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Fresno Up in the Job Creation List   
Fresno Bee

The City of Fresno made significant progress on the latest Milken Institute list of America’s “Top Performing Cities” which grades cities according to their job creation.
Fresno climbed from No. 66 in 2008 to No. 47 last year, based on improvements in technology, energy, and trade sectors.

“The Milken Institute is a respected think tank that measures the community’s overall economic health.” said Mayor Alan Autry. “The findings in this survey underscore the fact that collectively our community and region are headed in the right direction.”

Merced and Visalia fell from No. 63 to No. 73 and No. 45 to No. 64, respectively. Las Vegas, which had one of the most booming economies until 2006 fell with a thud, plummeting from No. 9 in 2007 to No. 75 later that year.

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Return to Fundamentals in Retail Development Lending   

At the recent International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Western Division Conference in San Diego, there was considerable discussion of the credit crisis, and its impact on retail development deals. In a panel discussion entitled, "Step into Liquid," panelists Jeff Berkes of Federal Realty Trust, Allan Emkin of Pension Consulting Alliance, James Hurley with CalPers, and Ethan Penner with CBRE Investors talked about the factors that set off the credit crisis, and its likely lasting effects.

For too long, fundamentals were ignored. Rather than looking at cash flows, lenders began to focus on appreciation and as a result brought about highly leveraged deal structures. As creative new securities were developed, the leverage increased. In some ways we have seen this happen before. At the end of the last decade, the abandonment of fundamentals created an environment that fostered highly leveraged deal structures in the dot com industry. This helped to bring about the bursting of the dot com bubble at the beginning of this decade. Just as the dot com bust brought about a return to fundamentals, so it will be again for retail real estate development.

According to the panelists at ICSC, there may be a potentially over-conservative return to fundamentals that will make good deals harder to finance in the near term. For developers with highly leveraged projects, without the cash flow to support the debt service requirements of traditional lenders, refinancing balloons may become very expensive, and very difficult--if possible at all. The advice of the panelists was to start early to find refinances of balloons. Look for the longest term possible, even if there is a significant premium. Balloons that can't be refinanced will likely lead to downward pressure on prices for the next few years, until the crisis has passed, and the inventory of distressed properties and troubled loans has been worked out. Indeed, this may be a golden age for bargain hunters…

For more information please contact George Smith at 559-621-8357 or via e-mail at George.Smith@fresno.gov

With all the cubicles manned with committed individuals, the Development Partnership Center is moving forward with tremendous momentum.

The DPC, managed by Franklin Spees, is now fully functional and rapidly gaining recognition as a regional leader in Planning and Permitting. The purpose of the DPC, to streamline and expedite the permitting processes, is currently staffed by 15 individuals from various departments dedicated to providing outstanding service. Economic Development, Planning, Traffic, Public Utilities, Public Works, Fire, PD, Flood and others are all involved assuring a clients experience is the best it can be.

By focusing on the front end of the process; ensuring that all comments that can be made are, that plans are entirely complete based on the known needs of each department and agency, that there is unobstructed and expedient communication between all entities involved from recordation of pre-app meetings to electronic filing of the plans, the entire process is greatly reduced both in time and frustration.

The entire process has already been greatly improved, but it is the goal of the DPC to continue this effort and set new standards for the industry that will make the citizens of Fresno proud.

BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND MARKETING   

Economic Development Department Staff Beginning Follow-up From ICSC Trade Show    

For the fourth year in a row, employees from the City of Fresno Economic Development Department have staffed a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Western Deal Making Trade Show. The show completely outgrew Palm Springs and moved to San Diego last year. It is now ICSC's third largest event. At the trade show, Department staff talked with more than 200 visitors, 25 of which turned into solid leads. As in past trade shows, Department staff continued their focus on retailers, developers, and hoteliers. Currently the Staff are now beginning the process of gathering requested data, and following up with leads.

With the mounting negative economic news, and California's status as one of the more heard-hit states, the mood, and energy at the trade show was a pleasant surprise. There seemed to be as many exhibitors this year as there was last year. While booth traffic seemed somewhat below last year, the quality of the leads generated has improved: the customers attending the event were more focused than in previous years.

For more information please contact George Smith at 559-621-8357 or via e-mail at George.Smith@fresno.gov

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BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION   

Economic Development Department Offers Resource Guides for Businesses   

The role of the City of Fresno Economic Development Department is to help you successfully navigate your way through the process of starting, relocating, or expanding your business within the city limits.

If you’ve ever started a business you understand that the preparation that goes into can be confusing and overwhelming. There are many resources throughout Fresno available to assist you. Knowing where to go for help can make all the difference in the world.

The FresnoStartUp Guide identifies those resources, and makes it easy to access them. The FresnoStartUp Guide offers 10 easy steps to starting your business:

1. Getting Started
2. Building Your Business Plan
3. Choosing Your Business Structure and Name
4. Registering Your Business
5. Taxes
6. Licensing
7. Other Requirements
8. Hiring Employees
9. Leveraging Your Resources
10. Ongoing Requirements

The FresnoStartUp Guide is available online at www.FresnoStartUp.com or at the Economic Development Department office located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 2156.

On The Horizon

The City of Fresno recognizes that once you have your business up and running, you need ongoing support in order to be successful. To that end, the Economic Development Department is developing a Resource Guide for existing businesses. It will provide information on resources available to help you thrive in the City of Fresno. Look for this new resource guide in Fall/Winter 2008.

For more information, contact the City of Fresno Economic Development Department at (559) 621-8350 or economic.development@fresno.gov .

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ENTREPRENEAURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT   

Learn About Business Requirements   

On Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, Forms and Licenses, Tax ID Information, Financial Assistance, Trade Associations, and Fictitious Names are a few of the topics about will be presented in the How to Start a Small Business Workshop at the Sunnyside Regional Library, 5566 E. Kings Canyon, Fresno, California. Peggy Chiok, Economic Development Analyst for the City of Fresno, and Morris Caudle, Small Business Liaison for Caltrans District 6 indicate the “information is useful to both individuals interested in starting a business or started a business in the last year or two..

Sign up is suggested as space is limited. Please visit www.fresnolibrary.org or call 559.255.6594 for more information.

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National Small Business Week 2009 Nominations For Small Business Awards   

November 14, 2008 - Deadline Date

Each year during National Small Business Week, the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes outstanding small business owners for their contribution to the American economy and society. The President has declared May 17-23, 2009 as National Small Business Week.

SBA is currently accepting nominations for several SBA award categories including the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award. The Fresno SBA Office services the fifteen Central California counties. Trade associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations frequently sponsor candidates. A business owner may also nominate themselves or other candidates.

In 2009, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 26.8 million small businesses in America. Business entrepreneurs throughout the Central California area will also be honored during Small Business Week with many local events. Through the work of entrepreneurs, jobs are created, families are given a better life and whole communities are transformed. Please join us in the National Small Business Week celebration.

Nomination criteria and deadline dates for all award categories can be found by visiting the SBA website at www.sba.gov/ca/fresno "Spotlight "section or by contacting Melende Ward of the Fresno SBA Office at (559) 487-5791, ext 143.

This is an opportunity to recognize an individual or an organization dedicated to the support of the small business community. Please send all nominations to the U. S. Small Business Administration, 2719 N. Air Fresno Drive, Suite 200, Fresno, California, 93727, Attn: Melende Ward.

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New Business Planning Course Offers Continuous Support for Entrepreneurs   

(FRESNO, Calif.) The Central Valley Business Incubator’s new Business Planning course offers continuous enrollment, so entrepreneurs with a business idea can get started anytime of the year. The new system will allow CVBI to reach 40 percent more entrepreneurs and help increase the local economy through entrepreneurship.

In honor of Strategic Thinking Month, the next course starts Tuesday, Sept. 16, and new participants will be able to join in every four weeks.

To get started immediately you can take CVBI’s Business Readiness Assessment and call to schedule a free consultation.

The course is eight weeks in total, with participants meeting for three and a half hours two evenings per week.

CVBI’s Business Planning course helps participants with testing the feasibility of their idea and guiding them through the planning needed for success in their venture.

Raising capital and financing your business
“Entrepreneurs never stop coming up with new business ideas; therefore, we want to be able to always give them an opportunity to jump into action,” said Travis Sheridan, director of member services at CVBI. “This new format allows entrepreneurs to learn from industry experts as the company is built. Excitement plus resources equals high potential for success.”

The new format will have more subject matter experts as resources for the participants. Professionals in human resources, legal, accounting, public relations, real estate and others will offer the experience and guidance to course participants as they prepare their business plans.

Cost is $300 per business. Entrepreneurs who are ready to take their idea to the next level can call (559) 292-9033 or visit www.cvbi.org to enroll.

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GREEN ENTERPRISE   

EU Carbon Emission Tax will Affect US   

A Few months ago the European Union reached a landmark agreement that will put a limit on emissions from aircraft. To accomplish this, the EU has stipulated that all airlines arriving or leaving the airport will have to purchase pollution credits beginning 2010. Because this agreement will affect all airlines, regardless of if they are from non-European countries, American officials are warning that this mandatory application violates international law under that convention governing the international civil aviation.

With all the talk of carbon emission tax and the rise of oil prices economists are wondering how this will affect the economic climate and what this could mean for the average American citizen. Currently, Capitol Hill has not made any legislation on carbon emissions however if the EU continues to proceed with this cap, consumers can expect to see an increase at the very least in air travel as well as in a majority of expenditures over the next few years.

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INCENTIVES       



Empowerment Zone Offers Rewards for Both Employee and Employer   

It is well known that tax and other incentive programs are of benefit to the businesses that are able to take advantage of them. Locating and or expanding in the City's Federal Empowerment Zone, State Enterprise Zone, and local Municipal Restoration Zone can mean huge savings to businesses in the way of hiring and employment tax credits, sales and use tax credits, business expense deductions, net interest deductions, business license fee waivers and refunds, development and entitlement fee reductions, sales and property tax refunds and the like. However, what is often overlooked is the benefit that these zones offer to job seekers looking for employment within these designated areas.

For example, a job seeker who lives in the Empowerment Zones and finds employment with a business that is also located within that same zone is worth up to $3,000 in federal tax credits PER YEAR to that business. Another qualified person who may have significant barriers to employment such as a prior criminal record or dependence on public assistance could be worth up to $37,440 in state tax credits over the first 5 years they are employed with a business in the Enterprise Zone.

The problem is, these job seekers aren't aware of these valuable tax credits and therefore aren't able to promote themselves effectively when applying for jobs with businesses in Fresno's incentive zones. The City of Fresno Economic Development Department is working to change that and participated in the Mayor's Career & Education Expo on September 18th in an effort to identify these extraordinary job seekers and arm them with the information they need to better market themselves to prospective employers. Qualified applicants were given information on the zones to share with the businesses they met with and were issued a laminated wallet sized card stating that they were pre-qualified for benefits in Enterprise, Empowerment and/or Municipal Restoration Zones. The Economic Development Department sees this as just one more way to help connect those eligible job seekers to the available jobs in the City of Fresno, as well as educate Fresno businesses on the tax credits and benefits that they are entitled to.

For more information on the City of Fresno's incentive zones please contact Kelly Trevino, City of Fresno Incentive Zone Manager, at (559) 621-8426 or kelly.trevino@fresno.gov

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NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT   

Fulton Mall Education Forums      

Fulton Mall is being considered for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. What does that mean? The final forum in a three-part series is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1 in the Bankers Ballroom at 5:00 p.m. Sustainability is the issue. With designation or without, 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?

On October 13, the Fresno Historic Preservation Commission will meet for a public hearing and decision-making process for their recommendation to the State Historical Resources Commission. They will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The public is welcome.

For more information please contact Jan Minami at 559-490-9966 or via email at jminami@downtownfresno.org

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PBID Update   

Downtown Fresno needs a PBID. These successful public/private partnerships have energized Downtowns around the world. They’ve been talked about and recommended for Fresno for years. Now, the Downtown Association of Fresno and the Downtown PBID Partnership are taking the necessary steps. In the coming months, every property and business owner in Downtown Fresno will learn about how they can join together to take charge of their future.

For more information, contact Jan Minami (Downtown Association of Fresno) at 490-9966, 497-9965 or jminami@downtownfresno.org or Dan Doyle (Central Valley Community Bank) at 323-3320 for more information.

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Celebrate Downtown Art On October 17
10th Annual Downtown Art Gala         

Fine dining in an outdoor museum on beautiful Fulton Mall. What a delightful way to spend an evening! Join us for our 10th Annual Downtown Art Gala which celebrates the sculptures along Fulton Mall and raises funds for their restoration and maintenance. Dinner and entertainment are followed by a silent auction featuring fascinating artistic and entertainment selections.
For more information please contact Jan Minami at 559-490-9966 or via email at jminami@downtownfresno.org

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Five Dollar Fridays in Downtown Fresno over October 10th   

Going, going, soon to be gone! Our Downtown workforce can only celebrate $5 Fridays through October 10, when the promotion takes a break. Look for new Downtown restaurant promotions beginning in November. Our website is your best source of current Downtown information www.downtownfresno.org at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The public is welcome.
For more information please contact Jan Minami at 559-490-9966 or via email at jminami@downtownfresno.org

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TOURISM & FILM ENTERTAINMENT   

Runaway Production     

It used to be called “Runaway Production to Canada.” Canada, however, has taken a back seat to 21 U S States and over a dozen other countries in luring a substantial portion of the motion picture and television production industry out of California. According the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) these jurisdictions offer Hollywood filmmakers economic incentive packages equaling 20 to 40 percent discounts to shoot in their state or country. Between tax credits, rebates and grants it is an offer many moviemakers cannot refuse. And it has cost the Golden State billions of dollars in state revenue and thousands of California jobs.

FFEC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur believes we cannot wait any longer for the California legislature to help, “Sacramento has failed to pass three Film Incentive bills in the past six years and the present budget situation doesn’t bode well for the foreseeable future,” Arthur said.

Arthur believes California Cities and Counties will have to improvise solutions for themselves. One solution for Fresno could be a City Film Incentive program that, through the FFEC, would track every production that participants, and show positive revenue generation that otherwise would not have occurred without the incentives.

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

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TRADE, GLOBALIZATION & INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT   

Access to Capital Seminar   

On November 5, 2008 the Craig School of Business and our office are organizing an Access to Capital Seminar with the support of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, U.S. Import-Export Bank, The U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Minority Business Development Agency.

As minority and women-owned small businesses grow by participating in the global marketplace, they face unique challenges. Lack of knowledge about government programs available to support overseas investment, the scarcity of private sector capital to pursue opportunities abroad, or concern over political risks in emerging markets can prevent minority and women-owned businesses from expanding overseas. The ACCESS to CAPITAL Workshop will address these concerns by providing participants with an understanding of the programs and resources provided by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, U.S. Import-Export Bank, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Center for International Trade Development, the Small Business Development Center and many others. This is a unique opportunity to learn about:

• The challenges and opportunities for trade and overseas investment.
• U.S. government programs offering assistance to minority and women-owned businesses planning to go global.
•  Learn about risk mitigation services to protect your business.
•  Accessing capital for your overseas projects.
•  Resources for developing global and strategic partnerships.
• OPIC’s special support for small businesses.

Speakers will include senior government officials from OPIC, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Commercial Service, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and other agencies and representatives from businesses investing overseas who will share their insights and experiences. Networking opportunities will be available and participants will be able to arrange one-on-one meetings.

When: Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
9:00 AM to 1::00 PM Conference
1:00 - 3:00 PM One-on-one meetings
Where: University Business Center - CSU, Fresno
Registration Fee: $45.00 (INCLUDES LUNCH AND ONE--ON--ONE APPOINTMENTS WITH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES)

How to register:
To complete your registration, please call 559.278.2352 to pay by
VISA/MasterCard or make your check payable to CSUF Foundation and mail
payment to:
University Business Center
5245 N. Backer Ave. M/S PB 5
Fresno, CA 93740
On-Line registration: Please click on the following https://www.buyusa.gov/fresno/accesstocapital.html link and complete the on-line form.

For more information please contact Eduardo Torres at 559-348-9859 or via email at Eduardo.Torres@mail.doc.gov

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New U.S. Customs Rules Could be Paralyzing   
Monica Wolfson, The Windsor Star
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008

As the U.S. government finalizes a customs rule that requires foreign ships to notify customs of details of U.S.-bound cargo 24 hours before it's loaded on the boat, manufacturers who rely on just-in-time deliveries worry that it will eventually be applied to land crossings.

"It could be paralyzing and devastating for the border," said Jayson Myers, president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

At issue is a rule U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to complete in November. Exporters will be required to provide detailed information about every cargo container loaded on a ship bound for the U.S., including the location of the product on the boat, the buyer, seller, manufacturer and other records, 24 hours before the cargo is loaded on the ship.

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Export Licensing Goes Completely Electronic   
The end of paper filing

People have been able for the longest time to do almost anything online, from communicating, dating, playing games, getting the latest news, training and education, and, of course, shopping. Federal agencies in contrast, have moved at glacier speed when it comes to electronic filing.
Fortunately, things are changing.

Death to BIS Form 748...Almost
On August 21, 2008, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) gave formal notice that as of October 20, 2008, with a few exceptions, it will no longer accept paper filings of licenses and classification requests.
You now must use the SNAP-R system, the BIS's free Internet portal. This should not be much of a burden for most exporters. BIS has long made it hard to even find the paper forms.

Regular readers of this newsletter know that other agencies with international trade jurisdiction have joined this halting march towards online automation. The US Census Bureau requires that as of July 2, 2008 the Electronic Export Information (EEI) be filed electronically. US Customs and Border Protection requires electronic filing for C-TPAT (Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and is continuing to refine the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), US Department of the Treasury, is lagging behind the automation trend, which is a little embarrassing given that we are profiling Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. OFAC should be given some credit, however, for providing its Special Designated Nationals (SDN) list in downloadable form. D-Trade, the online licensing system from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, is running smoothly after over a decade of tinkering and fine-tuning.

Automation's Hidden Danger
The more information we provide electronically to our government officials, the easier it is for them to sift for trends, red flags, and interesting tidbits. All useful, undoubtedly, to the efficiency of government administration, but with great power comes great temptation. There are fewer and fewer checks to overreaching and abuse. Actually, there is only one. Vigilance. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton (see this month's quiz) weren't pals, but even Hamilton would agree with Jefferson that "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Hiring a good lawyer also helps.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT   

California Unemployment Fund Running Out of Money     
Written by STEVE LAWRENCE

(AP) — As California's unemployment rate hits a 12-year high, the state program that pays benefits to the jobless is facing a severe money shortage and a huge backlog of unresolved appeals.

The unemployment insurance fund, which paid out almost $662 million in checks in July as California's jobless rate reached 7.3 percent, is expected to have a deficit of $1.6 billion at the end of 2009.

That shortage will force it to borrow from the federal government for only the second time since the program was established in the 1930s.

If no steps are taken to increase the fund's revenue or reduce its payouts, its deficit is projected to hit $3.5 billion by the end of 2010.

Interest on the federal loans could reach nearly $91 million by September 2010 and total millions more before the debts are paid off, adding to the state's fiscal problems as lawmakers grapple with a seemingly endless series of budget deficits.

To read more please click on the following link http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/09/10/financial/f113339D07.DTL

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