Lower unemployment rate reflects increase of 800 local jobs

Lower unemployment rate reflects increase of 800 local jobs

By Todd R. Hansen From page A1 | April 22, 2017

FAIRFIELD — The unemployment rate in Solano County dipped slightly to 5.2 percent in March, pushed by Leisure & Hospitality and the Trade, Transportation and Utility sectors.

Leisure & Hospitality added 500 jobs from February. Trade, Transportation and Utility added 300. There were 800 more local jobs reported across all sectors, according to the Labor Market Information Division of the state Employment Development Department.

The Solano jobless rate in February was 5.3 percent, the EDD reported.

The state unemployment rate for March was reported at 5.1 percent, down from 5.2. The national rate was 4.6 percent, down from 4.9, the EDD reported.

One area of concern, the report shows, is a decline of 200 jobs in construction, which is also one of the few employment sectors which is also lower than it was last year at the same time.

The construction sector reported 9,800 jobs in March, down from 10,000 in February and down from 9,900 in March 2016, the EDD reported.

In all, there were 207,600 eligible residents in the workforce, with 196,800 employed and 10,900 unemployed, the EDD reported. The number of unemployed reflects only 200 fewer than the number seeking unemployment benefits in February. The workforce number is 600 higher.

The retail trades gained 200 jobs in March, while Business and Professional Services lost 200 jobs. The rest of the finance sector stayed fairly consistent, while the Private Education and Health Care sector added 100 jobs – all in the health fields, the EDD reported.

The number of local, state and federal government jobs remained the same as February, 25,900, but are up 500 jobs since the same time in 2016, the EDD reported. That includes public schools.

Benicia continues to have the lowest jobless rate for Solano cities, coming in a 3.3 percent in March, the same as February. Rio Vista continues to have the highest unemployment rate at 10.5 percent, down from 10.7 percent a month earlier, the EDD reported.

Vallejo had a jobless rate of 7.1 percent, down from 7.3, followed by Fairfield at 4.7 percent, down from 4.8, then Suisun City at 4.5 percent, down from 4.7. Dixon was at 4.5 percent, down from 4.6, and Vacaville was at 4.2 percent, down from 4.3, the EDD reported.

The highest unemployment rate for any county in California was experienced in Colusa County at 21.8 percent, but a full percentage point lower than February’s mark of 22.8 percent. The next closest is Imperial County at 19.4 percent, up from 18.4 percent, the EDD reported.

The lowest rate is found in San Mateo at 2.7 percent. Marin and San Francisco counties reported 3 percent jobless rates.

Five other counties, three in the Bay Area – Santa Clara (3.4 percent), Alameda (3.9 percent), Sonoma (3.6 percent) – were below 4 percent, the EDD reported. Orange (3.7 percent) and San Luis Obispo (3.8 percent) were the other two.

Reach Todd R. Hansen at 427-6932 or thansen@dailyrepublic.net.

Solano County’s economic index shows increase in standards of living

By Melissa Murphy, The Reporter, Vacaville
Posted: 04/22/17, 2:14 PM PDT                                 

The Solano County 2016 Index of Economic and Community Progress is available for review. The full document is available online at www.solanocounty.com/economicindex.

Prepared by Robert Eyler, a principal at Economic Forensics and Analytics, along with the Solano Economic Development Corporation and the County Administrator’s office, the 2016 Index highlights Solano County’s continued economic growth since 2011 and expanding economic base.

The 2016 Index, according to county staff in a report to the Solano County Board of Supervisors, shows that personal income and gross domestic product per capita continue an upward trend while median household income decreased slightly.

“Taken as a whole, indications point to a year of increased standards of living,” staff said.

Key highlights of the 2016 Index:

• Solano County expanded with 3,700 new jobs in 2016, a growth of 2.8 percent.

• Solano County’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate is at 5.1 percent.

• Wages in Solano County remain competitive versus counties in the core Bay Area where rages are rising quickly due to minimum wage ordinances and market forces.

• Housing prices increased 15.3 percent in 2016 and housing affordability increased slightly, a sign of income growth to come in 2017.

The Solano County Board of Supervisors meets at 1 p.m. in the County Government Center, 675 Texas St., Fairfield.

Search Profile - Solano EDC President & CEO

To download a copy of the President & CEO Search Profile click here

 Search Profile - Solano EDC President & CEO

About Solano County

Solano County is the perfect location for companies seeking space to expand and scale their operations while staying close-in to the Bay Area and Sacramento markets and minutes from Napa.

Solano County is located on I-80, the major transportation corridor.  Solano County is known for its manufacturing strength, one of the largest in the north state in advanced manufacturing, food and beverage and bio-tech companies.

With seven incorporated cities, four with waterfront cities, Solano County offers exceptional value to these scaling businesses:

1.     21 business and industrial parks with over 6,700 acres, overs 1,000 Tier 1 shovel ready sites;

2.     2.0 million sq. ft. of available industrial, flex and warehouse space;

3.     One of the strongest manufacturing bases of advanced materials, biotech and food & beverage, $4 billion industry;

4.     1.3 million workers within a 40-mile labor shed;

5.     107,000 out-commuting per day with high occupational quotation in manufacturing and administration;

6.     Employees earn high rating of productivity from manufacturing firms – 4 out of scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest;

7.     15-20% less operating cost than San Jose or San Francisco- with industrial space up to 40% less operating cost;

8.     Sacramento and Bay Area markets and resources within a 50 mile radius – 1-80 plus 5 other corridors;

9.     Affordable diverse lifestyles – housing cost average 50% less than Bay Area;

10.  A team of professionals to assist a business with a speedy location and access to key resources for a smooth transition.

About Solano Economic Development Corporation

The Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a public-private, nonprofit, dedicated to the economic growth of Solano County – scaling local traded sector industries, attracting new jobs and investment and maintaining competitive advantages for both existing and new businesses.

Working alongside private and public sector partners, the EDC provides confidential location assistance to new businesses seeking to locate in Solano County. Pulling from the large and diverse portfolio of buildings and sites throughout the county, the EDC will prepare a comprehensive package of space opportunities, workforce and other resources that will assist the business in their decision process. The EDC will connect businesses with key contacts at cities to facilitate location and permitting, workforce development and education, financing, as well as local, state and federal incentive programs, such as energy savings.

The Solano EDC with leading businesses, County of Solano, Cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo, Travis Air Force Base, education, community organizations and foundations, all are working together to foster, support and drive positive change and economic growth. 

During 2016, the Solano EDC guided the development of a countywide economic development planning effort, Moving Solano Forward II, www.movingsolanoforwardii.com. That body of work has resulted in the development of many tools and a roadmap for implementation of four interlinking initiatives, which are described more fully below:

Marketing and Business Attraction;

Business Retention;

Maintaining Competitiveness; and

Creating a Resource Hub. 

Moving Solano Forward II and those involved, have set a clear path to transform the EDC, grow key sectors that drive the $19.65 billion local economy and address industry challenges, such as workforce.  There are well-defined outcomes for short-and long-term impact and metrics that can measure and demonstrate real-time progress.

Strategic Areas of Focus

Marketing and Business Attraction:  Increase lead generation by creating and launching a unified business attraction campaign focused on key industry targets. 

Business Retention:  Coordinate Business Retention efforts through the Economic Development Task Force, host program software and marketing Solano Business First! as a key message and program in Solano County, and support key Solano industry groups.  

Competitiveness:  Work on products, assets, policies and tools that will ensure Solano County maintains its’ Competitive Advantage.

Resource Hub:  Maintain a resource hub that includes a virtual one-stop clearinghouse where businesses can access data, research, industry reports, economic indicators and link to local resources and assistance (website).

 The Position

General

This is a highly visible position which calls for a strong and dynamic spokesperson with a high level of confidence, who can address various constituencies at all levels in a thoughtful and genuine manner.  He/she will be a motivator, team leader and builder, who can provide a forum where the public and private sector can complement each other and create synergistic opportunities.  The successful candidate will embrace a collaborative approach with the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors and staff to foster open and honest communication.

This is an extremely hands-on role, requiring an experienced executive who enjoys working alongside staff and leading from the front, building relationships with businesses and municipalities, and building a high-performance organization that is collaborative and partners with complementary organizations. 

Communication

The CEO will be responsible for communicating to a wide range of constituents including the Board of Directors, public, business leaders and employees.  The CEO must be a proficient writer and a capable speaker. He/she must be at ease presenting information to all levels and must be able to communicate ideas, principles, and strategies in a clear and concise manner.

Leadership

The requisite characteristics of an effective leader at the Solano EDC include the following:

§  Ability to develop long and short-range strategic plans to promote the vision and mission.

§  Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing local, regional, and national marketing campaigns.

§  Understanding of the defined industry sectors including trends, risks and opportunities. 

§  Capability to excite and unite the diverse membership and to promote Solano County and its industries.  The CEO must be a listener and a thoughtful participant in discussions that concern the members and the County as a whole.

§  Passion to lead discussion about important local and regional issues.

§  Initiative to drive strong operating results and determination to manage the EDC to achieve a positive bottom line.

Primary Duties:

§  Implement and manage the economic development program and initiatives as outlined in the Moving Solano Forward II Roadmap.  Strategic Areas of Focus listed above.

§  Ensure there is a continual focus on maintaining the presence of the County’s single largest industry-Travis Air Force Base.

§  Responsible for the overall management of the EDC, including regulatory and legal compliance as well as financial and operational success of the organization. 

§  Responsible for planning, managing, directing, overseeing, and coordinating the activities of the organization and its programs.

§  Responsible for managing and reporting on all contracts and/or memorandum of understandings with public and private organizations.

§  Manage, with the Board of Directors, an investor funding strategy.

§  Implement business attraction initiatives that will result in leads and locations, jobs and investments, particularly in the trade sectors of Food/Beverage, Advanced Materials and BioTech/BioMedical.

§  Manage the Solano County Economic Development brand.

§  Perform a variety of complex professional functions related to the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of Business Development and EDC programs and special projects.

§  Manage communications, including Website and social media.

§  Perform and/or direct economic and other studies, needs assessments, research, financial analysis, as well as negotiation and preparation of contracts.

§  Present and translate technical economic reports and analyses.

§  Develop and manage organizational budget.

§  Work effectively with various groups, including high-level individuals.

§  Coordinate constituent relations and community outreach functions.

Behavioral Competencies

Drive for Results

§  Accountability to do what is appropriate for the long-term best interests of all stakeholders.

§  Determination to set and pursue aggressive goals.

§  Focus to apply energy on achieving short and long-term results.

§  Desire to inspire stakeholders at all levels to achieve outstanding collaboration that produces measurable positive outcomes through others.

§  Social and communication skills to build consensus internally, relate constructively with public and private partners and other industry leaders. Ability to act decisively and unilaterally.  (Needs to possess the judgment to know when to employ which method.)

Championing Change

§  Initiative to identify new opportunities and champion new initiatives.

§  Ability to be innovative, adaptable and solutions-oriented.

§  Capacity to manage change. (Adapts personal strategies and methods to achieve change.)

§  Ability to motivate, inspire and unite diverse groups at all levels.

Personal Characteristics

He/she will demonstrate diplomacy and excellent judgment, with the ability to operate effectively across the organization.  Additionally, the desirable candidate should possess the following personal characteristics:

§  Passionate about doing the right and ethical things in the right and ethical ways

§  Balanced ego

§  Respectful and fair

§  Polished and comfortable in all environments

§  Strong interpersonal skills; can easily connect with a variety of audiences

§  Smart, articulate and comfortable responding on his/her feet

§  Listens well, synthesizes information and effectively engages in dialogues

§  Flexible in a changing environment

§  Membership-focused

§  Pragmatic approach to conducting business

§  Comfortable traveling extensively

§  Ability to empower employees by delegating authority and accountability

§  Effectively manage multiple projects

Knowledge of:

§  Ability to use computerized databases for project management; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and LinkedIn 

§  Skilled in marketing, site selection analysis, incentives and deal structuring

§  Understanding of California and local incentive programs

§  Knowledge, skills and experience in supervising and managing personnel

§  Thorough understanding of economic principles

Experience:

§  The ideal candidate will possess at minimum, five years of increasingly responsible economic development related experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.  Advanced degree is desirable. International/Foreign Direct Investment experience is valuable. Proven track record of successful recruitment, and conversion of project locations, and expansion of existing firms.

For more information about this exciting opportunity and Solano Economic Development Corporation, qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Louise Walker, Chair of Solano EDC, lwalker@thatsmybank.com

Solano EDC to shift focus; seeks new CEO, funding

By Daily Republic staff From page A1 | April 20, 2017

FAIRFIELD — The Solano Economic Development Corporation announced a shift in focus Wednesday that will include a new president and chief executive along with an effort to boost the organization’s funding.

Sandy Person will soon leave the organization as it implements a new program this summer, according to a press release from the nonprofit economic development alliance. Recruitment for her replacement is underway.

The shift in leadership comes after two years of planning by the organization to launch Solano Means Business, which is described in the press release as an aggressive strategy with clear-cut tactics to attract new jobs and companies. The plan calls for a larger budget for recruitment efforts, a marketing campaign to reach key targets and a transition to new leadership, according to the release.

Directors of the Solano Economic Development Corporation will be asked in May to endorse a new $500,000 budget to fund enhanced business attraction efforts, including a comprehensive website that gives companies looking to relocate or expand a full description of available development site in Solano County’s cities, according to the press release. The website will feature demographics of the county, its workforce, the quality of life in Solano County’s communities and other promotional messages.

Person chose not to continue as the organization’s president and chief executive as this planned shift in focus gains steam late this summer.

“Solano Means Business, is a long-term strategy that will take a year to fully operationalize, and several more years to optimize,” Person said in the release. “I wholeheartedly support it. It’s best for the community. It’s what Solano EDC should be doing. But it’s a serious change in focus for the CEO and some different skills are essential.”

The organization saw success during the Great Recession and its aftermath in retaining existing businesses and ensuring the viability of Travis Air Force Base amid threats of federal budget cutting leading to military base closures, Person said in the release.

“Those,” she said, “became my passion and my strengths.”

Person said the change in focus, and what that means for the organization’s chief executive, prompted her decision to step aside.

“The organization is embarking on a rigorous new path, in a better economy, with an emphasis on business recruitment, which means the CEO will do a great deal of travel throughout the region and state,” Person said in the release. “While I want to be on a path with challenges and opportunities, I do not feel I can commit to such a long-term obligation.”

Person, who began at the economic development corporation 16 years ago, said Wednesday during a conference call that “I did a lot of soul-searching.”

Louise Walker, chairwoman of the organization’s board of directors, said Person’s decision was unsettling.

“After all,” Walker said in the release, “Sandy’s been not just the face of Solano EDC, but its backbone and its heart. Still, I respect her for seeing how her transition at this time would be the best timing – for her and us.”

“We hope she’ll still be involved in some way,” Walker said Wednesday of Person and the organization.

The shift to a marketing focus that targets bringing new employers and jobs to the area does not mean the organization will lose sight of its previous priorities, according to the release.

“Solano EDC will not ignore business retention, support for Travis Air Force Base and legislative advocacy on behalf of local employers,” Steve Huddleston, the board’s immediate past president, said in the release. “I hope, we might find there’s a role for Sandy in those efforts in conjunction with us. She is so strong in those areas.”

The board will work to recruit what’s described as in the release as a “business recruitment guru,” as well as fashion a sustainable budget and build more support among private-sector members, to include additional financial support, according to the release.

“We have ambitious goals,” Huddleston said in the release. “To achieve them we need new financial support from business members, public sector partners in cities and county government, and anywhere else we can find it.”

The target to have a new chief executive in place in late summer, according to the release. Website development continues in the interim, as does the creation of marketing materials.

Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine said Wednesday that he spoke Monday with Person about her decision.

“She’s done a wonderful job with EDC,” Augustine said. “I hope she’s available to help us in Vacaville.”

Reach the Daily Republic newsroom at 425-4646.

Click here to view the article in the Daily Republic

Solano Economic Development Corp. CEO steps down amid business-attraction shift

CYNTHIA SWEENEY
NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL | April 19, 2017, 2:57PM

The Solano County Economic Development Corporation is launching a new strategy to attract new businesses to the area, and is also saying goodbye to its long-time president and CEO, Sandy Person.

In May, the Board of Directors will be asked to endorse a new $500,000 budget to fund enhanced business attraction efforts, including a website that gives companies looking to relocate or expand a comprehensive description of developable sites available in Solano cities. It features extensive demographics of the county, its capable workforce, the quality of life and other promotional messages.

“To achieve these goals we need new financial support from business members, public sector partners in cities and county government, and anywhere else we can find it,” said Steve Huddleston, immediate past chairman of the board.

Strategic targets include the biotech industry, biomed, logistics, advanced materials, and food and beverage industries.

Solano has attracted a lot of interest from the wine industry, and craft brewing is growing, said Louise Walker, EDC board chairwoman.

In 2015, Solano experience a 3 percent job growth, with 4,300 new jobs, led by non-durable manufacturing and wholesale positions, according to the latest figures from the EDC, and the county generates $19.6 billion in annual gross regional product.

Along with business attraction, the new strategy will continue to address business retention.

“While gaining jobs and new employers are the top priority, Solano EDC will not ignore business retention, support for Travis Air Force Base and legislative advocacy on behalf of local employers. I hope we might find there’s a role for Sandy in those efforts in conjunction with us. She is so strong in those areas,” said Huddleston.

Person has been an active staff member of the EDC for 16 years, and an active member since 1987.

Click here for a link to the article in the North Bay Business Journal.

Solano EDC looks ahead with new strategy, ‘Solano Means Business’

By Melissa Murphy, The Reporter, Vacaville
Posted: 04/19/17, 10:52 AM PDT | Updated: 8 hrs ago

 It’s the beginning of a new era for the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

In an announcement Wednesday morning, Solano EDC leadership explained that after two years of planning and refinement, Solano County’s non-profit economic development alliance this summer will launch Solano Means Business, an aggressive strategy with clear-cut tactics to attract new jobs and companies.

Solano EDC Board of Directors in May will be asked to endorse a new half-million-dollar budget to fund enhanced business attraction efforts, including a comprehensive website that gives companies looking to relocate or expand a full description of developable sites available in Solano cities. It features extensive demographics of the county, its capable workforce, the quality of life in our communities and a host of other promotional messages.

NorthBay Healthcare’s Steve Huddleston, immediate past chairman of the Solano EDC board, explained that in the next few weeks there will be community outreach to public and private partners within the organization.

“We’re asking them to step up,” he said and added that the half-million-dollar budget is needed to reach “aggressive goals in business attracting.”

The larger budget will allow for a “larger, more powerful toolbox,” he said.

Solano EDC President and CEO Sandy Person is confident the community will step up to support the new focus.

Meanwhile, Person has opted to take a step back so that a new face will be recruited to take the reins. Person was essential in the success of Solano EDC through the Great Recession and its efforts in retaining existing businesses and ensuring the viability of Travis Air Force Base amid periodic threats of federal budget cutting leading to military base closures.

“Solano Means Business, is a long-term strategy that will take a year to fully operationalize, and several more years to optimize,” Person explained. “I wholeheartedly support it. It’s best for the community. It’s what Solano EDC should be doing. But it’s a serious change in focus for the CEO and some different skills are essential. ...”

“The organization is embarking on a rigorous new path, in a better economy, with an emphasis on business recruitment, which means the CEO will do a great deal of travel throughout the region and state,” Person continued. “While I want to be on a path with challenges and opportunities, I do not feel I can commit to such a long-term obligation.”

The chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Louise Walker, emphasized that Person’s decision was a bit unsettling.

“After all,” she said, “Sandy’s been not just the face of Solano EDC, but its backbone and its heart. Still, I respect her for seeing how her transition at this time would be the best timing — for her and us.”

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During a telephone conference call, Person admitted that her new role going forward hasn’t been figured out, yet.

The outgoing CEO, who has been a part of the organization since 1987 as a member, board member and then active staff, explained that she was “looking to lighten my load.”

Walker, however, reassured that Person will continue to play a “crucial role” in the organization, especially when it comes to Travis Air Force Base.

The types of businesses Solano EDC has an eye on would fall into four different categories, or strong suits for the county: Food and Beverage, BioTech/BioMed, Logistics (trade) and Advanced Materials.

Person said that when it comes to attracting businesses, it’s not just a competition with neighboring counties.

“It’s a global dynamic,” she said. “We’re competing with the rest of the world. Solano has to get its message out.”

While gaining jobs and new employers are the top priority, Huddleston explained, “Solano EDC will not ignore business retention, support for Travis Air Force Base and legislative advocacy on behalf of local employers.”

And he added, “I hope, we might find there’s a role for Sandy in those efforts in conjunction with us. She is so strong in those areas.”

For now, the Board of Directors will work to recruit a “business recruitment guru,” as well as fashion a sustainable budget and build more support among private-sector members, especially financial support, Huddleston said.

“We have ambitious goals,” he noted. “To achieve them we need new financial support from business members, public sector partners in cities and county government, and anywhere else we can find it.”

Recruitment of a new CEO is under way with a target hiring date of late summer, according to Walker. In the meantime, website development continues as does the creation of marketing materials.

Click here to view the article in The Reporter and Vallejo Times Herald

Solano EDC Launches a New Era of Economic Development

April 19, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE

CONTACT: Louise Walker (707) 678-7853

or Steve Huddleston (707) 628-3617

SOLANO EDC LAUNCHES A NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FAIRFIELD, CA – After two years of planning and refinement, Solano County’s non-profit economic development alliance this summer will launch Solano Means Business, an aggressive strategy with clear-cut tactics to attract new jobs and companies.

It includes a larger budget for recruitment efforts, a laser-focused marketing campaign to reach key targets and a transition to new leadership within the organization.

Solano EDC Board of Directors in May will be asked to endorse a new half-million-dollar budget to fund enhanced business attraction efforts, including a comprehensive website that gives companies looking to relocate or expand a full description of developable sites available in Solano cities. It features extensive demographics of the county, its capable workforce, the quality of life in our communities and a host of other promotional messages.

At the same time, a career decision by Solano EDC President and CEO Sandy Person will mean a new face will be recruited to take the reins.

“Solano Means Business, is a long-term strategy that will take a year to fully operationalize, and several more years to optimize,” Person explained. “I wholeheartedly support it. It’s best for the community. It’s what Solano EDC should be doing. But it’s a serious change in focus for the CEO and some different skills are essential.”

During difficult economic times, Person said, success came in retaining existing businesses and ensuring the viability of Travis Air Force Base amid periodic threats of federal budget cutting leading to military base closures. “Those,” she said, “became my passion and my strengths.”

Now, Person said, “The organization is embarking on a rigorous new path, in a better economy, with an emphasis on business recruitment, which means the CEO will do a great deal of travel throughout the region and state. While I want to be on a path with challenges and opportunities, I do not feel I can commit to such a long-term obligation.”

The chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Louise Walker, emphasized that Person’s decision was a bit unsettling. “After all,” she said, “Sandy’s been not just the face of Solano EDC, but its backbone and its heart. Still, I respect her for seeing how her transition at this time would be the best timing – for her and us.”

While gaining jobs and new employers are the top priority, immediate past chairman of the board Steve Huddleston explained, “Solano EDC will not ignore business retention, support for Travis Air Force Base and legislative advocacy on behalf of local employers.” And he added, “I hope, we might find there’s a role for Sandy in those efforts in conjunction with us. She is so strong in those areas.”

For now, the Board of Directors will work to recruit a “business recruitment guru,” as well as fashion a sustainable budget and build more support among private-sector members, especially financial support, Huddleston said.

“We have ambitious goals,” he noted. “To achieve them we need new financial support from business members, public sector partners in cities and county government, and anywhere else we can find it.”

Recruitment of a new CEO is under way with a target hiring date of late summer, according to Walker. In the meantime, website development continues as does the creation of marketing materials.