Regional Prosperity

New Sacramento Metro Chamber Member Discount Program: Receive 10% off tuition for Drexel Graduate Studies programs

2009-07-30T22:30:21Z

Reflecting a commitment to develop the region’s workforce, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is partnering with Drexel University to offer 10 percent reduction in tuition on ALL of Drexel’s graduate studies programs.

Metro Chamber members can save between $3,000 and $4,800 over the course of their selected degree program at the Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies.

“Investing in yourself—especially during a recession—can be a smart move for many employees,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “You can make yourself more valuable to your employer or future employers by increasing your skills.”

Drexel University’s state-of-the-art facility in Sacramento offers graduate degrees in business administration, education leadership, public health, engineering management, high education, human resources, instruction, library science and nursing education and leadership, among others.

The university—based in Pennsylvania—founded a campus at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento in 2008 with the assistance of the Metro Chamber. It is among the nation’s most innovative universities, according to U.S.News & World Report, requiring students to learn technology and to work with other Drexel students three time zones away.

“We believe our approach to higher education will position our students for success, and support the Sacramento region’s high-tech future,” said Carl (Tobey) Oxholm II, dean of the center.

For questions about the Metro Chamber discount contact Nancy Thompson at Drexel University, 916-325-4602.

Sacramento Metro Chamber to host Congressional Representatives Lungren, McClintock: Business, civic leaders invited to annual California Leadership Forum

2009-09-22T23:51:35Z

Business and civic leaders are invited to join the Sacramento Metro Chamber when it hosts Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Third District, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Fourth District, on Monday, Sept. 28, at Le Rivage Hotel, Sacramento.

“The Metro Chamber is pleased once again to provide one of the few forums where businesspeople can meet their elected officials for an open discussion on current issues affecting the region and the nation,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO.

The breakfast will be held 8-10 a.m. at Le Rivage Hotel, 4350 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, 95822. Register by noon Friday at http://www.metrochamber.org/events. For event information, contact Lindsay Ono at 916-319-4262 or lono@metrochamber.org.

A lot to talk about: Metro Chamber to hold State of City event Feb. 25

2010-02-18T17:24:56Z

Curious about the region’s newly proposed entertainment and sports facility and what else is happening in the city of Sacramento?

Members of the Sacramento First Citizen’s Task Force will review the proposed projects and the process for consideration at this year’s State of the City Address, hosted by the Sacramento Metro Chamber on Thursday, Feb. 25. And in the tradition of this 18th annual event, the Mayor of Sacramento will also speak. More than 700 business and civic leaders have already confirmed attendance at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento for the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon. The event is presented by Drexel University and Umpqua Bank.

“If you want to get an insider’s scoop on the task force—you don’t want to miss this year’s State of the City Address,” said Matthew Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “This kind of facility has long been of interest to the chamber, and we have studied other cities’ entertainment and sports complexes during our annual Study Missions. With such a big decision looming for the region, business people should take the time to learn about the project and the beneficial economic impacts it will create.”

Assembled for discussion of the entertainment and sports facility are Sacramento First task force members former city of Sacramento treasurer/finance director Tom Friery, McClellan Business Park developer Larry Kelley and public relations expert and chair of the task force Christopher Lehane. Moderating the panel will be Drexel University Sacramento’s Dean Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III.

In addition, Mayor Kevin Johnson will review his first year in office and look at the opportunities and challenges facing the city of Sacramento in 2010.

Register online here. A sold-out crowd is expected, so early registration is encouraged. For event information, contact Lindsey Ono at 916-319-4262 or lono@metrochamber.org.

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Founded in 1895, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in the greater Sacramento area. Representing nearly 2,200 member businesses and business organizations in the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber has for 115 years served as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and primary advocate on issues affecting business, economic development and quality of life.

Arden Arcade Business Walk surveying district businesses today

2009-09-25T18:47:05Z

How’s business? What can be done to make it better?

With those questions, more than two dozen business people and Sacramento County staffers are visiting businesses Friday in the Arden Arcade district for the annual Business Walk to find out what kind of assistance can be brought to help improve the business environment.

It’s expected that more than 100 shops, offices and stores will be visited today along eight commercial corridors—including Watt Avenue, Fulton Avenue, Auburn Boulevard and Hurley Way, among others.

Business Walks help county officials make improvements in services to the districts, according to Howard Schmidt, chief of staff for Supervisor Susan Peters, District 5, where today’s event was taking place.

“Past business walks help us channel resources for things like law enforcement,” Schmidt told the participants before they hit the streets. The Sheriff’s Grinch Program to patrol the shopping malls during the holiday season is one example of the outcome of visiting businesses to find out what can be done by the county to improve the district. Last year’s holiday patrol of the malls netted more than 100 bad guys, he said.

Previous Business Walks (reports are available online) also helped the county craft flexible zoning regulations for business, curb aggressive panhandling and improve street pavement conditions.

And how is business doing right now?

Early reports from the teams show that many small businesses, such as computer firms, medical offices, real estate firms, are doing well.

Cary Warner of Aperio—an information technology administrator—said his business is doing well, improving through the use of marketing via social media outlets like Facebook.

He attends the Arden Arcade Business Council’s monthly mixers because they help him connect with people he finds via Facebook and social media. “That’s the small business pie I’m after,” he said. “The mixers are a great connector to see the people from online.”

Atlas Properities’ Elias Zumout, the onsite manger of the 2020 Hurley Ave. building, said he sees “business going up slowly.” After losing seven mortgage company businesses, he has 65% occupancy. He just signed a 3-year lease for new company moving into two suites.

To help business improve, he has dropped lease rates and is making improvements in the building. “You have to spend money to make money.” But he sees things turning around.

Zumout said the Arden Arcade district is “a very good area”—and, as a basketball fan—is hoping the Sacramento Kings will move into the CalExpo arena. “It will be fantastic for everybody.”

The Business Walk is a partnership of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Arden Arcade Business Council, the Fulton Avenue Association and Sacramento County. It is sponsored by Volt Information Services, the Fulton Avenue Association and Hampton Inn & Suites, with support from SETA/Sacramento Works.

Upcoming Business Walks are set for Rancho Cordova (Oct. 22), Power Inn (Oct. 29) and West Sacramento (Nov. 20). For more information, contact Matt Yancey at 916-321-9153.

It’s Business Walk Day in Rancho Cordova: Metro Chamber, others finding out how’s business

2009-10-22T18:18:24Z

Nearly three dozen business people, chamber and city officials are on the streets of Rancho Cordova today, Thursday, Oct. 22, finding out how business is doing and collecting comments on how things can be improved.

The Rancho Cordova Business Walk is part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s year-long series in partnership with local chambers and cities and counties to improve the local economy. Business Walk participants ask three basic questions: How’s business, what do you like about doing business here and how can things be improved.

Says Rancho Cordova Chamber Chair Brandon Ivie: “The Business Walk lets the local business community know we care.”

This is the second Rancho Cordova Business Walk. The first was held last year, and a report of its findings is available online here.

The annual Business Walk series is part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Metro Pulse economic development program to retain and build businesses in the region.

“Metro Pulse is a strategy to stretch economic development dollars and have greater impact,” said Matt Yancey, director of economic development for the Metro Chamber, which manages the program for 15 regional partners.

The Rancho Cordova Business Walk is a partnership of the city of Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cordova Chamber and the Metro Chamber, with sponsors Volt Information Services and Hotel Sierra. The walk was underwritten by a grant from SETA Sacramento Works, Inc. After findings are tabulated, a report on the Rancho Cordova Business Walk will be available online here.

One business visited, the UPS Store on Olson Drive, reported a year that was a “rollercoaster,” beginning slow but now picking up.

Co-owner Tom Nguyen said his business is influenced by the pace of retail sales. “If Macy’s is not doing well—if they don’t buy it—they’re not going to ship it.”

He sees the economy having “bottomed out.”

As to the location of the store, Nguyen said it is very strategic, with a good mixture of business and residences and people.

Rancho Cordova Economic Development Director Curt Haven said to participants that he was amazed at the level of satisfaction of business owners and managers.

“It’s not all doom and gloom in Rancho Cordova,” Haven said. “When you talk to business owners, they are satisfied. They know they have to correct for the downturn and are now turning to planning for the future.”

Businesses visited are also able to report to city officials like Haven situations that impede doing business—such as traffic and security issues. With this direct kind of input, problems can be solved quickly.

As UPS store co-owner Tom Nguyen said, “Thanks for asking—this is way refreshing!”

Metro Chamber: Nestle plant followed rules--Council must let business go forward

2009-10-27T19:26:39Z

By Linda Cutler, Chair, Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors

The discussion about the new Nestle Waters bottling facility is actually about Sacramento’s commitment to job creation and the process and rules by which businesses come to our city.

The Sacramento City Council will consider, Tuesday, Oct. 27, a measure related to this plant that will have a serious and far-reaching impact on the jobs and business climate in Sacramento.

We have a set of rules that govern how companies coming to our community must conduct business. These rules come in the form of zoning, building permits, utility fees, water use and the like. These are rules that are determined through a very open and public process and they are rules that every business must follow.

The city also has a plan that includes taking into account water needs for residential, government and industrial uses. Nearly every business, whether it is a bottled beverage company, a car wash, a restaurant or a widget manufacturer, uses water to produce its product or service. That plan includes water availability for new businesses to purchase without impacting the water already flowing to other businesses and homes.

So how does Nestle Waters’ new plant fit into this? First, the company followed all the rules, and it did not get any special treatment with respect to the rates it will pay the city for water. Nestle leased existing space from a local property owner and applied to the city for the permits and utilities needed. In short, the company has followed the process just as the many other beverage bottlers such as 7-up and Coca Cola did when they came here.

Now, some members of the Sacramento City Council are working to change those rules mid-stream by tossing aside the council’s entire review process in an effort to force a new law that would either delay or completely stop this plant from moving forward. That should be a frightening proposition to anyone interested in job creation and business development in our community. The signal it would send to other businesses is: Come to Sacramento at your own risk. The city council, at the prompting of special interests, may decide it does not want your business here even after you have leased a building, put millions into retrofitting it and begun to hire people.

And, this decision could have a major impact on the availability of capital for new projects. Why would a bank lend money to a business when the political winds could derail the project mid-way through construction?

Nestle has received more than 2,200 job applications in just in just two months. The company has already hired 11 people and has a local contractor and his crew working to retrofit the building it leased. And Nestle has invested more than $3 million into this facility already, with another $11 million to follow.

So if the city council takes action to stop this plant from moving forward, council members will have to explain not only to those 11 people and the contractor why they will be laid off, but also explain to the other 2,200 people who are looking for work why they are closing off an opportunity to bring jobs to this community.

By making the process of opening a business a political one, the city council is saying that it will pick and choose businesses and jobs depending on its political whims. This is a precedent our community simply cannot afford to set unless the council is ready to take responsibility for hanging that closed sign on the Tower Bridge.

Sacramento Metro Chamber to talk job recovery issues with legislators

2010-01-21T00:06:08Z

Having set dozens of appointments with state assembly members and senators, the Sacramento Metro Chamber calls for the region’s business and civic leaders to join up for the annual State Legislative Summit, Wednesday, Jan. 27, as the Metro Chamber will lead a regional advocacy effort focused on increasing jobs in the region by advocating for policies that will help employers and workforce expand in the coming years.

“All business—every sector and every size—needs access to our State House,” said Matthew Mahood, president & CEO. “We encourage business to take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity. The Metro Chamber is advocating for critical issues important to jobs and business in our region, and we need business people with a reputation for getting things done to join us at the State Legislative Summit.”

If you are concerned about jobs and business growth, if you are concerned about the rising costs of businesses, unsure how adopting clean energy technology solutions will change your business, if Broadband innovation seems like it will assist your business growth—then you should join the Metro Chamber volunteers as they step into the legislators’ offices and get down to business on these and other important matters, Mahood said.

The following issues were brought forward by a volunteer committee and have been determined to be the focus during the day, which begins with a lunchtime address by state Insurance Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner. An issues orientation precedes the advocacy appointments. The day ends with a reception with legislators at the Elks Tower Ballroom.

2010 Sacramento Metro Chamber State Legislative Summit Issues

• CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET
• JOBS AND BUSINESS GROWTH
• TRANSPORTATION
• FLOOD PROTECTION
• WATER/DELTA
• CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
• TELECOMMUNICATIONS
• BROADBAND INNOVATION
• WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
• SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES
• LAND USE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
• ENERGY
• AIR QUALITY

For more information or to register, visit the State Legislative Summit page or contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org.

Top U.S. government international trade officials to speak at May 19 Consular Corps Luncheon

2009-05-07T21:22:50Z

The Northern California World Trade Center will host three of the nation’s top international trade experts—Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration Stephen P. Jacobs, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Michael Michener and U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman Daniel R. Pearson—when they speak at the annual Consular Corps Luncheon, May 19, at UC Davis Freeborn Hall.

The World Trade Center will bring together nearly 50 trade consuls representing dozens of foreign governments and a variety of international business people from throughout the region and throughout California to attend this annual event.

“If you are a business person wanting hear from those people who are the decision-makers for international trade in this country and connect with a trade representative from another country—the Consular Corps Luncheon will offer you an unparalleled opportunity,” said Michael Faust, president & CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center. “Our lineup of high caliber speakers provide hard-to-come-by, up-to-the minute details on the current international trade policy and the international trade economy. For international networking and business acumen—this is one event you must attend.”

Set on the UC Davis campus, the event also recognizes the university’s centennial anniversary and service as an international beacon for cutting-edge research in the region, the country and around the globe. A tour of the UC Davis campus with Centennial Director and Assistant Vice Chancellor Bob Segar will be offered at the conclusion of the luncheon program.

“If I was only able to attend one event this year to understand, engage and hear from the top U.S. officials affecting the entire spectrum of international trade, I would have to say that this lineup of speakers and the diverse number of consular representative makes this THE unique event I would have to attend,” said Mike Luken, manager of the Port of West Sacramento and chair of the World Trade Center.

The event’s premiere speakers are not often in our region, but they are incredible contacts for any business involved in international trade:

Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration—Stephen P. Jacobs: Jacobs, a UC Davis graduate, will highlight the actions of the administration’s mission of strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, of promoting trade and investment and of ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The International Trade Administration creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade opportunities and by fostering a level playing field for American business. He will also be presenting one local company the prestigious President’s Award for Export Excellence

USDA foreign Agricultural Service Administrator—Michael Michener: The Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is incredibly important to the greater Sacramento region as it works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. The Foreign Agricultural Service has the primary responsibility for USDA’s international activities—market development, trade agreements and negotiations, and the collection and analysis of statistics and market information. It also administers USDA’s export credit guarantee and food aid programs, and helps increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. The Foreign Agricultural Service also enhances U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness by providing linkages to global resources and international organizations.

U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman—Daniel R. Pearson: Pearson will discuss importing and exporting with the United States from the perspective of his globally influential position. The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent federal agency determining import injury to U.S. industries in antidumping, countervailing duty and global safeguard investigations; directing actions against unfair trade practices involving patent, trademark and copyright infringement; supporting policymakers through economic analysis and research on the global competitiveness of U.S. industries; and maintaining the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Tickets for the 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon are $65 for World Trade Center and Metro Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.metrochamber.org/events or contact Lindsey Ono at 916-319-4262. The UC Davis campus tour will begin at 1:45 p.m. and last about an hour; register onsite at the event.

Metro Chamber applaudes arena task force make-up

2009-11-20T18:07:23Z

With announcement of Sacramento First Entertainment and Sports Complex Task Force, Nov. 19, by Mayor Kevin Johson, the Sacramento Metro Chamber issued this statement by President & CEO Matthew Mahood:

We are pleased that Mayor Johnson is taking a strong leadership role in solving this ongoing regional issue on how to finance and construct an entertainment and sports complex. We hope the task force can find a viable solution to building a world-class facility here that will attract quality entertainment for our residents.

The issue is complex and needs focused attention. We applaud the combination of task force members who have subject-matter expertise and civic interest in finding a solution.

In the past, the Metro Chamber, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau have studied the matter diligently. Our own 2004 Arena Task Force’s findings still hold true:

The current ARCO Arena is obsolete and needs to be replaced.
A regional dialogue should be employed to determine the most feasible and appropriate sources of both public and private financing for such a project.
Location of the facility in The Railyards is appropriate. But any location chosen should create a catalyst for complementary development or redevelopment.
The site should have the ability to promote city and regional development goals of smart growth, transit orientation and urban revitalization.

The Metro Chamber looks forward to working with Mayor Johnson and the Task Force as needed in order to help move this complex issue to a successful conclusion.

Sacramento Metro Chamber assists Salvation Army to solve toy shortage problem

2009-12-16T00:18:18Z

Facing a dramatic toy shortage,The Salvation Army of Sacramento has announced a partnership with the Sacramento Metro Chamber for an eleventh-hour push to receive new, unwrapped toys this week. The Metro Chamber reached out to many of its members to help donate to the Salvation Army Toy Drive or to host a donation bin at their business location. A couple of member businesses responded in a big way: Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Bank of America has agreed to participate as a toy drop-off site in eight bank locations throughout the Sacramento region, through Friday, Dec. 18. Further, Wells Fargo Northern California Foundation is making a donation of $5,000 to The Salvation Army to help supplement the cost for any purchase of toys this Christmas.

Currently, only 9,000 toys have been collected, which is far short of The Salvation Army's goal of 18,000.

"This is a major uphill battle that we are facing," said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. "It's not a pretty picture. The Salvation Army is simply facing a situation where there are not enough toys for all of the families we have committed to assist this Christmas. We appreciate what the Sacramento Metro Chamber and its members, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, have done to help us meet our goals this Christmas."

More than 5,000 families from Sacramento County have applied and have qualified to receive assistance this Christmas from The Salvation Army.

All of the toys will need to be collected before this weekend, because The Salvation Army intends to use every one of the donated toys for the Dec. 19 Christmas Distribution at Cal Expo. For more information, contact Syd Fong at 916-563-3731.

Recently Added Bank of America Locations for Salvation Army Toy drop-off locations:

Arden-Morse: 3101 Arden Way, Sacramento
Cordova Village: 10607 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova
Folsom: 403 East Bidwell St., Folsom
North Natomas: 2861 Del Paso Road, Sacramento
Sunrise Center: 7850 Kingswood Drive, Citrus Heights
Elk Grove: 8959 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove
Roseville: Creekside Banking Center, 1188 Galleria Blvd., Roseville
Capitol Mall: Sacramento Main, 555 Capitol Mall, Sacramento

Photo: Metro Chamber staff members recently helped bag up toys for more than 700 families for the Salvation Army Toy Drive.

Metro Chamber Supports May 19 Ballot Propositions

2009-04-06T23:48:47Z

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is encouraging its 2,200 business members and the general community to support Propositions 1A through 1F on the May 19 special election ballot.

“Propositions 1A-F provide short-term solutions to get us through these difficult economic times and long-term solutions to avert these types of deficits for the state again,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO.

Mahood said it is vital that all of the propositions succeed together because continuation of the state’s budget crisis will have dire consequences for the state and many member businesses. “Failure could likely mean that the state legislature attempts to balance the recently enlarged budget deficit with dramatically increased taxes and fees on business—thus negatively impacting our state’s economy,” Mahood said.

“Our state’s economic future is at risk. By passing these ballot measures, the state’s citizens and businesses will make quicker progress out of this recession,” Mahood said. “Voting yes on these propositions will help improve our state finances—continuing to allow vitally needed federal stimulus funds to flow to the state for the thousands of infrastructure and other federally-funded projects that are dependent on the state matching federal funds.”

“The Metro Chamber recognizes the propositions are not perfect,” Mahood added, “but they do help resolve the budget crisis and position us for the future where we will be less likely to face some of these same issues. We simply cannot afford the budget crisis to continue and encourage everyone to vote YES on Proposition 1A through 1F.”

For more information, visit www.metrochamber.org.

Sacramento region gears up for ‘marine highway’ system: Cargo to be shipped by barge between Port of Oakland and Port of West Sacramento

2009-06-26T18:03:07Z

Very soon, you will see barges loaded with containerized cargo sailing into the Port of West Sacramento. This movement of goods is called the “marine highway” and it will help bring hundreds of new jobs to the region while improving air quality and reducing highway congestion by taking more than 1 million truck trips off area roads.

More than 100 business and civic leaders heard details of the “marine highway” outlined during the Northern California World Trade Center’s annual State of the Sea Ports event, held June 25 in West Sacramento.

The company expecting to begin shipping containerized cargo from the Port of Oakland to West Sacramento and Stockton is Denver-based The Broe Group and San Francisco-based Eco-Transport. Company vice president Alex Yeros said he hopes operations will start this year.

The “marine highway” concept offers many positive contributions to the region’s economy, Yeros said, including creating new family wages jobs in the San Joaquin Valley, reducing harmful air emissions, improving traffic congestion and safety and reducing wear and tear on highways and infrastructure.

“The operational concepts are in place, and there’s enough shippers support to begin an entry level service,” Yeros said.

Currently, more than 25 percent of the Port of Oakland’s import and export freight travels to and from the Valley over the road, so the marine highway is an environmentally sustainable alternative, he said, citing figures that show one container barge equals two stack trains or 350 container trucks.

The marine highway also offers advantages of reducing harmful air emissions—more than 660 tons per day—and reliance on foreign oil as one gallon of fuel can move one ton of cargo 60 miles by truck, 426 miles by train but 500 miles by ship.

Michael Faust, president & CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center, calls the marine highway development potentially a huge economic engine for the Central Valley and our community.

“This will help make Sacramento, Yolo County and the Port of West Sacramento a gateway to Asia,” Faust said. “It will create hundreds—if not thousands of new jobs over time—and also help our agriculture and manufacturing industries stay competitive as shipping costs can be reduced.”

Other positive business developments at the Port of West Sacramento were outlined by Port Director Mike Luken:

• Rice shippers ADM and Farmers Rice exported nearly 360,000 metric tons in 2008-09 to Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, in bagged rice. Connell Rice & Sugar sent 20,000 tons of bulk milled rice to Puerto Rico. Increased rice export is helping the port during the recession.

• The Port of West Sacramento is positioned and equipped to help clean energy technology advance at several of the region’s windfarms: 75 complete windmill units and related project cargo arrived in the port June through October 2008 for Solano County.

• Germany-based Enligna is completing one of the world’s most modern commercial wood pellet facilities at the Port of West Sacramento. The project will have a “zero carbon footprint” and create wood pellets from forest wood slash, orchard waste from Valley farms and wood waste from construction projects. The wood pellets are designed to replace coal in coal-fired power plants throughout the Pacific Rim. Exports are expected to be in excess of 235,000 metric tons a year.

• West Coast Recycling is building a plant to shred crushed automobiles, planning on shipping 200,000 metric tons a year.

• Deepening of the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel 35 miles from West Sacramento to Collinsville will begin thanks in part to the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap efforts that have secured $10 million in federal funds for the $80 million total project cost.

Searching for new strategies: Region's business leaders on International Study & Trade Mission to Vancouver, B.C.

2009-08-20T19:09:20Z

Business and civic leaders are in Vancouver, B.C. through Friday, Aug. 22, to study successful strategies for eco-commercialism and regional sustainability. They are part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber's annual Study Mission. Previous cities visited include Portland, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Austin and San Antonio, and San Diego.

Thirty participants are taking four days to interview experts on how Vancouver has become an international gateway to the Pacific-Asian market. The Vancouver region has also developed strategies for converting new ideas into business start-ups and jobs. Randy Sater, the 2010 chair of the Metro Chamber Board kicked off the Study Mission yesterday (photo).

Other study topics include:

International Trade & Commerce
Tourism Surrounding 2010 Winter Olympics
Film as a World-Class Niche Industry Cluster
High Quality of Life

How Sacramento can use its combined assets to grow business and jobs in the region will be recommended by Study Mission participants. A report will be published in the Metro Business Quarterly, released in October. More information on Metro Chamber Study Missions is at sacramentocacoc.weblinkconnect.com/cwt/external/publicpolicy/study_mission.aspx.

Metro Chamber: Arena report confirms economic benefits of a new facility

2010-01-07T18:22:40Z

An initial economic analysis of building a new entertainment and sports complex in Sacramento confirms the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s long-standing belief: A properly located arena will create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefits for the entire region.

“The Metro Chamber has long-held that a new entertainment and sports facility will be a huge job generator for our region,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “The Sacramento First Task Force’s “Threshold” report shows how—at a time when unemployment is so high—building and running the complex will create 4,095 new jobs. I say let’s get it started!” The report was released Jan. 7.

Residents in similar sized cities across the county currently enjoy the benefits of successful entertainment and sports complexes, Mahood said. “Our study missions to Charlotte, Indianapolis and Denver found arenas can be located where they serve as catalytic economic development projects. They create not only thousands of jobs, but millions of dollars in economic benefits. And over time, additional investment and positive economic impact follows.”

“Closer to home, you only have to go as far as San Jose to see how the HP Pavilion, that opened 15years ago, was constructed on a site specifically selected to help boost the downtown area,” Mahood added. “The report shows that HP Pavilion annually provides the city of San Jose with direct fiscal benefits of $5.4 million and about 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs.” Mahood encourages the Sacramento First Task Force and others to visit San Jose to see for themselves how that area—a once blighted, neglected neighborhood—is now hustling and bustling each and every day.

“Sacramentans deserve and need an entertainment and sports complex. This kind of civic amenity also offers many unquantifiable benefits that contribute to and stimulate regional economic vitality. It will make our region an attractive business center, increase property values and generate money through tourism. What’s not to like about that?”

Mahood concluded, saying, “I think the report’s findings are significant and that it should make Sacramento residents more comfortable with supporting the construction of a new facility.”

Photo: San Jose's HP Pavilion cost $162.5 million ($132.5 million funded by the City of San Jose; $30 million funded by HP Pavilion at San Jose Management). The completion of the building was an important milestone in San Jose's emergence as a destination city.

West Sacramento Business Walk: Entrepreneurs find opportunity, good locale

2009-12-01T19:29:18Z

   A chilly morning brought out three dozen civic-minded business people Tuesday, Dec. 1, to West Sacramento for the annual Business Walk to gauge local business conditions, and early visits are finding folks upbeat and generally pleased with doing business in the city.
   “West Sacramento is getting better,” said Discount Cigarette store owner Suni Malhi. “It’s way better than the last five years. There’s more police patrols.”
   Malhi was visited by the Business Walk team of Juliet Romanishin of NorCal Wealth Management & Insurance Services, and Andy Wallace of Wallace Kuhl & Associates, who asked the three big questions of the day: How’s business, what do you like about doing business in West Sacramento and what can be done to improve conditions.
   The Business Walks are part of a regional “best practices” strategy for business retention and expansion, according to Michael Faust, senior vice president for public policy and advocacy at the Sacramento Metro Chamber, one of the hosts of Business Walk, along with the West Sacramento Chamber and the city of West Sacramento. Over the last two years, the strategy called Metro Pulse, has logged visitations of more than 2,100 businesses.
   The Business Walks help initiate contacts with businesses in the region and is the start of “an ongoing conversation” to help get businesses the resources they need to succeed, Faust added.
   Malhi, who had previously managed the store, purchased the business last year. He likes the location on West Capitol Avenue because of the surrounding industrial businesses, which provide a good customer base. He does report business “a little bit slower” than last year, as some people who used to buy in bulk are now just purchasing single packs of cigarettes. But he’s riding out the storm, happy with the “friendly people” of West Sacramento and improving conditions in the city.
   Next door, Koren Foxx of Labor Ready, a temporary employment agency, said though winter time is a bit slower, she still placed 20 clients that morning in jobs.
   Labor Ready provides temporary employees to businesses in Sacramento and Yolo counties. Placements currently include in hotels, retail, housekeeping—and surprisingly—construction. Foxx (center in photo) regularly gets calls from contractors who are building nearby hotels.
   “We don’t believe in a bad economy,” Foxx said. “There is always somebody doing business. We remain positive.”
   One truly upbeat crew is at the newly opened The Sandwich Spot restaurant, 3021 West Capitol Ave., in the Country West Shopping Center. It’s located in the former Mr. Pickles location and is one of six cafes part of a new franchise launched by founder Tom Heally. Other locations are San Francisco and Santa Monica.
   The Sandwich Spot is co-owned by Aaron Ellis. “We just opened three weeks ago,” he said. “And we already got repeat customers!”
   Ellis and Heally were most excited about their newest feature to debut on Wednesdays: barbecue tri-tip sandwiches, with the barbecue happening right in front of the shop.
   They see the down economy as a plus, since lease rates are less and this allows them to get established. “It’s a good opportunity,” Heally said.
   The West Sacramento Business Walk was also sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites and Ramda Plaza Harbor Conference Center. A report on findings and results of the West Sacramento Business Walk will be made available after it’s compiled. Previous Business Walk reports are available online here.

Poizner tells region’s business leaders his plan to make state a leader again

2010-01-27T22:24:43Z

Before a hundred-plus of the region’s business leaders, State Insurance Commissioner and GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner set down his 10-10-10 plan for putting California back into a leadership position. Poizner was a guest of the Sacramento Metro Chamber at its annual State Legislative Summit.

The annual State Legislative Summit brings the region’s business leaders to the State Capitol to advocate on issues that will build jobs and business prosperity. Issues run the gamut from the very specific—tax credits for angel investments in qualified small business stocks—to the general—fast track of regulatory changes to enhance competition with other states. View the complete list here.

Poizner, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, was elected four years ago as one of only two Republicans voted into statewide office. Since then he has cut the budget of the State Insurance Commission by 15 percent.

“I am definitely not a career politician,” Poizner told the audience. “I’ve been in the trenches like you making payroll.”

If elected, Poizner’s plan is to overhaul the tax and regulatory system to make California again “the innovation capital of the world.”

In describing his 10-10-10 plan, Poizner first said he would cut sales, personal and corporate taxes by 10 percent and capital gains tax by 50 percent.

“How can we afford tax cuts? We cannot afford not to,” he said, noting California has one of the highest sales and income tax and vehicle license fees in the country and residents are leaving because of high tax rates, drawn to places like Nevada where there’s no personal or corporate taxes.

Second, Poizner would cut government spending by 10 percent. This would not be an across the board cut, but one “done the right way.” He would get rid of nonperforming programs and increase funding in others, like he did for the Insurance Commission, where he increased spending on fraud investigators. “There are 400 departments that haven’t been overhauled or modernized,” he said.

Third, the candidate by the end of his first term would put $10 billion into a state rainy day account, with funds coming from savings from budget cuts and increased revenues as people and jobs return to the state.

After Poizner's speech, the group business leaders teamed up in a dozen-plus groups and headed to the State Capitol to hold meetings with state legislators and their staffs.

“This is the beginning of the Metro Chamber’s advocacy efforts, not the end,” said summit event chair Martha Lofgren of Brewer Lofgren law firm.

Lofgren said the Metro Chamber will have a key theme this year of building sustainable growth, programs and products for the region, as set by 2010 Metro Chamber Board Chair Randy Sater, who will be inaugurated on Feb. 5 at the Metro Chamber's 115th Annual Dinner & Business Awards.

Next up in the Metro Chamber’s work to represent the interests of business to government, is the annual Capitol-to-Capitol event in Washington, D.C., set for April 17-21. Nearly 300 delegates are expected to participate, making the event the largest of its kind in the nation.

State of the Airports event today: Sacramento as bolder crossroads for commerce

2009-11-12T17:07:40Z

Transportation experts will gather today, Nov. 12, at Sacramento International Airport to review trends and specific projects that can make the Sacramento region a new international crossroads for goods movement to the Pacific Rim while providing new job and business opportunities for our region.

An update on The Big Build expansion project at Sacramento International Airport will show how Sacramento will be well positioned to serve both passengers and goods needed for the projected increase of 14 million in the state’s population by 2035. The event is hosted by the Northern California World Trade Center, an affiliate of the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

“If we think big and act boldly, the Sacramento region can become a goods movement hot spot for the West Coast and over time become a gateway to the Pacific Rim and beyond,” said Northern California World Trade Center President & CEO Michael Faust. “We have the airports, and we are growing the water port capacity, highways and railroads that make us a true crossroads for commerce. As other regions like the Bay Area reach their people-moving capacity, their goods movement capacity will be adversely affected. If we think big, act strategically and pursue bold projects, we will become a goods movement leader on the West Coast.”

Speakers include: Aviation Economist Fred Davis, Sabre Solutions, who will provide a forecast on the aviation industry, and Director Hardy Acree, Sacramento County Airport System, who will provide an update on The Big Build.

A Region Goods Movement Overview Panel will be moderated by Dan Throgmorton, associate vice chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, Los Rios Community College District.

The panelists are Fred Davis, Sabre Solutions; Hardy Acree, Sacramento County Airport System; Mike Luken, Port of West Sacramento; and Rob Leonard, assistant county executive for economic development, Sacramento County.

The event will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., today, at the SACjet Hangar, Sacramento International Airport. Contact 916-519-1218 for more event information.

Metro Chamber urges new arena task force to be creative and courageous

2009-12-18T18:29:57Z

As promoting the region is high on the Metro Chamber's agenda, President & CEO Matt Mahood called for creativity and courage in planning for a new regional entertainment and sports facility that would be a world-class venue.

"I honestly believe that if the right people get to the table, use best practices that have worked in other regions, and are creative and courageous, then there is no reason a deal can’t get done," Mahood said. "This is a critical issue to the business community in the Sacramento region."

Since November 2000, the Metro Chamber has engaged dialogue on a new arena for the region. Among the points the chamber considers vital:

• A modern sports and entrainment facility is a key piece of the region’s economic and civic infrastructure (just like a convention center or community theater).

• Sacramento needs the ability to host world-class entertainment and sporting events--as it brings new outside money into the local economy. Thus creating jobs.

• Having a major league franchise like the Sacramento Kings is a catalyst for raising the awareness and civic pride of Sacramento region, which enhances our brand as a great place to live, work and raise a family--especially in front of nationally televised audience.

• A significant competitive advantage is lost by not having a world-class facility.

In 2004, the Metro Chamber convened business and civic leaders who formed an Arena Task Force. The group found that:

• ARCO is quickly becoming obsolete and needs to be replaced

• A sports and entertainment facility is a civic amenity--and the public has a role in its financing, but to what degree is always debatable.

• We should take this opportunity to not just build an arena but to create a place for people to gather…one that fosters a greater sense of community pride.

• The current Arco Arena was rapidly approaching the end of its useful life and that the Sacramento region will need a new sports and entertainment center in approximately five years. (That was five years ago.)

• Public participation in the financing for the development and construction of a new sports and entertainment center is appropriate. However, in 2006, the voters did not approve Measures Q & R, indicating no interest in a large public subsidy.

• A broader, regional dialogue among potential participants in any financing plan (from both the public and private sector) would facilitate the necessary discussion about the most feasible and appropriate sources of both public and private financing for such a project. In other words, we should try to develop a regional solution, if possible.

The chamber's arena task force recommended that the following factors be considered when determining the correct site:

• The site should be a catalyst for complementary development or redevelopment.

• The site should promote city and regional goals of smart growth, transit orientation and urban revitalization.

• It should be accessible by multiple forms of transportation, including walking, mass transit and light rail while still convenient to major thoroughfares by automobile.

• It should create a long-term synergistic entertainment benefit and have the maximum ability to draw attendance from the broader region.

• It must be financially feasible and minimize the potential risk of construction cost overruns and further delays.

"Previous efforts over the course of the last nine years have failed," Mahood said. "We need to learn from those mistakes."

Moreover, Mahood urged members of the new task force not to worry about criticism likely to occur--no matter what they decided."

"From our experience traveling to other cities (Denver, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Charlotte, San Diego, Phoenix, San Jose), Mahood said, these deals require a public/private partnership--and strong courageous leadership to see the deal through. Be courageous!"

Metro Chamber to honor region’s leading business people tonight at annual awards

2010-02-05T22:36:47Z

A thousand business people and civic leaders will gather at the Sacramento Metro Chamber's 115th Annual Dinner & Business Awards tonight at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. The event is sold out.

During the evening, 2010 Metro Chamber Board Chair Randy Sater of StoneBridge Properties will be inducted, and the Metro Chamber will recognize business leaders for their entrepreneurial and civic accomplishments.

SACRAMENTAN OF THE YEAR—David M. Higgins Sr., Retired President of Harbison-Mahony-Higgins Builders Inc.
AS THE FORMER CEO OF HARBISON-MAHONY-HIGGINS BUILDERS INC., MR HIGGINS IS A TRUE ICON IN OUR REGION’S COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS. HIS WORK – INCLUDING THE OUTSTANDING RESTORATION OF THE CATHEDRAL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – IS A TESTAMENT TO HIS ONGOING COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING THE QUALITY GROWTH OF SACRAMENTO. HE HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE’S WORK AND PHILANTHROPY TO OUR REGION.

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR— Ron J. Mittelstaedt, Chairman & CEO of Waste Connections, Inc.
MR. MITTELSTAEDT HAS ESTABLISHED A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN THE SOLID WASTE INDUSTRY, WITH STEWARDSHIP OF THE COMPANY BASED UPON THE INTEGRITY TO “DO THE RIGHT THING, AT THE RIGHT TIME, FOR THE RIGHT REASON.” THE METRO CHAMBER APPLAUDS HIS BUSINESS ETHIC AS A MODEL FOR ALL COMPANIES IN THE REGION.

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR—Jonna Ward, CEO of VIP – Visionary Integration Professionals
JONNA WARD FOUNDED ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING COMPANIES IN THE NATION FROM A SPARE BEDROOM, AND WHOSE CONTINUED SUCCESS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY AN ORGANIZATIONAL ETHIC THAT MOTIVATES EMPLOYEES TO “ROLL UP THEIR SLEEVES AND WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH CLIENT PARTNERS TO DELIVER THE BEST VALUE POSSIBLE.”

AL GEIGER MEMORIAL AWARD—Robert V. Tobin, MPA, President & CEO, Cottage Housing Inc.
HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS UNIQUELY SERVED AS A ROLE MODEL FOR BUSINESS, REACHING OUT TO MINORITY OR DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES.

COTTAGE HOUSING INC WAS FORMED IN 1994 BY A COALITION OF CIVIC LEADERS SEEKING INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO SHORT-TERM, CRISIS ORIENTED RESPONSE TO THE HOMELESS DILEMMA. LEADING THIS NONPROFIT THAT HAS BEEN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR ITS FOCUS ON RESILIENCY IS ROBERT TOBIN–WHOSE PASSION FOR HIS WORK IS ONLY OUTDONE BY HIS FIRM GROUNDING IN THE PRINCIPLES THAT BUSINESS PEOPLE UPHOLD: SELF-RELIANCE, PERSONAL FREEDOM AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

PETER McCUEN AWARD FOR CIVIC ENTREPRENEURS—Rick Fowler, President & CEO, The Community College Foundation
ESTABLISHED IN 2000, THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES A BUSINESSPERSON WHO HAS BECOME EXTENSIVELY INVOLVED IN PROMOTING CIVIC AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, AND WHO BRINGS BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS TO THEIR PERSONAL INTERESTS AND COMMITMENTS.

FORMER AIR FORCE COMMAND PILOT, PENTAGON OFFICIAL AND SENIOR USAA CORPORATON EXECUTIVE, RICK FOWLER LEADS A NONPROFIT WITH A MISSION TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FOSTER YOUTH, K-12 STUDENTS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR—Mulvaney’s B&L
THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENT HAS NOT ONLY SUCCEEDED AT BUILDING A FLOURISHING BUSINESS IN A VERY DIFFICULT CLIMATE, PATRICK MULVANEY REMAINS CONSTANTLY AWARE OF SUSTAINABILITY, PRIDING HIMSELF ON USING LOCALLY SOURCED MEATS AND PRODUCE IN HIS WORK–ALL WHILE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND ENRICHING THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
—Centennial Inductee: Lionakis
—Hall of Fame Inductees: Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard, Owen-Dunn Insurance Services, SAFE Credit Union and Western Contract

METRO CHAMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR—Martha Clark Lofgren, Partner, Brewer Lofgren LLP

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR —Steve Raymond, Advisor, 20/20 Financial Advisers