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.
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
WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 6
2022 SINGLE-FAMILY STANDARDS HERS-VERIFIED QUALITY INSULATION INSTALLATION
THURSDAY – AUGUST 14
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE ALTERNATIVES FOR BUILDING RETROFITS
WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 27
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS
WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 3
SINGLE-FAMILY STANDARDS: ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS)
WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 24
INTRODUCTION TO CALGREEN
SIMPLIFY
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ADU SIMPLIFY THE ADU DEVELOPMENT PROCESS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Discover how to Discover how to unlock the potential unlock the potential of your outdoor space. of your outdoor space. with our comprehensive guides. with our comprehensive guides.
SWEETEN THE DEAL ON AN EV OR PHEV FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS SWEETENTHE DEALONANEVOR PHEVFORYOUR CUSTOMERS
OFFER ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS UP TO $3,500 OFF WHEN THEY BUY OR LEASE A QUALIFIED NEW OR USED EV. OFFER ELIGIBLE CUSTOMERS UP TO $3,500 OFF WHEN THEY BUY OR LEASE A QUALIFIED NEW OR USED EV.
We’re proud to highlight another inspiring local success story. This quarter, our 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 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 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 the Solano Biz-Grow Revolving Loan Fund helped his beloved business strengthen operations and accelerate growth, allowing him to focus on what he strengthen operations and accelerate growth, allowing him to focus on what he loves most serving authentic tamales to the community. 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 Leyva, Owner Thanks to this vital funding opportunity, Chepo’s Tamales continues to thrive, staying resilient while keeping its doors open and its team 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 strong. We celebrate Jose and all small business owners across Solano County who work every day to make our communities vibrant and strong. who work every day to make our communities vibrant and strong.
“Without this support, believe me, it was going to take too much time.” – Jose
Suisun Valley Named #1 Wine Region in the U.S. Suisun Valley Named #1 Wine Region in the 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.
Vallejo Projects
Vallejo Projects
Secure $3.5 Million in Air Quality Grants
Secure $3.5 Million in Air Quality Grants
Three Vallejo-based initiatives will receive
Three Vallejo-based initiatives will receive $3.5 million from the Bay Area Air District’s
$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.
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.
Building the FutureFairfield-Vacaville Hannigan Train Station Building the FutureFairfield-Vacaville Hannigan Train 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:
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.
New Winters Winery Grows
Under Women’s Leadership
New Winters Winery Grows Under Women’s 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.
David Hubble Named Executive Director of
David Hubble Named Executive Director of
Solano Workforce Board
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.
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.
707 Week Career Fair
Connects 250+ Job Seekers with Local Employers
707 Week Career Fair Connects 250+ Job Seekers with Local 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.
IIAN AN GOLDBERG GOLDBERG
Recruiting talent is one of the most significant issues facing business owners today across almost every industry. The Solano WDB's Business Services team offers no-cost customized resources to support businesses in their recruitment efforts.
Level up your digital marketing with these FREE virtual trainings from the Solano-Napa SBDC.
Live music takes center stage at the 34th Annual Tomato & Vine Festival in Downtown Fairfield! Two full days of unforgettable performances, fresh flavors, and laid-back summer vibes.
Saturday, August 16 | 11AM–7PM
Sunday, August 17 | 11AM–5PM
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.
This new station is a major investment in public safety and will help better serve Fairfield and the Cordelia Fire District for generations to come.
