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RJI | A Year in Review
Strategic Planning
This past year, each cluster went through a strategic planning process which will drive cluster activity over the next few years. This process has put the industry clusters on a path to self-sustaining models, which allows them to best serve the private sector. Self-sustaining models, such as Centers of Excellence and Trade Associations, will better position the RJI clusters for future funding opportunities and collaborative initiatives. Additionally, transitioning the targeted industry clusters into self-sustaining models develops a solid foundation for the private sector during economic downturns and a unique competitive position as new opportunities arise.
Rural Outreach
During the past six years, RJI has developed a strong foundation including a united economic development vision among its network of partnering organizations and its targeted industry clusters identified as the RJI Network. We are now prepared to expand, engage and better serve the rural communities and their businesses through this enhanced RJI Network. RJI is escalating its efforts to integrate the rural communities of Fresno County into its existing 12 industry clusters. In doing so, RJI continues to engage community leaders in Fresno County’s east and west communities and the County of Fresno to provide them with the information and resources beneficial to private sector growth and expansion. The anticipated, and hoped for, results are that the value of being involved in RJI will become evident to the private sector within the rural communities and recruitment may begin.
Legislative
The RJI network continues to track legislative initiatives and policy development pertinent to Fresno County and the targeted industry clusters, including the flow of monies provided throughout the region by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also referred to as the Stimulus Package. Please click here for more information.
Additionally, RJI maintains regular communication with cluster managers and members in an effort to keep them updated and informed of grant opportunities and other relevant programs provided at the state and federal levels, as well as of opportunities for public engagement in the policy making process to ensure incorporation of regional priorities and issues.
Communications
RJI is a network; therefore, connectivity and communication is the key to its ultimate success. Significant time and resources are focused on managing internal- and external-targeted industry cluster and member communications. By developing an extensive contact database, OCED facilitates communication channels which support the RJI clusters by promoting meetings, events and funding/resource opportunities. A communication matrix was developed to further support two-way communication throughout the Fresno community. It includes a network of community partners and their marketing channels, a comprehensive list of Web sites, social marketing, e-marketing, e-newsletters and publications which may be used to expand outreach efforts and maximize opportunity.
More information on the RJI’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
Arts & Culture
Following the 2008 Fresno County Cultural Arts Economic Impact Study, in 2009 Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science & History (FCASH) released the History and Vision for the Cultural Arts in Fresno County, and a compilation of the cultural assets for our area – the Creative Industries Directory for Fresno County. In 2010, an updated directory for the Fresno region’s four counties – Madera, Tulare, Kings and Fresno – will be released. The James Irvine Foundation commissioned WolfBrown’s Cultural Engagement in California’s Inland Regions; the Fresno Arts Council is in the process of updating the Fresno County Cultural Plan.
In April, FCASH moved its office to The Warnors Project All Things Fresno Store and Gallery. FCASH is located in the storefront of the Warnors Theatre (across from KJWL and Broadway Studios). All Things Fresno is a partnership with the Warnors Theatre, the Cultural Arts District and FCASH to showcase and sell art from the Fresno region, while providing a vehicle for the three organizations to share resources and expand organizational capacity.
More information on the Arts & Culture Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
The next Arts & Culture Cluster meeting, is Tuesday, July 13, from 8 to 10 a.m., at Artes Americas.
For more information, please contact:
Cynthia Cooper
Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science & History
559-286-8282
ccooper@fcash.org
Clean Energy
The Clean Energy Cluster has seen a few transitions over the last year, in cluster leadership and in direction. With a steering committee in place and goals almost solidified, there is much enthusiasm to move forward and make a difference in Fresno County.
Clean energy is one of those industries that spans across many enterprises in order to improve organizations’ cost savings as well as impact on the environment. Spanning so many different industries allows the Cluster to partner with other clusters, including the Construction and Manufacturing clusters. Events have been centered on cost savings, cutting-edge technology, stimulus opportunities, and various educational programs that support green training.
The Clean Energy Cluster has been meeting monthly and actively engaging the local clean energy community. The Cluster has created workgroups (Events, Website, Support Existing Programs, Green Training Opportunities) and is focusing on tasks within each of the workgroups. Currently, the Cluster is discussing partnering with CVBN to plan an educational event spotlighting AB32.
More information on the Clean Energy Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County
Bethany Thompson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
bthompson@fresnoedc.com
Kristen Fragoza, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
kfragoza@fresnoedc.com
559-476-2503
Construction
The Construction Cluster is a multifaceted network of construction businesses, including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and inspectors, as well as industry associations, government, education, and other community organizations.
As a community united behind a common vision, the Construction Community is one of the strongest clusters in Fresno County. In the past, the Cluster collaborated with community leaders to develop programs and establish partnerships that would strengthen and grow the industry. Today, the Cluster believes that it is imperative to enhance and expand these existing programs and partnerships.
The Construction Cluster has been meeting monthly and actively engaging the local construction community. Cluster members are involved with local educational programs (through Fresno State as well as numerous high schools within the County). In April, the Construction Cluster was invited for private tours of Jesse Morrow Mountain proposed aggregate mining project and also to participate with the CCBE A.C.E. Mentoring presentation judging panel. The Cluster’s Steering Committee has speakers attend meetings and address issues with the local construction industry.
More information on the Construction Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County
Bethany Thompson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
bthompson@fresnoedc.com
Kristen Fragoza, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
kfragoza@fresnoedc.com
559-476-2503
Food Processing & Ag Growers
This past year has seen a lot of changes and positive growth for the Food Processing & Ag Industry Cluster (FPAIC). In July 2009, the Cluster was transitioned from the Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County to the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at California State University, Fresno. This is proving to be an ideal union for the Cluster given the already existing relationship between the Jordan College and local food processors and growers.
Jordan College further increased its investment in our success by graciously providing administrative and financial resources in the form of a $25,000 grant and an office for the Cluster Manager. This has allowed us to create a home base for the Cluster to work from and a foundation to build upon.
More information on the Food Processing & Ag Growers Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Miller
Jason Ryan & Assoc.
559-322-6365
mmiller@jrajobs.com
Health Care
The Health Care Cluster had an encouraging year as new partnerships were formed and new opportunities emerged. For several years, the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has built a strong working relationship with the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California, which represents nearly every hospital in the San Joaquin Valley’s eight-county region. Through its own networks, the Hospital Council is noted for its ability to convene CEOs, HR executives, CNOs, and other hospital leaders to work collectively on the shared interests of all hospitals, including the workforce shortages of health care professionals in our region. The WIB has also developed strong partnerships with the Central Valley Health Network, a network of community health clinics throughout the Valley.
More information on the Health Care Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Pam Lassetter
Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board
559-490-7133
plassetter@workforce-connection.com
Information Technology
The Information Technology Cluster has merged into the Central California Society for Information Management (CCSIM) and meets quarterly to share best practices among professional peers. We also have been researching a few other initiatives such as TC3 and the Software Development Cluster in order to determine overlap and how to partner. The Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County will support these other efforts in order to help strengthen and grow the industry.
CCSIM connects the area’s premier IT leaders – for business solution exchange, professional development, and timely education. Regular member meetings, social events, and special programs provide the opportunity for lively discussion of the issues that IT leaders are facing today. The geographical scope of the Central California Chapter is primarily within the San Joaquin Valley – from Stockton to Bakersfield. IT leaders are encouraged to join the Central California Chapter and actively participate in the Chapter’s committees, events and programs.
More information on the Information Technology Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County
Bethany Thompson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
bthompson@fresnoedc.com
Kristen Fragoza, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
kfragoza@fresnoedc.com
559-476-2503
Logistics & Distribution
The Logistics & Distribution Cluster is gaining momentum in an exciting direction. The cluster’s two priorities are: 1) Developing and supporting an Advisory Board for the Marketing & Logistics Department of the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno, and 2) Developing a promotional publication for the Logistics & Distribution industry. The newest cluster members include Dakota Park Storage, Sierra West, and Tri-F Consolidators.
More information on the Logistics & Distribution Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County
Bethany Thompson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
bthompson@fresnoedc.com
Kristen Fragoza, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
kfragoza@fresnoedc.com
559-476-2503
Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Cluster has been progressing at a slow but steady pace over the last year. Several joint cluster meetings have provided timely information. With a strong focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, the Cluster partnered with the Clean Energy Cluster to explore cost savings, cutting-edge technology, and various educational programs that support green training.
The Cluster is revisiting the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) concept that was discussed in previous years. Members are working with the Industrial Technology Department in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at California State University, Fresno to determine viability of such a center in today’s economy. In addition, the IT Department is formalizing an Advisory Board to help drive curriculum. The Cluster will be instrumental in helping guide the IT Department. We are excited about this new partnership.
More information on the Manufacturing Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County
Bethany Thompson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
bthompson@fresnoedc.com
Kristen Fragoza, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
kfragoza@fresnoedc.com
559-476-2503
Public Sector Collaborative
Over the past year, the Public Sector Cluster, or Public Sector Collaborative (Collaborative), continued to meet on a monthly basis. Cluster meetings averaged approximately seven participants. Additionally, the Collaborative has work teams that emerged to move the work in designated areas. The Collaborative works together to make public sector jobs easier to find and enhance the perception of our area to attract public sector workers from other areas as well as communicate the positive aspects of working in the public sector. Additional opportunities include collaborative training, shared information systems and resources, and shared best practices.
One of the biggest changes in the past year is the consistency and focus due to economic downturn. Specifically, the Collaborative looked to funding radio advertisements for all organizations; but lack of employment halted current efforts.
More information on the Public Sector Collaborative’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
TJ Miller
City of Fresno
559-621-6967
tj.miller@fresno.gov
Software Development
Over the past year, the Software Development Cluster continued to meet on a monthly basis. The steering committee also met monthly to keep the Custer moving forward. Cluster meetings averaged approximately 15 participants and always included a speaker who provided industry-relevant insight. Additionally, the Cluster exposed the industry to emerging technologies located in the region. The true discovery was that many of the technologies being developed were connected to other industry clusters. The Cluster represents a support industry and can help create efficiencies for companies in other industries (e.g., food processing, water technology, clean energy, manufacturing).
The Cluster began the process to search for outside funding to expand the capacity of the Cluster. While funding did not occur, the exercise helped establish the framework for future pursuits. One of the biggest changes in the past year is the renewed focus on Cluster growth. Specifically, the Cluster looked to encourage smaller, independent firms to participate. This grassroots effort will lead to increased participation in the coming year.
The Software Development Cluster is working to reach a wider audience to better support the community of Software Developers, small businesses, IT managers and users. The team is currently working on the enhancements and re-launch of the www.centralvalleysoftware.org Web site and has published a Linked In Group - Central Valley Software - to help encourage communication within the industry.
More information on the Software Development Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Rodiek
Central Valley Business Incubator
559-292-9033
barbara@cvbi.org
Tourism
Over the past year, the Tourism Cluster formed a comprehensive core committee which is made up of members from various agencies and sectors including Aquarius Aquarium Institute; California Restaurant Association-Fresno Chapter; City of Clovis; City of Fresno; Fresno Convention & Visitors Bureau; County of Fresno; East Side Municipal Government; Fresno Chaffee Zoo; Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science & History; Fresno Hotel/Motel Association; California State University, Fresno; Fresno Yosemite International Airport; National Parks Service; Shaver Lake Chamber of Commerce; and West Side Municipal Government.
The Cluster began forming a comprehensive marketing strategy for the region that includes retention, immediate, intermediate and destination tourism opportunities. In addition, an inventory research of regional assets and current leisure, business and convention audiences was conducted. Development of a collaborative infrastructure where all parties mutually benefit was begun. The need for a centralized community calendar accessible through multiple channels (online, social, TV, Fresno iPhone app) also was identified. Lastly, training and internship programs for the hospitality industry were identified as critical to the success of the Cluster.
More information on the Tourism Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Emil Milevoj
University Business Center
California State University, Fresno
559-278-2352
emilevoj@csufresno.edu
Water Technology
Over the past year, the Water Technology Cluster members met on a quarterly basis with an average attendance of 30 participants at each meeting. The Cluster meetings highlighted two technical presentations at each meeting.
During the year, ICWT, in partnership with Central Valley Business Incubator (CVBI), secured a Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board grant to continue the work of the Water Technology Cluster. The grant provides funding to continue the annual Career Expo, Supervisor Training, Cluster meetings and member recruitment.
ICWT is currently reviewing the business plan to determine if the Cluster’s needs are being met and to determine the future course of action.
More information on the Water Technology Cluster’s activities this past year is available in the 2009 Annual Report. Click here.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Ramos, Program Coordinator
International Center for Water Technology
California State University, Fresno
559-278-2066
lramos@csufresno.edu
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