Solano Economic Update: August 25

AUGUST 25' UPDATE SPONSORED BY:

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, One of the key drivers of all of the work we do is the belief that more Solanoans should have the quality jobs that would allow them to work close to where they live. This is something that the County Supervisors speak to from the dais, namely that people should be able to live, work, and retire in Solano County. There have been several developments in recent months that make me feel optimistic that we could all work together to make this a reality.

As you may have heard, Solano County is in strong contention to become a ship building region again. The deepwater port in Collinsville and the surrounding land are under consideration by the Department of Defense, and the Department of the Navy to help our Country modernize its fleet.

Like many leaders in the region, I had the opportunity to tour the location last month. It’s spectacular. The unique nature of this site that would allow for security, the ability to build large cranes, be substantially away from residences, and the location on the West Coast to have easier access to Asia, give us a great shot to be awarded this opportunity that would eventually lead to 10,000 new living wage jobs right here in Solano County.

For perspective, that’s more than the current top 10 employers combined. If this happens, this will be catalytic for the entire region, not just for Solano County.

SOLANO EDC NEWS - LETTER

Speaking of ships, I had the opportunity to visit Mare Island Dry dock last month as well to understand more about the great work they do. Although this site isn’t suited for the specific new shipbuilding projects for which the Collinsville site is being considered, they stand to benefit from a renewed focus on modernizing and maintaining our fleet, and that Solano County would be an epicenter in this effort. The dry docks, as well as other underutilized industrial lands could all be activated into a substantial supply chain that will develop in Solano County, as well as Eastern Contra Costa, and possibly Stockton and Sacramento.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and the unseasonably cool (relatively speaking) weather.

Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.

Chris Rico President/CEO

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO BIZ-GROW

Solano Biz-Grow Revolving Revolving Loan Loan Fund Fund

Success Story Spotlight:

CHEPO'S TAMALES – ELMIRA, CA

Solano Biz-Grow A SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY FUND

We’re proud to highlight another inspiring local success story. This quarter, our President & CEO, Chris Rico, sat down with Jose Leyva, the passionate owner of Chepo’s Tamales in Elmira, right next to Vacaville. Jose shared how support from the Solano Biz-Grow Revolving Loan Fund helped his beloved business strengthen operations and accelerate growth, allowing him to focus on what he loves most—serving authentic tamales to the community.

“Without this support, believe me, it was going to take too much time.” – Jose Leyva, Owner Thanks to this vital funding opportunity, Chepo’s Tamales continues to thrive, staying resilient while keeping its doors open and its team strong. We celebrate Jose and all small business owners across Solano County who work every day to make our communities vibrant and strong.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

Suisun Valley Suisun Valley Named Named #1 #1 Wine Region Wine Region in in the the U.S. U.S.

Suisun Valley has been crowned the #1 Wine Region in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This national honor celebrates the valley’s passion, craftsmanship, and community spirit, showcasing its transformation from a hidden gem to a nationally recognized destination for wine lovers.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Vallejo Projects Secure $3.5 Million in Air Quality Grants Three Vallejo-based initiatives will receive $3.5 million from the Bay Area Air District’s James Cary Smith Community Grant Program. The funded projects aim to enhance air quality and public health in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, supporting local leadership and community-driven environmental solutions over the next three years.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Building the Building the Future Future Fairfield-Vacaville Fairfield-Vacaville Hannigan Train Hannigan Train Station Station

Join David Vong, Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Fairfield, as he takes us on-site at the Fairfield-Hannigan Train Station, where big improvements are underway. This $2.3 million project—backed by $1.9 million in federal funding—is all about making your experience safer, greener, and more convenient: CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO

SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF SUISUN

SOLANO EDC NEWS

One Year One Year of of Expanding Expanding Accessible Care Accessible Care

The Ambulatory Network Strategy celebrates one year of transforming local healthcare with a $250M investment. With three new clinics, 7,000+ patient visits, and 37 jobs created, the program is delivering faster, high-quality urgent, primary, and outpatient care across Solano, Yolo, and Napa counties.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS

New Winters New Winters Winery Winery Grows Grows Under Women’s Under Women’s Leadership Leadership

Collina De Bella, a women-owned winery in Winters, is gaining recognition with award-winning wines like its double-gold syrah. Owners Marie Burns and Sarah Karlen, both neuroscientists turned winemakers, focus on small-batch production, local markets, and plan to open a tasting room within five years.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

David Hubble Named Executive Director of Solano Workforce Board David Hubble has been appointed as the new president and executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, effective July 14, 2025. A former Army intelligence officer and U.S. Department of Labor official, Hubble brings experience in workforce development and plans to build on the board’s existing successes.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

707 Week 707 Week Career Career Fair Fair Connects 250+ Connects 250+ Job Job Seekers Seekers with Local with Local Employers Employers

Over 250 residents attended the 707 Week Career Fair at Solano Community College’s Vallejo campus, featuring 31 employers, including Vallejo Police, Solano Public Health, and BART. The event, hosted with the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, offered networking, free food, and virtual follow-up opportunities for job seekers.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS

IAN GOLDBERG NEW

SOLANO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Ian Goldberg has been appointed Solano County Administrator, succeeding Bill Emlen following his retirement. Goldberg, who has served as Assistant County Administrator since 2022, will oversee 19 departments and manage the county’s $1.8 billion budget, continuing his two decades of leadership in public finance and county operations.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - MCE

SOLANO EDC NEWS

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

Live music takes center stage at the 34th Annual Tomato & Vine Festival in Downtown Fairf ield! Two full days of unforgettable performances, f resh flavors, and laid-back summer vibes.

Saturday, August 16 | 11AM–7PM Sunday, August 17 | 11AM–5PM Free Admission | Family-Friendly

SOLANO EDC NEWS

This new station is a major investment in public safety and will help better serve Fairf ield and the Cordelia Fire District for generations to come.

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