|
|
 |
Welcome! This is the beta edition of the Regional Jobs Initiative’s e-newsletter. As such, we welcome any comments/suggestions that you may have to help the newsletter better convey information. The goal of each monthly newsletter is to quickly bring the community up to date on the current activities of the RJI. We are especially hopefully that this newsletter will help connect the business leaders involved in one or more industry clusters to one another. There are many opportunities for the clusters to work together to achieve mutual goals. Thank you to everyone who is committed to creating a “built to last” economy in our region!
Advanced Manufacturing
The “advanced manufacturing” industry is very broad and includes
a number of different segments, including fabricated metal products,
industrial and commercial machinery, electronic and other electrical
equipment, and transportation equipment. The San Joaquin Valley
is poised for growth in its manufacturing sector. The cluster’s
activities over the last 30 days include:
- The Advanced Manufacturing Center business plan has been drafted.
In early April, cluster representatives had the opportunity
to share the business plan with Mr. Al Frink, Assistant Secretary
for Manufacturing and Services in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The cluster is beginning to look for funding to launch the Center.
- The Center for Manufacturing Excellence committee is developing
additional Lean Manufacturing training opportunities to help
area manufacturers reduce costs by improving efficiencies.
- The Careers in Manufacturing Technology internship program
is preparing for its third year. So far, twelve community college
students have been place in seven different companies. More
placements are expected to be made by the end of the month.
Next Meeting: May 12, 2005, 3:00-5:00
PM, Sunrise Medical
Construction
The Construction Cluster is comprised of designers, contractors,
suppliers, building trade organizations, apprenticeship programs,
home builders, industry associations and educators, all representing
both public and private aspects of the Construction industry.
- The Construction Industry Partnership web site, http://www.CentralValleyConstruction.org
has been launched. The Industry Collaboration committee is conducting
a public relations effort to better promote the web site.
- The Workforce Committee is surveying employers about their
immediate workforce needs. Eighteen of thirty-five surveys have
been completed.
- The Public Policy Committee is gathering additional input
on its local hire policy and is meeting with a number of additional
contractors over the next few weeks.
Next Meeting: June 22, 2005, 3:00-5:00
PM, UC Center.
Food Technology
The "food technology" industry cluster encompasses the public
and private organizations in the region that are engaged in research,
development, manufacture, and/or delivery of goods and services
related to the production, sales, marketing, and distribution
of food.
- As the newest of the industry clusters, the Food Technology
cluster has recently developed four committees: Marketing, Workforce
Development, Public Policy and Research and Development. Each
of the committees are working on action plans.
- The most recent Food Processing meeting included David Crane,
Advisor to the Governor on Jobs and Economic Growth, which was
very promising.
Next Meeting: May 31, 2005, 12:00-2:00
PM, Smittcamp Alumni House, Fresno State
Healthcare
This cluster consists of a network of hospitals, training centers,
clinics and other health-related service providers.
- A regional learning center was proposed at a recent healthcare
summit organized by Representative Devin Nunes.
- The cluster is working with the Fresno County Workforce Investment
Board to develop training for high-demand occupations.
Call Centers/Information Processing
"Information Processing" represents a group of interrelated occupations
that share similar training and skill requirements that cut across
several industries, namely back office operations, call centers,
third party administrators and information technology. The Call Center Cluster's web site is located at http://www.FresnoCallCenters.com.The Call
Center Cluster is focused on:
- Developing customer service training for the industry in partnership
with Fresno City College;
- Sharing “best practices” in call center management at monthly
meetings; and
- Working with the Economic Development Corporation Serving
Fresno County to recruit more call centers to the region.
Next Meeting: May 18, 2005, 12:00-2:00
PM, Professional Exchange Services Corporation
Innovative Energy
The Innovative Energy project is the first initiative undertaken
in the creation of a local Renewable Energy/Clean Tech cluster.
It is designed to help reduce energy consumption and generate
clean, renewable power where possible in order to improve the
local economy and benefit the environment. The first effort is
to identify and "map" energy efficiency improvements for several
clusters of the RJI. The creation of these energy efficiency "maps"
is part of a larger statewide program called CA-LEEP. The CA-LEEP
program is funded by California's electricity ratepayers through
the California Public Utilities Commission. The first step in
the process has been the completion of industry surveys for baseline
information. Thank you to everyone who has been participating
in these.
Logistics and Distribution
Advanced Logistics and Distribution refers to the transportation,
storage, and allocation of products. The Logistics Cluster focuses
on the industry that provides these services.
- A marketing piece is being developed with leadership from
the EDC serving Fresno County for internal and external markets.
- Tim Fortier is representing the Logistics Cluster on the Measure
C steering committee.
- Mike Kelton has been working with others on interstate designation
for state route 99.
- Several cluster representatives have participated in focus
groups on training programs hosted by Fresno City College.
Next Meeting: May 24, 2005, 12:00-1:30
PM, Inland Star Distribution
Tourism
The Tourism Cluster consists of all businesses, such as hotels
and motels, tour operations, and restaurants, related to the various
aspects of tourism that can be found in the Fresno Region. Agri-tourism,
amusement parks, gardens, historical sites, casinos, museums,
nature tours, three national parks, performing arts, outdoor recreation,
parks, planetarium, shopping, sports venues, golf, snow skiing,
water sports, and zoos are among the many tourist attractions
in the Fresno Region. Organizers of the Tourism Cluster are actively
seeking funds for FY 05-06 to develop and implement a comprehensive
tourism plan.
Water Technology
The International Center for Water Technology at Fresno State
is home to the industry organization that focuses on the manufacturing
and deployment of technology that enables water reuse, conservation,
energy efficiency, lower cost innovations, improved water quality
and water exploration.
- Speakers at the March 17, 2005 ICWT meeting included Carsten
Bethge from the World Water & Power Corporation to discuss “Advances
in Solar Power Systems” and Eugene Carlson from CE Technical
Engineering & Consulting to discuss “New Innovation in Water
Flow Control Products.” Their presentations can be accessed
at http://www.waterflowtech.com/minutes.htm.
- The CIMT Career Expo, in partnership with the Manufacturing
Cluster, was held on March 17, as well. Ninety community college
students participated in workshops on success on the job, resume
writing and mock interviews. Eight companies were present with
exhibits and talked with students about job opportunities.
- ICWT will bring one of the nation’s leading experts on groundwater
to Fresno at its next meeting. Andrew Stone of the American
Ground Water Trust Association will present to the cluster meeting
on June 16th.
Next Meeting: June 16, 2005, 9:00-11:00
AM, Location TBA
Innovation Task Force
The Innovation Task Force was formed to support a culture of innovation
and entrepreneurship in the Fresno Region.
- This season’s InForum series was completed on April 21, 2005
with Rebecca Ryan. Ryan’s presentation will be aired on Comcast
Cable Channel 14 on May 11 and 12 at 10:00 PM and May 14 and
15 at 3:30 PM and again at 7:00 PM.
- Work is underway to launch the $100K Business Plan Competition
and the Innovation Index, both of which are expected to be ready
in September 2005.
- RJI participants are invited to a presentation by Fresno State’s
Urban Entrepreneurship Innovation course students at SoHo downtown
on May 5, 2005, 3:00-6:00 PM. Students will be presenting their
plan for a downtown business.
- Sponsors are needed for future InForum events. Further funding
for the $100K Business Plan Competition is also needed. If you
are interested in sponsoring either activity, please contact
Dr. Tim Stearns at the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
at (559) 294-2045.
Technology Infrastructure Task Force
The Technology Infrastructure Task Force is focused on adoption
and deployment of the facilities, services and equipment necessary
to give the Fresno Region a competitive edge in telecommunications.
- Eleven responses to the MAN RFP were received by April 25, 2005. A review team has been assembled and is in the process of reviewing the proposals.
- The task force is exploring the creation of a focus area within the Information Processing Cluster that would include enterprises that are in the business of creating information processing technology, hardware and software solutions.
|
|
|
