing and Legislative Program Manager Jayne Bauer at (707) 424-6075

Solano needs an Energy Cluster Team

2010-02-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

By Michael Ammann, President, Solano Economic Development Corporation

Now is the time for us to bring our community leaders together and take advantage of the tremendous growth opportunities for green energy growth in Solano County.

As a result of the recent publishing of Solano County’s Energy Cluster report, the hope of Solano Economic Development Corporation is that we can bring together these leaders from our cities and county to create a Solano Energy Cluster Team. Working together to establish policies and track long-term strategic goals we will be in a much better position to assure Solano County fulfills its opportunities in the rapidly transforming energy cluster.

We know that we have the wind, sun, natural gas and available land for research and production that can make Solano a vital player in the coming years. The Energy Cluster Team would make certain the necessary steps are taken to easily attract investment and growth from corporations and research institutions.

The result: we will capture more than our share of the abundant regional opportunities rapidly expanding in the clean energy cluster. Our existing cluster is diverse, with both carbon-based energy and clean-energy sectors. Together, these sectors employ over 1,500 people across more than 60 energy-related businesses. Jobs in Solano County’s energy cluster span a wide range of occupations offering high-, medium- and entry-level opportunities in both carbon-based (oil and gas drilling and petroleum refining) and clean energy (solar and wind) sectors.

Once a countywide energy policy is approved we can then work to remove any and all barriers that might result in a potential business moving to another area. One thing for certain, when a business is ready to act, to expand, or to move into a new location it wants to know it can be done with a minimum of red tape, rezoning, or community opposition. Those counties that eliminate these expansion barriers will be the counties that will prosper from the coming alternative energy growth.

I am firmly convinced that with a sound energy policy that results in strategic planning we can pool our tremendous people skills and enjoy a lion’s portion of the pie.

This is not a pipedream. Solano County is positioned as a potential leader in this growing field of economic development. We have abundant sun, wind, and location. We are in the middle of one of the largest energy research centers in the world, and we are well positioned between the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Research shows us that clean energy is one of the fastest-growing economic clusters in our county. For example growth in solar capacity (kW) increased 187% in Solano between 2007-2008 and only 38% in California. It is still small, when compared to other sectors, but the opportunities cannot be overstated.

Doug Henton, president of Collaboration Research, recently reported his firm’s findings on the energy cluster. Simply stated the research confirmed the potential for growth. Employment in the clean energy sector has grown 72 percent since 1995. And, the research revealed that the clean energy sector is attracting investors at a fantastic growth rate. In the past two years venture capital has increased four-fold in Northern California. The universities at Davis and Berkeley are research leaders in the various fields of creating innovation in energy, matching up with the more basic research under way at the two national energy facilities –in Berkeley and Livermore. All of these investments in energy research make Northern California a prime candidate for spinning out new commercial sources of clean energy.

Our current fossil fuel industry - centered in Benicia and Rio Vista areas - is a stable and important part of our economy, and will be for many years to come. We are not looking just to green and grow these refineries, but to provide opportunities for business and jobs in the totally new alternative cleaner fuels produced from biomass and algae now undergoing research at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, the national labs and the Department of Energy Joint BioEnergy Institute.

We already have organizations including the Work Force Investment Board of Solano County and Solano Community College working to provide skill level training that will prepare our workforce for new green collar opportunities. These skills will bring our residents the chance to grab jobs in clean energy generation (i.e. solar, and wind), energy conservation products and service as well as clean transportation. Bioscience research, engineering, construction, and maintenance are just a few of the skills needed to fill the needs of a multiple-sourced energy cluster. While carbon-based occupations require moderate on-the-job training, most clean energy occupations will require associate degrees.

Clean energy jobs pay well. A statewide research study from the California Employment Development Department, shows annual wages range from $34,000 for electricians to $95,000 for biochemists and biophysicists. As more and cleaner energy firms locate in Solano (and we maintain our jobs in carbon-based energy), we will have a stronger workforce making wages that will sustain a high quality of life in Solano.

Recognizing the opportunities in clean energy, unions are already setting up programs that will train members, and have them ready for the predicted jobs that will be available.

Dan Broadwater, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Works, and Michael Smith, IBEW business development, are setting up training programs to cross train members in clean energy.

As Broadwater says, “The jobs are coming and we want to be ready.” Over the past three years the Solano EDC has fielded a growing number of inquiries from companies, including solar, wind, natural gas turbine generators, electric vehicles, biomass, algae, batter technology and carbon sequestration.

But, showing an interest is only the first step. We in Solano must be able to show potential new business that we have a policy in place that will assure a smooth approval and a fast track toward construction and operation.

We have a great story to tell. We already have seen this story unfold within the updated Solano County General Plan that was approved last November and successful new commercial wind project at enXcom Shiloh II, and large solar arrays at Alza, Meyer, Budweiser and Novartis. But, there is so much more that we can do to fully prepare for the influx of funding and expansion in clean energy.

Supervisor John Vasquez, chairman of the Solano County Board of Supervisors made it clear in the Energy Cluster Report that we need a comprehensive and integrated strategy that “…conveys to the world we have a plan in action that will enable us to live up to our exciting potential.”

“The report confirms we are outpacing the state and the region on many fronts: growth in solar capacity, use of alternative fuel vehicles and the addition of energy-related jobs,” Vasquez said.

The choice is clear. By working together to create an aggressive energy marketing strategy for Solano County, we will open up opportunities to capture the scale up of regional energy innovation, expand local clean energy markets, and prepare county residents for new career opportunities in Solano County’s growing Energy Economy. All can benefit including local government through increased revenues, local residents through more diverse and higher wage jobs, and local businesses through increased customer and supplier potential.

We can accomplish so much by pooling our talents and creating an Energy Task Force to position us for the long term opportunities that Solano’s Energy Cluster presents. Take a look at the online version of the Solano County’s Energy Cluster Report at http://www.solanocounty.com/energycluster

# # #

Solano EDC February 25 Breakfast

2010-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Manufacturing Opportunities and Challenges
Highlighted at Solano EDC Event this Month

A Solano County Manufacturing Summit will be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield,

The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), a firm devoted to serving the changing needs of manufacturing in California, will host the event along with the Solano Economic Development Corporation as part of the monthly events held in Solano.

Michael Ammann, President of Solano EDC, said that Manex conducted a special workshop last year in Solano, which was “…so successful we decided to do it again this year in response to requests.”

Topics and speakers at the summit will be:

“Challenges and Solutions for California’s Manufacturers,” Jack Stewart, President and CEO of California Manufacturers and Technology Association,

“The Next Generation Manufacturing,” Bill Browne, Engagement Manager for The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex).

To register call Solano EDC at 707.864-1855. Reservations are $25 per person.

The monthly EDC meetings are made possible by the organization’s Chairman Circle Members, Syar Industries, Inc.; Republic Services, Inc; and Solano Garbage Company.

Come and learn more of Travis AFB and Solano County’s economic future at Solano EDC’s Annual Meeting

2010-01-11T10:58:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Ammann or Sandy Person 707.864.1855

Come and learn more of Travis AFB and Solano County’s
economic future at Solano EDC’s Annual Meeting

Top ranking officials at Travis Air Force Base will review the military’s economic influence on Solano County at the annual meeting of Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Jan. 28 in Fairfield. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The three wing commanders of TAFB will join keynote speaker Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics.

Henton will unveil the Solano County 2009 Index of Economic and Community Progress. This will be the second annual index produced by the firm under a contract administrated by EDC and funded by the County of Solano. Henton said “The 2009 Index will focus on both long term and short term trends that help put the current economic situation in context” Ammann also said “that the 2009 index is an important tool to keep Solano aware of economic opportunities that will come to the foreground as the nation’s economy improves”.

The three wing commanders who will speak are: Colonel James C. Vechery, 60th Air Mobility Wing; Colonel John Flournoy, Jr., 349th Air Mobility Wing; and Colonel John Lipinski, 615 Contingency Response Wing. “The Air Force Base plays a critical role in our economy as its largest employer,” Ammann said. “At this time in history Travis is a vital facility, not only to Solano’s economic security but to our nation’s security. Working in partnership with Solano communities and the Solano EDC over the past five years Travis AFB has made major improvements to its ability to carry out multiple missions while improving the quality of life on base.” According to Colonel Vechery, “Travis’ fighting capability is directly dependent upon our ability to develop and care for our Airmen and families. Working with the local community to build long and lasting relationships continues to be a priority so that we can effectively accomplish our mission here at Team Travis – Airpower!”

Other highlights of the event will be the review of county and communities economic development projects and activities presented by Michael Ammann, president of EDC. “2009 will be looked back upon as the turning point for the recovery in Solano County. Ammann said “Although Solano communities suffered high unemployment and cut backs in projects during 2009, overall the county’s economy continues restructure into higher waged businesses and industries while maintaining the key competitive advantages as the most affordable and best logistical location within the Bay Area.”

Also, the EDC officers for 2010 will also be installed. Cost for the event is $45 per person, and tables for eight can be reserved for $350. Call 707.864-1855 to make reservations.

Interested persons are advised to make reservations early since this event has been a sellout for many years.

Event Sponsored by:
First Northern Bank; Kaiser Permanente; Sutter Health; NorthBay Healthcare and First 5 Solano

Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members:
Syar Industries; Solano Garbage Company; Republic Services, Inc. and Touro University

The Solano Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of Solano County communities through the attraction, growth and retention of business and industry.
360 Campus Lane, Suite 102 ▪ Fairfield CA 94534 ▪ (888) 864-1855 ▪ www.solanoedc.org
Mike Ammann, President ▪ Sandy Person, Vice President

# # # #

2009-11-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-30T15:24:00.003-07:00

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.

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

2009-09-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-09-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

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.

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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.

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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

2009-09-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

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.

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!)

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

SOLANO'S WINE INDUSTRY HAS GROWING ECONOMIC IMPACT

2009-08-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Vineyards, bottlers, cork manufacturing, shipping and tourism--all are making Solano County a major player in California's wine industry.

While Napa and Sonoma counties continue to dominate the industry, Solano has slowly pushed its way into the picture as a growing wine industry entity.

The impact of Solano's wine industry will be discussed Thursday, Aug. 20th at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Hotel when Solano Economic Development Corporation sponsors a panel discussion on the industry and opportunities for future growth.

"Solano County provides major support functions that contribute to the success of Northern California's wine industry," Sandy Person, Vice President of Solano EDC said. "Not only do we have fine wineries, we also have bottling, corking, shipping and tourism segments that make us a key player."

Person said the county continues to grow as a wine industry, and he attributes a lot of it to the transportation access afforded by major freeways.

"Industry is discovering how convenient Solano is to the wine country of Napa-Sonoma, and how convenient we are to the Bay Area and Sacramento. These are critical elements for this industry."

The program, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, will feature:
- Ron Lanza, Wooden Valley Winery
- James Herwatt, Cork Supply
- Matt Schrap, California Trucking Association

This member breakfast is sponsored by; Pride Industries, Gaw Van Male & Sutter Health.

Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members. To register, call 707-864-1855, or e-mail, pat@solanoedc.org.

2009-07-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

JULY 2009

Table of Contents
-Real Estate Roundup (June 2009)
-August Breakfast Event – Solano’s Economic Impact ~ Wine Industry
-Workforce Investment Board
-Did you know – Solano Tourism?

Real Estate Roundup (June 2009)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 907 Cotting Lane, Vacaville, CA – 13,836 SF lease to J & B Aviation
- 1051 Aldridge Road, Vacaville, CA – 4,800 SF lease to General Machining
- 640 Eubanks Court, Vacaville, CA – 1,400 SF lease to Correct Equipment

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 457 Industrial Way, Benicia – Lease Renewal of 40,000 sf to Metropolitan Van & Storage, Inc.
- 505 Lopes Road, Fairfield - Leased 16,800 sf to Juvenal, S.A
- 324 Campus Lane, Suite A, Fairfield – Leased 2,290 sf to Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc.
- 4705 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield – Sale of 2,155 sf to Sierra Pacific Investment Co.
- 4775 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield – Sale of 2,155 sf to State Farm Insurance
- 4727 Mangels, Fairfield - Leased 1,441 sf to PB Americas, Inc.
- 3841 Bithell Lane, Solano County – Lease Renewal of 12,750 sf to Matrix Service, Inc.

Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)
- 921 Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – leased 4,542 SF to Dow Diversified, Inc.
- Interstate 80 @ Midway Road, Vacaville – sold ±216 acres to Gary Thiara & Kurt Hilbers
- 4701 Industrial Way, Benicia – sold 243,000 SF to Gonsalves & Santucci, Inc.

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 499 Edison Ct, Fairfield - 5,100 sf leased to Westinghouse
- 2850 Cordelia Rd., Fairfield – 1,740 sf leased to Ron Brilliant

Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- 1249 Illinois St, Fairfield - 4,800 sf lease to Loose Endz, Inc.
- 712+714 Madison, Fairfield - 2,800 sf lease to Teresita and Michelle Reyes

______________________________________________________

Member Breakfast Event – Solano’s Economic Impact ~ Wine Industry

Come hear about the Economic Impact of the Wine Industry in Solano County from Industry Experts on growing, bottling, corking, distribution and tourism!

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Time: 7:30 – 8 am Registration & Networking
Place: Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield
2200 Gateway Court, Fairfield, CA
Cost: $25.00 Solano EDC Members*
(*complimentary tickets are available varying on membership level)
$35.00 Non-members

To register, call (707) 864-1855 or email: pat@solanoedc.org

______________________________________________________

Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Solano County has received an additional $1,567,481 in WIA funding from President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to serve local youth in a Summer Youth Employment Program. The WIB will seek to serve approximately 450-500 young people in the local community, ages 14-24, May 1, 2009 - September 30, 2009, with an emphasis on work readiness and paid work experience with public, non-profit, and for-profit worksites.

For further information contact:
Julie Gallego (707) 863-3506 or Cheryl Franklin-Golden (707) 863-3530

If you would like information about the Business Services offered by the WIB contact:
Sonja Rockwell-Jackson, Business Services Representative, (707) 649-3616

______________________________________________________

Did you know?

Tourism is a major economic generator in Solano County, although it is not quite as large as Napa and Sonoma but still quite impressive. According to a 2007 California Travel & Tourism Commission report…
- The total direct travel spending in Solano was $587 million dollars
- With hotel and motel receipts of $158 million dollars
- $158 million dollars of total earnings
- And local tax receipts of $7.5 million dollars

Over the past 6 plus years these numbers have continued to grow and show no sign of decline.

Continue to support our local economy with a “staycation” in the Fun and Exciting Solano County.

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Solano County has educated commuters

2009-07-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

More than 27 percent of Solano County residents who commute outside the county to work have at least a bachelor’s degree.

Only San Francisco and Alameda counties have more commuters who hold bachelor or graduate degrees.

“”The data says that Solano County contributes the educated workforce that is driving the economic engine of neighboring counties within the Northeast Bay,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) said. Most important Ammann said “expanding Bay Area employers need to know that Solano has an educated labor force looking for job opportunities in Solano and business friendly Solano communities welcome new employers. Our saying is “Plant Your Business in Solano” and grow your business with our highly qualified work force.

The latest census data shows there are 75,000 Solano residents who commute out to other counties (see chart below) with more than 19,000 who have achieved bachelor or graduate degrees.

Ammann predicted that Bay area business will reduce their workers “carbon footprint” by moving to Solano County that will result in more high paying jobs in the future. He cited the growing biotech industry, food and beverage, and other specialized manufacturing clusters paired with the availability of industrial and business parks that are “shovel ready” as reasons why Solano will experience economic development opportunities.

Solano County Residents' Commute Flows
Educational Attainment of Population that Works Outside of the County • 2006

NOTE: Source: US Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey. Data taken from the Solano County 2008 Index of Economic and Community Progress. A research study funded by Solano County and conducted by the Solano EDC. See entire Solano County Index of Economic and Community progress can be found at: http://www.solanocounty.com/economicindex

Ammann steps down as head of TeamCalifornia

2009-07-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation, has stepped down as head of TeamCalifornia. He led the statewide organization for two years. The non-profit group brings together economic development organizations from across the state to market their communities for business investment and job creation.

Ammann, one of TeamCalifornia’s pioneers, helped guide the group to a statewide organization that is an important advocate for business development in California.

“When first created, TeamCalifornia was envisioned as an organization that could give the state a strong voice for economic development—at a time when the state was doing very little,” Ammann said. “I have been proud to be a part of the group’s efforts. Today it is not only recognized nationally, it has worked with state officials to increase the government’s role in economic development.”
The new president of TeamCalifornia is Michael Bushey, an executive with Southern California Edison. He becomes the first Southern California representative to lead TeamCalifornia.

“With Mike (Bushey) we have a strong economic development advocate in the president’s chair,” Ammann said. “I turn the reins of TeamCalifornia over to him with extreme confidence that the organization will continue to serve the entire state well.

2009-06-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

June 2009

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (May 2009)
- Bay-Tec moves headquarters to Fairfield
- Did you know? Farmers Markets

Real Estate Roundup (May 2009)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- Building 599, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 112,327 SF lease to Alstom Transportation Inc.
- Quarters D, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 7,878 SF lease to Bay City Mechanical

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 437 & 441 Industrial Way, Benicia - 80,000 SF lease to Valero

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 299 Beck Avenue, Fairfield - 150,000 SF lease to Meyer Corporation
- 505 Lopes Road, Fairfield - 16,800 SF lease to Juvenal Direct
- 2339 Courage Drive, Fairfield - 12,000 SF lease to Westcal Express
- 350 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield - 5,040 SF lease renewal to Amen Clinics
- 4830 Business Center Drive, Fairfield - 3,200 SF lease to George Hills Company
- 5130 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 2,500 SF lease to OC Communications
- 5130 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 2,500 SF lease to Proserv
_______________________________________________________

Bay-Tec moves headquarters to Fairfield
Bay-Tec Engineering, a division of Emerson Process Management, has moved its headquarters to Fairfield. It leased 20,000 square feet at 5130 Fulton Drive. The company, with a 25 year service, moved to Solano County from Napa.

Bay-Tec is a control system engineering and construction firm, focused on providing its clients with automated solutions. It also has facilities in Brea and Portland, Oregon.

In 2007 Bay-Tec was named one of the top manufacturing firms in the North Bay area.

For information regarding Bay-Tec services please call 707-252-6575.
_________________________________________________________

Did you know?
Solano County has many local produce stands and farmers markets that are great places to buy fresh produce, reduce your carbon footprint and support our local farmers. Check out a local farmers market by you!

Benicia Farmers Market
Date & Time: Every Thursday from 4 pm until 8 pm, April 30th through October
Location: First Street between B and D Streets

Dixon Farmers Market
Date & Time: Every Thursday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, May 21st to September 24th
Location: Women's Improvement Park, North 1st at East C Street in downtown Dixon

Fairfield Farmers Market
Date & Time: Every Thursday from 4pm until 8pm, May 7th to October 1st, 2009
Location: Downtown Fairfield on Jefferson Street and Texas Street adjacent to the Solano County Government Center Plaza

Vacaville Farmer Market
Date & Time: Every Saturday 8 am until 12pm, May 16th to October 31st
Location: Main Street between Parker and Dobbins

Vallejo Kaiser Certified Farmers Market
Day & Time: Fridays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Open All Year
Location: 975 Serreno Drive

Vallejo Saturday Certified Farmers Market
Day & Time: Saturdays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Open All Year
Location: Georgia & Marin Streets

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

What’s hot in the financial credit scene

2009-06-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

New strategies for navigating the complex and evolving credit world will be reviewed at the June 25 Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting in Fairfield.

Three financial executives will participate in the event which is designed to help Solano County business keep up-to-date on the ever changing economic conditions.

“We’ve weathered the worst of this storm,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said, “but the waters are still pretty choppy. This program will give some insight into the future, with three top executives participating on the panel. With the improving economy there is growing interest in financial credit.”

Panelists are: Paul Schroeder, managing director, Cohen Financial; Ron Vyse, vice president and business development officer, Wells Fargo Bank; and Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, president and CEO, Travis Credit Union.

The Breakfast event begins at 7:30 a.m. June 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members.

The event is sponsored by Travis Credit Union.

The breakfast meeting is part of the series of meetings conducted monthly to bring information and networking opportunities to the private and government sectors. The series is sponsored by: Syar Industries, Solano Garbage Company, Touro University and Potrero Hills Landfill.

To register, call 707-864-1855, or e-mail, pat@solanoedc.org.

2009-06-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

May 2009

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup ( April 2009)
- MARE ISLAND, VALLEJO lands Rail Car Firm
- Solano County economic and community progress index recognized by statewide organization
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (April 2009)

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 437 & 441 Industrial, Benicia - 80,000 s/f Lease to Valero Refining Company
- 521 Stone Road, Benicia - 49,920 s/f Lease Renewal to Sears Logistics Services, Inc.
- 536 Stone Road, Suites G&H, Benicia - 4,608 s/f Lease to ThyssenKrupp Safway, Inc.
- 4727 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield - 1,441 s/f Commercial Condo Sale to Sierra Pacific Investment Co.

Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)
- 2320 Cordelia Road, Fairfield - +/- 26,700 SF Leased to Certified Coatings
- 3001 Bayshore Road, Benicia - +/- 4,400 SF Leased to GEM Mobile
- 299 Beck Avenue, Fairfield - +/-150,000 SF Leased to Meyer Corporation

Grubb & Ellis (www.grubb-ellis.com)
- 4949 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 10,000 sf lease to O’Hara Metal Products
- 4949 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 5,000 sf lease to The Picture Company

Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- 2350 S Watney Way, #C-H, Fairfield - 9,600 sf leased to Vortex Int'l Enter

MARE ISLAND, VALLEJO lands Rail Car Firm
On May 6, 2009 Lennar Mare Island, LLC (LMI) announced that it has signed a lease with Alstom Transportation, Inc. (Alstom), an international transit company, for more than 112,000 sq. ft. of office and manufacturing space in Building 599, one of Mare Island’s largest structures. The company will bring 20 new jobs to Mare Island.

“LMI is pleased to welcome Alstom to the Mare Island business community,” said Jason Keadjian, spokesman for LMI. “Alstom’s operation will result in a significant investment in Mare Island.” Light industrial and manufacturing users like Alstom represent the majority of the more than 2.5 million square feet of commercial space currently occupied on Mare Island.

Alstom and LMI are investing more than $1,000,000 toward the reuse of Building 599, including improvements to the building’s roof, exterior lighting, office space, and a railroad spur for the company’s use. As part of their operations, Alstom will also be responsible for maintaining the rail lines to Building 599, and will add a rail spur approaching the building. Alstom will be working with Amtrak to refurbish rail cars used for Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor service. Alstom plans to host a grand opening for the new Mare Island operation sometime later this year.

Located at 450 Pintado Street between Nimitz and Railroad Avenues, Building 599 has a history with rail transportation uses, as it was previously leased by Kinkisharyo International, which manufactured light rail cars for the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority.

Alstom Transportation is a promoter of sustainable mobility; the company develops and markets a complete range of systems, equipment and service for the railway market. The company is an international leader in the development of transportation, light rail and energy infrastructure, and has more than 80,000 employees worldwide.

Lennar Mare Island, LLC is master developer of Mare Island located in Vallejo, Calif. and currently owns 650 acres. LMI was selected by the City of Vallejo in 1997 to implement the Mare Island Reuse Plan, which includes roughly 7 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, 1,400 homes and many recreational amenities.
_______________________________________________
Solano County economic and community progress index recognized by statewide organization

The Solano County Index and Economic and Community Progress project, initiated in February 2007 under the direction of the Solano EDC, has been recognized as the outstanding Economic Development Program for 2008.

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) selected the Solano County study for its award of excellence at its recent annual meeting.

Michael Ammann, EDC president, said CALED’s award demonstrates the importance of the index for the future of Solano County.

“The index helps us tell the story of how we are doing as a community,” Ammann said. “It also gives us the empirical data to take advantage of opportunities that will expand the prosperity of the people who live and work in Solano County.”

The first report on the index was presented in November 2008 and several workshops have been held since then to engage a diverse community group to address challenges that were identified in the phase one report. The index researchers are also analyzing five industry clusters, and the first focused on life sciences in Solano County, released earlier this year. The energy industry cluster is scheduled for release later this year.

The index project grew out of a series of Solano County Economic Summits, proposed by the Solano County Board of Supervisors and facilitated by Solano EDC. Later, the county awarded EDC a contract to fund the ongoing index study which is conducted by Collaborative Economics.

EDC Vice President Sandy Person, called the index “a critical tool for economic development in Solano County. It could not have been conducted at a better time. As we move out of the recession in California the data gathered through this ongoing index research will benefit EDC’s membership. Through EDC we will be able to keep our outreach efforts focused and update marketing plans based on what we learn from the index studies” Person said.

Supervisor Michael Reagan worked actively with EDC to create the county summit meetings.

“In the few months since the Solano County Index was released, we have seen this incredible tool bring together all aspects of the community to focus on our shared challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining quality jobs,” Reagan said. “This award from the people who do economic development for a living (CALED) affirms that we are on the right track for improving the economy of Solano County.”

The Solano Index and life Science Cluster Study can be viewed at www.solanocounty.com/economicindex.

Did you know?
Did you know that there are over 30 wineries located in Solano County within three overlapping Appellations: The California State Appellation, Solano County Green Valley Appellation & Suisun Valley Appellation.

Support your local vintners and wineries!

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

Local Community Leader Selected to Attend the National Security Forum

2009-06-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

Local Community Leader Selected to Attend the National Security Forum

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.

Mike Ammann, President of the Solano EDC has received and accepted a personal invitation from the Secretary of the Air Force to attend the 56th Annual National Security Forum (NSF) at the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The purpose of NSF is to expose influential citizens to senior U.S. and international officers and civilian equivalents in order to engage each other’s ideas and perspectives on Air Force, national and international security issues.

During the week of May 18-22, approximately 130 civilian leaders in business, education and government from all over the U.S. will meet with senior military leaders to explore current and future national security issues facing our nation. The NSF provides a great opportunity for an open and candid exchange of ideas among these guests, senior military and civilian leaders, and our Air War College students. Mike Ammann will attend lectures, meet in seminars for in-depth discussions and participate in several social events including an air power demonstration and barbeque.

The Air War College is the senior professional development school in the Air Force officer education system as a part of Air University. It educates selected senior officers to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. The curriculum focuses on coalition warfighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations.

Air University is a major component of Air Education and Training Command and the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Air University’s eight colleges and schools provide the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education, including degree granting and professional continuing education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers.

For more information on Air University, visit www.au.af.mil.

2009-04-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

March / April 2009

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (February / March 2009)
- Nationally recognized manufacturing consultants (MANEX) Workshop May 7th
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (February / March 2009)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- Building 678, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 25,000 SF lease to Praxair
- Building 497, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA – 12,508 SF lease to Murigenics
- Building 126, Mare Island, Vallejo – 10,240 SF lease to Integrated TurboMachinery, Inc.
- Building 853, Mare Island, Vallejo – 8,540 SF lease renewal to Park Management Corporation

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 363 Industrial Way, Benicia - ±100,000 SF lease to Santa Clara Warehouses, Inc.
- 360-A Industrial Court, Benicia - ±57,024 SF lease renewal to Napastyle, Inc.
- 533 Stone Rd., Suite C, Benicia ±16,896 SF lease to Custom Wine Services, Inc.
- 537 Stone Road, Suite E, Benicia ±14,080 SF lease Renewal to Bingo Vision & Gaming, Inc.
- 1891 Woolner Ave, #B, Fairfield ±12,768 SF sublease to Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
- 320 Campus Lane, # A &D Fairfield ±5,000 s/f expansion to Workforce Investment Board of Solano
- 424 Executive Ct N, #C&D, Fairfield ±3,584 SF lease to Your Body Works
- 4711 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield ±3,319 SF condo sale to Mahalay Engineering Corp
- 2333 Courage Dr, #F-2, Fairfield ±2,500 s/f Lease to Pride Industries
- 6180 B Egret Court, Solano County ±5,000 SF lease to ENV America Incorporated

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 2339 Courage Drive in Fairfield – 12,000 SF lease to Meyer Cookware
- 2240 Cordelia Road in Fairfield – 8,975 SF lease to Meyer Solar
- 4820 Business Center Drive in Fairfield – 1,200 SF lease to Keyna Corp
- 2850 Cordelia Road in Fairfield - 3,840 SF lease to Global Securities
____________________________________________

Nationally recognized manufacturing consultants hold workshop in Solano County

Nationally recognized manufacturing industry consultants will highlight strategies for success during the recession in a summit meeting, 7:15 a.m. May 5 at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Fairfield. Michael Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation, urged Solano County manufacturing firms to attend this event which has been organized by the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), a Bay Area consulting firm and the City of Fairfield.

“This is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers, distributors and logistical suppliers to gain insight and some tools for not only survival, but grown in the coming months,” Ammann said. The summit will feature experts from Manex, Moss-Adams LLP and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Curt Johnston, economic development division manager with the City of Fairfield, said the summit will provide “…companies with planning (strategies) that will allow them to emerge stronger as the recession ends.” Both Solano EDC and the City of Fairfield are co-sponsoring the event. To register go to http://www.manexconsulting.com/ and click on “Event” or contact Wendy Linney at wlinney@manexconsulting.com. Cost is $20 per person.

____________________________________________

Did you know?

Q: What vegetable is grown, in the dark no less, in Rio Vista and nowhere else in the U.S.?

A: Endive lettuce is grown in complete darkness at California Vegetable Specialties the only endive facility in the country.

California Vegetable Specialties is a specialty farming company dedicated to the consistent production of highest-quality California Endive. With growing fields throughout Northern California, the company is headquartered in the town of Rio Vista, in the historically rich agricultural region of the Sacramento River Delta, producing white and red endive, as well as several specialty products for chefs, Endigia and Pissenlit.

Richard Collins, a Sacramento native and graduate of the Agricultural and Managerial Economics program at the University of California, Davis, founded the company in 1983 as Rebel Farms. He chose the name in response to the many naysayers who deemed him foolish for trying to grow endive for the U.S. market. Today, California Vegetable Specialties is the only U.S. producer of endive, and dominates the market west of the Mississippi, selling nearly 4 million pounds of endive each year.

____________________________________________

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

Learn how to turn the data and analysis into guideposts for Education

2009-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Join the experts from Collaborative Economics as they guide participants on how to get the most benefit out of Solano County’s valuable information resource “The Index of Economic and Community Progress”

This Workshop has specifically been designed for
Solano Educators and interested Community & Business Leaders

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2009
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Solano County Office of Education
5100 Business Center Drive
Fairfield CA 94534

No charge. To Reserve your seat, call Pat or Sandy at Solano EDC 864-1855

Nationally recognized manufacturing consultants Hold workshop in Solano County

2009-04-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Nationally recognized manufacturing industry consultants will highlight strategies for success during the recession in a summit meeting, 7:15 a.m. May 5 at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Fairfield.

Michael Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation, urged Solano County manufacturing firms to attend this event which has been organized by the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), a Bay Area consulting firm and the City of Fairfield.

“This is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers, distributors and logistical suppliers to gain insight and some tools for not only survival, but grown in the coming months,” Ammann said.

The summit will feature experts from Manex, Moss-Adams LLP and the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Curt Johnston, economic development division manager with the City of Fairfield, said the summit will provide “…companies with planning (strategies) that will allow them to emerge stronger as the recession ends.”

Both Solano EDC and the City of Fairfield are co-sponsoring the event.

To register go to www.manexconsulting.com and click on “Event” or contact Wendy Linney at wlinney@manexconsulting.com. Cost is $20 per person.

Transportation issues discussed at Economic Development event

2009-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

The current and future outlook for transportation improvements in Solano County will be updated April 23 in Fairfield. The event is held by the Solano Economic Development Corporation and will feature local transportation officials.

Daryl Halls, executive director of Solano Transportation Authority (STA), County Supervisor Jim Spering, chair of the STA; and Michael Ammann, Solano EDC president, will serve on the panel.

Ammann said the transportation needs of Solano County are critical, and vital to the economic future of the county.

"We are growing, and so is the entire region,” Ammann said. “Our freeways and highways are thoroughfares to two of the world’s largest centers, Sacramento and the Bay Area. We all must collaborate and work toward public awareness and acceptance that our transportation needs must be served.”

“With the recent economic crisis and state budget cuts to transportation,” said Supervisor Spering, “it is imperative that we in Solano County discover even more innovative ways to deliver travel safety and mobility.”

The event is sponsored by Congresswoman Ellen O. Tauscher, and CSI Career College.

The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1350 Holiday Lane, Fairfield. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members. For information call 707 864-1855.

The monthly breakfast series is underwritten by the EDC circle members: Touro University, Solano Garbage Company and Potrero Hills Landfill.

Solano County economic development leader named to advisory board to review and recommend priorities for federal stimulus package

2009-03-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Michael Ammann, President of Solano Economic Development Corporation, will serve on the regional Bay Area Council Economic Institute's advisory board, providing information that will eventually lead to the funding of economic stimulus programs in the Bay Area.

The institute said earlier this week it is seeking input as well from area business leaders and residents. The organization will create a regional proposal that will show how the Bay Area wants to spend the money it receives. Submission deadline is April 24 and the region's final report is due to the state by June 1.

"These are critical times for Solano County and the Bay Area," Ammann said. "We are competing against other states for this funding and it is important we present a uniform plan to increase our chances for funding."

Funded projects under the stimulus plan must fall into one of seven categories: transportation, water, energy/climate, workforce training and education, business development, science and innovation or housing.

Projects also must provide short term job creation and provide long term return on investment.

Ammann said he is hopeful that Solano County private sector and governmental agencies will "...look closely at this opportunity to receive federal funding to jumpstart economic development projects that will provide job opportunities and growth."

About $30 billion will flow to the state, and then dispersed to regions. Another $20 billion of discretionary money will be sent to California, as part of the stimulus package.

2009-02-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

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
________________________________

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."

________________________________

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

2009-02-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Copart’s Jay Adair to keynote 26th Annual Solano EDC Meeting

2009-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Jay Adair, president of Fairfield headquartered Copart, the nation's largest remarketing vehicle company, will key note Solano Economic Development Corporation 26th Annual Meeting on January 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, CA.

Adair will talk about how Copart has changed since it opened in 1982 in Vallejo to becoming the leader in selling more than one million vehicles annual through Copart’s unique online internet auction.

Mike Ammann, president of EDC said Adair plans to speak business and government needs to respond rapidly to changes in the marketplace. "In today's current global economic crisis a company's or communities ability to seek out opportunities presented in every crisis and then take advantage by making positive changes will create the difference between success and failure," Ammann said.

This event will also include Solano EDC’s annual review of successful 2008 community development highlights as well as introduction of the newly elected Solano EDC Board of Directors for 2009.

The annual meeting will be held at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn. Registration and networking begins at 11 a.m. with lunch and program at 11:30a.m. Cost is only $45 per person or $350 for a table of eight. Early reservations are encouraged since the event sells out annually. Please call Pat at 707‐864‐1855 for reservations or additional event information.

Sponsors include: CPV Vaca Station, enXco, Kaiser Permanente, NorthBay Healthcare, Pacific Gas and Electric, Sutter Health and Travis Credit Union.

All Solano EDC monthly programs are underwritten by Chairman's Circle Members including Potrero Hills Landfill, Solano Garbage Company and Touro University.

ABOUT COPART, INC.
Copart, founded in 1982, provides vehicle sellers with a full range of remarketing services to process and sell salvage and clean title vehicles to dismantlers, rebuilders, dealers, exporters and, in some states, to end users. Copart remarkets the vehicles through Internet sales utilizing its proprietary VB2 technology. Copart sells vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators, dealers, the general public and others. The company currently operates 145 facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Salvage vehicles are either damaged vehicles deemed a total loss for insurance or business purposes or are recovered stolen vehicles for which an insurance settlement with the vehicle owner has already been made. For more information, or to become a registered buyer, visit www.copart.com.

ABOUT SOLANO EDC
Founded in 1983 and known as SEDCORP, the Solano Economic Development Corporation is a collaboration of private and public investors that provides a confidential leadership role for economic development marketing in Solano County and its seven cities: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville and Vallejo. The mission of the Solano Economic Development Corporation is to attract, grow, and retain business and industry in Solano County that will enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our communities.

Solano County is one of the fastest growing counties in California with a population of over 420,000 and is comprised of seven cities, Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville and Vallejo. Each of these wonderful communities has its own unique character and personality.

Most importantly, the Solano Economic Development Corporation offers expanding businesses a confidential, centralized resource for locations throughout Solano County. Please visit www.solanoedc.org

2009-01-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2009

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (December 2008)
- AAA Expands Fairfield Operations
- Annual Meeting
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (December 2008)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 400 Crocker Drive, Vacaville – 40,000 s/f lease to Pacific Cycle
- Building 507 Mare Island, Vallejo – 27,784 s/f lease to Alamillo Rebar

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 537 Stone Road, #A Benicia – 15,488 s/f lease renewal to Velan Valve Corporation
- 6210 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 14,400 s/f lease renewal to MB Contract Furniture Inc.
- 505 Lopes Road, Fairfield - ±13,573 s/f lease to Universal Plant Services, Inc.
- 480 Chadbourne Rd (Busch Campus Park), Fairfield - 9,694 s/f sale to Geisse, LLC

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 2445 S. Watney Way, Fairfield - 30,000 s/f subleased to ABS Logistics
- 2445 S. Watney Way, Fairfield – 18,000 s/f subleased to The Olive Oil Factory
- 4885 Fulton Drive, Suite D Fairfield – 5,200 s/f lease to Clear Memories, Inc.
- 495 Edison Ct, Suite A in Fairfield – 5,100 s/f lease to Euro Closures

Grubb & Ellis (www.grubb-ellis.com)
- 6210 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 14,400 s/f lease renewal to MB Contract Furniture Inc.
- 3333 Vaca Valley Parkway, Vacaville – 7,100 s/f lease to Novartis

AAA EXPANDING FAIRFIELD OPERATIONS
225 Employees Will Move Into New Facility by Mid 2009

AAA Northern California has announced that 225 employees will be moving into a new facility at 5251 Business Center Drive in Fairfield. Of those employees, about 165 will be relocating from the San Francisco headquarters, and about 60 others will relocate from their current office in Fairfield.

“Where we locate specific functions is based on what makes the most sense for the business unit and the company, and the new Fairfield location is a perfect fit,” said Matt Skryja, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “The addition of more jobs in Fairfield means not only an economic boost for the Solano County economy, but it also is the most efficient and cost-effective way to organize our work groups.”

AAA needed a larger facility in Solano County given that AAA is joining its business fulfillment center operations, already in Fairfield, with business fulfillment center employees currently working in the San Francisco headquarters. This includes employees from accounts receivable, billing services, copy center, corporate mail, membership operations, records services, and travel accounting. Other teams coming from headquarters will draw from the information technology, human resources and finance divisions. The new office location is a 104,000-square-foot, single-story building, of which AAA will lease 52,000 square feet. Employees are scheduled to begin phased relocation to the new facility in March 2009 and complete the move by June 2009.

AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.
_________________________________________________

26th Solano EDC Annual Meeting – Thursday, January 29, 2009

Jay Adair, president of Fairfield headquartered Copart, the nation's largest remarketing vehicle company, will key note Solano Economic Development Corporation 26th Annual Meeting on January 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, CA.

Adair will talk about how Copart has changed since it opened in 1982 in Vallejo to becoming the leader in selling more than one million vehicles annual through Copart’s unique online internet auction.

This event will also include Solano EDC’s annual review of successful 2008 community development highlights as well as introduction of the newly elected Solano EDC Board of Directors for 2009.

The annual meeting will be held at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn. Registration and networking begins at 11 a.m. with lunch and program at 11:30a.m. Cost is only $45 per person or $350 for a table of eight. Please call Pat at 707-864-1855 for reservations or additional event information.

Sponsors include: CPV Vaca Station, enXco, Kaiser Permanente, NorthBay Healthcare, Pacific Gas and Electric, Sutter Health and Travis Credit Union.
All Solano EDC monthly programs are underwritten by Chairman's Circle Members including Potrero Hills Landfill, Solano Garbage Company and Touro University.

_________________________________________________

Did you know?

The Economic Impact of the Super Bowl for the Host City.

Tampa Bay is in for scaled back spending on the Super Bowl because of the current economy, a new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP says.

Hospitality and other tourism activities surrounding Super Bowl XLIII will generate approximately $150 million in direct spending, nearly $45 million less than the past two championships, held in Phoenix and Miami. Super Bowl XXXVII, played in Tampa in 2001, brought slightly more than $140 million in direct spending to the area.

But the $150 million is still better than the game generated in Detroit in 2006 ($118 million), Jacksonville in 2005 ($124 million) and Houston in 2004 ($135 million).

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2009/01/19/daily32.html

_________________________________________________

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

2008-12-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 2008
Happy Holidays from Solano EDC

Table of Contents

- Real Estate Roundup (November 2008)
- Featured Property: 5001 Industrial Way, Benicia +/- 220,000 SF
- 26th Annual Meeting – January 29, 2009
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (November 2008)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- Building 98 Mare Island, Vallejo – 14,335 SF leased to Jerry Carter
- 531 Getty Court, Benicia – 11,520 SF leased to Instrument & Valve Services Company
- 2148 Beechcraft Road, Vacaville – 5,700 SF leased to Square D
Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 3860 Industrial Way, Benicia - ±4,619 s/f lease extension to Integra Services, Inc
Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)
- 475 Industrial Way, Benicia – 8,400 sf lease to Team Industrial
Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 2270 Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 19,232 sf lease to Calbee America
- 2850 Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 1,740 sf lease to Bay Area Intermodal
Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- 4227 Lozano Lane, Fairfield – 5,121 sf plus 4,200 sf yard leased to Consolidated Electrical Distributors
- 4733 Mangles Blvd, Fairfield – 2,200 sf lease to Karen Alvord

__________________________________________________________________

Featured Property: 5001 Industrial Way, Benicia +/- 220,000 SF

5001 Industrial Way is a prime location for Office Space or Headquarters

Property Description:
♦ Gross Acreage: ±9.88 gross acres (±430,373 sq. ft.)
♦ Dimensions: ±695’ (width) x ±710’ (deep)
♦ Access: I-680 – Lake Herman Rd –
Industrial Way
♦ Utilities: To Site
♦ Zoning: Light Industrial
♦ APN: 0080-301-160

Improvements:
♦ ±220,000 sq. ft. concrete tilt-up
building (±480’ deep x ±420’ wide)
(± 201,600 sq. ft ground floor)
♦ Office: ±40,000 sq. ft. mezzanine office structure
(2 floors @ ±20,000 sq. ft. per floor)
♦ Column Spacing: ±60’ wide x ±46.66’ deep
♦ Clear Height: ±24’ minimum
♦ 7 1/2” thick walls
♦ Landscaping and irrigation
♦ Loading: Cross Loaded
Grade Level: ±7 (±12’ x ±14’); and
Dock High: ±24 (±9’ x ±10’)
♦ Truck Staging: ±112’ (not inc. parking stall)
♦ Parking: ±227 spaces
♦ 5” concrete slab with #3 rebar 24” OCEW
♦ Fire Sprinklers: .45/3,000 sq. ft
♦ Roofing: 4-ply 20 year specification
♦ 2,000 amp electrical service @ 277/480 volts
♦ Insulation: R-19 Roof & R-11 walls

Comments:
♦ Excellent freeway access to I-680 with views of Mt. Diablo and the Carquinez Straits. Built in 1996.
♦ Architectural award winning office design/finish.
♦ Lease term through November 30, 2013. Longer term possible

To schedule a tour or obtain
pricing information,please contact:
Brooks Pedder
or
Phil Garrett
(707) 831-0188

__________________________________________________________________

The 26th Solano EDC Annual Meeting

Sign up today to hear Jay Adair, President, Copart at the 26th Annual Meeting of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. Copart has been named to Forbes Top Small Companies for the past nine years in a row. Come learn about the "change-centric" culture that has made this Fairfield Head Quartered company successful.

Thursday, January 29, 2009
11:00 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. lunch & program
Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield
To register call or email Pat at (707) 864-1855

__________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

Did you know that "Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving. It was penned and first played by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 at a church in Savannah, Georgia for Thanksgiving. It was so well liked that he played it again on Christmas day and since then it has become one of the most popular Christmas carols.

__________________________________________________________________

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

2008-11-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

November 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (October 2008)
- Solano County 2008 Index of Economic & Community Progress
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (October 2008)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 531 Getty Court, Suite D, Benicia – 11,520 sf lease to Instrument & Valve Services Company
- 2148 Beechcraft Drive, Vacaville – 5,700 sf lease to Square D Company

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 6350 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 35,790 sf lease to HD Supply, Inc.
- 6550 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 21,800 sf lease renewal to Blower Dempsey Corp.
- 6860 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 15,808 sf lease renewal to Interstate Electric Co
- 531-D Getty Court, Benicia – 11,520 sf lease renewal to Instrument & Valve Services
- 4767 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield – 1,441 sf industrial condo sale to Prabhjeet Grewal

Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)
- 685 Stone Road, Benicia – 18,000sf – sale to 685 Stone Road, Llc
- 2487 Courage Drive, Fairfield – 21,169 sf – sale to Enoplastic S.P.A.
- 5130 Stone Road, Benicia – 17,386 – lease to Bay–Tec Engineering

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 5130 Fulton Drive, Fairfield – 14,876 sf leased to Bay-Tec Engineering.
- 299 Campus Ct, Fairfield – 8,500 sf lease to Syndero

Grubb & Ellis (www.grubb-ellis.com)
- 2300 Boynton, Fairfield – 7,778 sf lease to SEIU
- 2850 Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 1,740 lease to Bay Area Intermodal

Archer & Ficklin (www.archerficklin.com)
- Downtown Dixon (1st, 2nd & B Streets) – 31,960 sf sale to Dixon Public Library District

__________________________________________________

Solano’s business, government and community leaders
get first look at long range economic studies

Business, government and community leaders gathered last week in Fairfield to receive initial findings of the long range economic development research project, funded by the Solano Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Solano County Board of Supervisors.

Phase One of the study captured key economic and community trends that provide essential information to help position Solano County for continued growth in specific industry clusters.

The Index Study was presented at Solano Economic Summit 4. It measures the strength of the Solano County economy and the health of the community through key indicators which reflect fundamentals about long term regional health. Through these indicators it is possible to statistically reflect interests and concerns of the community and utilize these indicators for long range planning.

Sandy Person, EDC vice president, said that the Index represents a detailed thorough report of critical data –now available in one publication.

“This research tool simply means we can now access critical information quickly,” Person said. “Now, business, government, educational and community leaders can get the information they need in decision making. And, it will be easy to keep this Index updated annually.”

The Index will now serve as the basis for future studies by the research firm – Collaborative Economics. Doug Helton of the firm said the data gathered in the Index Study will guide the specific studies of industry clusters. The first cluster under study is life sciences.

“With Solano County now ranked in the top 10 nationally, it is imperative we study this area for guidance on how we can continue to take advantage of our potential,” Michael Ammann, president of EDC said. “The cluster study in this area should help decision makers focus their efforts to attract and maintain firms ion the bio sciences.”

Findings of the Index study showed:
--Solano County is producing growing revenues, incomes, jobs and firms.
--The county is more diversified and has both a larger youth and older population.
--Incomes are rising.
--Youth are healthier, but fewer are prepared for higher education.
--Crime rates have declined, but there is a recent spike.
--High home prices are dropping significantly.

Ammann said that the Index Study “…confirms what we have assumed –we are in good position for continued growth, but must overcome the current challenges of a poor national economy.

“In the coming months we help to maintain effective collaborations in our County and region that will position Solano County for the next growth opportunities.

“Locally we must all work together to improve our educational opportunities for our young people in Solano County. We need to reduce our school dropout rates, find ways to increase our classroom capabilities and look at job training for our residents.”

The Summit was sponsored by: Solano County, City and County Coordinating Council, Solano EDC, Solano Transportation Authority and the Solano County Office of Education.

The entire Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress can be found at: www.solanocounty.com/economicindex

__________________________________________________

Did you know?

California ranked sixth among states in the number of turkeys raised in 2008, at 15.1 million. Yet Californians consume more turkey than residents of any other state.

What is the most popular form of eating turkey?
- Soup
- Sandwich
- Pot Pie
- Roasted
Answer: Sandwich, what else would you do with all of the turkey leftovers.

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

California Emerging Technology Fund Holds Regional Broadband Roundtable in Solano County

2008-11-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

What are the effects that are associated with limited broadband availability and how can overall digital literacy and access be improved? This will be the subject matter of the NorthEast Bay Regional Broadband Roundtable on November 14, 2008 from 9:30 am to Noon at the Solano County Building in City of Fairfield.

This event will be sponsored the County of Solano, Solano EDC, University of Davis on behalf of the California Emerging Technology Fund, Sonoma, Napa and Contra Cost Counties.

“Increased access to broadband is critical to our economic vitality, as well as the ability of our citizens to be successful in their lives and careers. This forum will provide opportunities for participants to learn how to work collaboratively to increase the deployment of broadband, said Linda Best, President of Contra Costa Council “

Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of CETF, will facilitate the workshop, giving an overview of CETF and the Governors Broadband Task Force. Topics to be discussed include: digital literacy, eHealth and telemedicine; public policies and ordinances; public/private sector partnerships; CETF’s role to assist the region.

“Broadband is a necessary ingredient for local governments, small businesses and community-based organizations to survive and thrive in today’s economy.” says Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund. She adds,” This forum will highlight ways for North and East Bay leaders to take advantage of real opportunities for increased investment in the near future.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for the area’s broadband officials to gather and learn more about what the state is providing, and, perhaps just as important, meet and discuss local broadband needs of smaller rural communities’ within the NorthEast Bay area,” Ammann said.

The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. to noon, November 14th at the Solano County Building in Fairfield.

For additional information about the workshop or to make reservations to attend, contact
Gladys N. Palpallatoc, Associate Vice President
The Hearst Building, 5 Third Street, Suite 520, SF, CA 94103
M 415.744.2383 │ D 415.744.2387 │ F 415.744.2399
www.cetfund.org

2008-10-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

September – October 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (August-September 2008)
- Featured Property – Building 599 Mare Island, Vallejo
- Solano Economic Summit 4
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup
(August – September 2008)

CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
- 537 Stone Road, Benicia – 30,976 sf leased to Pacific Insulation Company
- 767 Eubanks Drive, Suite C&D, Vacaville – 65,000 sf lease to CSK Auto, Inc.
- Quarters N, Mare Island, Vallejo – 8,450 sf leased to BHM Construction

Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
- 537 Stone Road, #C-D, Benicia – 30,976 sf leased to Pacific Insulation Co
- 3919 Oregon Street, Benicia - 27,200 sf leased to Westcal Enterprises, Inc
- 6400 Goodyear Road, Benicia – 18,406 sf lease renewal to NHT Audio
- 6610 Goodyear Road, Benicia - 11,614 sf leased to Airco Commercial Serv
- 536-H Stone Road, Benicia - 2,338 sf leased to ThyssenKrupp Safway, Inc
- 240 West "E" Street, Dixon - 2,761 sf leased to Accomplished Recovery
- 505 Lopes Road, Fairfield – 13,500 sf leased to Munters Corp
- 1891 Woolner Avenue, Suite A, Fairfield - 25,000 sf leased to Pacific Wine Distributors
- 1891 Woolner Avenue, Suite C, Fairfield - 10,804 sf leased to Party Rentals
- 3333 Vaca Valley Parkway, Suite 800, Vacaville - 9,827 sf leased to Barrier Systems, Inc.

Cushman & Wakefield (http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/)
- 2445 S. Watney Way, Fairfield – 91,000 sf leased to ABCO Laboratories
- 4885 Fulton Drive, Fairfield – 5,200 sf leased to BCI Communications Inc.

Grubb & Ellis (http://www.grubb-ellis.com/)
- 3333 Vaca Valley Parkway, Suite 800, Vacaville - 9,827 sf leased to Barrier Systems, Inc.

Premier Commercial (http://www.pcres.net/)
- 141 Elmira Road, Vacaville – 4,100 sf leased to Pipa Enterprises, LLC
- 151 Peabody Rd, Vacaville – 2,260 Bay Valley Foods

The Wiseman Company (http://www.wisemanco.com/)
- 5030 Business Center Dr, Fairfield – 2,000 sf leased to Skye Technical Services Inc.
__________________________________________________________

Featured Property of the Month – Mare Island Building 599, Vallejo

Mare Island (the former U.S. Naval Base) was established in 1854. The island encompasses over 5,000+ acres and includes a wide variety of land uses, including park lands, residential communities, retail, industrial and office uses.

A joint venture, Lennar Mare Island acquired a ±650 acre portion of the island for the construction and redevelopment of residential, industrial, office and commercial properties.

The island now has approximately 2,000 employees, entitlements for over 7 million square feet of industrial/office product (with workable inventory of approximately 5.5 million sq. ft. available for lease or sale), and 1,400 homes. Touro University has over 900 full time students at its campus on the island.

Building 599 (Railroad Ave & Pintado Street)

Building 599 is a well maintained, highly visible and easily accessible
freestanding building well suited for mixed use occupancy.
• Size: ±112, 327 square feet (±503’ x ±223’)
• Office: Office to Suit
• Occupancy: Available
• Clear Height: Center Bay ±38’
• Zoned: Mixed Use
• Cranes: One (1) Ten (10) ton and Two (2) Five (5) ton bridge cranes (not currently certified)
• Power: ±400 Amps, 277/480 volt, 3 phase electrical service
• Loading: Six (6) 20’x20’ grade level doors
• Wide open bays, center bay is ±60’ wide, side bays are ±80’ wide

For additional information contact
Greg Smyth, First VP
(925) 296-7717
greg.smyth@cbre.com
http://www.discovermareisland.com/
____________________________________________________________________
Solano Economic Summit 4

___________________________________________________________________

Did you know?

Of the estimated 282,690 Solano County residents that are eligible to vote, 176,043 or 62.3% are actually registered to vote in this Tuesday’s election. Don’t forget to vote!

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

National Chamber Official Addresses Upcoming Election Issues and What’s Ahead

2008-10-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

What are the effects of the current economic downturn and the upcoming election? Make your reservations to attend a review by a national Chamber of Commerce executive at the monthly Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) meeting co-hosted with the Benicia, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Vacaville, and Vallejo Chambers of Commerce.

Dick Castner, Executive Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Western Region, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Mr. Castner will brief attendees about the upcoming election and what affect it will have on local business. The local chambers work closely with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on business issues and lobbying efforts. Current and future aspects of the economy and what recent national actions will have on business and local communities will be discussed.

The event will be held at 7:30 a.m., Oct. 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 per person and reservations may be made by calling 707 864-1855.

“This is expected to be a highly attended event,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said. “The current economic picture and upcoming elections make this appearance a very timely one for both business and government officials.”

Annually Solano EDC joins with the Chambers to create timely breakfast covering the Federal and State election issues for all of their members. Participating Chambers in this event are: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Rio Vista, Vacaville and Vallejo.

2008 Election Update and A Look Ahead

2008-10-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Solano Economic Development Corporation (Solano EDC),
in conjunction with the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of commerce, Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce, Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and Vallejo Chamber of Commerce

Invite you to attend a breakfast event featuring:

2008 Election Update and A Look Ahead

Keynote Speaker:
DICK CASTNER, Executive Director
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Western Regional Office

Date: October 29, 2008
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration & Networking
8:00 a.m. Program
Place: Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield
Cost: $ 25.00 per person

Please make checks payable to/mail to
Solano EDC, 360 Campus Lane, Suite 102, Fairfield, CA 94534
For additional information, call 707-864-1855 Fax: 707-864-6621
e-mail: pat@solanoedc.org

Today we Salute You, Mr. Anheuser-Busch Sustainable Brewery Guy

2008-08-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today we Salute You, Mr. Anheuser-Busch Sustainable Brewery Guy

Green beer? Not likely anytime soon (we hope), but breweries are another story.

Anheuser-Busch, the dominant American brewer that makes Budweiser, will soon begin powering its breweries in Houston and Fairfield, CA, with biogas and solar energy, as it looks achieve sustainability goals it pledged to meet by 2010.

In Houston, Anheuser-Busch is building a six-mile underground pipeline to transport biogas from a local landfill to its brewery there, one of its largest at about 2 million square feet. Burned as a substitute for natural gas, the biogas is a natural byproduct from waste decomposition at the landfill.

The Fairfield brewery, a 700,000-square-foot plant about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, will also use biogas, but the process is a bit more complicated.

In addition to a 1.18-megawatt solar system under construction there, Anheuser-Busch is developing a Bio-Energy Recovery System (appropriately nicknamed BERS) that converts wastewater from brewing into biogas. The process involves microorganisms that feed on nutrients in the wastewater, producing the gas as they digest the nutrients. The gas is siphoned out of huge, airtight tanks and used to fuel boilers that provide energy to the brewery.

Anheuser-Busch operates BERS at nine of its 12 U.S. breweries, including the Houston facility, as well as a brewery in China. Last year, BERS-generated energy reduced the company's greenhouse gas emissions by more than 250 million pounds.

The brewer previously committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its U.S. operations to five percent below 2005 levels, and use renewable fuels to meet 15 percent of its U.S. energy demand, both by 2010.

Anheuser-Bush owns a LEED-certified building at its headquarters in St. Louis, and is seeking LEED at two other new facilities, according to its website.

source: http://www.costar.com/News/Article.aspx?id=34081A369F352A6D686F1C8144A96FC4

August 2008 News

2008-08-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

August 2008

Table of Contents

- Real Estate Roundup (July 2008)

- Featured Property of the Month

- Real Estate Roundup - Sept. 17

- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (July 2008)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 859 Cotting Court, Vacaville - 19,376 sf lease to MCC Control Systems
- 690 Walnut Avenue, Mare Island, Vallejo - 3,560 sf lease to Paul Roberts & Partners, Inc.

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 2700 Maxwell, Fairfield - 80,000 sf lease renewal to Applied Materials, Inc.
- 506 Stone Road, Benicia - 12,824 sf lease to Mission Linen Supply

Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 5191 Fermi Drive, Fairfield - 330,750 sf lease to FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc.
- 2850-2870 Cordelia Rd., Fairfield - 98,784 sf 3-building sale to Jaeger McHugh LLC
- 5130 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 4,170 sf lease to Norcal Communication & Construction

Premier Commercial (www.pcres.com)
- 1731 N Texas Street, Fairfield - 3,100 sf leased to R. Delacruz
- 1425 Market Street, Dixon - 4,900 sf leased to J. Vidrio

Featured Property of the Month - 4457 Park Road, Benicia

4457 Park Road fronts I-680 in Benicia and is a highly visible office and warehouse combination that is available for immediate occupancy.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- 10,000 SF of 2 story office space
- 23,000 SF of high cube warehouse space
- 33,000 SF totaling divisible to 10,000 SF
- Superb access to I-680, I-780 and I-80
- 5 Dock high and 1 Grade level door
- Sprinklered and insulated throughout
- Abundant parking and staging area

To schedule a tour or obtainpricing information,
please contact:
GRADEN TRAVIS
925.974.0104
TYLER EPTING
925.974.0238

Real Estate Roundup - Sept. 17

Four of Solano's top industry experts will forecast Solano County's real estate future on Sept. 17 and provide an excellent 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 four participants and the areas of development they will address are:

- Business/Industrial Parks, Brooks Pedder, Colliers International

- Global Real Estate Trends, Jose McNeill, Headwaters Development

- Retail, Jim Shepherd, Cornish & Carey

- Developer/Contractor Perspective, Jeff Thomas, Hearn Construction

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 2008 Real Estate Round-up is sponsored by the City of Benicia. The event is part of the monthly meeting series held by EDC, and underwritten by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members, The Reporter, Time-Herald, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

Did you know?
Did you know that Mare Island in Vallejo is actually a Peninsula not an island because there is no full body of water that separates it from the mainland. Mare Island is 3.5 miles ling an a mile wide.

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) 864-6621Website: www.solanoedc.org

$1.3 billion in new healthcare facilities Under construction in Solano County

2008-08-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

By Michael Ammann
President, Solano Economic Development Corporation

Current expansion of healthcare facilities in Fairfield, Vacaville and Vallejo demonstrates the faith this sector of the business world has in Solano County.

Currently, Kaiser Permanente, NorthBay Healthcare, Sutter Health, Touro University and the County of Solano are embarking on, or completing major expansion projects, totaling more than $1.3 billion.

Needless to say, these expansions will provide better medical choices for the residents of Solano County, and they create short term construction jobs and bring well-paying, long term healthcare opportunities for hundreds of local residents.

Kaiser will open its new state-of-the-art hospital in Vacaville in the spring of 2009. The four-story, 340,000 square-foot facility will have a 150-bed capacity - all private rooms. Included will be Vacaville’s first maternity unit.

Across town, NorthBay Healthcare has opened its new surgery center on the VacaValley Hospital campus, taking some of the pressure of a growing patient load off the system’s two hospitals.

With the help of Genentech, which donated $500,000, a new state-of-the-art emergency department is operating in the Vacaville hospital, complementing its sister hospital’s ER in Fairfield.

Kaiser Permanente will have two hospitals serving Solano County when the Vacaville facility opens next year. Kaiser’s Vallejo hospital has served the area for many years, and it recently underwent a $350 million expansion and remodeling project. The expansion provided 188 new beds, expanded emergency, surgery and radiology services, and a modern “green” environment that captures the natural beauty of the North Bay. Kaiser says its Solano County hospitals represent a strong personal and financial commitment to making the facilities “green,” and that both are “on a par with the greenest medical facilities in the nation.”

Sutter Hospitals and medical clinics also serve Solano County, and have completed $120 million in new health care facilities, including an 11-acre, $75 million Fairfield Medical Campus was completed earlier this year which provided enhanced technology, including a new nuclear imaging system, the first non-hospital nuclear imaging system center in the County.

Sutter also is working to open a new primary care facility in Vallejo. The new clinic, operated by La Clinica, would provide centralized health services for low income residents, and would cut down on the number of uninsured patients that Sutter now serves in the Vallejo area.

In Vallejo, Touro University is moving closer to the day when it will open its $330 million cancer treatment center as project one of the future “University Village,” covering 191 acres on Mare Island. This cutting-edge cancer treatment center will feature a 125,000-square-foot center housing one of the nation’s first combined particle beam therapy clinics. Touro is in talks with a major Bay Area University to be the clinical operator.

Solano County government officials recently broke ground on $97 million improvements on health and social services campuses in Vallejo and Fairfield. A third facility, in Vacaville, is in the design phase.

Both County facilities will be more customer-oriented. In Vallejo, the expanded campus will allow for an annual patient visit expansion of 18 per cent to 16,500 visits yearly. Fairfield’s campus will have 195,000 square feet of space, with adjacent buildings serving as headquarters for the County’s social programs.

NorthBay’s new “healthy” Administrative Center was occupied in May and includes a training and conference center, along with administrative offices, located on Business Center Drive in Green Valley. The two-story 69,000-square-foot facility provides NorthBay with a third healthcare campus in Solano County. It gives the Fairfield and Vacaville campuses needed elbow room to add new physician specialists and expand existing services.

There are plenty more healthcare projects on the drawing board, too. NorthBay is far along on establishing its Heart and Vascular Center for Solano County. When the program begins next year, NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield will perform open-heart surgeries and new cutting-edge vascular procedures. Currently, the nearest heart centers are at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa and John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

Healthcare officials recognize the importance of state-of-the art medical care to attract and keep companies in Solano County.

Gary Passama, NorthBay President and CEO said: “Companies and corporations looking to locate in our communities should know that their employees’ health care needs will be managed—and managed very well—right here where they live and work.”

John Ray, CEO of Sutter Regional Medical Foundation, said Sutter’s investments in Solano County demonstrate that “…we intend to do our part to provide high quality and affordable healthcare for the residents.”

Rose Calhan, Napa-Solano area manager for Kaiser added, “Our new facilities bring care to the neighborhoods where our members live and work. We’re proud of our new services, the new technology we’re offering the community, and the part our new buildings will play in beautifying the Vacaville and Vallejo area.”

All of these expansions and improvements demonstrate the healthcare industry’s realization that Solano County is a growing, vibrant area. The $1.3 billion commitment, coupled with the expansion of the biotech industry, make this Northern California county a showcase for these two economic sectors.

Solano real estate picture aired Sept. 17 by developers

2008-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Four of Solano’s top industry experts will forecast Solano County’s real estate future on Sept. 17 in Fairfield.

Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation said the event “…will provide an excellent 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 four participants and the areas of development they will address are: Business/Industrial Parks, Brooks Pedder, Colliers International; Global Real Estate Trends, Jose McNeill, Headwaters Development; Retail, Jim Shepherd, Cornish & Carey; Developer/Contractor Perspective, Jeff Thomas, Hearn Construction.

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 2008 Real Estate Round-up is sponsored by the City of Benicia. The event is part of the monthly meeting series held by EDC, and underwritten by the Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members, The Reporter, Time-Herald, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

July 2008 News

2008-07-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

JULY 2008

Table of Contents

- Real Estate Roundup (June 2008)
- Featured Property Profile – 700 Main Street, Suisun City
- July 30th EDC Membership Breakfast
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (June 2008)

CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
- 2445 S. Watney Way, Fairfield – 19,200 sf lease to Sara Lee Bakery Group, Inc.
- 875 Cotting Lane, Vacaville – 3,200 sf lease to CD&G Enterprises
- 821 Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 2,900 sf lease to Kidsport

Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
- 830 A & B Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 17,452 sf leased to Durect Corporation
- 820 A Eubanks Drive, Vacaville - 19,085 sf leased to Wulff Electric, Inc.
- 4971 Allison Parkway, Vacaville - 12,795 sf leased to AMSCO Windows

Cornish & Carey (http://www.ccarey.com/)
- 4680 E Second St, Benicia – 8,900 sf to Kiva Designs, Inc.

Cushman & Wakefield (http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/)
- 5130 Fulton Drive, Fairfield - 3,500 sf lease to Superior Mechanical
- 499 Edison Court, Fairfield - 3,300 sf lease to Formaggi Di Ferrante
- Business Center Dr (Green Valley Corporate Park) - 3.4 acre sale to Kiewit Pacific Co.
- 4700 E. 2nd Street, Benicia - 9,100 sf lease to TEAM Industrial Services
- 101 Benicia Road, Vallejo - 40,000 sf sale to Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods

Premier Commercial (http://www.pcres.net/)
- 801 Alamo Drive, Vacaville – 3,720 sf leased to Ni Slippy Hair Clippy

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

700 Main Street is a Brand New 40,000 SF Class 'A' Office / Retail Building
Located in the Heart of Suisun's Waterfront District!

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
• 40,000 SF 2-Story Class 'A' Office/Retail Building in Downtown Suisun City
• 20,000 RSF of 2nd Floor Office Space Available for Lease
• Available for Occupancy October, 2008
• Divisible to ±1,500 RSF
• Extensive Window-Line with Unsurpassed Views of the Waterfront District
• Surface Lot and Street Parking Available
• Excellent Highway 12 and Interstate 80 Access
• Waterfront District is surrounded by Upscale Retail and Restaurant Space
• Amtrak Passenger Rail Station is Located within Walking Distance

Located in the downtown Waterfront District of Suisun City adjacent to the Harbor Plaza Waterfront Park, which features concerts, festivals and other events year-round!

Currently Under Construction
Completion Date: 10/01/2008

To schedule a tour or obtain
pricing information,
please contact:
CHRISTOPHER A. NEEB
MATTHEW R. BRACCO
GLEN W. DOWLING
707.421.2900

July 30th Membership Breakfast - Health Care at the Crossroads

State budget cuts in the Partnership HealthPlan of California has put thousands of Solano County residents at risk of losing access to health care services. The impact of the budget cuts on employers and low to middle income families will be discussed July 30 in Fairfield by Jack Horn, Executive Director and Assemblywoman Lois Wolk.

Both speakers will participate in Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) monthly breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non members. To register call Pat at (707) 864-1855.

Did you know?

Suisun takes its name from a tribe of Native Americans, the Suisunes,
which means the "People of the West Wind".

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

State healthcare crisis affects economic future of Solano County

2008-07-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

State budget cuts in the Partnership HealthPlan of California has put thousands of Solano County residents at risk of losing access to health care services.

The impact of the budget cuts on employers and low to middle income families will be discussed July 30 in Fairfield by Jack Horn, executive director of the state organization, and Assemblywoman Lois Wolk.

Both speakers will participate in Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) monthly breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

“Partnership Health Plan is a vital non-profit organization in our communities,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said. “State funding issues may force the Partnership to close its doors and this would affect many thousands in our county.”

Partnership Health Plan provides care for uninsured children and low and middle-income residents. It has a track record of service and demonstrated it can save the state money by operating its programs as a non-profit.

To attend this event, contact Solano EDC, 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

The event is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, NorthBay Healthcare and Sutter Health.

The monthly breakfast meetings are held by EDC to acquaint members and community leaders with critical issues that pertain to the economic development future of Solano County.

The series is underwritten by EDC Chairman Circle Members: The Reporter, Times Herald, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

June 2008 News

2008-06-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

JUNE 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (May 2008)
- Featured Property Profile – Cordelia Commerce Center, Fairfield
- June 25th EDC Membership Luncheon
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (May 2008)

CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
♦ 871 Cotting Court, Vacaville – 4,200 sf lease to Redwood City Electric
♦ 905 Cotting Court, Vacaville – 3,600 sf lease to Pearce Heating & Air
♦ 871 Cotting Court, Vacaville – 3,450 sf lease to RE Contractors

Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
♦ 801 Chadbourne, Fairfield – 192,000 sf building sold to Pamco
♦ 820 Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 19,800 sf lease to Wulff Electric
♦ 4971 Allison Parkway, Vacaville – 13,000 sf lease to Amsco Windows
♦ 4238 Lozano Lane, Fairfield – 6,000 sf on one acre lease to Jones Bros. Carpets
♦ Lambie Industrial Park, Solano County – 12,750 sf on five acres to Barrier Systems

Cornish & Carey (http://www.ccarey.com/)
♦ 497 Edison Court, Fairfield - 12,000 sf lease to Euro Machines
♦ 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite D&E, Fairfield - 10,328 sf sold to Bains Enterprises
♦ 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite D1, Fairfield - 2,500 sf lease to Superior Building Services

Cushman & Wakefield (http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/)
♦ 2339 Courage Drive, Fairfield - 36,000 sf lease to Elliot Company
♦ 2445 S. Watney Way, Fairfield – 19,000 sf lease to Sara Lee
♦ 495 Edison Court, Fairfield – 12,000 sf lease to Euromachines

Premier Commercial (http://www.pcres.net/)
♦ 1300 Oliver Rd, Fairfield - 3,819 sf lease to Bank of the West
♦ 4960 Allison Pkwy, Vacaville - 3,200 sf lease to Right Now Air

Archer & Ficklin (http://www.archerficklin.com/)
♦ Davis-Dixon Greenbelt, Solano County – 254 acre land sale to Albers

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

This month Solano EDC begins a new monthly feature in the Newsletter – a Solano County Property will be showcased. We will use this feature as a way to acquaint our readers with the broad spectrum of EDC member properties available throughout the County.

Cordelia Commerce Center in Fairfield was just completed and is open for business. Two buildings of 115,350 total square feet, are divisible-to-suit. This Flexible product type allows R&D, warehouse distribution and manufacturing. The Project is strategically and visibly located at the confluence of I-680, I-80 and Highway 12 to Napa.

Approximately ±115,350 Square Feet in Two Buildings Divisible-to-Suit

SITE: ±6.36 net useable acres fronting I-680 at the NWC of Lopes Road at Fermi Drive
ACCESS: Immediate: Project is situated at the confluence of I-80, I-680 and Hwy 12 (w)

5001 FERMI DRIVE:
Size: ±71,550 sq. ft. (±200’ deep x ±360’ wide)
Divisible to ±18,000 sq. ft. (±90’ wide x ±200 deep)
Clear Height: ±28’
Offices: To-Suit
Parking: 1/1,000 per rentable sq. ft.
Staging & Truck Access:
8 Dock High Doors (±9’ x ±10’) / front loaded
5 Grade Level Doors (±12’ x ±14’) / front loaded
Column Spacing: ±60’ wide x ±40’ deep
Power: 2,000 amps @ 480/277 volts
Fire Sprinklers: .495/2,000 gpm

505 LOPES ROAD:
Size: ±43,800 Sq. Ft. (±140’-±180’ deep x ±270’ wide)
Divisible to ±8,400 sq. ft. and ±13,500 sq. ft.
Clear Height: ±24’
Offices: To-Suit
Parking: ±1.2/1,000 per rentable sq. ft.
Staging & Truck Access:
10 Dock High Doors (±9’ x ±10’) / rear loaded
4 Grade Level Doors (±12’ x ±14’) / rear loaded
Column Spacing: ±40’ - ±50’ wide x ±40’ - ±50’ deep
Power: 1,200 amps @ 480/277 volts
Fire Sprinklers: .495/2,000 gpm

For more information, contact:
Brooks Pedder, SIOR or Phil Garrett, SIOR
360 Campus Lane, Suite 101
Fairfield, CA 94534
Tel: 707 863-0188
Fax: 707 863-0181

June 25th Membership Luncheon

Key non-profit organizations will explain how their programs add to the quality of life in Solano County when the Solano Economic Development Corporation meets at noon June 25 at the Benicia Yacht Club, 400 East Second Street, Benicia.

Representatives from four organizations have been invited to the event. They are: Stephanie Wolf, Solano Community Foundation; Ron Marlette, Mission Solano; Marilyn Farley, Solano Land Trust and Kim Thomas, The Children’s Network of Solano County.

“These organizations serve a specific purpose in Solano County,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said. “We are holding this event to raise awareness about the huge impact non-profits have on the economic posture of our communities.”

Cost is $25 for EDC members, and $35 for non members. To register call Pat at (707) 864-1855.

Did you know?

Foster’s Bighorn Restaurant in Rio Vista has one of the world’s most remarkable collections of wild game trophies with over 300 wild animals, birds and fish. One of their rare pieces includes an African elephant whose trunk measures 13 ft. and the 5 ft. long tusks weigh 110 lbs. each.

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Non-Profit organizations explain services to Solano County

2008-06-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

Representatives from four organizations have been invited to the event. They are: Stephanie Wolf, Solano Community Foundation; Ron Marlette, Mission Solano; Marilyn Farley, Solano Land Trust and Kim Thomas, The Children’s Network of Solano County.

“These organizations serve a specific purpose in Solano County,” Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC said. “We are holding this event to raise awareness about the huge impact non-profits have on the economic posture of our communities.”

Ammann said it is too easy to “…put these non-profit organizations in a box and not recognize just how much they provide to the high quality of life in Solano County.”

To register, contact Solano EDC at 707 864-1855.

Cost is $25 for EDC members, and $35 for non members.

The event is sponsored by the City of Benicia and AT&T. Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members are Touro University, Reporter, Times-Herald, Solano Garbage Company and Potrero Hills Landfill.

Business publication editors speak at EDC event

2008-06-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

Editors from three of Northern California’s premier business publications will speak at the May 28 Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) breakfast event in Fairfield.

The editors are: Brad Bollinger, North Bay Business Journal; Doug Curley, Comstock’s Business Magazine; and Al Pacciorini, East Bay Business Times.

The editors were invited to Solano County to give business and government officials better insight into these specialized publications, their mission and how to best utilize each for news distribution.

“This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about these specialized publications that focus entirely on economic issues and business news,” Michael Ammann, president of EDC said. “Each editor will explain how to submit news for publication and also specify their current areas of high news interest.”

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. To register, call 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.

The breakfast event series is sponsored by Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members: The Reporter, Times-Herald, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

May 2008 News

2008-05-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

MAY 2008

Table of Contents
-Real Estate Roundup (April 2008)
-Clarkston Consulting Tours Solano Communities
-May 28th Membership Breakfast – “Meet the Business Editors”: East Bay Business Times, Comstock’s Business Magazine, NorthBay Business Journal
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (April 2008)
CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
-Quarters K, Mare Island, Vallejo -- 8,783 SF lease to Packaging Arts
-Building 112, Mare Island, Vallejo -- 20,550 SF lease renewal to Performance Contracting
-Building 678, Mare Island, Vallejo -- 81,600 SF lease renewal to XKT Engineering

Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
-4361 Park Road, Benicia – 3,250 sf lease to Fastenal Company

Cornish & Carey (http://www.ccarey.com/)
-4833 Auto Plaza Court, Fairfield, 21,880 sf lease to STARCON International

Grubb & Ellis (http://www.grubb-ellis.com/)
-Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 7 acre land sale to JCM Partners, LLC

Keegan & Coppin (http://www.keegancoppin.com/)
-4833 Auto Plaza Court, Fairfield, 21,880 sf lease to STARCON International

Premier Commercial (http://www.pcres.net/)
-4321 Lozano Lane, Fairfield - 5,304 sf lease to Mike Merlonghi
-1455 Oliver Road, Fairfield – 4,936 sf lease to Kappel & Kappel
-VacaValley Road, Vacaville – 50.4 acres sold to City of Vacaville
-Cherry Glen Road, Vacaville – 4.8 acres sold to New Life Church of the Nazarene

Clarkston Consulting Tours Solano Communities

Clarkston Consulting executives recently toured available sites in Solano County as potential locations for their biotechnology company clients. Tony Stolis and Julia Cost of Clarkston toured the County May 12 on with Mike Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation.

The site tour included: Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville and Dixon. Michael Palombo, economic development manager for the City of Vacaville, hosted lunch at the Nut Tree after touring several sites with the I-505/I-80 triangle area.

Stolis is a member of the Bay BIO Board of Directors and said after the tour he "...appreciated the time taken to showcase what is happening and available in Solano County." Ammann said the consulting firm is prominent in the growing biotech industry and this tour "...shows how the communities of Solano County are positioned to participate in the expanded growth of this industry." Stolis said: "I found the Genentech research facility to be particularly interesting, because it demonstrates even broader potential for the County. I'll definitely be keeping that in mind."

The site tour is an example of EDC's continual effort to bring top industry leaders into the County to learn firsthand of all the opportunities afford their companies and clients.
_________________________________________

Business publication editors speak at EDC event

Editors from three of Northern California’s premier business publications will speak at the May 28 Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) breakfast event in Fairfield.

The editors are: Brad Bollinger, North Bay Business Journal; Doug Curley, Comstock’s Business Magazine; and Al Pacciorini, East Bay Business Times.

The editors were invited to Solano County to give business and government officials better insight into these specialized publications, their mission and how to best utilize each for news distribution.

“This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about these specialized publications that focus entirely on economic issues and business news,” Michael Ammann, president of EDC said. “Each editor will explain how to submit news for publication and also specify their current areas of high news interest.”

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. To register, call 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for EDC members and $35 for non-members.

____________________________

Did you know?
Vacaville has held the highest per capita concentration of electric cars in the world, giving it the nickname "Voltageville”. (Wikipedia)

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

Campbell Soup Company to increase vegetable processing capacity at its Dixon, California facility

2008-05-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

The decision of Campbell Soup Company to increase vegetable processing capacity at its Dixon, California tomato processing facility demonstrates the economic strength of Solano County, according to Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation.

“Campbell’s is turning to its Dixon facility to process vegetables for its high performing beverage business and other soups and sauces,” Ammann said. “The decision to expand the facility in Solano County demonstrates the company’s faith in our economic future. Rather than going to another facility, Campbell will use Dixon to meet its increased consumer demand for its beverages.”

Campbell V8 and V8 V-Fusion juice brands will both be produced at the Dixon facility.

The plant’s processing capacity will be increased by 15 percent and will initially add 60 production days to Dixon’s operations, which will expand the processing season from July through October to May through October.

“This will obviously have a positive impact on Dixon’s economy and also on other Solano County communities,” Ammann said.

Ammann pointed out that there will also be increased agriculture production for farmers in Solano and six other northern and five southern California counties: Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo, Fresno, Kings, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Tulare, and Ventura.

"Agriculture is still a major industry in Solano County,” Ammann said. “Unfortunately, many look at it as strictly farming, but it also provides many opportunities for business growth and Solano EDC is committed to keeping this segment of the economy strong in the County.”

Recently Solano EDC was a co-sponsor of a Solano/Yolo County Agriculture Summit, help at U.C. Davis. It brought together investors, agriculture leaders and community officials to discuss ways to create a regional agriculture marketing plan.

“It’s (Solano/Yolo Summit) is in its infancy,” Ammann said, but we at Solano EDC see this as a critical first step toward creating awareness of agriculture and its opportunities.”

Local Community Leader Selected to Attend the National Security Forum

2008-05-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Sandy Person, Vice President of the Solano Economic Development Corporation (Solano EDC) has received and accepted a personal invitation from the Secretary of the Air Force to attend the 55th Annual National Security Forum (NSF) at the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The purpose of NSF is to expose influential citizens to senior U.S. and international officers and civilian equivalents in order to engage each other’s ideas and perspectives on Air Force, national and international security issues.

During the week of May 12-16, approximately 130 civilian leaders in business, education and government from all over the U.S. will meet with senior military leaders to explore current and future national security issues facing our nation. The NSF provides a great opportunity for an open and candid exchange of ideas among these guests, senior military and civilian leaders, and our Air War College students. Sandy Person will attend lectures, meet in seminars for in-depth discussions and participate in several social events including an air power demonstration and barbeque.

The Air War College is the senior professional development school in the Air Force officer education system as a part of Air University. It educates selected senior officers to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. The curriculum focuses on coalition warfighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations.

Air University is a major component of Air Education and Training Command and the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Air University’s eight colleges and schools provide the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education, including degree granting and professional continuing education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers.

For more information on Air University, visit www.au.af.mil.

April 2008 News

2008-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

April 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (March 2008)
- STA Annual Washington DC Trip
- Business Editors Speak to EDC Membership in May
- 2008 Annual Golf Tournament
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (March 2008)

Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
- 801 Chadbourne, Fairfield – 29,520 sf lease expansion to Freight Transport
- 840-A Eubanks Drive, Vacaville –57,926 sf lease to Dex Products, Inc.
- 840-D Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 43,630 sf lease to JAK Transfer, Inc.
- Huntington Drive (Tolenas Industrial Park) – 23.79 acre land sale
Cornish & Carey (http://www.ccarey.com/)
- 5080 Park Road, Benicia – 17,482 sf lease to Custom Deliver Express
Cushman & Wakefield (http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/)
- 2339 Courage Drive,Fairfield – 36,000 sf leased to Elliot Turbomachinery Company
Grubb & Ellis (http://www.grubb-ellis.com/)
- 801 Chadbourne, Fairfield – 29,520 sf lease expansion to Freight Transport
Premier Commercial (http://www.pcres.net/)
- 96 Railroad Avenue, Suisun – 5,425 sf lease to R. Mitchell & D. Wicker
- Cherry Glen Rd and I-80, Vacaville – land sale of 3.16 acres to Garden Essentials

STA Annual Washington DC Trip

Solano Transportation Authority Annual Washington Trip April 1-3, '08 visits with key
congressional representatives.

Over $600 M in highway funding is scheduled for road improvements in the next 5 years due to the partnership efforts of the STA. Photo left to right includes: Daryl Halls - STA; Mayor Augustine - City of Vacaville; Mayor Price - City of Fairfield; Mayor Davis - City of Vallejo; Mayor Woodruff - City of Rio Vista; Jayne Bauer - STA and Mike Ammann - President of Solano EDC. The group was united in their message to congressional representatives, seeking $13 million in federal earmarks.

Business Editors Speak to EDC Membership in May

Three prominent business publication editors will be featured at the May 28 EDC breakfast event at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

The editors of East Bay Business Times, North Bay Business Journal and Comstock’s Magazine will talk to members about their publications – what they are interested in covering, how to contact and submit news, and areas of high interest with readers.

The editors are: Al Pacciorini, East Bay Business Times; Brad Bollinger, North Bay Business Journal; and Douglas Curley, Comstock’s Magazine.

Reservations can be made by contacting Pat Uhrich at 707 864-1855.
Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

This is a great opportunity for EDC members to become better acquainted with editors of these important business publications, and improve their chance to utilize the publications as part of their marketing/public relations strategy.

Plan now to participate in the Annual Solano EDC Golf Tournament

Mark your calendar and call now to reserve your place in the Aug. 11 EDC golf tournament at Green Valley Country Club. This event is a sellout every year. Don’t be shut out. Make reservations today!

Did you know?

The city of Dixon was originally supposed to be named “Dicksonville”, after local citizen Thomas Dickson whose land had been donated to create a railroad depot. The first rail shipment of merchandise from San Francisco arrived in 1872 mistakenly addressed to “Dixon,” and the new spelling has been used since mainly out of "simplicity."

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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Study will identify Solano County’s key industry clusters in major economic development endeavor

2008-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Business and government leaders will have the opportunity to hear how the research study to identify Solano County’s key industry clusters will benefit economic development planning.

Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics, will be the featured speaker at the April membership meeting of Solano Economic Development Corporation, 7 a.m. April 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

The major study, when completed will provide a benchmark that will measure the economic strength and health of Solano County. It also will provide analytical foundations that will assist planners for effective decision making.

Michael Ammann, president of EDC, called the endeavor “a tremendous opportunity for business and government leaders in Solano County to have critical data at their fingertips.”

The Solano County Board of Supervisors funded the studies through a grant awarded to Solano EDC.

“As Collaborative Economics embarked on this study we want to acquaint the area’s business and government leaders with Mr. Henton and provide them with and overview about not only the study, but it’s worth to the economic future of Solano County. The Index can help define the economic identity of the county”, Ammann said.

To make reservations to attend, contact Solano EDC, 707 864-1855. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non members.

March 2008 News

2008-05-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

March 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (February 2008)
- Solano County Index of Economic & Community Progress
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (February 2008)

CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- 400 Crocker Drive, Suite B, Vacaville – 111,250 sf lease by Total Warehousing Inc.
Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 518 Stone Road, Benicia – 12,824 sf lease to Total Safety U.S.
- 3860 Industrial Way, Benicia – 4,619 sf lease to Integra Services Technologies
- 5482 Gateway Plaza Drive, Benicia – 3,959 sf lease to Whisper Communications
- 801 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield – 29,520 sf lease to Freight Transport Systems Inc.
- 370 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield – 4,404 sf lease to State of Calif, Dept of Transportation
Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 2260 Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 47,972 sf warehouse building sold to Blake Properties
- 497 Edison Court, Fairfield – 9,000 sf lease by Heliocol USA
- 149 Grobic Court, Fairfield – 4,400 sf lease by Kens Beverage
Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- 1671 E Monte Vista Ave #105, Vacaville – 2,008 sf lease to Huntington Learning Center

Solano County Index of Economic & Community Progress

The County of Solano awarded a three-year contract to the Solano EDC to create and annually update the first Solano County Index of Economic and Community Progress as well as conduct the in-depth profiles of five Key Industry Clusters.

"This is a tremendous step forward in Solano County's collaborative effort to assist local communities and businesses in creating a baseline of data that will make future economic development decision making easier," said Scott Reynolds, Solano EDC chairman.

Solano EDC will contract with Doug Henton, president and co-founder of Collaborative Economics, the firm which originated the Index of Silicon Valley, to measure the economic strength and health of that community by providing an analytical foundation for decision making.

If you want to learn more about the Solano Index and Cluster Studies? Join us at the Fairfield Hilton Garden on Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 am to meet and listen to DOUG HENTON, President and Co-Founder of Collaborative Economics who will provide an overview and answer your questions. Call Pat at 864-1855 to make your reservation.

Solano EDC three-year contract includes the follow components:

· An annual Index which includes a unique set of economic, workforce, housing, education, transportation and related indicators that together tell the story of the County and its seven communities' growing role as a regional hub of innovation and opportunity.

· A Land Inventory and Absorption Study will identify all undeveloped parcels in the county that are zoned commercial and industrial. This study will identify the parcel readiness for development.

· Five key industry profiles will be created over the next three years. Each Cluster will provide a focus for meeting the twin challenges of economic growth and workforce investment. A target of opportunity, such as the biotechnology industry, can be export-oriented, population-driven, or represent an opportunity with career potential for local residents. This portfolio of clusters will enable the Solano EDC and local economic developers to more successfully target companies for expansion and growth.

Supervisor Michael Reagan, immediate past chair of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, said. "The commissioning of these reports demonstrates the County's commitment to attracting more quality jobs across the county. These tools will be a tremendous asset to the cities in their economic development efforts."

Last year Supervisor Reagan was the driving force behind the County hosting a series of three Economic Summits to create a collaborative Solano County economic development vision and a new role for the County in supporting existing countywide development efforts. Summit sponsors included the City and County Coordinating Council, Solano EDC, Solano Transportation Authority and the University of California, Davis.

"The collaborative leadership of the County cannot be stressed enough," said Michael Ammann, Solano EDC president.

Did you know?

Solano County was one of the original 18 counties created at statehood but its original name was not Solano County. Do you know its original name?

Benicia County was its original name in January 1850 but its name was changed three months later to Solano County in honor of Chief Solano who ruled over most of the indigenous tribes between the Sacramento River and Petaluma Creek.

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

February 2008 News

2008-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

February 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (January 2008)
- Scott Reynolds – 2008 Chairman of Solano EDC
- 2007: A strong economic year for Solano County
- 2007 Highlights
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (January 2008)
CBRE (www.cbre.com)
- Building 126, Mare Island, Vallejo – 16,958 sf lease to Alamillo Rebar
- Building 674, Mare Island Vallejo – 8,804 sf lease to EP Architectural Builders
- 865 Cotting Lane, Vacaville – 5,000 sf lease renewal to K.C. Engineering
Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 64 Union Way, Vacaville – Land sale of ±1 acre industrial parcel to Rave Properties
Cornish & Carey (www.ccarey.com)
- 5080 Park Road, Benicia - 17,482 sf lease to CDX
- 6730 Goodyear Road, Benicia, 8,045 sf lease to Industrial Gasket
- 370 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield 4,000 sf lease to Cal Trans
Grubb & Ellis (www.grubb-ellis.com)
- 2489 Courage Drive, Fairfield – 7,347 sf condo sale to Fit Tech
- Watt Court , Fairfield - 2.97 acre land sale Cowan Thompson

Scott Reynolds named to chair Solano Economic Development Corporation board

S. Scott Reynolds, managing shareholder in the law firm of Gaw Van Male, has been named 2008 Chairman of the Solano Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Reynolds will serve as chair as Solano EDC celebrates its 25th year anniversary.

Reynolds is general counsel for many corporations with headquarters in California, and is a certified specialist in probate, estate planning and trust law certified by the California State Bar Association.

He received his J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Actively involved in the community, Reynolds is on the NorthBay Healthcare Foundation, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Vacaville Rotary Club.

2007: A strong economic year for Solano County

2007 was a good year for Solano County, and economic development leaders predict the area is poised to take on the financial challenges of 2008.

At the EDC annual meeting Sam Zuckerman, senior economic writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, told the 300 attendees that Solano County has the assets needed to meet the uncertain times ahead.

“Skilled labor, land, access (to the Bay Area and Sacramento), a diverse economy and a strong government will allow Solano to grow within the next two years at a solid pace,” Zuckerman said.

Michael Ammann, president of the EDC, made the same prediction, also citing benchmarks that point to continued growth. Zuckerman and Ammann acknowledged the challenges faced regionally, statewide and nationally – housing, market volatility and technical downturns.

“We have the most diverse Bay Area economy,” Ammann said, “And that will allow us to overcome the challenges facing our state and nation.”

Major 2007 economic projects highlight the EDC’s Annual Meeting

Major developments, infrastructure projects and increasing sales tax during 2007—all created a good year for Solano County cities. Michael Ammann, EDC president, gave attendees at the annual meeting a brief overview of 2007’s major accomplishments. These included:
· BENICIA: Expansion of the Benicia Industrial Park, including Bio-Rad, Cole Supply and Bruni Glass; new downtown boutiques and cafes; sales tax revenue increased 16%.
· DIXON: Campbell’s Soup invests $20 million in plant improvements; retail growth; hybrid vehicle startup company.
· FAIRFIELD: 2 million sq. ft. project at Green Valley Corporate Park; Sutter Medical Offices, CalBee America snack food; new auto dealerships.
· RIO VISTA: Waterfront development plan approved; research center at the former Army Base; Rio Vista Industrial Park infrastructure improvements.
· SUISUN CITY: Harbor Square construction; neighborhood improvements, apartments and family mixed uses; future Highway 12 development approved.
· VACAVILLE: Kaiser Hospital construction; Genentech expansion; Alza multi-million solar farm; State Compensation Insurance Fund offices.
· VALLEJO: Transportation and retail/commercial opportunities including the Vallejo Intermodal Facility; heavy-ion cancer treatment center; expansions at Touro University and California Maritime Academy.

Ammann also citied Travis AFB, a low unemployment, and the potential for expanded biotech manufacturing as highlights for Solano County economic development.

Did you know?

Solano County is the only county that has had two cities serve as the state capital. Can you name the cities?

Vallejo from January 5, 1852 to February 4, 1853 and Benicia from February 4, 1853 to February 25, 1854 (right: Benicia State Capital Building)

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

Travis AFB update featured at EDC meeting

2008-05-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

The “State of the Base” will be highlighted March 12 when Col. Steven J. Arquiette, commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base addresses members of the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

Col. Arquiette is responsible for 24,000 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel who are stationed at the base.

“Travis is such a critical element of our economic base,” Michael Amman, president of Solano EDC said. “We look forward to these opportunities to hear the current picture at Travis.”

The meeting is sponsored by Travis Credit Union, and will be held at the firm’s corporate headquarters at One Travis Way, Vacaville. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the program and luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 for members, and $35 for non members.

Space is limited and reservations may be made by contacting Solano EDC, 707 864-1855.

Col. Arquiette’s Air Force wing supports the worldwide air mobility mission. The Travis wing has C-5, KC-10 and C-17 aircraft, responding to combat operations and humanitarian relief efforts.

Scott Reynolds named to chair Solano Economic Development Corporation board

2008-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

S. Scott Reynolds, managing shareholder in the law firm of Gaw Van Male, has been named chairman of the Solano Economic Development Corporation board of directors.

Reynolds will serve as the 2008 chairman for the economic development organization which is currently celebrating its 25th year anniversary.

Reynolds serves as general counsel for many corporations with headquarters in California, and is a specialist in probate, estate planning and trust law certified by the California State Bar Association.

He received his J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Actively involved in the community, Reynolds serves on the NorthBay Healthcare Foundation, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Vacaville Rotary Club.

He works in the firm’s Fairfield, Vacaville and Redlands offices.

“We are extremely pleased that Scott Reynolds accepted the chairman position on our board of directors,” Michael Ammann, president of EDC said. “He has demonstrated through his community involvement that he is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Solano County, and through his EDC leadership our board will be able to preserve and increase our positive economic posture.”

January 2008 News

2008-05-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

January 2008

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (December 2007)
- EDC celebrates 25 years of service to Solano County
- Keep your membership active for 2008
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup (December 2007)

Colliers International (www.colliersparrish.com)
- 527-531 Stone Rd, Benicia – 99,840 sf lease to Cork Supply USA, Inc.
- 5311 Industrial Way, Benicia – 26,089 sf lease to CytoSport Inc.
- 801 Chadbourne Rd, Fairfield – 44,280 sf lease to Freight Transport Systems Inc.
- 539 Stone Rd, Benicia – 122,000 sf lease renewal with Western Container Corp
- 535 Getty Court, Benicia – 20,160 sf lease renewal with Gunnebo Entrance Control
CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
- Grobic Court, Fairfield – Land sale of 1.5 acres by WWCH1, LLC
- 2050 Cessna Dr, Vacaville – 220,800 sf building sale by Serta Mattress
- Building 126, Mare Island, Vallejo – 7,663 lease sf to Praxis
- Building 757, Mare Island, Vallejo – 6,375 sf lease to Triton Repair
Cornish & Carey (http://www.ccarey.com/)
- 4955 Industrial Way, Benicia – 48,000 sf leased to Encore Glass
- 5311 Industrial Way, Benicia – 26,089 sf lease by CytoSport Inc.
- 665 Stone Road, Benicia – 31,870 sf lease by JV Industrial
Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushmanwakefield.com)
- 497 Edison Ct, Fairfield – 12,000 sf leased by Sunnyside Farms
- 497 Edison Ct, Fairfield – 9,000 sf leased by UMA Solar
- One Harbor Center, Suisun City – 3,300 sf lease by BP Solar
Keegan & Coppin (www.keegancoppin.com)
- 2339 Courage Drive, Fairfield – 108,000 building sale to Jaeger McHugh LLC
Premier Commercial (www.pcres.net)
- Grobic Court, Fairfield – Land sale of 1.5 acres to Brian Schneider
The Wiseman Company (www.wisemanco.com)
- One Harbor Center, Suisun City – 3,300 sf lease to BP Solar

EDC celebrates 25 years of service to Solano County

Solano EDC will kick off its 25th year of service Jan. 24 with the annual meeting, 11:30 a.m. at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Hotel.

Sam Zuckerman, senior correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle, will be the keynote speaker for the annual meeting. Zuckerman has been with the newspaper since the late 90s, and currently focuses on regional economic and financial issues.

It was 25 years ago that a group of Solano County business and government leaders determined that the economic future of the area needed the support of a countywide organization that could bring together all the key players to assure a balanced and steady growth.

“The dreams of a few have resulted in today’s Solano EDC,” Mike Ammann said. “Today, EDC has proven the wisdom of the EDC founders. Through the years the organization has been able to bring together private sector and government officials to work for the common good. We are all in a better position today than we were before EDC was created.”

The annual meeting will highlight the accomplishments of 2007, and Zuckerman will give insight into the challenges and opportunities for economic growth during 2008.

“This is a critical time for Solano County,” Ammann said. “We are positioned to take advantage of the economic opportunities in biotech, services and energy expansion.”

Each year the annual meeting is a big event, and 300 are expected to attend.

For information regarding reservations, contact Pat at 707 864-1855.

Cost is $45 per person or $350 for a table of 8.

The Annual meeting is sponsored by: Gaw Van Male Counselors at Law, Lennar Mare Island, Travis Credit Union, Sutter Health, Umpqua Bank, Wells Fargo, Suisun Grape Growers Association, Reporter, Kaiser Permanente, Times-Herald, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

Keep your membership active for 2008

Now is the time to renew your membership with Solano EDC. It’s an investment that gives you a voice in Solano County’s economic development.

2008 will be both a year of challenges and opportunities. You can help protect your organization’s future by maintaining your membership.

For information, contact Sandy at (707) 864-1855.

Did you know?

Who was the first Board Chairman of Solano Economic Development Corporation?

Gary Andrews, Amos & Andrews

The Solano Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of 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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Solano Economic Development Corporation Receives Pacific Gas and Electric Company Grant

2008-05-01T13:31:00.001-07:00

A $5000 grant to support economic development programs in Solano County has been awarded to the Solano Economic Development Corporation by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

The Solano organization was one of 75 local government and community-based organizations to receive the grant funding from PG&E.

We are pleased to receive the grant from PG&E,” President Michael Amman said. “The company has been a long term supporter of our economic development efforts to create quality jobs for the residents of the area by attracting and retaining business firms.”

Ammann said PG&E has been a major player in EDC’s marketing planning, serving on the organization’s Marketing Committee and Board of Directors.

This is the sixth year for the grant program. During that time $1.7 million has been awarded to 325 projects. Solano EDC received its first grant from PG&E in 2002.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Solano EDC, and it has continued to forge a strong partnership between the private sector and government agencies to create programs that will improve economic development opportunities throughout the County.

“It’s the support of both the private and government sectors that have allowed EDC to position itself as the facilitator for sound economic growth. We look forward to 2008 and the opportunities and challenges it will bring to continue our efforts that will keep our businesses and families strong,” Ammann said.

Chronicle Business Expert Will Deliver Keynote At Solano EDC Annual Meeting

2008-05-01T13:29:00.002-07:00

Sam Zuckerman, senior correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle business section, will deliver the keynote address at the Solano Economic Development Corporation 25th annual meeting, Jan. 24 in Fairfield.

Zuckerman, one of the nation’s elite business journalists, has been with the Chronicle since 1998, and currently focuses on regional economic and financial issues.

The EDC annual meeting registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn. Some 300 are expected to attend the event.

Michael Ammann, president of Solano EDC, said the meeting will provide attendees the opportunity to hear a review of 2007 and gather “…important insight into what 2008 will bring to Solano County and its cities.”

“We are extremely pleased to bring Sam Zuckerman to our membership for our 25th annual meeting,” Ammann said. “He has proven to be a solid reporter of economic news – grasping the challenges and opportunities afforded the private and public sectors.”

Zuckerman previously was assistant business editor at the Chronicle, overseeing coverage of health care, energy, the economy, markets and biotechnology. In 1999 his coverage of the takeover of the Bank of America garnered him a nomination as a finalist for the Loeb Award, the most prestigious honor in business journalism.

Prior to joining the Chronicle, Zuckerman worked for Bloomberg News and the American Banker in San Francisco.

He was a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and business Journalism at Columbia University in 1988 and 1989. A new York City native, he is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.

Reservations may be made for the event by calling 707 864-1855. Cost is $45 per person and a table of eight for $350.

The event is sponsored by: Gaw Van Male; Lennar Mare Island, Travis Credit Union, Sutter Health, Umpqua Bank, Wells Fargo, Suisun Valley Grape Growers Association, Kaiser Permanente, Times-Herald, The Reporter, Solano Garbage Company, Potrero Hills Landfill and Touro University.

Solano EDC’s 25th Annual Meeting

2008-05-01T13:29:00.001-07:00

Solano Economic Development’s 25th Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 24th, 11:30 am at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield.

Keynote Speaker is Sam Zuckerman, assistant Business Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. Mr. Zuckerman is a highly knowledgeable and respected reporter and columnist on economic issues. He has his pulse to both local and national economic trends that affect our Northern California region. Solano EDC is extremely pleased to offer members the chance to hear Mr. Zuckerman address the challenges of 2008 and what opportunities are available for Solano cities. Mr. Zuckerman will share his insights and observations on the current economic picture and what the future may hold.

Make reservations now to attend this important meeting to hear a review of 2007 economic development in Solano County--and gain more information about 2008. Cost $45 per person, $350 for a table of eight. For more information or to register call (707) 864-1855 or email Pat Uhrich at pat@solanoedc.org.

Event Sponsored by:

Gaw VanMale; Kaiser Permanente; Lennar Mare Island; Suisun Valley Grape Growers Association; Travis Credit Union; Wells Fargo;
Sutter Health; Umpqua Bank

Solano EDC Chairman Circle Members:

Potrero Hills Landfill; The Reporter; Solano Garbage Company;
Times Herald; Touro University

Solano County: a growing regional hub

2008-05-01T13:28:00.001-07:00

Solano County is positioned to serve as the hub for Northern California’s expanding biotech industry--expected to double in the next 10 years.

Michael Ammann, president of Solano Economic Development Corporation, told business and government leaders at last week’s Solano Economic Summit (Thursday, Dec. 13) in Fairfield, that the cities in Solano are already key players in biotech, but could see that role expanded tremendously in the coming years.

“Is Solano ready to double?” Ammann asked. “It has all the potential to double an already successful posture.”

Ammann said Northern California currently has 900 companies in the biotech sector. Some 120 are publicly owned, employing 90,000, with a $6 billion annual payroll. The Average wage is $68,000. Currently there are 393 marketed products, and 400 new products in Phase II and III clinical trials.

The region has four major life science research universities with more than one-half billion dollars in research funding.

“And, all that is expected to double,” in the next ten years,” Ammann said.

Solano County is centrally located to serve this expanding industrial sector, Ammann said.

Currently, Genentech, Alza and Novartis have major facilities in Vacaville, and Benicia is home to Bio-Rad. Vallejo will soon see Siemens, and Genentech will build a major R&D facility in Dixon.

Ammann said that with biotech’s expansion, other sectors also will expand. Food and beverage, for example, benefit from the R&D in the life sciences. Currently, with Mariani Foods, Clorox, Budweiser, St. Gobain, Cyto Sports Drinks, Abbott Labs and JG Guittard, Solano County is a growing locating in this economic sector.

“We are a regional hub of opportunity and innovation, built on growth in energy, food/beverage and life sciences,” Ammann said. “We can create a strong diversified economy based on the needs of a growing regional population who must find a way to turn on the lights, eat and stay health.”

December 2008 News

2008-05-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

December 2007

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (November 2007)
- 2007: A Year of Growth and Promise
- Did you know? 2008 Annual Meeting
- Time to Renew Your Membership Meeting

Real Estate Roundup (November 2007)
Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
• 535 Getty Court, Benicia – 20,160 sf lease to Gunnebo Entrance Control, Inc.
• 6500 Goodyear Rd, Benicia – 41,920 sf lease to Lord & Sons, Inc.
• 4971 Allison Parkway, Vacaville – 13,000 sf lease to JL Custom Tile & Stone Works

CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
• 821 Eubanks Drive, Vacaville – 5,000 sf lease to Elite Athletics
• E. Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville - 3.66 acre land sale by Russell/AD Development Group

The Wiseman Company (http://www.wisemanco.com/)
• One Harbor Center, Suisun City – 4,100 sf lease to FISERVE
• 604 Empire Street, Fairfield – 10,000 sf sale to Solano County

2007: A Year of Growth and Promise
Dear Solano Economic Development Corporation Members

As we enjoy the holiday season, it is also a good time to reflect on 2007 and the economic posture of Solano County.

The Solano EDC Board of Directors and staff thank you for your continued support. Through your support we have been able to continue our efforts to attract new businesses and foster an atmosphere that supports the existing businesses in our cities.

This past year we have seen more major corporations show more interest in locating facilities within the Solano County borders—and through our partnerships with individual cities we have seen some major business expansions.

Each of our communities made tremendous progress in 2007:
Benicia continues its impressive renaissance of its downtown area;
Dixon will soon be home to Genentech’s major R&D facility;
Fairfield strengthens its position in retail and industrial growth;
Rio Vista offers a tremendous industrial park with an airport;
Suisun City works to increase its waterfront tourist attraction;
Vacaville takes the lead as a biotech giant in Northern California;
Vallejo’s Mare Island shows its potential for education and industry;

Nationally, economic conditions are becoming somewhat choppy—we all know that—but Solano County has been able to maintain a strong posture. A quick recognition of our occupancy rates in the retail and professional sectors is a good indication that 2007 was strong locally.

We can be thankful that we have forged a new frontier in economic development for Solano County throughout new EDC marketing program which was undertaken several years ago. The progress we have made should serve us well in the coming months as we prepare for a year of opportunities and, yes, a year of uncertainties.

On behalf of the EDC board of directors and staff I wish you Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. We look forward to working together in the coming months.

Sincerely

Mike Ammann

Did you know?
Did you know that the Solano EDC is celebrating its 25th Anniversary at the 2008 Annual Meeting?

Don’t be left out! The annual luncheon meeting is slated for 11:30 – 1:30 on January 24, 2008 at the Fairfield Hilton Garden Inn. The event is always a sellout.

To make reservations call Pat at 707 864-1855

Cost in $45 and a table can be reserved for $350

Make plans today to attend and learn more about the accomplishments of 2007 and what lies ahead for 2008!

Time to renew your membership
It’s a busy time of year, but please take a moment to renew your membership in Solano EDC.

With your continued support EDC will be able to strengthen its marketing efforts and position Solano County and its cities for a solid economic future.

An investment in EDC makes you a member of a strong team comprised of private sector and government officials. It is an opportunity to play a major role in the area’s future. This is one long term investment that will pay you and your organization big dividends!

Contact Pat at EDC for more information: 707 864-1855.

The Solano Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of 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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Solano EDC praises conservation

2008-05-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

By Cathy Bussewitz/Staff Writer

Tax incentives. Savings. Return on investment.

These aren't always the catch phrases used by environmental leaders. But the corporate executives who spoke at Solano Economic Development Corporation's member-investor breakfast Thursday pointed out that the key changes in energy consumption they've made have gone a long way toward helping their bottom line.

Anheuser-Busch's plant manager Kevin Finger said the company cut its energy use in half since 1970, and has cut their breweries' water use by 20 percent per six pack since 1990, saving 3.5 million liters of water.

"A fair amount of my day is spent paying attention to these things," Finger said. "We have opportunities to save money, especially when we partner with PG&E."
Alza Corp's Vacaville facility recently installed a field of 5,740 solar panels, a system that's saving the facility approximately $700 per day in energy costs, according to Bob Royer, project manager for the site.

But the "unsung heroes" in the path toward greening Solano County, Pacific Gas & Electric account executive John Ketcherside said, are small business.

"We've got a large corporation that's saving millions of dollars. But what about the small biz which really makes up the larger sector of our community?" Ketcherside said.

"I've gone out to these mom and pop shops, and I've offered no and low-cost solutions that have been able to send them $5,000 to $11,000 a year. And to an operation that survives on such a slim margin of profit, that is huge."

Ketcherside pointed out that implementing small changes like adding compact or linear florescent lights, strip curtains and seals for refrigeration units can make a big difference.

Fairfield-based Meyer Corporation installed a 4.8 megawatt energy-reduction system that "wiped out their electricity bill," Ketcherside said.

In Solano County, PG&E has paid out $7 million to business in energy efficiency rebates and $5.7 million to residences, Finger said. Much of this change is a result of a program where they audit energy use at a company or residence, and then offer suggestions and incentives to reduce energy expense.

For more information about how your company can reduce energy costs, businesses can contact PG&E at 800-468-4PGE and residents can call 800-933-9555.

Cathy Bussewitz can be reached at business@thereporter.com.
Source: Bussewitz, Cathy (2007, 11 30). Solano EDC praises conservation. The Reporter, p. A13.

Ways to save energy and money highlight next Solano EDC breakfast meeting

2008-05-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

While the media is abuzz with talk about energy conservation, Solano County businesses have already initiated programs that have saved them money and reduced energy usage.

On Nov. 29, four companies will share their ideas and projects at the Solano Economic Development corporation breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.

Michael Ammann, president of EDC, said the event will give “…a lot of ideas and positive proof that our local corporations are becoming energy efficient.”

Members of the panel discussion will be: Kevin Finger, Anheuser Busch; Monty Stephens, Westfield Solano Mall; John Ketcherside, PG&E; and a representative from Alza Corporation.

Each of the organizations is slashing their energy costs with simple applications. Anheuser Busch will show how the little things add up to big savings. Alza will explain its solar energy system that saves on high electric bills. Westfield Solano has embarked on an ongoing system that has reduced energy costs while maintaining a bright fun marketplace. PG&E will share ways that companies can work with the utility to create energy savings projects.

To make reservations to attend, contact Solano EDC at (707) 864-1855. This event is sponsored by: Wulff Electric, IBEW Local Union 180, and Arcadis.

The monthly breakfast meetings are underwritten by EDC Chairman Circle Members: Potrero Hills Landfill, Touro University, Solano Garbage Company, The Reporter and Times-Herald.

November 2007 News

2008-05-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

November 2007

Table of Contents
- Real Estate Roundup (October 2007)
- Energy Efficient Solano
- Business Obstacles
- Membership Renewal time
- Did you know?

Real Estate Roundup
(October 2007)
Colliers International (http://www.colliersparrish.com/)
♦ Allison Parkway, Vacaville – 5 acres land sale to PG&E
♦ 125 Grobic Court, Fairfield – 10,578 sf lease by Ponder Environmental Services, Inc.
♦ 360 Campus Lane, Fairfield – 66,551 sf lease expansion by Partnership HealthPlan
♦ 563 Industrial Way, Benicia – 161,754 sf lease renewal by Santa Clara Warehouses, Inc.
CBRE (http://www.cbre.com/)
♦ 907 Cotting Lane, Suite C, Vacaville – 10,368 sf purchase by Martin’s Metal
♦ Building 112 Mare Island, Vallejo – 13,200 sf lease by Arcmatic
♦ Building 141/155 Mare Island, Vallejo – 12,900 sf lease renewal by Miam
♦ Building 457 Mare Island, Vallejo – 5,000 sf lease renewal to F&M Fabricators
♦ Building 153 Mare Island, Vallejo – 8,200 sf lease renewal to Timothy Rose
♦ Quarters L Mare Island, Vallejo – 7,800 sf lease renewal to AFLAC
♦ Building 98/507 Mare Island, Vallejo – 42,000 sf lease renewal to Latham Truss
Cushman & Wakefield (http://www.cushmanwakefield.com/)
♦ 2449 South Watney, Fairfield - 59,843 sf building purchase by Lowenberg Corporate
Grubb & Ellis (http://www.grubb-ellis.com/)
♦ 1111 Western Street, Fairfield – 5,000 sf lease by Zabala Ranches
Keegan & Coppin (http://www.keegancoppin.com/)
♦ 2543 Cordelia Road, Fairfield – 29.5 acre land purchase by Solano County

Ways to save energy and money highlighted Next Solano EDC breakfast meeting
Solano County business has taken major steps to conserve energy and cut costs. While the media is abuzz with talk about energy conservation, many of our local businesses have already initiated programs that are benefiting all in the County.
On Nov. 29, EDC has invited four companies to share their ideas and projects at the Solano Economic Development corporation breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield.
Michael Ammann, president of EDC, said the event will give “…a lot of ideas and positive proof that our local corporations are not just talking about energy, but doing something to become more energy efficient.”
Members of the panel discussion will be: Kevin Finger, Anheuser Bush; Monty Stephens, Westfield Solano Mall; John Ketcherside, PG &E; and a representative from Alza Corporation.
Each of the organizations is slashing their energy costs with simple applications. Budweiser will show how the little things add up to big savings. Alza will explain its solar energy system that saves on high electric bills. Westfield Solano has embarked on an ongoing system that is reducing energy costs at extremely high rates. PG&E will share ways that companies can work with the utility to create energy savings projects.
To make reservations to attend, contact Solano EDC at 864-1855. This event is sponsored by Wulff Electric, IBEW Local Union 180, and Arcadis.
The monthly breakfast meetings are underwritten by EDC Chairman Circle Members: Potrero Hills Landfill, Touro University, Solano Garbage Company, Reporter and Times-Herald.

Business obstacles—state officials and unprepared workforce
Solano County business leaders gathered at October’s Solano EDC breakfast meeting to discuss the challenges and obstacles facing large and small business.
Guest speaker Dominic DiMare, former vice president of government relations with the California Chamber of Commerce cited state legislation and the lack of a well prepared labor force as key challenges facing the private sector.
Seven county chambers of commerce joined EDC bring the topic before local business leaders.
DiMare defined 10 bills last year that were introduced in the legislator as “job killers,” and pointed out that the governor vetoed these bills. He also said the current health care debate will result in the issue being put on the ballot in November next year.

Keep your membership active for 2008
Now is the time to renew your membership with Solano EDC. It’s an investment that gives you a voice in Solano County’s economic development. 2008 will be both a year of challenges and opportunities. You can help protect your organization’s future by maintaining your membership.
For information, contact Pat at (707) 864-1855.

Did you know?
Northern California has more than 900 life science companies, with more than 90,000 employees. That’s the largest cluster of biotech firms in the nation. And, Solano County is a leader in the field with some of U.S. major corporations calling the area “home.”
Life Sciences is expected to be a driving force in California’s economy in the coming years, and this area of growth will also trigger growth in Solano County’s other key economic sectors: Food, manufacturing and energy.
“In some way, all of our key growth sectors are interrelated,” Mike Ammann, EDC president said. “Focusing on the tremendous opportunities for new business in the biotech industry just makes good economic sense. It certainly doesn’t mean EDC is not working in all areas, just simply means we are focusing on the ‘big prize’ which is expanded life science facilities.
“We already are seeing more Bay Area and Sacramento residents commute into Solano County.
That’s a big turn around and a tremendous sign of our strides to make our cities more than bedroom communities,” he said.

The Solano Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of 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: http://www.solanoedc.org/

Cities generate growth by attracting employers

2008-05-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

By Ines Bebea

FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield-Vallejo metropolitan area ranked No. 22 in a list of the best 200 performing cities in 2006, according to a recent report on job growth by an economic think tank.

For its report, the Santa Monica-based Milken Institute ranked U.S. metropolitan areas based on their ability to create and sustain short- and long-term jobs, and their use of technology for regional economic growth.

The results have business advocates hopeful about the economic future in Solano County, especially after a 2005 report by the institute that ranked Fairfield-Vallejo at No. 41.

"The numbers by the Milken Institute show that our ability to attract employers and labor is part of a trend, and a long-term trend in our economic development," said Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation. "We have a track record for companies that are expanding like Genentech, and it tells companies in that industry sector and others that we have the room and capabilities to assist and handle growth."

According to Ammann, Solano County has seen growth in employers from the Bay Area who are bringing high-paying jobs to local cities, where employees can work and afford to live.

"As far as biotech, we ranked No. 1 for the Bay Area that includes San Jose, Emeryville and San Francisco," Ammann said. "Then we have companies like Copart and the California State Fund that have grown over the years. When we have to describe the opportunities available to employers, we have an array of success stories."

The Riverside-SanBernardino-Ontario metropolitan area was the only one in California in the top 10. It ranked third after Ocala, Fla., and Wilmington, N.C.

Success stories such as Copart and available space at competitive prices are what will continue to drive growth in the county, said Tim Ridosh, marketing director for the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce.

"Unlike other cities in the Bay Area, we still have land available and good prices for companies that are thinking about expanding or relocating," Ridosh said. "And although our home foreclosure numbers are high, we have not felt the effects yet, and our business growth will allow us to bounce back."

Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.

California metropolitan areas ranking in Top 50*
No. 3 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
No. 17 Bakersfield
No. 22 Fairfield-Vallejo
No. 25 Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville
No. 27 Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura
No. 45 Visalia-Porterville
No. 49 Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine
Source: 2007 Best Performing Cities, Milken Institute

Source:
Bebea, Ines (2007, 10 16). Cities generate growth by attracting employers. The Daily Republic, p. A1.

State Chamber Official Speaks in Solano County

2008-05-01T12:52:00.001-07:00

Dominic DiMare, Vice President of government relations for the California Chamber of Commerce, will be the featured speaker Oct. 25 at the Solano Economic Development Corporation – Solano Chambers of Commerce joint breakfast meeting in Fairfield.

The event registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, and is being held in conjunction with the Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Rio Vista, Vacaville and Vallejo Chambers of Commerce.

DiMare will address current issues at the state level which affect our local economy.

Cost is $25 and registration can be made by contacting EDC at 707 864-1855.