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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Solano EDC Annual Meeting January 25, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

Person named Solano EDC president

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

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

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