Benicia scores green auto operation

Benicia scores green auto operation

Amports Inc. will do final assembly for Coda’s zero-emission car

By Loralee Stevens, Special to the Business Journal           

Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, drive's the all-electric car.

BENICIA – City and county officials got a tour last week of Benicia’s first foray into green technology.

Startup zero-emission car developer Coda Automotives of Santa Monica has inked a deal with long-time Benicia automotive processing company Amports Inc. to do the final assembly on its flagship zero-emission cars.

Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh led a tour last Monday of the assembly operation for Solano officials, including Benicia mayor Elizabeth Patterson, who hailed the agreement as “proof positive” of the benefits of collaboration.

Coda’s cars, slated for the fleet market, will be shaped in China, then shipped to the Port of Oakland and trucked to Benicia where major drive-train components – including Coda’s 12-volt lithium-ion battery – will be installed by Amports.

Beginning around the end of this year, 10,000 to 14,000 cars are expected to roll through the assembly line during the first 12 months.

Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh explains the Code assembly process

According to Amports general manger Randy Scott, an initial 50 employees will be hired to run the operation, some by Coda, some by Amports.

“We have the capacity to absorb the assembly work already,” he said.

He did not disclose details of the agreement, but referred to it as “long term.”

According to Solano acting economic development manager Mario Giuliani, who arranged last Monday’s tour and press conference, the agreement spells a great win for the county and an opportunity for Benicia to attract more clean, green tech companies.

“With Amports developing the capacity to assemble zero-emission vehicles, other electric and hybrid car makers could lower their production costs by following Coda,” he said.

Mayor Patterson said Benicia could become a leader in the transition from petrochemical to alternative-energy industries. The city has long been known for oil refining, with Valero Energy Corp. a major business presence.

Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, drove a Coda prototype and pronounced it fascinating.

“We are excited that Coda decided to pick California as a launching place … ,” he said. “At a time when America is fixated on the idea of jobs immediately and jobs in the future, it really is through the kind of innovation that Coda brings – in this case to the transportation field – that’s going to drive jobs.”

Coda has raised over $200 million in venture funding. The 200-employee company expects to begin selling its first cars around the beginning of 2012. It’s currently building a network of dealers and intends to open a showroom somewhere in the Bay Area, according to Mr. Murtaugh.

“We’re hoping it’ll be in Benicia,” said Mr. Giuliani. “A green point-of-sale business would be a terrific addition to the green assembly line.”

Impact Solano to focus on future of key region

Impact Solano to focus on future of key region

Wednesday conference to feature economic forecast, local outlooks

By Gary Quackenbush, Special to the Business Journal

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Located at the center of a geographic triangle linking San Francisco, the North Bay and Sacramento, Solano County is welcoming entrepreneurs and businesses looking for a place to locate or expand with favorable operating conditions, lower costs and other important perks.

Impact Solano, the North Bay Business Journal’s upcoming conference focusing on this county, will be held Wednesday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $45 per person and tables are also available. Call Linda Perkins, 707-521-5264.

The conference will feature an economic outlook and panel of of local speakers.

Robert Eyler

Robert Eyler, Ph.D.

Director, Executive MBA Program and Frank Howard Allen Research Fellow, Sonoma State University

Dr. Eyler will provide attendees with a macroeconomic overview of the nation and region, given the events of 2011 as the context for a general preview at 2012, followed by a close up outlook at Solano County.

His current forecast for 2012 for both national and state economies will be presented. The rationale behind this forecast will include an analysis of labor the market’s ability to generate jobs and reduce unemployment, and the slow growth of both production and incomes.

“There are some caveats to 2012 being a year of continued, positive economic news that must be explored,” Dr. Eyler said. “The state budget may change in January, based on an inability of California to generate tax revenue to cover expenses in the first half of 2012, which may lead to state-level cuts.”

Looking ahead, the federal government will be gearing up for an election year, meaning 2012 could be another year of stagnation and rhetoric versus proactive economic planning, according to Dr. Eyler.
At the local level, he believes Solano County should continue utilizing its defined clusters in life sciences, food and energy, as well as recognizing that regional competition will continue from all directions as both housing markets and job markets continue to recover slowly.

“The challenge for Solano County will be continuing to grow in the midst of macroeconomic uncertainty and slow movement in other markets that would support business clusters,” he said, noting clusters such as construction, professional and personal services.

Sandy Person

Sandy Person

Interim president, Solano County Economic Development Corp.

Ms. Person will describe the demographics of Solano County and its proactive economic development process.

She will also discuss the county’s business-friendly market environment and offer a preview of new commercial real estate transactions that are attracting an increasing number of firms into the area — including two hybrid and all-electric vehicle manufacturers.

“Solano is one of the fastest growing sectors in the North Bay. It is a region that has plenty of open space for large and small plants and offices of every size,” she said.

Ms. Person will also provide a rationale on why so many firms are choosing to locate in Solano and what is attracting them.

“Major transportation arteries, more space to grow and expand, access to rail heads and air transport, plus close proximity to suppliers and partners, are some of the reasons for the recent flurry of new arrivals — with more to come.

“We are experiencing a relocation and corporate migration trend as firms move from other cities and counties into our area to avail themselves of the many advantages our county has to offer,” she said.
“The EDC’s mission is to facilitate economic development and assist these firms in navigating the process.”

“Solano is truly becoming an industrial dynamo of Northern California. It’s an area with so much to offer.”

David Payne

David Payne

Manager of operations, Altec Industries, Inc.

Mr. Payne will provide the audience with the reasons why his firm, one of the largest manufacturers of hybrid commercial vehicles, originally located in Solano and has decided to remain there.

The company’s Dixon Final Assembly Plant serves the western U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) and the Pacific Rim.

“This location is logistically ideal given its proximity to Interstates 80 and 5, shipping ports, and supply chain support from either Sacramento or Bay Area businesses,” Mr. Payne said.

“Our recent decision to stay in Solano County and expand our current operation, rather than relocate, was primarily motivated by Altec’s appreciation of this area and its corporate citizenship.”

Altec has enjoyed a good reputation in the local community since 1988 — one that allows it to easily recruit from a qualified labor pool to build a stable work force. He said competitive pay and benefit packages enhance an attractive, enjoyable work environment.

Pacific Gas & Electric is Altec’s largest West Coast customer. PG&E’s fleet office is located in nearby Davis. PG&E and Altec have collaborated to create several hybrid solutions for utility vehicles, leading to a new expansion of Altec’s Green Fleet Focus Factory.

“In addition to our partnership with PG&E, U.C. Davis offers untapped resources in research, development, and validation of hybrid vehicle designs.”

Gary Passama

Gary Passama

President and CEO, NorthBay Healthcare

As Solano County grows, employers and residents expect to see healthcare services expand to accommodate more workers and families. Mr. Passama’s presentation will address his company’s plans for achieving this.

Amid the uncertainties of health care reform and the economy, NorthBay Healthcare is planning to move ahead with a bold strategic plan that will bring new advanced medical services to an underserved Solano County.

After opening the county’s first open-heart surgery and cardiac care program, NorthBay is poised to be the first to provide trauma care in the county.

Mr. Passema has an ambitious agenda and timetable, one that includes a plan designed to grow emergency services to become the county’s premier center for heart attack treatment.

All of this is set against a backdrop that is even more ambitious — a major hospital expansion project at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital.

This $120 million project will result in doubling the acute care hospital in Vacaville and will position this independent, community-based, non-profit healthcare system to meet the revolution in healthcare delivery that is coming down the pike — along with the medical needs of the rapidly-expanding commercial and residential population in Solano County.

The health care industry is one of the largest employers in the North Bay and generates more $15.3 billion in revenue in the San Francisco Bay Area alone, according to recent news reports.

Solano Center for Business Innovation launched

September 19th, 2011 05:50am

Solano Center for Business Innovation launched

By Loralee Stevens, Special to the Business Journal            

SOLANO COUNTY — A new non-profit group is focussed on helping Solano’s small businesses grow revenues with an eye toward creating jobs.

Charles Rieger has launched a non-profit to help grow Solano businesses

Charles Rieger, formerly with IBM and now owner of a construction business, is the guiding force behind the Solano Center for Business Innovation.

“I looked around to see what we could do to help the 15,000 small companies that are operating, and often struggling, here in the county,” he said.

Mr. Rieger has talked with 60 local businesses and laid out a series of programs designed to address their concerns.

“They didn’t want handouts, but they did want help adjusting to new, competitive ways of doing business,” he said.

Part mentoring, part educational and part hands-on job creation, the center is not an incubator, but an effort to provide resources and contacts to both working companies and the out-of-work, including about 78,000 idled construction workers.

Anyone is welcome to gather with the group on the second Wednesday of each month at the Solano EDC, where subjects such as business technology and how to put it to use, and entreprenuership for the experienced worker are addressed.

A Pathways to Innovations program offers special mentoring to individuals or companies who want to grow or change, and the center is soon to launch a series of breakfast meetings where speakers of note will hold forth on pertinent topics.

“We want to get Rep. John Garamendi speaking on ‘Buy American’ for example,” said Mr. Reiger.

Melissa Percivalle, whose event planning and fund raising startup Event Savvy is benefiting from the Pathways program, is now putting her new business skills to work for the center.

“I get so involved in helping my clients develop their ideas I tend to let other things go,” she said. “Charles helps me back up my ideas with solid business practices. So in return I’m helping him develop the breakfast series and other events.”

The most ambitious of the center’s programs piggybacks on the California Energy Upgrade initiative to create jobs. Mr. Reiger calls it Energy Upgrade California Solano Plus.

Working with partners such as Solar City and Green Environmental Technologies, the center’s goal is to make 500 Solano County homes 40 percent more efficient while putting construction workers back in action.

“We persuade homeowners to avail themselves of the state energy rebates, which work out to $2,500 for every 25 percent reduction in energy use through solar and other alternative energy, roof and window improvements, more efficient appliances.

“Then, if they’re willing to pass the rebate on to us, we’ll install a complete energy monitoring system, an energy management system, and LED lighting throughout the home.”

Just launched, the Solano Plus program has already signed up three homeowners. Mr. Reiger hopes to double enrollment each month.

“We think we have a winner. The homeowner gains far more energy efficiency and several small businesses benefit from the work,” he said.

The next Center for Business Innovation meeting is on September 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 707-861-0724.

Pipe Shields, Inc. relocates to Fairfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:         Patti Magee, Executive Assistant

                       pmagee@WisemanCo.com
                       707.427.1212

Kirk Hull of The Wiseman Company announced today that Pipe Shields, Inc. has chosen to re-locate  to waterview offices on the second floor of the Green Valley Executive Center in Fairfield. Green Valley Executive Center is home to a variety of professional firms and Solano’s finest gourmet restaurant, Sticky Rice Bistro.

Acquired by Durga Agrawal, PhD, Pipe Shields, Inc. is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of a unique line of pre-insulated pipe supports, slides, guides and anchors that it has developed and patented during its 39 year history. They have done projects in the past for clients as varied as Boeing, Dow Chemical, Hershey’s Chocolate, Genentech, Nissan Motor Manufacturing and UC Davis, just to name a few. Their manufacturing facility, which includes 450,000 square feet of covered shop space, is in Houston, Texas and their offices in Fairfield are used for engineering, sales and marketing.

The Wiseman Company is a full-service, commercial real estate firm offering brokerage, development, investment and management services to Solano, Napa and Yolo counties. For more information about Green Valley Executive Center or any of our other Class A properties, contact Kirk Hull at 707.427.1212 or by email at khull@WisemanCo.com.

Benicia facility to finish assembly of Coda's new electric vehicles

By Tony Burchyns

Posted: 09/13/2011 01:00:32 AM PDT

Coda Automotive CEO Phil Murtaugh, center, shows off the 12-volt battery Monday in Benicia that will power the Coda EV, an all-electric sedan slated for delivery beginning late this year in California. At his left are Benicia mayor Elizabeth Patterson, and next to her is Rep. George Miller D-Martinez. (Tony Burchyns / Times-Herald)

BENICIA -- It will still be known as the city with the oil refinery, but Benicia is about to zoom into the electric car industry.
Officials from Amports Inc. and startup Coda Automotive Inc. announced Monday that the two have closed a deal to open a final assembly plant in Benicia.

The Los Angeles company also is in talks to open a Bay Area showroom, but details have not been released, company officials said.

Meanwhile, the Benicia operation will generate 50 jobs, with 10,000 to 14,000 cars expected to roll through next year.

Benicia will be the latest Bay Area city manufacturing electric cars. Palo Alto-based Tesla Motors Inc. is partnering with Toyota to build its next-generation electric sedan at a factory in Fremont.

Coda Automotive CEO Phil Murtaugh poses Monday with the startup companyÕs new all-electric sedan at Amports Inc. in Benicia. (Tony Burchyns / Times-Herald)

City officials said luring a company on the forefront of the green manufacturing industry was a significant coup.

"We have felt for a long time as a city that it is best to work in a collaborative and cooperative way with businesses in order to achieve our strategic goals ... ," Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson said. "And today is proof positive of that collaborative effort."

Ironically, the city's prosperity remains closely tied to fossil fuel, with Valero Energy Corp. operating an oil refinery there. But Patterson said the city of 28,000 also can be a leader in the transition from petrochemical to alternative-energy industries.

Coda plans to ship its nearly finished "clean" cars from China to the Bay Area. The sedans will then be trucked from the Port of Oakland to Benicia, where major drive-train components -- including Coda's 12-volt battery -- will be installed by Amports technicians.

The zero-emission cars will have a range of up to 150 miles, company officials said. Pricing will start at about $45,000 before federal and state incentives. The four-door, five-passenger sedans are expected to hit the market by year's end.

Coda officials called the partnership with Amports -- an automotive processing services company -- "long-term," but did not give details of the contract's terms.

The companies confirmed the deal at a press conference Monday at Amports. Among those in attendance were Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh, Amports Senior Vice President Jim Triplett, Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, and local elected officials.

Dozens of Coda workers encouraged by the partnership's prospects also attended.

Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh led reporters and local elected officials on a brief tour of the plant, demonstrating how the Coda battery's heating and cooling systems work.

Murtaugh said the company -- which has about 200 employees, mostly in southern California -- is still building its dealer network.

"Our first flagship store is open in L.A. and we are currently looking in the Bay Area for a second flagship store," said Murtaugh, who spent more than 30 years with General Motors before joining Coda eight months ago.

Murtaugh said he expects about half of Coda's sales to be through "fleet" sales.

Coda has designed its sedan to be plugged into standard household outlets. The batteries will take about six hours to fully charge, the company says.

Rep. Miller drove a Coda prototype Monday, later calling the experience "fascinating."

"We are excited that Coda decided to pick California as a launching place ... ," Miller said. "At a time when America is fixated on the idea of jobs immediately and jobs in the future, it really is through the kind of innovation that Coda brings -- in this case to the transportation field -- that's going to drive jobs."

Contact staff writer Tony Burchyns at tburchyns@timesheraldonline.com or (707) 553-6831.

Invitation to Back to School Fall Event at the Inventor's Lab in Vallejo

Subject: You are invited to the Back to School Fall Event at the Inventor's Lab in Vallejo

Back to School Fall Event at the Inventor's Lab in Vallejo

The Inventor's Lab invites you our Back to School Fall Event.

The back-to-school fall event will be the official ceremony to kick off for the full range of services at the Vallejo site. We will also utilize this event to promote interest among our partners to foster long-term sustainability for the project and future opportunities for more science in Solano County. The Inventor's Lab team is inviting its partners to join us.

The event will feature a slide show and will start with a presentation. We will then break into round table discussions to network and brainstorm opportunities for the future of science learning in Vallejo.

When: Wednesday, September 21st from 6:00-9:00pm

Where: Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center 545 Magazine Street

Please confirm your participation and feel free to forward this invitation to those that you believe should make part of this major event and networking opportunity. We will need name, title and contact information of your participants.

Hoping to see you all at the Inventor's Lab,

Verónica Urdaneta

External Relations/Marketing
Community & Media Outreach
University of California, Berkeley
Lawrence Hall of Science #5200
Berkeley, CA 94720-5200
510.643-3849
veronicau@berkeley.edu

Solano County business, political leaders told California is mired in recession

By Karen Nolan / The Reporter

Posted: 09/01/2011 01:04:44 AM PDT

A newspaper columnist who has been covering California politics for more than 25 years painted a bleak picture of the state's economic future for Solano County business and political leaders on Wednesday.
Dan Walters offered one "silver lining" to his gloomy forecast: "The first step toward curing yourself of a disease is admitting you have it," he said. "The longer this recession goes on, the more evident it becomes that things aren't right. ... The denial quotient seems to be diminishing."

Speaking at the Solano Economic Development Corp.'s breakfast meeting at Fairfield's Hilton Garden Inn, the Sacramento Bee's syndicated political columnist assessed the state's economic and political conditions, putting them into historical context.

While the recession may have officially ended months ago, California remains mired in it, said Walters, noting that the state's 12 percent unemployment rate doesn't count those who have given up hunting for jobs or who have left the labor force altogether or the underemployed. Add in those numbers and "the impact is truly 18 or 20 percent" unemployment, he said.

The state that has already lost more than 1 million jobs needs to add 15,000 a month just to keep up with its growth rate, Walters said. While there are areas where jobs are on the uptick, such as Silicon Valley, most of the state remains in what Walters called "the worst recession since the Great Depression."

Walters, a journalist for more than four decades and who started writing a column focused on California and its politics in 1975 -- the first time Jerry Brown was governor -- reminded the audience that the state's economy has long been a series of booms and busts.

President Ronald Reagan's military buildup of the 1980s poured money into California's military installations and weapons and space industries. It dried up when the Cold War ended, resulting in the bust of the early 1990s.

In the late 1990s, venture capitalists invested heavily in high-tech industries, resulting in the dot.com bubble that burst when those investors began looking for actual profits. Then global bankers streamed money into the state's housing market. The state is still reeling from its collapse.

While there has been plenty of speculation as to what the next bubble might be, no one knows if there will even be a next one, Walters said. Which raises a number of questions: "What if we actually have to ... compete in the global economy without the advantage of a rapid capital infusion? What if we have to go out and hustle and invest?"

California doesn't stack up well in the competitive world, Walters said. Yes, it has good weather, impressive scenery and an entrepreneurial spirit that can be capitalized on, but it also has plenty of drawbacks, including:

* The fifth-highest tax burden, when measured as a percentage of personal income. "We're at 11 to 11 1/2 percent," he said. "The national average is 9 percent."

* An "uncertain" water supply -- not because California doesn't have water but because "we have political inability to come to grips with capturing, storing, conveying and pricing that water."

* The worst traffic congestion of any state.

* Among the worst road conditions, "second only to New Jersey, where Tony Soprano buried bodies in the road," he said, drawing a laugh.

* Public education, which "is down there with Mississippi."

* The "most dense regulatory structure in the country."

Sacramento politicians should be asking, "What do we need to do to make ourselves competitive?" But they aren't, Walters said. "They don't want to dig into the real problems and look at where we stand in a global economy."

If they did, he said, legislators would redirect their attention "toward the real stuff -- education, transportation, water -- instead of whether hotels such as this one should have to use fitted sheets, or whether San Francisco should be allowed to dump its trash in Solano County."