Economic Development Alert: ED-Lert 10.24.07

Funding Opportunities (return to top)
Energy Innovations Small Grant Program
Please visit our website for requests for proposals, funding programs, contracts, and solicitations at the Energy Commission. For a list of grants/funds available, click here.

Development Grants for Veterans
The Veterans Corporation (TVC) is seeking applications for the first year of its veteran entrepreneurship support grant initiative. This initiative will support educational projects and organizations that address the entrepreneurial needs of veterans, including service-disabled veterans and members of the National Guard and reserve forces who are looking to start or grow a small business or preparing a business for deployment. For more information, click here.

Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment -- Deadline: October 29, 2007
Eligibility: State, local and tribal governments, private nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribal organizations, public housing authorities and independent school districts. Fund uses: To provide financial assistance for projects that provide basic or advanced training leading to an academic degree in areas of personnel shortages, provide a specified series of courses or program of study leading to award of a certificate in areas of personnel shortages, and provide support for medical residents enrolled in residency training programs in the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Contact: Marilyn Fountain, (202) 245-7346; Marilyn.Fountain@ed.gov. For more information and to download application, click here.

Servicing Water Program Loans and Grants -- Deadline: October 29, 2007
The Rural Utilities Service amends regulations for service water and waste loan and grant programs. Contact Anita O'Brien, (202) 690-3789; anita.obrien@usda.gov. To download more information (pdf ), click here.

Environmental Justice Grant -- Deadline: November 1, 2007
To support efforts that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own environmental well-being. Contact: Jessica Miller, (212) 230-9830; info@normanfdn.org. For guidelines and more information, click here.

100 Best Communities for Young People -- Deadline: November 2, 2007
To recognize the communities across the United States that offer the best places for young people to live and/or develop. Contact: America's Promise Alliance, 100BestHelp@americaspromise.org. For more information and to download pdf application, click here.

Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program -- Deadline: November 2, 2007
To help communities, entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from forest restoration activities into marketable forest products or energy products. Contact: Susan LeVan-Green, (608) 231-9518. For more information and to download application, click here.

Climate Change Tribal Impacts, Communication and Outreach -- Deadline: November 5, 2007
To communicate climate change impacts on Indian Country and Alaskan Native Villages, as well as adaptation and mitigation efforts to address them. Contact: Kathryn Parker, (202) 343-9044; parker.kathryn@epa.gov. For more information and to download application, click here.

West Coast Estuaries Initiative for the CA Coast -- Deadline: November 19, 2007
To support projects that conserve, restore and protect the water quality, habitat and environment of California coastal waters, estuaries, bays and near-shore waters through comprehensive approaches to water quality management. Contact: Dan Pingaro, (415) 947-4275; pingaro.dan@epa.gov. For more information, click here.

Small Business Grants -- Deadline: November 27, 2007
The objectives of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs include increasing private sector commercialization of technology developed through Department of Energy supported research and development, stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, and improving the return on investment from federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. For more information, click here.

Third Party Contracting Guidance -- Deadline: November 27, 2007
Federal Transit Administration proposed guidance pertaining to third party procurements financed through grants or cooperative agreements. Contact: James Harper, (202) 366-1127; James.Harper@dot.gov. To download information (pdf ), click here.

Environmental Initiative Program -- Deadline: November 28, 2007
The Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Environmental Initiative encourages communities throughout the United States to use a consensus-based approach to environmental decision-making. Under this initiative, grants are provided through two distinct programs. The Environmental Stewardship Program supports projects that work to manage resources of ecological, economic, or aesthetic value, and includes a broad range of community members and stakeholders involved in both the planning and implementation of the project. The Environmental Dispute Resolution Program supports projects that engage in a collaborative process in order to build consensus instead of confrontation, so parties may be able to resolve a conflict and move forward without resorting to litigation. For guidelines and more information, click here.

Just Released (return to top)
GIS Planning Named by Inc Magazine as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies
Inc. magazine announced its list of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the USA this month and CALED member GIS Planning (www.gisplanning.com) made the list. On the Inc. 5000 list, it is the 1,922nd fastest-growing private company in the USA, the 143rd fastest-growing software company, and the 79th fastest-growing company in the Bay Area. Anatalio Ubalde, a Partner at GIS Planning, is a CALED member. For more information, click here.

Industrial Campus May Mean 3,000 Jobs
Work is expected to begin next spring on the first phase of a planned 8.2 million-square-foot industrial campus called the Opus Logistics Center in east Stockton.The center, to be built on 474 acres near Highway 99 and a mega rail hub, promises to bring as many as 3,000 new jobs to the area, the company and local economic-development experts said.Developer Opus West Corp. said the $500 million project is a bet but a good one because of the need for a big-scale industrial center where major companies can quickly import and export a wide variety of goods in the global market.

Development plans call for speculation construction and build-to-suit. Little said the first phase of construction will involve four buildings totaling 2.9 million square feet: two buildings of 1.2 million each, one of 400,000 square feet and another of 100,000 square feet. He said although some spaces as small as 25,000 square feet may be leased out, about 70 percent of the space is expected to go to buildings of 1 million-plus square feet each. about 70 percent of the space is expected to go to buildings of 1 million-plus square feet each. The massive logistics center will draw companies that need to repackage goods and efficiently move goods in the national and international market, he said, and that will mean a wealth of new jobs for the Stockton area. For press release, click here.

ETP Awards Over $7M to Train 6,745 CA Workers
The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) approved 37 contracts totaling over $7 million in job training funds. This money will provide training to 6,745 California workers for various high-wage occupations.

In support of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s efforts to protect the economy and the environment through clean technology, the Panel awarded job training contracts to various eco-friendly businesses. For press release, click here.

Non Metro Counties' Population Growth Slowing
According to a study of U.S. Census data, nearly 14 percent of non-Metro and rural counties in 42 States throughout the U.S. experienced moderate-to-high population growth rates from 2000 to 2006.This study was released by Cansler Venosdel and Associates (CVA), a Washington, DC based strategy, business development and government consulting firm specializing in rural economic development issues.The research focused on non-Metro counties experiencing population growth at-or-above the U.S. national average of 6.4 percent. Non-metro counties include a total 2,052 counties identified through a Rural-Urban Continuum used by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. These counties are distinguished by the degree of urbanization and adjacency to a metro area. For press release, click here. To email Tim Cansler, click here

SEDCorp Awarded $595K for Rural Development
The Sierra Economic Development Corporation (SEDCorp) has been awarded $595,000 to implement three USDA rural development programs serving the SEDCorp four-county region. Thomas Dorr, U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, and Ben Higgins, the USDA State Director, presented the ceremonial check on Wednesday, October 10 to SEDCorp CEO Brent Smith and SEDCorp Board Chair and Nevada County Supervisor Nate Beason at the SEDCorp office in Auburn. For press release, click here.

Entrepreneurship Program Gets Funding Boost
A key plank in a new program to encourage entrepreneurs in Northern California was delivered by a senior member of the Bush Administration's economic development team recently. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandy Baruah passed along a federal check for $250,000 that will launch Golden Capital Venture Funds. For press release, click here.

Recommended Reading (return to top)
America's Top 10 Hottest Labor Markets
For detailed information and a list of the top 10 hottest labor markets, click here.

Local Governments Best Practice Guide
Nearly one-third of the energy used to run a typical government building goes to waste — waste that costs taxpayers money. To help local governments plan, fund, and implement energy efficiency programs that can stretch budgets, Flex Your Power recently released "Cutting Costs With Energy Efficiency and Conservation: A Guide for Local Government Agencies." For press release, click here.

Free Foundation Research Database by NOZA
Highlights of the new site include: fewer steps to find the data you’re looking for, streamlined navigation, additional sorting and viewing options, the ability to save records in folders if you are logged in, new content for prospect researchers and foundation grant records are now absolutely FREE. The free foundation searching is available straight from NOZA’s homepage. For more information, click here.

California, Not Highest Taxed
The Tax Foundation released its 2008 State Business Tax Climate Index. The Index ranks how "business friendly" the individual state tax systems are to business and industry. For press release, click here.

While South Dakota is ranked the best, California was not ranked for the worst state. That honor goes to Rhode Island followed by New Jersey and New York. California is number 47 on the list. For more information please visit the California Business Minute website by clicking here.

CALED Sponsored Events (return to top)
The IT Summit
November 13, 2007 -- Los Angeles, CA
The IT Summit is the conference series for executives from the government, education, economic development and corporate communities. The events are produced by and for senior leaders for the purposes of economic development, education, and the proliferation of information technology.

Paramount World Group provides focused and specialized event management. Our company was formed as a result of the demand from leaders in government, education, and the private sector requiring program direction and partnership.

We facilitate regional, landmark leadership conferences for IT and business executives. Our events are practitioner-driven, distinctive programs, and relevant to the specific requirements of technology and business leaders. To view agenda and to register, click here.

Keys to Successful Economic Development -- Registration Open Online Now!
January 22-25, 2008 -- Sacramento, CA (Courtyard Marriott Cal Expo)
CALED's Keys to Successful Economic Development Training Course is designed as an introductory course for people who are generally interested in knowing more about how local economic development works, as well as for those whose responsibilities include economic development assignments.

This is three full days of everything you ever wanted to know about economic development. Take advantage of this in-depth interactive opportunity to discuss all aspects of economic development, including strategies, marketing, financing, incentives, business retention, business recruitment, and resources. Attendees will get the opportunity to receive a professional certificate of completion in local economic development.

The course instructors and presenters are practicing professionals in local and state economic development who bring a great mix of knowledge and practical experience to the course, insuring a large dose of reality. This is the only course of its kind offered in California and is your once/twice a year opportunity to learn more about economic development.
For detailed information and to register, click here.

CALED's 2008 Annual Conference -- Save the date!
April 30-May 2, 2008 -- Anaheim, CA (Disneyland Resort)

Other Events (return to top)
State CDBG Workshops
Over $10 million available NOW for economic development from the State CDBG program. Upcoming State CDBG Workshops will focus on how to fund small business assistance, local revolving loan funds (Enterprise Fund), and direct assistance for infrastructure and loans for larger projects (over the counter-OTC). Workshops will cover completing competitive applications, tips for managing successful revolving loan funds, and keys to structuring effective OTC projects. Workshops will be held: October 25-26 in Sacramento; October 30-31 in Anderson; and November 13-14 in Calimesa. For detailed information, click here.

Sacramento Valley Forum
October 25, 2007 -- Chico, CA
The Great Valley Center’s Sacramento Valley Forum is an annual event focusing on the issues and interests of California’s Sacramento Valley. The forum brings together business and community leaders, governmental officials, farmers, environmentalists and individuals who have an interest in the future of the region.

Great Valley Center events bring together individuals who hold diverse views on a wide range of issues. The opinions expressed by speakers or participants do not necessarily reflect the views of the Great Valley Center, its Board of Directors, or staff. For detailed information, click here.

What is Technopolis? -- Sponsored by the City of Clovis
October 30, 2007 -- Clovis, CA
The featured speaker will be Dominique Fache, who was instrumental in leading the French city of Sophia Antipolis through its formation and emergence as a successful technopolis. Consultants for the City of Clovis, which includes, Nancy Key president of Key Writing Concepts, Inc., and Dr. Raymond Hoche-Mong, will outline what a technopolis is and how Clovis can learn from and build on technopoleis from around the world. To RSVP for this Symposia, please send email to carlosm@cityofclovis.com. For detailed information, click here.

CDIAC Seminar - Understanding Municipal Securities Regulations
November 15, 2007 -- San Mateo, CA
This one-day seminar focuses on the requirements for and the process of disclosing municipal securities information to the market. The program provides information on the federal securities law, an in-depth discussion of topical disclosure issues including recent SEC Rulings, the status of the central post office system, and updates on OPEB disclosure. In addition, a hands-on case study is included to emphasize the concepts and practices discussed throughout the seminar. Participants will gain a better understanding of the disclosure process and considerations that confront local government officials and other municipal securities professionals. For detailed information and to register, click here.

TeamCalifornia 2007-2008 Tradeshow Dates
October 15, 2007-June 20, 2008 -- Multiple Tradeshow Locations
These shows and conference have been selected by TeamCalifornia members to enhance their tradeshow presence with the power of the California brand and at an affordable price. Participation in the Tradeshow Program is open to both TeamCalifornia members and non-members. Team California members do, however, receive the special membership rate. For detailed information and tradeshow dates, click here.

2008 National Community Reinvestment Conference -- Save the Date!
March 30-April 2, 2008 -- San Francisco, CA
The 2008 conference features CRA examination training, creative strategies for community development, innovations in community development investing, and National Community Development Lending school. Registration will be available January 2008. For detailed information, click here.

Job Opportunities (return to top)
Director of Economic Development
Port of Los Angeles
Salary: $102,352 - $149,501 annually DOQ
Deadline: November 9, 2007

Economic Development Administrator & Economic Development Coordinator
City of Newport Beach
Salary: $5,482.53 - $7,7709.87 monthly (ED Administrator)
Salary: $4,558.67 - $6,413.33 monthly (ED Coordinator)
Deadline: November 2, 2007

President
Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County
Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 annually DOQ
Deadline: October 30, 2007

Assistant Director of Community and Workforce Development
City of Vacaville
Salary: $110,311 - $134,088 annually DOQ with eligibility for incentive pay
Deadline: October 26, 2007

Planning Manager (City Planner)
City of Pasadena
Salary: $104,375 - $130,469 annually
Deadline: Open until filled. Position posted on October 23, 2007

Associate Chancellor, Economic Development
Kern Community College District
Salary: $94,556 - $135,064 annually
Deadline: Open until filled. Position posted on October 22, 2007

Redevelopment Project Manager I and II
City of Redlands
Salary: $5,247 - $6,378 monthly (II includes 7% PERS paid + Mid-Management benefits package).
Deadline: Open until filled. Position Posted on September 27, 2007

Senior Manager for Education
Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance
Salary: not given
Deadline: Open until filled. Position Posted September 10, 2007

Planning Positions (Multiple Positions Available)
City of Ventura
Salary: $67,047 - $89,844 annually for Principal Planner
Salary: $60,741 - $81,393 annually for Senior Planner
Salary: $49,853 - $73,738 annually for Assistant/Associate Planner
Deadline: Open until filled. Position Posted on September 7, 2007

Deputy Director of Real Estate
Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Los Angeles
Salary: $8,160 - $10,141 monthly (DOQ) plus excellent benefits
Deadline: Open until filled. Position Posted August 28, 2007

Community Development Project Coordinator
City of Berkeley
Salary: $73,872 - $89,316 annually: Plus 8% additional compensation & generous benefit package
Deadline: Open until filled. Position Posted August 1, 2007

Sr. Urban Planner (2) -- Civil Engineer Land Planning -- Director of Housing & Community Development -- Sr. Administrative Analyst Real Estate Acquisition -- Real Property Manager -- Human Resource Analyst -- Enterprise Zone/Economic Development Project Manager
All eight positions are offered through the City of San Bernardino
Salary: Varies for each position
Deadline: Open until filled. Positions Posted on July 12, 2007