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The City of Fresno Revolving Loan Fund can Help!   

• Do you have an old piece of equipment that keeps breaking down?
• Do you have equipment that uses so much electricity or gas that it is almost too expensive to operate, but you lack the cash to replace it?
• Are the limitations of your equipment keeping you from being as profitable as you could be? ….or keeping you from growing your business?
• Are you reluctant to expand your business because you know you will need more working capital?
• Is lack of working capital keeping you from taking trade discounts?
• Are you missing opportunities for profitable sales because you don’t have the working capital you need to keep the inventory, supplies, or tools in stock?
• Are you turning away profitable business because you do not have sufficient working capital to add the staff you need?

If you answered yes to any of these questions (especially if you answered yes to more than one of these questions) the City of Fresno’s Revolving Loan Fund may be able to help. The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is designed to fill the gap between the money you need and the money you can get. Here is how it works:

Suppose you need new equipment costing $90,000. You also need about $15,000 in working capital to support the increased payroll, accounts receivable, and inventory necessitated by the increased sales you’ll be able to make as a result of the new equipment. You may be able to get financing for the equipment through a bank, a leasing company, or the equipment manufacturer. They might lend up to 75% to 80% of the equipment’s cost. That wouldn’t help you with the working capital you need, or the down payment you need. That’s where the RLF can help. Using the RLF to fill the gap, the deal might look like this

The RLF can finance up to 1/3 of the total project. In this case the “project” totals $105,000; 1/3 of the $105,000 project is $35,000. The other 2/3 of the project can come from other sources including bank loans, other financing, or additional equity contributions by the owners. In order to qualify the business would need to create one job for every $35,000 loaned by the RLF. In this example, the RLF of $35,000 would require the creation of one new job within two years.

Want to learn more about the RLF, or other financing programs to help your business grow? Please contact George.Smith@fresno.gov

BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND MARKETING   

Coming to Fresno….Earth Renew   

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Earth Renew is a dynamic, high growth company and leader in the conversion of organic waste to fertilizer and soil products customized for organic farming, turf and reclamation markets. Well financed, with patented technologies utilizing natural gas turbine energy-neutral manufacturing and power generation, they have transitioned from the design and development phase into operations.

The Company’s commitment to growth, operational excellence and product leadership has created exciting opportunities to grow in the Central California area.

For more information about the company, please call 1-877-457-7667 or visit www.earthrenew.com

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GREEN ENTERPRISE   

Green Business Certification Program   

The City of Fresno’s Economic Development Department is in the beginning stages of developing a Green Business Certification Program similar to that of the Bay Area Green Business Program. This program was first developed by Bay Area local governments in collaboration with US EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business community. It is a successful partnership of environmental agencies and utilities that assist, recognize and promote businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in an environmentally responsible way. In order to be recognized as a “Green Business” participating entities must be in compliance with all environmental regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste as set forth in checklists approved by all partners. The Bay Area Green Business Program is coordinated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

Bringing this Program to Fresno would help to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by helping businesses integrate environmental responsibility into their operations in a manner that is sustainable as well as profitable. For more information Contact Martin Wendels at 621-8362 or via e-mail at Martin.Wendels@fresno.gov.

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FRESNO GREEN supports local farmers   

In spite of the fact that Fresno is one of the most productive agricultural regions of the world, it has fewer farmer’s markets than many other California cities. Why? One reason is that until recently, the city’s zoning code did not actually define farmer’s markets, so establishing one has been very difficult, and even impossible, under the city’s regulations.

However, the Fresno Green strategy, launched under the leadership of Mayor Autry and Council member Henry T. Perea on Earth Day of 2007, calls for promoting public health and the environmental benefits of supporting locally grown and organic foods (strategy 16). Under this directive, city of Fresno planning staff has partnered with Fresno Metro Ministries and Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program, along with other farmer’s market stakeholders, to amend the zoning code to define farmers markets and allow them in all commercial zones and even the most basic residential zone district R-1 (with a conditional use permit). By allowing farmer’s markets in residential areas, fresh food can be available in neighborhoods, where it is most needed.

An additional benefit of the new rules is more economic opportunities for small local farmers, many of whom have traveled to the Bay Area to sell their produce. Now that Fresno’s rules are more permissive, the hope is to encourage these local farmers to stay closer to home and sell here in Fresno.

The new code changes will take effect in mid-August, 2008, and the planning department has already received several inquiries for new farmer’s markets. By building our local food system, more small farmers can thrive, the environment can be improved by reduction in food transport, and public health will be enhanced by fresh food.

For more information, contact Sophia Pagoulatos, Interim Planning Manager, City of Fresno Planning & Development Department at (559) 621-8062 or Sophia.Pagoulatos@fresno.gov .

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FYI Solar Project Improves the Environment and the Bottom Line   

July 16th marked the official dedication of the largest solar installation of any airport in the country at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FYI).

The project was a public private partnership between FYI, New Jersey based WorldWater Solar Technologies and local electric provider Pacific Gas & Electric. Other partners include Sharp Solar, for providing the solar panels; Xantrex Technology, Inc., which provided the inverters; and Solar Power Partners of Mill Valley, which will operate and manage the system for the next 25 years.

The solar energy generated from the project will provide an impressive 40% of the energy needs for FYI. The system is expected to save the airport about $13 million dollars over the next 20 years, as well as deliver significant environmental benefits to California’s Central Valley.

Airport Director, Russ Widmar commented, “In today’s economic climate, particularly due to the increased costs of fuel, this is just one solution that will not only improve our air quality through reduced emissions, but will also help reduce energy costs at FYI that can be shared with our airline customers.”

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT   

USDA Rural Development Awards $60,000 Grant for CVBI to target Rural Communities   

To assist in its efforts to service the Central Valley’s rural communities, the Central Valley Business Incubator recently received a $60,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program.
The award was made at CVBI’s Board of Directors meeting on July 9. Presenting the check was USDA Rural Development State Director Ben Higgins. “Small businesses are the backbone of our rural economies,” said Higgins. “With these funds, we are supporting those who are showing the entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed that makes for successful families, neighborhoods, and communities. I’m excited to leverage Central Valley Business Incubator’s proven ability to foster that entrepreneurial spirit and create good jobs in this critically important region of California.”
Accepting the check was Board Chairman Claude Laval, who made remarks on behalf of the Incubator. Also present were Tal Eslick, representing Congressman Devin Nunes, and CVBI board of directors and staff.
Anna Borgeas, chief operating officer of CVBI, said that economic development issues are regional, so the grant will go toward expanding CVBI’s reach. “The grant will help us reach rural communities so that they can benefit from our mission of economic development through entrepreneurship,” Borgeas said. “CVBI will be able to reach out so those in the outlying areas can benefit from our services.”
Craig Scharton, chief executive officer of CVBI, cited one way the grant could help rural communities. “The grant will help us translate CVBI materials into Hmong and Spanish for people in our surrounding communities,” Scharton said. “We will also be able to share our classes electronically.”

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INCENTIVES   

Mayor's Career and Education Expo   

In an effort to increase awareness of the incentive zone programs to businesses and residents in the City of Fresno, the Economic Development Department will be participating in the Mayor's Career and Education Expo on Thursday, September 18th at the Fresno Convention Center New Exhibit Hall. Information will be provided to businesses who can benefit from the incentive zones, as well as qualified job seekers on how to effectively market themselves to those zone businesses.

Businesses located in the Empowerment and Municipal Restoration Zones can receive up to $3,000 in incentives for each employee who lives within the zone. Businesses located in the Enterprise Zone can receive over $37,000 in state tax incentives for hiring qualified employees with certain barriers to employment (public assistance, ex offenders, targeted employment area residents, veterans, etc.)

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

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NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT  

Downtown Business Notes   

If you’re looking for more information about Downtown Fresno, go to <downtownfresno.org>. The website has current information about what’s happening Downtown and where to park. By mid-August, They will roll out a new website design with user-friendly access to much more relevant information. Stay tuned!

You’ll find OUT TO LUNCH $5 Fridays signs posted in restaurants all over Downtown Fresno. 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.

Downtown Events:
The VIBE on Kern Street, Friday Aug 22
Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day) on Fulton Mall, Fri-Sun, Sept 12-14
El Grito on Fulton Mall, Monday, Sept 15
Downtown Art Gala on Fulton Mall, Sept 25 (reservations required)

For more information, go to www.downtownfresno.org or call 490-9966

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Hero’s Sports Bar and Pizza Parlor    

“Currently the target is 25 full-time positions, but the number keeps growing,” says Robert Williams, owner of the restaurant Hero’s. A new concept currently under construction at 830 Van Ness Blvd. “It started out with a smaller number, but we see this growing as things are shaping up.”

Robert, a long term resident of Fresno, has been bitten by the downtown vision. He has watched it grow and sees that there is an energy mounting there. When visiting with a friend in Modesto, he fell in love with the Hero’s Sports Bar concept and knew there was a place for it in downtown Fresno. With a design expert and architects he immediately went to task of customizing the Hero’s concept to fit his vision and the building just north of Inyo. It will house sports memorabilia of all kinds; local, international, past, and present; as well as heroes from the local Fire and Police departments, not to mention comic strip heroes as well.

Robert came to the Economic Development Department with a basic plan in March. He sat down with Department staff and a city planner and a plan was laid out. After a couple of months laying groundwork, the project was under construction with an opening date of October 1, 2008.

Robert sees his restaurant as a part of the Economic catalyst that is occurring and is excited about being part of.

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TOURISM & FILM   

Wiseguys Pictures Filming Hmong Film in Fresno   

Daim Duab is a Hmong phrase meaning “memory of a picture.” And it is a fitting title for the locally produced independent feature film that will be shooting in and around Fresno through September. WISEGUYS PICTURES producers Tong Thao and Thai Her have been working with the Fresno Film & Entertainment Commission (FFEC) since March, researching, choosing, and coordinating sites for the two month shoot which will see a cast and crew of 50 film at a dozen public and private locations in Fresno. Producer Thao notes that while the title is Hmong, the movie is an American love story with a twist, featuring actors of many races reflecting what you see everyday in Fresno.

FFEC Film Commissioner Ray Arthur notes that Daim Duab is a perfect example of the FFEC’s mission of working with local filmmakers to assist in their productions, “We have attracted or facilitated 13 productions since the FFEC was created last year, eight have been locally produced projects: student films, short films, music videos, or independent features. Each has had different needs that we’ve helped fulfill."

According to the FFEC there are approximately 150 local filmmakers who are producing more and more commercial and non-commercial product each year, “The growth of this burgeoning industry predicts exciting times for Fresno’s film future, with economic development increasing through both local film production and L. A. productions utilizing Fresno’s film assets when they choose local locations,” Arthur said.

Daim Duab is slated to be released to theaters later this year. 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   

Understand and Comply with the New Foreign Trade Regulation (FTR) Requirements    

Starting October 1, 2008, the Census Bureau will require mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a paper Shipper’s Export Declaration was required. Penalties may be imposed per violation of the FTR from $1,100 to $10,000-both civil and criminal- for the delayed filing, failure to file, false filing of export information, and/or using the AES to further any illegal activity. Also, all AES filers will face new filing deadlines by mode of transportation for reporting export information. The Commercial Service is working with the Census Bureau to develop a webinar series on these new requirements. Information on dates and times is forthcoming.

In the meantime, for more information, please visit http://www.export.gov/logistics/aes/doc_eg_aes.asp ( https://ita.aplicor.net/CRM5_0/crm/marketing/RedirectUrl.ashx?linkid=8a05b95b-9f8b-4491-8a4e-45d07134a070&amp;contactid=95f45459-ff90-46e8-870b-416ef0b6590a ).

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT   

New Workforce Coming to Fresno   

EarthRenew is building a network of eco friendly manufacturing facilities, in the United States and Canada producing their unique organic matter fertilizer products and solving urgent local issues such as waste disposal challenges and access to reliable, cost effective power.

Their commitment to grow a better world has created the need to grow and strengthen their existing team. They are continually looking for innovative employees and contractors to satisfy a variety of business needs in a company working toward securing a greener tomorrow.

EarthRenew is currently looking to fill the following positions for the Fresno office:
• Director, Engineering
• Project Engineering Manager
• U.S. Operations Manager
• Agricultural Sales Representative

For more information or to apply for these positions, please contact:
EarthRenew Human Resources
Email: career@earthrenew.com
Tel: (877)457 7667
Fax: (403) 228 4748

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Money Available for Employee Training   

The Fresno City College Training Institute has tens of thousands of dollars available to fund employee training initiatives. This funding provides a great opportunity to have a customized training program delivered onsite with little or no cost to your company.

Recently, this funding was used to provide Industrial Electrical and Motor Controls training for a local food processing company; and Team Leader training for a local manufacturer.

Qualifying companies must be manufacturers, packagers, warehousing or logistics companies.

Areas of training may include: technical and industrial skills; supervisory skills; team skills; computer applications; service skills; and more.

Those interested in exploring this avenue for employee training may contact Rob Weil at the FCC Training Institute at (559) 256-5744 or visit www.fccti.com

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