SLO County Business

A public/private partnership coordinated and driven by the Economic Vitality Corporation has resulted in six business clusters who are working as teams and across teams to build job growth and prosperity in San Luis Obispo County. The items below highlight a few projects and progress to date. The six cluster teams are:

UPDATED ECONOMIC ELEMENT OF THE SLO COUNTY GENERAL PLAN

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors adopted the updated Economic Element. While not required under state law, San Luis Obispo County originally adopted the Economic Element as part of its General Plan in 1999. The County updated it to make it more current, remove outdated information, and to complement the Clusters of Opportunity Economic Strategy prepared by the business community with assistance from the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC).

Regional Forum - Your Region, Your State

On March 28th, the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) was pleased to host a first-ever event to gather input from regional stakeholders as part of a statewide initiative to help improve the business climate in California. This event, called the “San Luis Obispo Regional Forum”, was held at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We would like to thank Economic Strategy Project champion, Jim Dunning of Cal Poly’s California Central Coast Research Partnership (C3RP), who helped host this event.

Economic Vitality Corporation Given Statewide Award for Economic Strategy Project

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., March 27, 2012 – The Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County (EVC) is pleased to announce it was presented with an award from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CALED), the statewide economic development organization, at their annual conference in Sacramento. The award was accepted by EVC President and CEO Michael Manchak during the awards presentation, which included a keynote speech by United States Treasurer Rosie Rios and a commendation from Congressman John Garamendi.

EVC Announces Success With Second Job Fair

On March 28th, the KNOWLEDGE & INNOVATION cluster of the Economic Strategy Project, in partnership with Cal Poly and Cuesta College, accomplished another success to enhance opportunities between the local business community and local college students by holding the second job fair reserved for local companies only.

First-Ever Job Fair at Cal Poly for Local Companies Only

On February 24, the Knowledge & Innovation cluster of the EVC’s countywide Economic Strategy created the first-ever opportunity for Cal Poly and Cuesta students to learn about job and internship opportunities from local businesses.

Business Forum 2012

The Specialized Manufacturing Alliance team has assembled speakers for monthly presentations to the community in areas of expertise that may be helpful to other local businesses. Attendees do not have to be a member of the Alliance team or a sponsor of the EVC to attend, there is no charge.

Local Employers' Job Fair, Cal Poly and Cuesta - 2012

Finding that many local college students want to work in the area upon graduation, but do not have a great awareness of the opportunities available, the Knowledge and Innovation cluster has taken the lead to organize Cuesta and Cal Poly job fairs specifically for local companies. Participation is offered at a discount, making this an attractive option for all Central Coast businesses.

Morro Bay Families Win The One Block Party!

A group of neighbors from Morro Bay calling themselves Team Beach Tractors prevailed over 9 other groups from around the U.S. to win the Sunset One Block Party Contest. The team was awarded the honors during Savor the Central Coast at Santa Margarita Ranch. The team borrowed goats, raised chickens, seeded and harvested oysters and more!

Included in the Beach Tractors was Jolie Ditmore, co-chair of EVC Health Services Cluster. Great cross-cluster cooperation with EVC Uniquely SLO County, who wrapped up an incredible Savor the Central Coast event this weekend! Congratulations to the team.

Read their blog here>>> http://beachtractors.wordpress.com/

Economic Strategy Update

Read about the on-going progress of the cluster teams and a specific project that aims to support business growth and expansion of facilities. By weaving economic impact analysis data into project approval submissions, County planning staff will have a fuller understanding of proposed facilities benefits to the Central Coast.

Green Energy Team Posts Local Green Building Case Studies

Many interesting and cost effective commercial and residential green energy projects have been completed in SLO County. View case studies and learn more about the Green Energy Team here.

www.sloevc.org/slo-county-business/green-energy

Knowledge & Innovation Cluster Plans Local Employer Job Fair

The Knowledge & Innovation Cluster team is leading the way to develop a Job Fair exclusively for local business at Cal Poly in February. Stay tuned for more details. Learn more about this team and its activities.

www.sloevc.org/slo-county-business/knowledge-and-innovation

Building, Design & Construction Cluster Helps SLO County Process Improvement Committee

The Building, Design & Construction Cluster has helped the SLO County Process Improvement team to streamline Land Use and Building permitting and quantify benefits of newly proposed projects. Read more about this group and its activities.

www.sloevc.org/slo-county-business/building-design-and-construction

New EVC Web Pages Promote SLO County Businesses

A new business vitality and job growth project is happening in SLO County. The Economic Strategy, managed by the EVC, is a collaboration of business leaders across six business sectors collaborating to generate more vitality in our economy to create jobs.