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Mayor's Creative Economy Council to release report January 9th.
The Mayor’s Creative Economy Council is scheduled to release their report of recommendations on January 9th with a media event at City Hall at 11am. All RJI members and affiliates are encouraged to attend.
Organized into four key areas - Mindset, Smart Growth, Urban Fresno, and Quality of Place - the report focuses on how to retain, attract, develop and support creative professionals in the Fresno area.
New Valley InForum: Rebecca Ryan to talk about "Boomerangs" January 26th.
The focus of this year’s New Valley InForum is how to make Fresno cool — so young, creative professionals raised in the region will come back…and stay. Young professionals are drawn to vibrant places. First they choose where they are going to live based on quality of life factors — then they find a job. Companies are drawn to regions with existing talent. Consultant and author of the report, “Hot Jobs, Cool Communities,” Rebecca Ryan returns to Fresno to kick off the 2006 New Valley InForum on January 26th with, “Boomerangs: Bringing Back our Best and Brightest.” A VIP reception hosted by Creative Fresno will immediately follow the event. For tickets, please go to www.lylescenter.com.
Additional speakers for the 2006 New Valley InForum series include:
On February 16th, Tiffany Shlain, creator of the Webby Awards, filmmaker, and Good Morning America’s Internet correspondent talking about how to use the web to impact social change.
On March 14th, Lynne Twist, author of “The Soul of Money,” examines the connection between money and leading a fulfilling life.
Sponsorships still available for upcoming New Valley Times - 2006 Indicators Report.
It’s not too late to sponsor the upcoming edition of The New Valley Times - 2006 Indicators Report to be released February 28th. This year’s edition is a follow-up to the original, futuristic New Valley Times released in January 2004. The Report will take a broad look at how our region is improving in key domains and where much work is left to be done. If you are interested in sponsoring the publication, please contact Allyson Robison at arobison@csufresno.edu.
Highway 99 to be considered for Goods Movement Action Plan
On December 9th, the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley unanimously adopted the Route 99 Corridor Business Plan developed by CalTrans. Additionally, the Partnership has recommended that $6 billion be included in the Goods Movement Action Plan for California. If adopted, the funds would allow for a significant number of safety and capacity upgrades needed to improve State Route 99.
California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley's WIRED grant application advanced to national contest.
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley has recently been chosen as one of the State’s three submissions for the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development Initiative (WIRED) grant program. If chosen, the Valley will receive funding and ongoing technical assistance to implement a transformational approach to regional workforce and economic development systems in the form of $15 million over three years. The San Joaquin Valley competed against 15 other regions in the state for one of the top three spots.
City of Fresno prepares to launch new business assistance program.
The City of Fresno's Economic Development Department is putting the finishing touches on its newest program aimed at assisting new business start-ups. Still awaiting its formal name, this program will be available in mid-to late January, and will be a central stop for obtaining general information on starting a new business in the City of Fresno. Staff will provide business help on legal requirements, financing options, site location/site selection, assistance with business tax incentives, project review and processing, and available resources to help a business get started.
Also in the works is a companion piece, the Business Start-Up Guide. This is a consolidated booklet of information and resources from participating agencies and organizations, all aimed at encouraging and assisting business start-ups. The Guide will have a handy "checklist" to help a potential new business owner follow the steps necessary to get into business quickly and legally. Once in business, this Guide will also provide useful information on how to stay in business. An important feature of this guide book is to provide phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses for key agency contacts and internet links to appropriate business forms and requirements. Soon after launch, the Business Guide Book will be online for easy access.
HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program improved.
Recent changes have made more small businesses in Fresno County eligible for the HUBZone program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The HUBZone program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing federal contracting preferences to small businesses. Federal contracting benefits range from sole source awards to 10 percent preferences under full and open competitive contracts. All federal agencies and military installations are required to use the HUBZone program in awarding contracts and services. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone and meet other requirements such as maintaining a "principle office" in a HUBZone. To date only 17 companies are HUBZone eligible in the City of Fresno and there should be more. To find out if your business is located in a HUBZone and to learn more about the HUBZone program simply log onto the web at http://www.sba.gov/hubzone and select the option "Are You In a HUBZone?” For additional information, contact Carlos G. Mendoza of the Fresno SBA District Office at 559-487-5785 ext 144 or via email at carlos.mendoza@sba.gov.
FCASH releases Annual Report.
The Fresno Coalition for Art, Science and History has released its Annual Report with three priorities: Strengthen Membership, Promote the Cultural Arts, and Advocate for the Cultural Arts. In order to Strengthen Membership, FCASH has secured funding from the James Irvine Foundation, established a Board of Directors, developed supporting committees, increased membership to 37 active members, and held a coalition retreat, among other organizational and collaborative activities. Promotion of the Cultural Arts focused on the development of a three-year marketing plan and communication tools, such as a web site, newsletter, calendar, brochure, and membership kit. In order to Advocate for the Cultural Arts, the Coalition is working with numerous local cultural arts partners and public agencies to elevate the region’s view of the cultural arts. The Coalition has had a great year and looks forward to working with the RJI in the future.
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