EnVision September 2008 Vol 2 Issue 10

Click on the link below to go directly to the section:

Analysis & Impact
Business Attraction & Marketing
Business Retention & Expansion
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development
Incentives
Green Enterprise
Neighborhood, Community & Downtown Development
Tourism and Film
Trade Globalization & International Economic Development
Workforce Development

CONTACT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

JOIN THE E-NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST

UNSUBSCRIBE

FEEDBACK

ANALYSIS AND IMPACT

High Speed Rail

The November 4th ballot will include a statewide referendum on bomding to raise the State’s portion of the estimated capital cost for the basic High Speed Train (HST) system between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. This Referendum, known as AB3034, is subject to voter approval, and would provide for the issuance of $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds, $9 billion of which would be available in conjunction with any available federal funds for planning and construction of a high-speed train system following the business plan of the High-Speed Rail Authority, and $950 million of which would be available for capital projects on other passenger rail lines to provide connectivity to the high-speed train system and for capacity enhancements and safety improvements to those lines.

Currently there is no more money in the High Speed Rail (HSR) budget to fund any of the work. So until AB3034 passes or more private funding becomes available, all work on the HSR will come to a complete halt.

Just recently the State Assembly passed the AB3034 bond measure and then on August 26th the Governor signed the referendum. It is now up to the California constituents to vote on the ballot come this November.

For more information please contact Dawn Steele at 559-621-8367 or via email at dawn.steele@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Branding Fresno Yosemite International Airport

The “Sense of Place” commissioned art project was the first step in the eventual “branding” of the City’s commercial service Airport. The branding concept specifically ties the Airport to the giant Sequoia tree groves lying within the National Parks that grace this area of the country.

The goal is to create an image that will set this Airport and the City apart from all others; provide a lasting and positive memory for people who use our facilities; become a destination spot for local residents; and, make a global conversation piece all at the same time.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FYI) is fortunate that it has full funding for all key terminal area projects including the consolidated rental car facility, baggage claim expansion, ticketing lobby remodeling, and the “Sense of Place” replica forest. All four projects were started and funded well before the recent economic downturn so there has been no reason to alter the long-term plan of facilities and infrastructure development. As the airlines endure these challenging times, FYI Airport has continued to make cost-effective, strategic investments without impacting the cost to the airlines to operate here. Important to our success has been the unanimous acceptance by airline leadership of our overall plan of facilities development and financing.

As mentioned above, it is intended to connect the “Sense of Place” theme, with a universally recognized icon in Yosemite National Park, while not forgetting that this is first and foremost an airport.

In summary, the brand reflects the Airport’s connectivity to three national parks. The “Sense of Place” project, which will be completed in June 2009, validates this theme and celebrates the wonder and beauty of our close proximity to these National treasures. As an economic engine for the Central Valley, FYI continues their commitment to provide excellent customer service, safety and quality facility for the region.

For more information Contact Rhonda Jorn at 559.621.4518 or via e-mail at rhonda.jorn@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Your Opinion Counts! EnVision Survey

As one of our readers, we value your opinion of our Newsletter. We want Envision to be as helpful and resourceful as possible and in order to accomplish this, we are conducting a quick 5 question survey this month. Please fill this out and let us know how we are doing and what we could do differently to improve our EnVision Newsletter.

See link below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=s3vgVJLVN2JEh2mdE57sDg_3d_3d

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND MARKETING

New Wholesale Distributor Coming to Fresno

One of the nation’s top wholesale distributions of consumer electronics, custom installation products, mobile audio/video and appliance connection supplies is coming to City of Fresno.

The company currently located within Oklahoma City metropolitan area has decided to expand its facility and services to the western region.

Their focus has always been to continually strive to meet retailers' accessory needs through a number of different approaches, including feedback submitted from Web site traffic, attendance at industry conventions and shows, as well as through requests for items not currently in the product line. We're a "customer-driven" company, allowing for continuous growth of its business as well as its customers' businesses.

Through a combination of friendly, high-quality service, low-cost distribution strategy and manufacturer's brand awareness continually increases business and adds value to our manufacturer and retail customers alike. It's clear that the success they have experienced is a direct result of the confidence their partners place in the company.

For more information please contact Peggy Chiok at 559-621-8360 or via e-mail peggy.chiok@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION

Pactiv attests to BEAR Action Network’s Success

The Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Action Network, a collaborative effort between the City of Fresno and the Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County, has made great progress since it was launched in September of 2007. The program was designed to enhance the stability and growth of Fresno’s existing businesses by connecting them with specific resources, information, and services offered through the Network Service Providers. Company CEOs and Branch Managers have been very appreciative of this proactive and valuable resource and are quickly taking advantage of it!

- Business Testimonial of the Month -

Company: Pactiv - Advanced Packaging Solutions
Industry: Plastic Product Manufacturing
Number of employees: 86

The following referrals were handled by BEAR Action Network Service Providers:

Construction/Architectural/Engineering Division:

Building contractor, architect, and engineering teams are adding manufacturing floor space by expanding existing Pactiv facility, increasing volume by 28% and efficiency by 17%. Total cost of project: $400,000.

City Management Teams:

City of Fresno assisted with the building permitting process to move forward with expansion projects.

Workforce/Training/Internship Division:

Workforce teams assisted the Pactiv Human Resources department, filling the following positions -

3 full-time Logistics Technicians
2 full-time forklift drivers

Training provider teams developed a lean manufacturing training program for Pactiv’s leadership staff which consists of 8 – 2hr. training sessions. Classroom instruction and employee wages were paid by the State of California Employment Training Panel. Total cost of training: $6,900.

Enterprise Zone/Vouchering/Business Incentives Division:

Team provided Enterprise Zone vouchering assistance, saving the company $112,320 in state tax credits.

Current Outcomes

** The combination of all services will result in the following:

Number of new jobs created: 30 positions!
Capital Investment: $800,000!

Thank you BEAR Action Network team members! For more information please contact Melodee Schwamb at 621-8366 or via email at melodee.schwamb@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Providing Valuable Access To Potential Employees

On Thursday September 18, 2008, the Mayors Jobs Initiative (MJI) will host its annual Career & Education Expo at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center exhibit hall from 10am to 3pm.

MJI is a part of the City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation & Community Services Department and has connected more than 3,000 individuals to employment since its inception three years ago. MJIs mission is to work collaboratively with local businesses, educational institutions and government agencies to increase capacity for young adults to achieve academic and employment success. The Expo, which bears no cost to the employers or participants, was created as a one stop opportunity for job seekers to network, interview and experience the world of employment.

Last year, more than 6,000 people attended the Mayor's Career and Education Expo and as a result, more than 850 people were successfully employed in jobs ranging from entry level to professional. MJI will have 110 employers represented at this year's event as well as 10 service providers and educational institutions. Job seekers will be provided with all the tools necessary to complete applications and take part in on-site interviews.

Businesses Welcome!

There are a few free exhibit spaces available on a first come first served basis for businesses interested in participating at the Career & Education Expo Contact Daniel DeShane, City of Fresno Parks and Recreation, at 559.621.7703.

This year's Expo will also feature an Incentive Zone Workshop for employers to learn the various benefits offered by the City's Economic Development Department.

Job Seeker’s Welcome!

Job seekers can learn more about interviewing techniques, how to start their own business, as well attend workshops that will guide and motivate them to follow-up on their experiences and leads from the Expo. Following the event, MJI will collect data over the next several months to identify the total number of individuals employed to showcase the positive impact the program has on the community.

For more information, visit www.fresno.gov/mji or call 559-621-7704.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

ENTREPRENEAURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Launch of ABRIC

The Asian Business Institute and Resource Center (ABIRC) is a service provider primarily to serve the ethnically diverse business needs of the pan-Asian population in the Central Valley.

The mission of the Asian Business Institute and Resource Center is to build a strong network of Asian American business owners to promote and advocate for the sustained success of Asian businesses in the Central California region.

Upcoming Workshop

Sept 23, 2008 : BUSINESS PLAN
• What are the first steps in planning for a Business?
• Effective Marketing
• Research before you start your business.
• Who is your Competition?

For more information about the workshop, contact May Bila Ly @ (559) 438 9680

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Start It Up Announces 15 Finalists

FRESNO, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2008) – Start It Up: Fresno’s $250K Entrepreneur Challenge is pleased to announce the following finalists will advance to the next round of competition (in alphabetical order):

Big Happie Hair
Central California School of Pharmacy (CCSP)
Community Marketplace
Compliance Innovations, LLC
eMotion
Fashion Design Incubator, Inc.
Go Gazelle
Group Checkout
Hot Mud Inc.
Kalo Vision Inc.
Kosher Renaissance
Revival Diversified Industries, LLC
SafeCoach, Inc.
SeniorCare Organization Systems
Vine Global Solutions Inc.

These first-round finalists represent a cross-section of budding entrepreneurs from California to New York; Illinois to South Carolina. From this list, the top 10 finalists will be determined and announced during the week of September 1st. The top 10 finalists will be brought to Fresno for a rigorous 8-hour competition on October 3, 2008, where they will present their business plans before a panel of distinguished judges.
The 250k Start It Up winner will be announced on October 4, 2008 in front of 40,000 spectators during halftime at the Fresno State Bulldog game. The winner will receive a $250K grand prize – $100K in cash and $150K of in-kind services – to bring their business idea to fruition in Fresno!
The competition is a collaborative effort between the Lyles Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno, the City of Fresno Economic Development Department, the Fresno Redevelopment Agency, Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno and Table Mountain Rancheria.

For more information, visit www.lylescenter.com and click on the Start It Up logo.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Business Matchmaking Event Keeps Contract Dollars with Local Businesses

On Friday, August 1st, over 45 different buying organizations including the Fresno Housing Authority, NASA, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Chevron, Sempra Energy, and California State Parks participated in the Second Annual Business Matchmaking and Networking Event. The day featured one-on-one meetings between the buyers and representatives from a pool of 130 small businesses. In the twelve minute face-to-face meetings, these small businesses focused on presenting information about their products and services to the local, state, federal, and private buying organizations.

Exhibit booths, staffed by representatives from over 50 large companies, government entities and non-profits, provided networking opportunities, tips, and resources for small business representatives.

Results from an on-the-spot survey of a sampling of buyers at the event revealed that seven large organizations estimated that they will negotiate over $4.1 million dollars worth of contracts with 48-66 local businesses as a result of the event. The contracts will keep dollars in the valley and help our local businesses stay and grow.

At the event kick-off VIP reception on July 31, Andy Souza, City Manager, thanked and recognized the sponsors that partnered with the City of Fresno to produce the event. Sponsors included Univision, Central Valley Business Street, PG&E, Department of General Services, State of California Public Utilities Commission, Lockheed Martin, KMJ580, Frank Wilber Co., Bank of Sierra, Specialized Printing & Promotions, and the Fresno Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

SAVE THE DATE!
August 14, 2009
Planning for the Third Annual Business Matchmaking & Networking Event is already underway. If you are a large corporation or a small business, we encourage you to attend this event.

For more information about the Business Matchmaking and Networking, please contact Melodee Schwamb at Melodee.Schwamb@Fresno.gov or call 559.621.8366.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

How to Start a Small Business

On Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, How to Start a Small Business will be presented at the Cedar Clinton Branch Library, 4150 E. Clinton Avenue, Fresno, California. Forms and Licenses, Tax ID Information, Financial Assistance, Trade Associations, and Fictitious Names are a few of the topics that will be presented by Peggy Chiok, Economic Development Analyst for the City of Fresno, and Morris Caudle, Small Business Liaison for Caltrans District 6.

If you or someone you know is interested in starting or has recently started a business, you are encouraged to attend the How to Start a Small Business presentation. Sign up is suggested as space is limited. Please visit www.fresnolibrary.org or call 442.1770 for more information.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

GREEN ENTERPRISE

County Launches Green Effort

Actions can lead to more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Article in the Fresno Bee 8/21

Fresno County has officially launched an ambitious effort to ease the impact of county operations on the environment. It's more than a laudable goal; it's an imperative for all of us who live in the Valley.
"Go Green Fresno County" had its kickoff Thursday, with more than 1,000 county employees gathering in the ballroom of the downtown Fresno County Plaza. They had a chance to visit booths set up to help them learn all the ways they can save energy, work for better air quality, conserve resources and save the taxpayers money while doing it.
Fresno County joins most cities and counties in California in making this effort. It's important because the county, with some 7,000 employees, is one of the largest employers in the Valley. Improvements arising out of "Go Green" could have a significant positive effect on the region's environment.
Such programs also help build an ethic of environmental awareness and responsibility that spreads far beyond the workplace. Employees' families, friends and neighbors can eventually be brought into the effort.
The Fresno County program has seven components: Power Green and Build Green address the need for energy conservation, especially in construction. County facilities will be held to higher standards of energy efficiency, and conservation in private construction will be pushed.
Commute Green will offer incentives for employees who use car pools or van pools, such as free parking. Purchase Green will set environmental standards for county procurement practices.
Operate Green and Work Green will focus on replacing vehicles with more efficient models, conserving water, recycling and reducing waste
Share Green will be the program used to spread the word -- and deeds -- beyond the confines of county operations, to private citizens, businesses and other organizations.
There are those who will belittle such efforts as marginal or ineffective. They're wrong. Taken separately, each of the changes the county is imposing on itself may not do very much for the environment, or save very much money. But the cumulative effect of many such pieces can be significant, and thus very much worth doing. And it could all add up to much more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Some of these measures are thrust upon the county -- and the rest of us -- out of necessity. Energy costs can best be moderated by conservation and the effort to create alternatives to fossil fuels. Recycling slows the pace at which we consume resources. Cleaning up our air will save both lives and money. Wise use of water stretches our supplies. We have to find new ways of doing things, and "Go Green" is a good start.

Comment on this editorial by going to http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion, then click on the editorial.
County of Fresno "Go Green" website http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/DepartmentPage.aspx?id=24531

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

INCENTIVES

MRZ Gearing Up For Refund Applications

The City of Fresno is gearing up to start accepting refund applications for qualified businesses in the Municipal Restoration Zone (MRZ). New or qualified expanding businesses in the MRZ who have already been approved can begin applying for their refunds on October 1, 2008. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2009. New or expanding businesses who believe they may qualify, but have not yet been approved, should get their "eligibility applications" turned in right away. All forms can be found online at www.fresnoez.com.

The Municipal Restoration Zone includes all City of Fresno incorporated land located south of McKinley and west of Peach. A business can qualify for the MRZ benefits by being new to the area, or experiencing an expansion of at least 20% in physical size or number of employees. In addition, companies must meet other qualifications including number of full time employees and having a long term lease or ownership interest in the property.

For more information please visit our website www.fresnoez.com or call Kelly Trevino, Incentive Zone Manager, at (559) 621-8426 or email kelly.trevino@fresno.gov .

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Businesses Claim Millions of Dollars

Business Journal
August 22, 2008
BoNiha Lee, Staff Writer

Fresno city and county economic development officials are urging area businesses to attend an upcoming workshop to learn how to claim millions of dollars in enterprise zone benefits.

"There's millions of dollars of funds businesses aren't taking advantage of that are going to waste, especially during these times," said Kelly Trevino, Fresno city incentive zone manager. "Businesses need to take advantage of it."

Last year, about 280 businesses out of the 15,000 that qualify took advantage of the benefits, Trevino said. They received more than $100 million in tax credits. "

You can see how many businesses are missing out," said Trevino. The benefits of having a business in an enterprise zone include:

BENEFITS

Hiring tax credit up to $36,000 or more for each qualifying employee.
Sales and use tax credit for the purchase of equipment.
Business expense deduction.
Net operating loss carryover benefit.
Net interest deduction for lenders.
Employee wage credit of 5 percent of the first $10,500 of wages earned.

BY THE NUMBERS

15.000 eligible businesses In the City of Fresno.
280 city businesses took advantage of the credits in 2007.
55 county businesses took advantage of the credits since 2007.
Hiring tax credits of $36,000 or more available.
$20,000 business expense deduction.

The state's enterprise zone benefits were established to stimulate development and hiring in economically-depressed areas in order to make California more competitive. The City of Fresno has had an enterprise zone designation since October 1986. It expired in 2006, and the city has received a new designation that is good until 2021. The enterprise zone covers almost 69,000 acres. The zone includes all of downtown, the Highway 99 corridor, parts of Herndon and Shaw avenues and Blackstone Avenue from downtown to the River Park and Fashion Fair Mall areas.

The primary benefit associated with enterprise zones are tax credits for hiring eligible employees, said Steven Dotan, president and CEO of C&I Tax Consultants of Los Angeles. Dotan and his company work as consultants for both businesses and accountants throughout California.

"It's a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for every qualified employee they hire," Dotan said. "Not all employees qualify, but enough of them will. You're talking about a fair enough money for any company."

The credit is based on a percentage of the employee's wages over the first five years of their employment. In the first year of employment, 50 percent of an employee's wages can be claimed. The amount decreases by 10 percent every year after that for five years.

Another great incentive is the sales or use tax that helps businesses get the sales tax back on purchases of machinery. The credit can be used on items such as computers and telephones.

"It's a good tool, because it can knock off your taxes," Dotan said. "You're still gathering credits and offsetting your income and offsetting costs."

Many businesses do not take advantage of the credits because they either don't understand how it works, do not have an accountant who knows enough about it to help, or think there is too much work associated with it to see a benefit, according to Dotan and economic development offices.

Business Advantage

"Companies have been reluctant to use these credits because of misconceptions about state-funded programs." said Emerson Estrada, director of business expansion for Fresno County. "I encourage businesses to take a look at it. It's very user friendly."

Fresno County received its enterprise zone designation last July. So far the county has generated more than $20 million in tax credits for about 55 businesses. They were also able to recruit two new companies to locate in the county last quarter specifically as a result of the enterprise zone credits, Estrada said.

The county program covers 13 cities besides Fresno, which has its own designation, and Clovis, which does not yet have an enterprise zone. The county zone also includes smaller unincorporated communities such as Calwa and Easton. Businesses can find out whether they are located within an enterprise zone by visiting the city and county websites at www.fresnoez.com and www.fresnocountyez.com. "These incentives have really empowered our community to give businesses the tools that they need to take the next forward," Estrada said.

Information on Incentive Zones:

City of Fresno Economic Development Department
Kelly Trevino, Incentive Zone Manager
www.fresnoez.com
(559) 621•8426

Fresno County Economic Development Corp.
Emerson Estrada, Director of Business e
Expansion
www.fresnocountyez.com
(559) 476•2505

California State Dept. of Housing and Community Development www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/cdbg/ez

Kings County Economic Development Corp.
www.kingsedc.org
(559) 585•7393

Madera County Economic Development Corp.
www.maderaindustry.org
(559) 675-7768

Tulare County Economic Development Corp.
www.sequoiavalley.com
(559) 688-3388

BoNhia Lee Reporter can be reached at: 490•3466 01 e•mail bohia@Thebusinessjournal.com

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

The Billion Dollar Tour

The Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County, along with many collaborative partners, will host The Billion Dollar Tour on September 27 2008 from 9-3pm at Chukchansi Park.

The Billion Dollar Tour is a FREE event to all ages interested in learning more about Downtown Fresno! Board a FREE FAX bus for a 30 minute tour and see all of the new development and redevelopment occurring in YOUR Downtown.
• Attend the City of Fresno’s Redevelopment Agency workshop and learn more about the redevelopment process.
• Stroll along the concourse at Chukchansi Park where renderings will celebrate the successes of recently completed projects and highlight those still in progress.
• Listen to Bellarios, The Lance Canales Trio and K-JWL while visiting local artist’s booths.
• Have your children visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Met on the Move” interactive museum on wheels, or enjoy bubbles with Wild Child Adventures, and face painting with Seamore Fancy Faces.
• Visit the Fresno County Library booth and sign up for your FREE library card, sign up to run the Two Cities Marathon or become more involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Fresno Historical Society!
• Tour the newly renovated Hobbs Parson Building, home to the Fresno Fire Department Headquarters Museum, opening the same day.

In the next year many more projects will be breaking ground, completing their renovations and celebrating the progress of moving forward in creating a vibrant, redeveloped Downtown Fresno. Some of these future projects are Forest City South Stadium Project, The Legacy Project, Fulton Plaza Row Houses, The Fresno Metropolitan Museum and the Uptown Project, Armenian Town, China Town Beatification, Warnors Theater, The Fulton Mall, and The Fresno County Library.

Come celebrate over a Billion Dollars worth of revitalization and tour the past, present and future of Fresno! Visit www.billiondollartour.com for more information or call Yvette Lewis at 476-2508.

Billion Dollar Tour Flyer

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

VIBE Boosts Kern Street Economy

August 22, 2008 6 p.m. The sounds of live music, casual chatter, hot plates sizzling and boxing gloves colliding were just some of the notes that made up the rhythm of the VIBE.

Not only was this the last VIBE of the season, August 22nd was undoubtedly the most successful. Whether it was the vivid multicultural dancers to enlighten us of the diversity in which we live or the boxing matches that were hosted by the Police Activities League highlighting the talents and pride of our communities’ youth, no one could enter Kern St. and not be entertained. With an estimated turnout of over 5,000 attendees, food vendors and information booths alike had to replenish supplies to keep up with the happy crowds. Kern Street restaurants and others along Van Ness also indicated a large upswing in sales because of the event.

What originally started as a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the first phase of Sports Town, the VIBE has taken on a life of its own. Businesses, non-profits and attendees of the event have all been asking if there will be any more. The answer is yes, but only if it can be supported by corporate sponsorships. There has been talk of a Halloween VIBE as well as what can be done to make the VIBE a spring/summer series. Spearheaded by the Economic Development Department, the VIBE takes weeks of planning and organizing and many hours of staff time and interdepartmental collaboration not to mention the involvement with outside agencies and businesses which are affiliated with launching each VIBE.

With the current ongoing development of downtown housing and influx of new business, the VIBE is a key in getting our citizens to come and see that there are things going on and that the downtown area is rich in culture and entertainment and is theirs for the having.

For more information please contact Martin Wendels at 559-621-8362 or via email at martin.wendels@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Come Downtown!

Fiestas Patrias and El Grito
Friday-Monday, September 12-15
This four-day festival is a celebration of Mexican Independence Day with food, drink, music and dancers which well over 100,000 enjoy. We partner with Univision for this event. They provide entertainment on two stages on Saturday and Sunday and advertise the event, while we handle logistics and create La Plaza del los Ninos, an area for kids. We both bring vendors to round out the festival. El Grito is the final day, which culminates in a live feed from Mexico City at 9:00 p.m.

OUT TO LUNCH: $5 Fridays until October 10
Don’t forget those $5 Fridays – walk to lunch with friends and co-workers. Our Downtown restaurants appreciate you! The restaurant promotion, sponsored by the Downtown Association of Fresno, is energizing Downtown workers to walk to their favorite spot, saving gas and lunch money. The following restaurants are participating: Café Corazon, China Express, Club One Restaurant, DiCicco’s Italian, Downtown Express, Fulton Kebob, Joe’s Steakhouse & Grill, La Cocina de Mama, Lety’s Authentic Mexican Food, Los Panchos, Mezcal Bar and Grill, Milano, Paraiso Café, Patterson Building Café, Rose Café, Savannah’s Brazilian Soul, Smokehouse Restaurant and Bar, Tommy’s Hamburgers, Wimpy’s, Yogurt Barn.

Downtown Art Gala Moves To October 17
To ensure the best possible support for the Fulton Mall sculptures, the 10th Annual Downtown Art Gala has moved to Friday, October 17, following the FCASH Fall Conference. Please join us for this enchanting evening of fine dining, art and music on the beautiful Fulton Mall.

For more information on Events contact Jan Minami, Executive Director of the Downtown Association of Fresno at 490-9966 or 497-9965 or via email: jminami@downtownfresno.org

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

PBID Operating Group Assembling Advisory Panel

PBID stands for Property-Based Business Improvement District, the kind of endeavor to energizes the public and private sectors alike. It’s a special benefit assessment district to raise funds within a specific geographic area formed and operated by the property owners in the district. This type of public/private partnership has proven successful in revitalizing downtowns around the country and the world.
Between now and the end of September, we are assembling an Advisory Panel to assist the Operating Group, and determining the funding sources to hire a PBID formation consultant. Our goal is to form the PBID by the end of June, 2009.
Contact Jan Minami (Downtown Association of Fresno) at 490-9966, 497-9965 or jminami@downtownfresno.com or Dan Doyle (Central Valley Community Bank) at 323-3320 for more information.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Speak Up – Fulton Mall Public Hearings

You are invited to speak up and provide your thoughts on the impact that would result from placing the Fulton Mall in Downtown Fresno on the National Register of Historic Places at a series of educational forums hosted by the Downtown Association and the City of Fresno.

FULTON MALL EDUCATION FORUMS

September 22, 5:00 pm
Panel, Process, and Question and Answer
What does it allow? What does it not allow? Prepared questions will be answered by a panel of experts in Historic Preservation and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) compliance.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
Information: Visit http://www.downtownfresno.org/fultonforums.php for important documents. Contact Jan Minami, Downtown Association, 559.490-9966

October 1, 5:00 pm
Sustainability: Next Steps
Whether or not there is National Register designation, what is the next step? Imagine a vibrant Fulton Mall district. What does that look like? Can we learn from pedestrian malls in other cities? How do we pay for different alternatives? How do we define success?
Public Forum
Bankers Ballroom, Fulton Mall
Information: Visit http://www.downtownfresno.org/fultonforums.php for important documents. Contact Jan Minami, Downtown Association, 559.490-9966

October 13, 5:30 pm
Final Hearing and Recommendation to State on Nomination
City Council Chambers
Information: Visit http://www.downtownfresno.org/fultonforums.php for important documents. Contact Jan Minami, Downtown Association, 559.490-9966

Private and public investment has continued to grow in Downtown Fresno reaching over 1 ½ billion dollars since Fiscal Year 2001. As revitalization takes root, there are questions that will need to be answered to determine the effect of the potential National Register of Historic Places designation. Just a few include:

What is the potential economic impact or potential restrictions that may result if Fulton Mall is placed on the register?
Are the distances too far that people must travel to patronize businesses along the mall?
Is parking conveniently located and attractive?
Does the lack of visibility of businesses on the mall affect a business’ viability?

Visit http://www.fresno.gov/CouncilDocs/agenda8.26.2008/1015.pdf to read the workshop information provided to City Council on August 26, 2008. The report also includes the National Register of Historic Places Application and the Fact Sheet.

For more information, please contact Kelly Riddle, City of Fresno Economic Development Coordinator, at 559.621.8814.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

TOURISM AND FILM

FFF 2nd Annual Conference

How do you pitch a script, shoot a film or finance a movie? All of those questions and more will be answered at the Second Annual Fresno Filmmakers Forum’s (FFF) Conference on Saturday, October 25th. The day-long event will be held at Fresno’s Tower Theatre and will feature presentations on a variety of film related topics, featuring professional guest speakers including documentary filmmaker Kevin White, film accountant and business manager Marty Shindler, producer - director Peter Maris, and Deputy Director of SAG Indie Alexis Fish. Negotiations are ongoing to fill two additional presentation openings. Each guest will speak for approximately 30 minutes with a 15 minute Q & A to follow.

Last year’s initial event attracted nearly 100 participants. Organizers believe that the revised format featuring industry pros representing a variety of film elements will draw many more local filmmakers. Additionally, plans are being finalized to host an after-event party, also in the Tower District, that will combine informal networking with screening of locally produced short films.

Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission’s Ray Arthur notes that the expansion of this event mirrors the development and enthusiasm of Fresno’s filmmaking community. “This is a growing and important segment of our City’s economic development that continues to move forward with new projects, job opportunities and new revenue that circulates through Fresno,” Arthur noted.

For more information please contact Ray Arthur at 559-621-8358 or via e-mail at ray.arthur@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

Destination Fresno County Marketing Symposium

The Fresno City & County Convention & Visitors Bureau (FCVB) is excited to announce the First Annual Destination Fresno County Marketing Symposium, September 23, 2008 8:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. .

Whether you market, promote or recruit for a hotel, city, county or state government; for an educational or medical institution, on a special event or festival this is the symposium for your team. You will have an opportunity to hear from the regional and national experts on destination marketing including:

Lynn Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing, California Travel & Tourism Commission, Sacramento, California

Karen M. Gonzales CMP, Vice President of Membership, Destination Marketing Association International, Washington D.C.

Find out the latest trends and free tools you can use during these tough economic times. In addition there will be an opportunity to share what is working in your organization and to learn from others in your field about what is working for them. By the end of the day you will have new ideas and resources to take your marketing, recruiting and promotion efforts to the next level.

The cost is $15 per person and includes a continental breakfast, lunch and the symposium. Register today by contacting Terri Mejorado at terri.mejorado@fresnocvb.net RSVP by September 17, 2008.

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

TRADE, GLOBALIZATION & INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Strong Exports Help Narrow Trade Deficit
By KELLY EVANS
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce

The nation's trade deficit narrowed in August as U.S. exports rose for a sixth consecutive month, a sign that strong demand for American goods and services may help offset troubles in the housing and credit markets.
The Commerce Department said exports rose to a seasonally adjusted $138.3 billion in August while imports fell to $195.9 billion, yielding a $57.6 billion deficit. That gap was $10 billion narrower than in August 2006, largely because of the falling value of the U.S. dollar, which has made American goods cheaper abroad, and strong global growth, which continues to fuel demand for U.S. goods and services.
"It's good that the U.S. can rely on foreign economies to prop up growth here at a time when we need the help," said Jay Bryson, global economist with Wachovia Corp. "Asia's on fire right now, Europe is slowing somewhat but, in general, growth around the world remains pretty solid right now."
The surprising strength of exports led many economists to raise their estimates of third-quarter gross domestic product. Economists had expected exports to remain flat. The $10 billion year-to-year drop in the trade deficit, roughly speaking, translates into a full percentage point increase in the annual rate of GDP growth for the third quarter.
Forecasting firm Macroeconomic Adviser raised its estimate of third-quarter growth to 3.3% from 2.7%, and many others made similar adjustments.
"Any doubt that trade is not contributing to U.S. growth is certainly behind us," said Peter Kretzmer, senior economist at Bank of America Corp. "The implication that's most important is that trade's contribution to third-quarter GDP is so large as to more than offset the negative contribution from housing," he said.
Mr. Kretzmer said that while strong foreign demand for U.S. products is helping fuel economic growth, such a boost cannot be taken for granted. "The risk that comes along is that our trading partners will be somewhat weakened by our own apparent weakness," he said. "If their demand for U.S. [goods] begins to diminish that will limit our exports."

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

New Developments for Workforce Investment Board

The Fresno County Workforce Investment Board has made a recommendation to the City Council that the City of Fresno and Fresno County adopt the proposed model for Joint Governance of the Fresno County Workforce Investment Board (FCWIB) and its administrative entity the Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation (FAWIC). The proposed model will allow the City of Fresno to get more involved with the challenges facing the workforce development in the City.

The next step in the process is to have the Fresno City Attorney and Office of County Counsel, with the assistance of FAWIC staff and counsel draft an agreement for assumption of joint liability for WIA program within Fresno County by both the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno.

For more information please contact Peggy Chiok at 559-621-8360 or via email at peggy.chiok@fresno.gov

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

FCCTI Offers Online Training for Working Adults

Have you faced these training challenges? How can we implement training when our workforce is geographically spread? When employee training needs vary? When work schedules collide with training schedules?

Online training is the solution!

Through a partnership with ed2go, the Fresno City College Training Institute makes hundreds of online training courses available to your workforce. Here is a partial list of short courses to give you a sense of the offerings:

With each course, you work at your own pace over a 6 week time frame. New sections start monthly. All you need is internet connectivity and email. There are hundreds of courses available. Most courses are just $99.

As with all Training Institute programs, these online offerings are for professional growth and development and are not for college credit.

For a complete list of programs, course descriptions, testimonials, and to register…..simply visit www.ed2go.com/fccti

Back to top of section
Back to top of page

CONTACT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

JOIN THE E-NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST

UNSUBSCRIBE

FEEDBACK

Back to top of page
Back to Economic Development Home Page