CalBizBlog: Recent Comments

Comment on CONGRESS CREATED DUST BOWL?

2009-12-15T20:09:22Z

The current signs do no have a clear enough message.
The signs should be set up like the old Burma Shave signs. For instance: CONGRESS SAYS/NO FOOD/GROWN HERE/FOR YOU. Where an orchard's water has been cut off: CONGRESS/KILLED/THESE/(fruit, nut,etc.)TREES.
The reader must come away with the message that Congress is taking food out of the reader's mouth

Comment on HARSH REALITIES: The Issues Facing California and its Economic Recovery

2009-11-27T08:52:27Z

Cool,

Some great information about california economic recovery,

Thanks

Comment on OUTSOURCED: California's Happy Cows

2009-11-24T00:53:34Z

Nuts! Hard to believe. When I worked for the T&C agency in the 90's, I learned that the USPS was planning to site four remote encoding centers that would serve CA but not be sited in CA. I drafted a letter for Julie Wright to go to our congressional delegation. The letter asked that our delegation tell the USPS that any center that served CA would be in CA. The USPS gave in. Four centers were sited in CA with an estimated 3600 jobs created.

How we've changed. Now we're outsourcing CA jobs to other states and countries. Oh, do we need leadership.

Jerry

Comment on Impacts from Oil Spill in San Francisco Bay

2009-11-01T05:58:59Z

It came up my gutter, in front of my house. Everyone was worried about the marshes and the wildlife but nobody, including the Coast Guard, Baykeeper, West Coast Toxics Coalition, seemed to understand after my pleading that it was headed for a NEIGHBORHOOD and PEOPLE. I filmed the globules in Cerrito Creek and all the way up to where the Bay comes in front of my house.

Comment on CONGRESS CREATED DUST BOWL?

2009-07-24T02:13:19Z

Water shortage is a 50-yr set up farce. Our water is being re-directed beyond Millerton, Friat, Madera for upcoming development of casinos, dams, housing, golf courses. www.myspace.com/marlalk4

Comment on ARIZONA, LURING BUSINESS FROM CALIFORNIA OR TALKING TRASH

2009-07-16T18:23:22Z

Bad news - Arizona just passed a package of incentives directed at the Solar industry, see below:

PHOENIX (July 10, 2009) — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed into law landmark legislation that will allow the state to attract solar and renewable energy companies.

The Quality Jobs Through Renewable Industries program aims to stimulate new investment in solar and renewable manufacturing and headquarter operations through corporate income tax credit and real and personal property tax reduction.

The bill was the vision of Sen. Barbara Leff and designed by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council to encourage investment by solar and renewable energy companies in Arizona.

“This legislation is a welcome sign for renewable energy companies around the world,” said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Companies that have considered coming to Arizona now have a tremendous opportunity in front of them.”

For Arizona, the program serves as an important economic development tool to grow its economy. For companies worldwide, the program opens a door to a vibrant state with a long list of assets. Arizona boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, has a built-in semiconductor workforce, and sits alongside the fourth-largest solar market in the world, California.

“That Gov. Brewer signed this bill into law is significant. It puts Arizona in a position to be a leader in the solar industry,” said Michael Bidwill, GPEC’s chairman and president of the Arizona Cardinals. “We look forward to working with leaders in the solar and renewable energy industry, and this program gets us in the game to bring more projects to our state.”

Arizona Department of Commerce Director Don Cardon applauded the Legislature.

"I am grateful for the vision and leadership the governor and our legislators have demonstrated in supporting this bill,” Cardon said. “It will greatly assist Arizona in securing the national lead we should possess for solar and renewable technologies.”

The news comes just as GPEC is about to lead a delegation to the 2009 Intersolar North America show in San Francisco, a conference that’s among the industry’s largest international shows in the country. The delegation includes GPEC, Arizona Department of Commerce and leadership from Fountain Hills, Peoria and Surprise.

“This is an important step in the right direction,” said Drew Zogby, president and COO of Alpha Technologies. “It’s great to see Arizona’s leaders recognize the renewable energy industry for its potential economic boost, and environmental value, to the state and throughout the country. We are excited to now have an opportunity to expand our business base in Arizona.”

Comment on Enterprise Zones: To Eliminate or Not to Eliminate, that is the Question

2009-07-16T18:16:00Z

Yesterday I had lunch with David White who used to be with economic development in the Inland Empire, but is now with the Greater Colorado Springs economic development organization. He has seen the PPIC study and thinks its completely off-base as his organization has never been busier, primarily with Calfornia companies who are making plans to leave the state (sometimes entirely). Many of these are high tech and medical device companies who can't really see any reason to remain in California given the budget crisis, the lack of incentives for expansion, and the indifference on the part of state and local government. Many of the companies he has spoken to can't recall seeing anyone from the city or state on a retention call. Usually, it's only when the company has announced its intention to relocate - and that's usually too late. PPIC should conduct a survey of competing states to find out whether or not companies are leaving and why.

Comment on ARIZONA, LURING BUSINESS FROM CALIFORNIA OR TALKING TRASH

2009-07-10T20:16:03Z

Jim - great insight and thanks for the comments. For those of you
who do not know Jim Renzas, he is one of the nation's premiere
site location consultants and is located in California.

Jim was interviewed earlier this year at the The California Executive's
Corner, CaEO - a feature at www.CaliforniaBusinessMinute.com , go
to main menu (green colored bar) place cursor at CA Insights, wait for
drop down menu then click on CaEO Corner to view page and access
interview.

Jim will be speaking and available for consultantion at this year's Site
Selection Conference this Fall in Reno. See Events at the California
Business Minute for more information.

tjohnson@CaliforniaBusinessMinute.com

Comment on ARIZONA, LURING BUSINESS FROM CALIFORNIA OR TALKING TRASH

2009-07-09T17:56:01Z

Arizona's incentives programs are much like California's - nonexistent. EZ's are great if you are in them, but most businesses aren't and even if they are the limitations cause great concern larger companies. California has a great asset with it's Employment Training Panel program, but this hasn't been exploited in the competition for new jobs. Arizona's training program was co-opted last year by the legislature and emptied of funds, so training and labor force remain California's trump cards. Arizona does have a much better image in the corporate community, however, as being more responsive to businesses and having a better understanding of the job creation/economic development process. It's proximity to the Calfornia market is also a strength. Both states could use some help in designing more pro-active economic development programs, in my opinion.

Comment on LEGALIZING AND TAXING MARIJUANA IN CALIFORNIA?

2009-07-09T07:14:33Z

Jerry:

Thanks for the comment. Smart man your dad!

Tim Johnson