Solano EDC Economic Update
March 07 2022Dear Members, Partners and Friends of the Solano EDC,
After a little more than a month on the job, I have to say I’m even more excited about my role and the possibilities of this great organization. I’ve been traversing the county every day and have met the majority of the board members, city managers, economic development folks, and a great many community leaders. Solano County is full of great people who have so much passion for Solano and an appetite to roll up their sleeves to get to work on the important economic development issues in front of us like workforce development, education, infrastructure, housing, business attraction, and retention.
In the coming months we will be producing a virtual and in person speaker series to explore these various facets of economic development with local, state, and national experts. We will kick off later this month (date TBD) with an exploration of educating the workforce of the future. The esteemed Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools will be moderating a panel that will include Dr. John Garcia III, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Education, and Cami Anderson, a true force in education. We will discuss career and technical education through an equity lens and ways in which our local corporate community can work with our schools to produce the talent they so desperately need. Kaiser has agreed to be a co-lead sponsor of this series and we are finalizing plans with additional sponsors.
Through their philanthropic arm, Kaiser will also be supporting a pilot project between the Solano EDC and the Solano Community College District called the Solano EDC Fellowship. This project really excites me because we have the opportunity to bring socio-economic diversity to our local employers, and provide community college students with experiences and networks that they aren’t usually privy to. After the 10 week program, these young folks will have a greater understanding of the regional economy, career pathways they are interested in, and will each have a mentor.
Lastly, I’ve gotten to connect with most of our great member organizations and have a greater appreciation of our corporate stewards.. We couldn’t do the work we do without their financial support so we’re now celebrating our most significant sponsors with this new display in our foyer. We’ll have you all back to the office soon and you can check it out in the lobby.
Wishing you all health and prosperity.
Chris
Solano Mobility has a Commuter Program Just for You
Did you know that the Solano Transportation Authority’s Solano Mobility Program offers over 15 different incentive programs to help you and your employees use alternative methods to driving alone to work? In addition to carpool and vanpool ride-matching, Solano Mobility offers Bucks for Bikes, Guaranteed Rides Home for transit riders, and the 2 for 1 SolanoExpress Pass promotion, just to name a few.
Our Commute Specialist can tailor match programs to the needs of your company. To find out more information or to schedule a free consultation, please visit solanomobility.org or call 800-535-6883 and ask for Amy!
Sutter Health Brings Innovation to Patient Care
Sutter Solano Medical Center’s Kelley Jaeger-Jackson was recently interviewed in the North Bay Business Journal about the industry’s next steps in our region. Kelley was able to share some exciting initiatives taking place at Sutter, including the integration of in-person and virtual care services, and a digital “second read” AI system which assists doctors in reviewing medical images and backing up diagnoses by scanning for anything that may need to be further investigated or treated. Read the story here.
BayREN Brings Cost Savings to Property and Business Owners
Through Solano EDC’s partnership with BayREN, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, local homeowners, multifamily property owners, and small to medium businesses can upgrade their properties for energy efficiency while saving money long-term.
Business owners can utilize the organization’s rebates and financing options for HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting upgrades; multifamily properties have a variety of building improvements available, including water upgrades. BayREN is committed to helping multifamily owners plan and pay for improvements designed to save 15% or more of a building’s energy usage. Homeowners can also take part in the savings, from installing induction cooktops and heat pump appliances to insulation and indoor air quality systems. Each group can find their related programs and discounts at BayREN.org.
First Northern Bank Helps First-Time Homebuyers
As part of its investment in the California Housing Finance Agency’s Zero Interest Program, First Northern Bank is offering zero-interest loans to low-to-moderate-income homebuyers looking to purchase their first residence. Loans can cover the down payment and/or closing costs and are offered on fully amortized 30-year fixed interest rate FHA-insured first mortgages. Learn more in the company’s announcement