FEBRUARY 2009

Vol. 4, Number 2

Madera County E-BIZ

Welcome to Madera County Economic Development’s E-BIZ! On a monthly basis, our online Newsletter covers important local, regional and national news that impacts our local economy. E-BIZ reports on new projects and events in our cities and towns and keeps readers up to date on the state of the region’s economy. News about your business is always welcome.

Please send items, questions, comments, or suggestions to the Madera County EDC at info@maderacountyedc.com or visit our Web site at maderacountyedc.com

SAVE THE DATE

Attention Manufacturer’s- GMCIA Meeting
February 11, 2009 at Noon

GMCIA Logo Madera Manufacturers, please attend the upcoming Greater Madera County Industrial Association (GMCIA) meeting on February 11, 2009 at Noon, located at the Madera Municipal Golf Course.

For more information, contact Shirley Driggs at 559-673-8496.

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Madera Wine Trail ‘Wine & Chocolate Weekend”
Saturday, February 14- Sunday, February 15
From 10:00am to 5:00pm

Wine lovers may purchase a $20 Passport Wine Glass at any of the participating wineries both days of the event. Guests will sample current and newly released vintages and indulge in delectable chocolate creations, special food pairings, local art and live music. For more information on participating wineries please call 800-613-0709 or visit www.maderavintners.com

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Lance Armstrong Amgen Tour in Oakhurst
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
From 1:00 to 4:00pm

Lance Armstrong will be leading this year’s race which will come through Oakhurst. Amgen Tour VIP tickets are now available. Tickets include lunch and a non alcoholic beverage. VIP tent will be open from 12pm to 3pm, and will have television coverage for VIP ticket holders. VIP’s will also enjoy special bleacher seating for prime viewing of the race. Tickets are $20 per person. To purchase tickets please contact the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce office 559-683-7766 or visit their website at www.oakhurstchamber.com

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Small Business Development Day
Free Event
March 5, 2009
Fresno Exhibit Hall

The City of Fresno and its organizing partners are hosting the Inaugural Small Business Development Day. This event will provide business owners with free workshops, training, and technical assistance they need to grow and succeed in today’s economy.
For more information and registration please click here http://www.fresnostartup.com/sbdd.aspx

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MCEDC State of the County Event
Wednesday March 18, 2009 from 11:30-1:30
Madera Municipal Golf Course

Speakers will be Max Rodriguez representing the Madera County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Justin White, representing the City of Chowchilla and Mayor Sam Armentrout, representing the City of Madera

Contact Madera County EDC 675-7768 to reserve your seat at $30 or email lgrow@maderacountyedc.com

Event information is also posted on the MCEDC website

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Madera County Unemployment Rate

Madera County Unemployment Rate

• Madera County 11.9%
• Central Valley 13.3%
• California 9.1%

*Central Valley counties include: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings & Kern

Source: www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov

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LOCAL NEWS

Madera County seventh-fastest in growth
Sierra Star

A recent report by the state Department of Finance shows California’s population has topped 38 million, with Madera County ranked seventh for fastest rate of growth at 1.76 percent. Read more...

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2006-2016 Madera County Projection Highlights
State of CA Employment Development Department

Total employment for Madera County, which includes Self-Employment, Unpaid Family Workers, Private Household Workers, Farm, and Nonfarm employment, is expected to reach 57,600 by 2016. The increase of 7,200 jobs represents a growth rate of just over 1.4 percent annually, which is slightly below the 1.5 percent annual growth projected for California during the same forecast period. Read more...

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Little Boy Children’s Hospital picks Turner to manage addition and renovation
Central Valley Business Times

Turner Construction Company has been selected to manage a $42.5 million construction project at Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera. The scope of the work includes a 59,531 square foot addition to the Central Valley hospital as well as a 17,306 square foot renovation of the hospital. The addition will include expansion of the emergency and trauma departments, four operating suites, imaging department expansion, outdoor helipad and support space. Completion is scheduled for January 2012. Read more...

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Septic Proposals get crowd's attention
Sierra Star

Passed by the legislature in 2000, AB885 ordered the Water Board to come up with regulations covering septic systems. The proposals demand that every existing septic system in the state be tested for solids every five years. The Water Board estimates this cost at $325. Where an owner has both septic and a well, the well must also be tested every five years for certain elements also estimated at $325. Read more..

Click here for a form letter to send to the State to fight the AB885 legislation.

Provided by Madera County Supervisor, Tom Wheeler

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Sierra Estates Assisted Living Ribbon Cutting
Central Valley Business Times

Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sierra Estates Assisted Living owned by Teena Hagerman located at 43613 Patrick Ave., Oakhurst, CA 93644. The facility officially opened in March of 2007. Sierra Estates Assisted Living has a total of nine rooms and is currently caring for 12 residents.

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STATE NEWS

California’s 2008 new home starts lowest on record
Central Valley Business Times

• Plunge 42 percent from 2007
• “The state economy benefits greatly when housing production is operating at health levels”

For Sale Total housing production in California in 2008 was at the lowest level on record, the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) says. “We continue to believe that the best solution to the current depression in the home building industry is to create a tax credit for new home buyers, which in the past has proven to be an effective means of quickly jumpstarting housing construction, which is such an important part of the state and national economy,” says Robert Rivinius, CBIA’s president and CEO. Read more...