TCED News

IRS tips: Small businesses, self-employed should make quarterly payments

Monday, November 12, 2018

With the last third of the year now in full view, the IRS reminds small business and self-employed taxpayers of the importance of meeting their tax obligations. Part of those obligations normally include making quarterly estimated tax payments. This is the third in a series of four news releases aimed at helping taxpayers pay the right amount of tax and avoid an estimated tax penalty. This is part of the wider Paycheck Checkup campaign to encourage people to check their tax situation, including withholding and estimated tax payments. Who may need to pay estimated taxes Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners and S corporation shareholders,...

California gained 44,800 jobs in August; unemployment holds at record low

Sunday, November 11, 2018

The California economy barreled forward in August as employers added 44,800 net jobs and the unemployment rate held at a record low of 4.2%, according to data released Friday by the state's Employment Development Department. Wages grew but barely enough to top the increase in consumer prices. All in all, the data reveal a resilient economy that is improving despite high housing costs and rising trade tensions with China, a major trading partner for the Golden State. “California’s economy continues to sizzle,” said Sung Won Sohn, president of SS Economics in Los Angeles. The good news could change as the Trump administration ratchets up...

How the generation wars are playing out in the Golden State

Friday, November 09, 2018

The cost of living in California may eventually result in millennials gaining the upper hand over entitled baby boomers. As successful baby boomers reach retirement age, plenty of them express frustration with kids today, especially millennials—those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s. Foremost among the young adults’ sins is their seeming inability to support themselves: “Those kids need to develop a work ethic and save—penny by penny, like their parents and grandparents did.” “One day they might be able to move out of their parents’ basement or even—hallelujah—buy a home of their own.” But how soft and spoiled can young adults really be...

Three ways to elevate the economic portrait of rural California

Thursday, November 08, 2018

When California became the fifth largest economy in the world earlier this year, experts attributed the state’s economic success to the financial services, real estate and technology industries based largely in urban and coastal regions. Left out of the economic success story were many of the state’s vast rural regions. California’s rural areas are some of the most beautiful and bountiful in the world. The economies there are heavily based on natural resources and “working landscapes” that benefit the entire state. These regions provide valuable resources and commodities for all Californians, including food, water and open spaces. But many of these regions...

GO-BIZ ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT GRANTS PROGRAM WORKSHOPS

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

Program will provide grants to community-based nonprofit organizations and local health departments to support communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced a series of workshops to solicit input and feedback on the new California Community Reinvestment Grants program it is developing. This program will provide grants to community-based nonprofit organizations and local health departments to support the following activities for communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies: Job placement Mental health treatment Substance use disorder treatment System navigation services Legal services to address barriers to reentry Linkages to medical care “These...

Construction on schedule - Ross opens mid-March

Monday, October 22, 2018

Construction of the former Walmart building in Red Bluff is moving along swiftly and right on schedule, according to a source at Ethan Conrad Properties. The building will be divided into seven suites with the first tenant, Ross Dress For Less, taking the front corner and occupying 20,000 square feet. There will be facades for three stores in the front of the building with the remaining storefronts on either side and one in the back. The deadline for completing construction is mid-February. Ross plans to open a month later in mid-March. The exterior of the building and facades will be completed...

Celebrating and Supporting Women in Business

Friday, October 19, 2018

The number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has risen 3,000 percent since 1972. It’s an impressive statistic, especially considering the fact that women were required to have a male co-signer in order to get a loan up until 1988. Women have come a long way since the then. October was designated as National Women’s Small Business Month. In this month and beyond, it’s an opportune time to recognize and celebrate the impact female entrepreneurs have on our economy. Tehama County supports a wide range of women-owned businesses, from restaurants to retailers, design firms and more. Kelli Graves is one such female...

Construction begins on new department store

Monday, September 24, 2018

RED BLUFF — The former Walmart building is showing signs of life as construction workers roam the grounds of what will eventually be the new Ross discount department store. Fences have gone up with construction signs at the former Walmart location in the Red Bluff Shopping Center on Luther at Mill. Workers could be seen entering the building and prepping a new sign on the rear wall. According to Amanda Jenkins with Tehama County Economic Development, there is no exact date for when the discount department store will open but updates are expected as soon as it is announced. Community Development Director Scott...

Meet the staff at Corning Health Center

Friday, September 21, 2018

The following people make up the staff at Corning Health Center. Sara Morse, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), is the head of the Medical Assistance staff. Her smile and knowledgeable application of nursing protocols make her an asset to Corning Medical Association. Medical Assistants who work under Morse are Gaby Bobadilia, Maria Castrejon, Martha Comacho, Lidia Rhoades-Hardin, Samantha Trexler and Alma Rosas. These women are cheerful professionals. It is not unusual to hear them assist each other. Their spirit of community sharing is catching, and they are friendly, committed to patient care and love what they do. Trexler works as a scribe for...

Business owners, officials join for development conference

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

RED BLUFF — Local business owners, community members and state officials came together for an open discussion on economic development and the roadblocks that hinder it. Issues that came up at the meeting included the need for housing, a steady workforce and broadband internet, cumbersome regulations and programs in schools to teach kids and adults about business or trades. Recurring themes were an increase in construction costs while funding for local entities is declining and the need for improved adult and high school education in trades. Much of the discussion involved complaints about state and federal regulation. County Supervisor Bob Williams was joined...

Simpson University named College of Distinction

Monday, September 17, 2018

Simpson University in Redding has been named as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction. Simpson has created a unique learning environment where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building first-year seminars, service learning programs, intensive writing courses, national and global service trips, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, capstone projects, study abroad programs and internships. “We are truly honored to name Simpson University as a College of Distinction for its continued commitment to student success,” said Tyson Schritter, COO for Colleges of Distinction. “Colleges of Distinction applauds Simpson University for pushing the envelope...

Red Bluff women start video series

Friday, September 14, 2018

RED BLUFF — Two local women have joined together to create a video series showcasing Tehama County businesses behind the scenes. The duo is called “2 Mandis on a Mission” and consists of Mandi Selvester-Owens and Amanda Jenkins. They began the video series as an effort to bring information to the community that could help unite shoppers with stores and restaurants. “Our goal is to educate people about places and events in this area and show them things they’re not going to see on the internet, behind the scenes kind of stuff,” Jenkins said. “Things they wouldn’t already know about the businesses.” Both women...

Magazine ranks Chico State one of 50 best

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

As students begin their fall 2018 classes at California State University, Chico this month, they’ll be furthering their education at a campus recently recognized as one of the country’s best. This week, Money magazine released its fifth annual ranking of the nation’s “50 Best Public Colleges,” and CSU, Chico arrived at No. 37 out of 727 American universities. “Rankings like these help demonstrate that the University’s faculty — among the best in their fields—provide our students with top-tier academic and research opportunities,” said Kim Guanzon from CSU, Chico’s Office of Admissions. “And our students are well-prepared for their future employment following graduation....

Casino announces new executive team

Monday, September 10, 2018

CORNING — Rolling Hills Casino announced it has brought in new faces to its top leadership positions. A press release issued, Tribal Chairman for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Andrew “Dru” Alejandre praised the new team as well as new general manager Steve Neely. “We are proud to have this new team on board to lead us into the next era of success for our tribe,” Alejandre said. “Steve and his team are at the top of their games when it comes to generating revenue and providing guests an exceptional experience. That is why we brought them on and look forward to...

Attracting Millennials to Tehama County

Friday, September 07, 2018

It’s hard to know what to believe about millennials; the overall impression is that they are lazy, entitled and killing American culture one day at a time. If this is the case, then why do so many communities work to attract them? In truth, we know that there is a lot more to millennials than what floats around in popular culture. We know that they can be a vibrant addition to any community and we want them here. To attract them, it is important to dig deeper and learn more about what makes millennials tick. Every week there’s a new ground-shattering revelation...

Rural economic development program helps communities target, lure new industries

Friday, September 07, 2018

Pick three. Or two. Or four. Your choices range from electrical equipment manufacturing to soap making, toilet preparation, synthetics manufacturing, telecommunications or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Or, instead of concentrating on luring new industries into the area, you could devote some effort into expanding existing businesses: oil and natural gas pipelines, chemical manufacturing, cement and concrete making, or, (gasp!), newspaper, periodical and book publishing. All of these industries were identified as potentially the most desirable and compatible businesses to bring into, or expand in the Emery-Carbon area. Continue to full article

‘Invest and prioritize’: What to do about California schools

Wednesday, September 05, 2018

California Influencers this week answered the question: What can California schools do to improve their national rankings? The single most important thing we can do to improve opportunities for California schoolchildren is to stop focusing just on catching up and instead focus on leapfrogging into the 21st century. We’ve got to allow for, and incentivize, a complete re-thinking of the purpose and structure of school. Local educators and education systems need the flexibility to adapt a rigid 20th century school model that has remained largely unchanged for more than 100 years. Consider how much is changing. Our students are coming with ever demanding...

Report emphasizes ag impact on north state economy

Monday, September 03, 2018

CHICO — The economic impact of agriculture in northeastern California was put at more than $4.7 billion in a report by Chico State University, which by percentage was more than double the impact statewide. The report authored by Professor Eric Houk found that in 2016, ag accounted for 16.2 percent of the value added to the economy in the northeast. The percentage statewide was 6.2 percent. The report covered the 13 counties in Chico State’s “service area” and noted that area includes two different agricultural economies. Six of the counties are primarily in the Sacramento Valley: Colusa, Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Glenn and Tehama. The...

Red Bluff Chamber: Annual awards dinner coming in September

Friday, August 31, 2018

The Red Bluff-Tehama County Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce will present its 103rd Annual Community Awards & Recognition Dinner Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Red Bluff Community Center. Get your tickets, nominate some outstanding people and organizations and help sponsor this amazing event. This wonderful evening will begin with music, a social hour, silent auction and no-host bar at 5 p.m. The evening will continue with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards and induction program. A mariachi band will perform and Mexican food will be served by our Business of the Year Los Mariachis. The chamber will present the following awards to community...

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Keeping PACE in California

Friday, August 31, 2018

Bipartisan state leadership, business and environment leaders tout innovative energy and disaster resiliency financing program SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As a national leader in Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE), Ygrene's ability to successfully navigate regulatory changes and leverage its strengths while growing a presence across California has contributed substantially to the company's progress in the industry. Ygrene is more committed than ever to expanding its PACE program to help property owners meet their energy efficiency and resiliency goals. As PACE legislation works its way through the California legislature, state officials, business and environment leaders, and stakeholders continue to acknowledge that PACE financing, an energy financing innovation...

GO-BIZ RELEASES CYBERSECURITY LABOR MARKET STUDY

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), released the results of a California Cybersecurity Labor Market Analysis and Statewide Survey. This document details the findings of a study done by the California Community Colleges Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research and demonstrates that there is much work to be done in order to adequately prepare Californians for the demands of the digital and cyber economy. Conducted as part of the California Advanced Supply Chain Analysis & Diversification Effort (CASCADE) initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Defense,...

Workshops offered in Chico for small businesses

Thursday, August 30, 2018

The following workshops are being offered by the Northeast California Small Business Development Center at Butte College. All courses are at the center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico, unless otherwise noted. Financial Management Training Series for Existing Businesses, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Aug. 9-30. The workshops are free but you must register to attend. The series is designed to teach existing business owners how to manage business financials for success. Topics include interpreting financial statements, identifying cash flow cycle and how it impacts your business; learning how to calculate and use financial ratios to troubleshoot fiscal dangers and improve performance; how to think...

Greenhouse company on track for building

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

RED BLUFF — Drivers on Montgomery Road have probably noticed two large dome structures across from Interstate 5. These domes, as well as the land around them, are the site of Emerald Kingdom, a greenhouse business that began the process of moving from Redding to Red Bluff more than a year ago. The company obtained the 20-acre lot in March of 2017 and the business was expected to bring up to 20 new jobs to Red Bluff. The city has been working alongside the company to open the business on Montgomery Road but the process has taken a longer than expected. The city initially approved...

Corning program to spruce up downtown storefronts

Monday, August 13, 2018

CORNING — The city and community groups have announced a new grant program meant to encourage a better looking downtown. Local businesses that reside in downtown Corning will be able to apply for funding through the Corning Community Foundation, which is partnering with the city and 3CORE, an economic development district formed at the federal level, to help business owners beautify their storefronts in what has been dubbed the City of Corning Facade Program. Once the applications are finalized, City Manager Kristina Miller said, business owners will be able to apply for the grants. If approved, they will match up to $1,500 toward...

County plans summit to promote economic growth

Friday, August 10, 2018

ly 17, 2018 at 6:00 pm | UPDATED: July 17, 2018 at 6:01 pm RED BLUFF — The Tehama County Economic Development Team will join with development, business and agricultural officials from around the state in August to seek ways to remove barriers and promote economic growth in the county. Local business owners will be invited to join US Department of Agriculture Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann and representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Rural County Representatives of California and California Association of Local Economic Development for a discussion around government barriers that stymie growth in the...

As California grid expansion nears finish line, hurdles only get higher

Thursday, August 09, 2018

"With this bill, anything we do makes someone grumpy," said one architect of legislation to create a full Western electricity market. California may finally achieve its dream of an integrated western grid — if skeptics can be convinced the state's energy policies and economy are protected. Regionalizing would eliminate barriers between the 38 independent systems across the Western states and create a full regional electricity market. Advocates for Assembly Bill 813, which would the process in motion, say it could cut the West's electricity costs by eliminating interregional transmission charges and the building of redundant generation. Continue to full article

OP-ED: ? California's Economic Prosperity

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Economic expansion, high-paying jobs, reducing poverty Though California is the world's 5th largest economy, we must expand economic prosperity. With over 20% of our population living below the poverty line, we have the nation's highest poverty rate. Our skilled labor shortage means that high-paying jobs often go unfilled and our job creation infrastructure, including career tech education, is lacking. Bi-partisan legislation, Assembly Bill 2596, will require the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) to produce an Economic Development Strategic Action Plan for California by January 10, 2020. Continue to full article

Tehama County unemployment sees another drop in May

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

RED BLUFF — Tehama County’s unemployment rate is at 5.1 percent, according to preliminary reports released Friday by the California Employment Development Department. The 5.1 percent is down from the previous month’s 5.5 percent and an entire percentage drop from May of 2017. California’s unemployment rate dropped .1 percent from 3.8 percent in April to 3.7 percent in May. Unemployment for the nation also saw a .1 percent drop from 3.7 to 3.6 percent. San Mateo County kept its top spot for lowest unemployment in the state at 1.9 percent, a drop from 2 percent in April. Marin and San Francisco counties are in second with 2 percent and 2.1...

Small business workshops offered

Thursday, July 26, 2018

The following workshops are being offered by the Northeast California Small Business Development Center at Butte College. All courses are at the center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico. The New Venture Entrepreneurial Series will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays July 10-31. The cost for the series is $50 per person prepaid or $60 at the door. This 4-part training series provides essential information for individuals thinking about starting a new business and new business owners. Topics include: Legal Requirements & Market Analysis, Cost Analysis, Funding Your Small Business and Business Plan Overview. You will learn the legal requirements for business start-up, how...

Farmers markets continue strong

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Wednesday night “Market Downtown” is in its third week and will feature live music with Flashback this week. Enjoy a great evening 5-8 p.m. filled with most delicious locally grown fruits, vegetables, other food, refreshments and great vendors. We are having a great year with lots of great farmers, vendors, music and kids activities by the Parks and Rec Department. We hope to see Downtown at Pine and Washington streets in front of the former courthouse. Increased EBT, WIC and credit card services this year. Continue to full article

California continues rise as ‘economic powerhouse’

Friday, July 20, 2018

California’s grades on the 2018 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card don’t look overly impressive: There’s just a single “A,” lots of “Cs,” even a “D.” No, California won’t be this year’s valedictorian. But, the Golden State is among the most improved of the class. Bolstered by improvements in four of nine categories – highlighted by a significant advancement in tax climate, long considered one of the state’s greatest weaknesses in business growth and retention – California is solidly positioning itself as “an economic powerhouse for years to come,” according to Michael Hicks, director of the Indiana-based center that produces the annual report...

County plans summit to promote economic growth

Thursday, July 19, 2018

The Tehama County Economic Development Team will join with development, business and agricultural officials from around the state in August to seek ways to remove barriers and promote economic growth in the county. Local business owners will be invited to join US Department of Agriculture Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann and representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Rural County Representatives of California and California Association of Local Economic Development for a discussion around government barriers that stymie growth in the county, and possible solutions to promote progress, according to a press release. Click here for...

California Community Colleges launch Self-Employment Pathways in the Gig Economy project

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

It’s a uniquely tech sector term—the gig economy. That’s a cool description for a fast-growing part of our workforce—one that is built around short-term, discrete jobs (or gigs) performed by people who operate independently (translated, they are working for themselves). Uber, Lyft, Turo and Airbnb are just four well-known companies that have emerged in this dynamic and disruptive space. How big is the gig economy? In the “Freelancing in America” study, commissioned by Freelancers Union and Upwork and conducted by independent research firm Edleman Intelligence, 34 percent of the American workforce – or 53.7 million people – are working as freelancers who “have...

California Applauds Multi-State Coalition's Releases New Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan

Monday, July 16, 2018

BOSTON, MA: As the Trump Administration attempts to weaken federal greenhouse gas (GHG) and corporate average fuel economy standards for the nation’s light duty vehicle fleet, nine Northeast and West Coast states today reaffirmed their strong commitment to a clean, low-carbon transportation sector with the release of a new Multi-State Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan for 2018-2021 to support the successful implementation of the states’ ZEV programs. “These nine states, one-third of the nation’s car market, will bring millions of clean cars to America’s roads and highways,” said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Continue to full article

GO-BIZ TO LEAD DELEGATION TO THE ANNUAL SELECTUSA SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON D.C. AND HOST SELECT CALIFORNIA EVENT

Friday, July 13, 2018

GO-Biz is leading a large and diverse delegation to this year’s annual SelectUSA Investment Summit—a unique platform to connect with potential new business partners and showcase California’s exceptional value-proposition to the international marketplace. Washington D.C. – For the fifth year running, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) will lead a state-wide delegation of nine city and county economic development organizations to attract foreign direct investment to California at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, on June 20–22, 2018. The theme for this year’s Summit is “Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here,” focusing on...

Workshop offered on performance management

Friday, July 06, 2018

The Tehama County Employer Advisory Council and Employment Development Department presented an Employee Performance Management workshop Thursday, June 7 at the Tehama County Department of Education Assembly Room, 1135 Lincoln St. in Red Bluff. Human Resources Consultant Jesse Converse discussed setting clear and specific performance expectations for each employee and providing periodic formal and informal feedback about employee performance relative to those stated goals. HRCI and SHRM credits were available. Continue to full article

Red Bluff Chamber: Early registration for downtown farmers market

Wednesday, July 04, 2018

Registrations are open for summer Wednesday and Saturday markets. Looking forward to a great year with lots of great farmers, vendors, music and activities which started in June. For questions, to register or more info, visit www.redbluffchamber.com or call 527-6220. The Saturday market is year around at the River Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bands needed The chamber’s Wednesday night farmers market is looking for bands to play from 5:30-8 p.m. The summer concert season began June 6 and runs through August. Please contact Jason for questions or an application to be considered for this summer at 527-6220 ext. 301 or write to...

Regulation has helped, not hindered California’s green economy

Friday, June 29, 2018

How else do you grow an economy by 80 percent without increasing carbon emissions? Earlier this year, California raked in $2.7 trillion gross state product, overtaking the UK as the world's fifth largest economy -- only Germany, Japan, China and the US itself produce more annually. It isn't just our lush farming regions or the technological wonders coming out of Silicon Valley that have made California an economic bellwether, the state's strict adherence to environmental regulations, which go far and above what the rest of the nation demands, have certainly helped as well. California has long been on the leading edge of...

Wayfinding Signs for Manton Valley Wineries

Thursday, June 28, 2018

A bill could be enacted next year that will make it easier for visitors to find Manton Valley area wineries and vineyards. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recognized the Manton Valley as a unique wine region in 2014. But the remote area of eastern Tehama County hasn’t been able to fully promote its wineries to tourists because of a state law that restricts signage. By California statute, wayfinding signs can only lead to destinations a maximum of 10 miles off state highways. Manton Valley’s closest winery is about 11 miles from the highway, which is just outside the statutory...

California Launches Online Directory of Business Incentives

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Businesses in California now have a new centralized directory with which to find information about relevant state and local incentives. Dubbed the California Business Incentives Gateway, or CBIG, this directory is essentially an online portal. The way it works is simple: State, local and county governments simply log on and upload information about the incentives available in their communities, and then businesses refer to it whenever they need that information. “It includes anything that state, county or local governments do to help California businesses to get started, or that they do to keep businesses here in California,” says Steve Juarez, deputy treasurer for California. These incentives,...

California Labor And Workforce Development Agency Announces Record Number Of Apprentices - On Track To Reach 100,000 Active Apprentices By The End Of 2020

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

SACRAMENTO – California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary David M. Lanier has announced that there are nearly 82,000 active apprentices in California – the highest number in the 79-year history of formal apprenticeship job training in the state. In 2015, California had approximately 53,000 active apprentices and is on track to double the number by the end of 2020. “Apprenticeship programs provide workers with paid on-the-job training that can lead to goodpaying careers and supply employers with skilled workers.” said Secretary Lanier. “We have made significant progress during this period of economic growth in strengthening existing apprenticeship opportunities – reflected by the nearly...

California gains more than 39,000 jobs; unemployment falls to record low

Monday, June 25, 2018

The California economy rebounded from a disappointing March and added 39,300 net new jobs last month, as the unemployment rate fell to a new record low of 4.2%, according to data released by the state Employment Development Department. The report indicates that the California economy remains robust despite some fears job growth was tapering off. April showed marked improvement compared with March — which itself was better than originally believed. The original estimate showed California lost jobs that month, but that was revised upward Friday to job gains of 5,400. "Each month in 2018, it seems that California's employment boom will end, and...

Employee Engagement

Monday, June 25, 2018

Study after study shows employees who are more engaged and invested in their place of employment will work harder and perform better. Disengaged employees often have lower performance and bring down the morale of those around them. So what helps keep employees engaged? Surveys are one valuable way to see what your employees are looking for. Being intentional about your culture is important. Make people feel valued but also allow a little fun and camaraderie among employees. Also be honest in communications. If you expect something out of your employees hold yourself and leadership to the same rules. Lastly, and...

SEO Tips to Increase Your Exposure

Monday, June 18, 2018

Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for your business presence online. Without it, you could have a website that doesn’t come up in a local search. For most local businesses, it is important to come up in a local search more than a national one. To make this possible, use the name of your town or Polk County on your website when writing content. For example, “Visit XYZ dentist in Polk County”. This is a simple step that can help you to show up when someone conducts a local search. Also, make sure that when designing your website, your meta tags...

Employee Reviews

Monday, June 11, 2018

Do you conduct formal employee reviews? If not, it might be time to start. At least yearly you should be conducting employee reviews so employees realize their value and know what to work on. It seems to make sense at the beginning of a new year but the time of year isn't important. If possible have coworkers also review each other. That will provide the most accurate review. Conduct the review in an organized fashion with prepared information that you want to review with the employee. Information shared at the review whether positive or negative should not be new information...

Facebook-Growing Your Followers

Monday, June 04, 2018

If your business has an active Facebook page the next step to build your page to help ultimately build your business is to gather reviews and testimonials on your page. Ask people who do business with you to rate you on Facebook or better yet leave a testimonial. Testimonials can be used all over the place as soft advertising. Another idea is to invite followers via posts to invite their friends to like your page. Maybe you could even have a fun and friendly competition among employees to help get more Facebook likes. If you want more followers try a...

Facebook Ads and Targeting

Monday, May 28, 2018

Facebook is constantly changing the game when it comes to advertising. Keeping up with the trends can be a great advertising opportunity to reach a segmented audience. Using specifications, you can design an audience for Facebook ads to your target. Maybe you want to target those shopping for a house, or newly engaged women or new dads. These can also be used to find job candidates. Once a post is built in Facebook go in and set the parameters for who to target. You can even target friends of people on Facebook engaged with your page. The cost on these...

Resource expo helps share program information

Monday, May 28, 2018

Red Bluff >> Tehama County residents were given the chance to learn about a variety of services available to them at the first Community Education and Resource Expo held at the Red Bluff Community Center. The event was a partnership between Prosperity Tehama, a subcommittee of the Tehama County Community Action Agency, CalWorks Administrative Oversight Team and First Five Tehama, said Tehama County Department of Social Services Director Amanda Sharp. The event was aimed at strengthening families. “Our event had two main purposes, first education and connecting service providers and secondly to promote awareness of those services to bridge the gap of...

Progress made on Manton way-finding signs

Friday, May 25, 2018

Red Bluff >> Tehama County Chief Administrator Bill Goodwin there had been progress on seeking way-finding signs for Manton vineyards and wineries, with State Sen. Jim Nielsen putting forth Senate Bill 1259. The bill, which seeks an exemption for Tehama County due to its rural nature, is set to go before a Senate Transportation hearing soon, he said. The county has been working toward way-finding signs for groups identified in a branding effort several years ago as being of historical or cultural interest. Manton was left out because it falls outside of the limit set by Caltrans, according to a staff report...

The Incubator Model

Monday, May 21, 2018

An incubator is a physical or virtual space to build a business or start a new business. The National Business Incubation Association has a search engine to find local incubator locations. Some incubator locations are meant to support networking and access to services new businesses might need like lawyers or revenue resources. Others are meant to be a physical space to start a business or space to expand an existing business. Virtual incubators are sometimes set up to foster networking among new businesses. Visit the search engine to find an incubator if you deem it may be an asset to...

With recession in the rear view, a more upbeat California looks to choose a new governor

Monday, May 21, 2018

Standing beneath a radiant blue sky, Mary Cox set aside her broom and counted the blessings of living in California. Sure, taxes are high — especially compared with Indiana, where she lived a few years ago — and there’s a lot of government red tape, as she’s learned owning a tavern in this charming bedroom community midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. But crime isn’t a big problem here, the schools in Vacaville are better than they were in Indianapolis and the weather, the 47-year-old Cox said as she smiled at the crystalline morning, couldn’t be finer. While Cox swept up, her sister...

Will opportunity zones kick-start economic development?

Friday, May 18, 2018

A program that proponents believe will spur investment in economically challenged areas is being hailed by North State Congressman Doug LaMalfa. But will opportunity zones be a difference maker in the game of economic development? Opportunity zones are part of the recent federal tax overhaul. They are billed as an opportunity for investors to use a capital gains deferral in exchange for investing the money in disadvantaged communities, Sen. Tim Scott said on his website. The South Carolina Republican championed the bipartisan effort to get opportunity zones in the tax law. “The creation of Opportunity Zones was a critical component of our new tax law that...

Raul Mena, Enjoying Tehama County Seasons

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Raul, how long have you lived in Tehama County? I moved here in June of 1994. What brought you to Tehama County? Work, I was offered a position at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, but I was not going to move here if I didn’t like the area. When I came to visit, and the natural beauty here was a huge draw, so I made the move. What do you do for a living? I am a manager for Wal-Mart Distribution Center Logistics; one of the things I like about working there is how they encourage their employees to be involved in our community and volunteer. What...

California Now Fifth Largest Global Economy

Thursday, November 07, 1974

Sacramento, CA — As California celebrated “Small Business Month,” federal data released indicates that the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) has risen above the United Kingdom’s to claim a “Top Five” position among the world’s largest economies. California’s GDP rose by $127 billion from 2016 to 2017 to surpass $2.7 trillion as Brexit — the UK’s plans to exit the European Union (EU) — decreased economic output over the period. California, whose ranking sank to 12th place in 2012, following the Great Recession, last reached the fifth spot back in 2002. Since 2012, the GDP has increased by $700 billion and the...

Michelle Hickok: The New Face of Zelma’s

Monday, November 05, 2018

Zelma’s Awards and Laser Engraving, the amazing business that has supplied trophies, name tags, and custom engraving to the Red Bluff community for the last eight years, has a new face! Michelle Hickok, who specialized in graphic design for the last 15 years, purchased the business and has started serving the Red Bluff community. Michelle wanted to challenge herself, and owning her own business was a great way to do that. “The business being for sale was a great opportunity to challenge myself creatively and ensure that Zelma’s continues to offer the same great service to the community under the new...

Supervisor's Corner with Bob Williams and Steve Chamblin, Fall 2018

Thursday, November 01, 2018

As we began to contemplate what to write about in this quarterly issue of the “Supervisors Corner”, our conversation turned to opportunity in Tehama County. Not just opportunity for business expansion and development, but to also the opportunity for jobs and employment that we see coming to our area in the near future and what is currently being done in anticipation of those positions being available. Let us start by saying that we see Tehama County as an area of abundant opportunity. As has been stated in previous columns, Tehama County is centrally located on the west coast, has excellent access...

GO Biz RFI Submitted

Monday, October 29, 2018

Tehama County economic development was able to submit a request for information to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). We receive these occasionally when a company is looking to site a new facility in California, or expand their existing business in California, and they use GO-Biz to run the initial screening process so the company can retain confidentiality. This submission was for a manufacturing company looking for 200 to 400 acres, greenfield preferred, for a new facility in California, north of Fresno. Tehama County economic development was thankful for help from the Tehama County Building Department, Tehama County...

Northeastern California Connect Consortia Visits Rancho Tehama

Monday, October 29, 2018

In September, Tehama County economic development organized a broadband tour for the Northeastern California Connect Consortia (NECCC) run by Chico State in Rancho Tehama. Areas throughout California have designated broadband consortia groups, and NECCC covers much of rural Northern California including Tehama County. The goals of NECCC include creating plans to expand broadband service and access through the region, conducting broadband performance measures to assess current capacity, and helping local government adopt policies that support broadband expansion. The group was interested in meeting with Rancho Tehama residents to better understand more about their current level of service. The highlight of the meeting...

USDA and State Agencies Visit Tehama County

Monday, October 29, 2018

In August, Tehama County economic development hosted a successful workshop with USDA, other state partners, and 30 local business owners that represented all major industries through Tehama County, to discuss state and federal regulations that make business expansion difficult in Tehama County. The event, “Tehama County Business: Barriers and Progress” kicked off with Supervisor Bob Williams starting a round of introductions between the different business stakeholders, USDA State Director Vann, and representatives from The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO Biz), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), and Assemblyman Gallagher’s...

Vida Juice Bar Finds Success in Red Bluff

Monday, October 29, 2018

Red Bluff’s first juice bar has been a huge hit! Vida Juice Bar serves juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, apple nachos and more! Yesenia Zaragoza strives to provide healthy, nutritious food to the community. Her customers have been raving about her and here’s what a few of them have said: “FINALLY!!!! I’ve been talking about a juice bar since I moved here! I am so happy that one has finally come to Red Bluff! The juice is so yummy and the bowls are too! It’s clean and cute inside. You have to stop by!!! This little juice bar is a breath of...

On the Blog: Tehama Oaks Winery for Sale...and we’ve got the scoop!

Thursday, September 06, 2018

Who hasn’t dreamed of owning a winery and vineyard? Beautiful grapes on the vine, satisfying work and a country setting, life couldn’t get any better than that! In Tehama County, that dream could be a reality. Family owned and operated since 2008 and very well cared for, Tehama Oaks Vineyard and Winery is up for sale! We had the opportunity to talk with the current owner, Bob Douglas, about his experience owning this business in Tehama County. Bob values his community and says that Tehama County is an exceptional place to live and do business. When he started Tehama Oaks he...