Solano Economic Update: February 2023

FEBRUARY 23' UPDATE

CHRIS RICO

President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC,

January was a busy month! One recent weekend I had the pleasure of participating in the Regional Disenfranchised Business Development Program (RDBDP) and Northern California Black Chamber Presidents Association (NCBCPA) Conference. RDBDP is a powerful engine for revitalizing small minority businesses in the Northern and Central California region. They have developed equity-based strategies to help African American, women and minority owned businesses hardest hit by the Great Recession and coronavirus pandemic. RDBDP is a partnership of the Northern California Black Chambers of Commerce Presidents Association (NCBCPA) and 3C Capital Fund, Inc. (3CCF). 3CCF is a 501c3 Community Development Entity (CDE) providing technical and financial assistance to small businesses throughout Central California. Later that day I attended the 105th Annual Farm Bureau Meeting and Dinner at the Caymus Cordelia winery. It was great to hear from Chuck Wagner from Caymus and other leaders in the farming community and it reinforced how vital the growth

It was also a heck of a lot

(From left to right: Jeanette Wylie - Vacaville City Councilmember, Catherine Moy - Mayor of Fairfield, Princess Washington - Mayor Pro Tem of Suisun City & Chris Rico - President & CEO of Solano EDC)

I’m proud to announce that I have been selected to represent Solano County and regional Economic Development organizations on the CERF (Community Economic Resiliency Fund) Steering Committee. The CERF was created to promote a sustainable and equitable recovery from the economic distress of COVID-19 by supporting new plans and strategies to diversify local economies and develop sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs for all Californians. This is a tremendous opportunity to marshall resources for our region.

Lastly, if you missed our Kaiser sponsored Speaker Series event this last Tuesday, I encourage you to watch the recording. We’re fortunate to be able to attract really high level experts for each of the topics we explore and this was no exception. We had a robust and important conversation about policy and the legislative agenda and how it impacts each of our cities, and ultimately our citizens. I was gratified to receive quite a few emails after the holidays from folks who took the time to watch previous installments and who understand the value of educating and elevating the ecosystem. You can watch the replay here.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Our partners at San Francisco Bay Ferry recently launched a 5-minute survey as a part of their collaborative planning effort, Bay Ferry 2050. Survey participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Clipper Card or a San Francisco Bay Ferry water bottle at the end of the survey. Those who do not ride currently ride the ferry, can still participate in this short survey.

Thank you in advance for participating in the Bay Ferry 2050 survey!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mike King on the Bay Ferry 2050 project team at mike@civicmakers.com.

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Solano EDC held their Speaker Series webinar, presented by Kaiser Permanente on January 31st. The discussion topic was policy and advocacy exploring the legislative agenda for economic development.

Carquinez Quad Squad held their first annual Tomato Jam Roller Derby Showcase on January 21st at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Solano EDC was there to participate and promote two important countywide programs. In partnership with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and Solano Transportation Authority (STA), we networked with roller derby skaters from around the region and distributed information about free energy tool kits to help renters and homeowners reduce energy use and save money. We also shared details about commuter resources with programs like “Commute Solano” that reward program participants for taking alternative modes of transportation to and from work, and “Bucks for Bikes” that offer up to $300 in reimbursements to those who live, work, or attend college in Solano County and purchase a bicycle for their work commute.

A special thank you to the Carquinez Quad Squad for hosting such a wonderful event!

A New Beginning at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center

Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center is pleased to announce the opening of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where we can care for newborn babies who need and little more care and attention, closer to home. The 6-bed unit will increase access to highly specialized care for newborns in a comforting environment for new parents as they bond with their new babies.

“We are thrilled to be able to care for these babies here in Vacaville, closer to their parents, by our amazing team so they can get the best start in life,” said Cherie Stagg, Chief Nurse Executive at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center. “As a labor and delivery nurse, I have a special place in my heart for new babies, and to being able to offer this level of care means a lot to me, and to our entire team.

The Family Birth Center at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center opened nearly 10 years ago and delivers more than 1,300 babies each year – the only hospital in Vacaville with a birthing unit.

Melodie Martin, RN, Director of the Family Birth Center at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, in the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The NICU team is comprised of doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff who specialize in caring for newborns who have special medical needs. They all work together to provide high-quality care to newborns around the clock, seven days a week.

The unit features specialized beds called incubators that keep the babies warm and protect from infection. Respirators, nasal tubes, and oxygen hoods help them breathe while feeding tubes or glucose drips may help them get enough nutrients. Monitors track vital signs and alert the staff to the baby’s needs.

Each year, it’s estimated that 10-15% of babies born will need NICU care. “We are so glad to be able to provide this service,” said Stagg. “And I am so proud of everyone who gives their all each and every day, especially during these past few years of the pandemic.”

2022 Adopt a Family

This holiday season, the Benicia Refinery adopted 14 families, bringing joy to 35 children and their Parents/Guardians. Volunteers from the refinery worked hundreds of hours to support the Benicia Community Action Council, Vacaville Opportunity House, and Bay Area Crisis Nursery over the holiday.

Valero Benicia Supports 2022 Wreaths Across America Mare Island Event

Veterans were honored by dozens at this annual event held at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery. Every grave and tombstone at the cemetery had a wreath placed on it for the holiday season.

Each year, Valero contributes to the event to ensure sure that there are enough wreaths to go around. This year, there were 1,050 wreaths for the event.

Solano Economic Development Corporation would like to introduce our new Solano County Supervisor Wanda Williams

Wanda Williams first enrolled at Solano Community College where she excelled and earned a President’s Award for her work on the College Senate. She then transferred to and graduated from UC Davis with a Degree in Political Science and with a Public Service emphasis.

Wanda volunteered as the Parent Representative to the Community Advisory Committee of the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. In that role, she championed more investment into educational programs for children with special needs, raised parent awareness on the importance of school attendance, reviewed school budgets, and advocated for school policies that reduced bullying and promoted inclusion.

Wanda was eventually appointed by the Suisun City Council to the Suisun City Measure S Oversight Committee, where her peers quickly appointed her as the Chair. Her leadership was recognized by community leaders in Suisun City, and they encouraged her to run for City Council. She ran and won in 2018, eventually serving as Mayor Pro Tem.

In addition to her Solano County Supervisor responsibilities, Wanda works as Project Manager at the Solano Land Trust. Here she works collaboratively with federal, state, and local governments; businesses, and nonprofits to build support for protecting open space and farmland in Solano County.

SOLANO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Wanda Williams Chair Pro Tem Supervisor District 3

John Vasquez Chair Supervisor District 4

Mitch Mashburn Supervisor District 5

Monica Brown Vice-Chair Supervisor District 2

Erin Hannigan Supervisor District 1

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MEET YOUR NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF SOLANO COUNTY

Benicia

Dixon Fairfield

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BENICIA, CA

Terry Scott, Vice Mayor

Trevor Macenski, Councilmember

Kari Birdseye, Councilmember

Tom Campbell, Councilmember

Steve Young, Mayor

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DIXON, CA

Thom Bogue, Councilmember

Kevin Johnson, Councilmember

Don Hendershot, Councilmember

Jim Ernest, Councilmember

Steve Bird, Mayor

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FAIRFIELD, CA

Doug Carr, Councilmember

K. Patrice Williams, J.D., Councilmember

Rick Vaccaro, Councilmember

Pam Bertani, Vice Mayor

Catherine Moy, Mayor

Scott Tonnesen, Councilmember

Doriss Panduro, Councilmember

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RIO VISTA, CA

Walt Spanish, Vice Mayor

Sarah Donnelly, Councilmember

Edwin Okamura, Councilmember

Rick Dolk, Councilmember

Ron Kott, Mayor

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SUISUN CITY, CA

Jenalee Dawson, Councilmember

Princess Washington, Mayor Pro-Tem

Alma Hernandez, Mayor

Mike Huds Councilme

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Amit Pal, Councilmember

Sarah Chapman, Councilmember

Gregory Ritchie II, Councilmember

Jason Roberts, Councilmember

Roy Stockton, Councilmember

John Carli, Mayor

Michael Silva, Councilmember

Jeanette Wylie, Councilmember

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VALLEJO, CA

Charles Palmares, Councilmember

Diosdado "JR" Matulac, Councilmember

Peter Bregenzer, Councilmember

Rozzana Verder-Aliga, EDD, Vice Mayor

Robert H. McConnell, Mayor

Mina Loera-Diaz, Councilmember

Cristina Arriola, Councilmember

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