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• New retail reality: Landscape changing with loss of 3 players*
  (December 11, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  Three local, family-run businesses have been purchased by national chains or have closed: Yardbirds Home Improvement; Coddingtown Mall; and Bradley Video.
   
• Hilton to build 3 hotels in Sonoma County*
  (November 24, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  The Hilton hotel chain plans to build three new hotels in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Windsor within the next two years, showing confidence in Sonoma County tourism.
   
• Cloud looms on housing horizon*
  (November 5, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  Expert warns that housing market is slowing and prices are leveling off.
   
• Avoiding Financial Trouble*
  (November 2, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  Report finds county residents overall rate high in creditworthiness but warns of risks
   
• City's 'vibrant' economy spurring banks' expansion*
  (October 21, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  Petaluma bank deposits increase 46.7% as number of outlets climbs to 23.
   
• Fuel Costs Threaten County's Economy*
  (October 18, 2005 — Press Democrat)
  The rising cost of fuel may affect consumer spending on wine and tourism.
   
• Visitors Bureaus, Hotels Linking Up*
  (October 13, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County's 13 visitors bureaus will be connected with area hotels through an Intranet hookup being designed by the county Economic Development Board.
   
• County Business Confidence Slips, But Numbers Still Healthy*
  (October 12, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Confidence in the Sonoma County economy has dipped slightly among executives since June as local businesses continue to suffer the effects of higher gas prices, according to a report released Tuesday by the Economic Development Board.
   
• Forecast For State OK Despite Katrina*
  (September 28, 2005— Press Democrat)
  The widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina will have little effect on the California economy, where the housing boom is still driving business and consumer spending, according to a new forecast released today.
   
• Startups Can Score*
  (September 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Steve Elliott had a dream of a business of his own -- a store with hobbies, arts and crafts for the whole family -- but he needed help.
   
• Basin Street Sells Properties for $263 Million*
  (July 6, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Basin Street Properties of Petaluma sells most of its office buildings to Chicago-based Equity Office Properties Trust, in order to concentrate on property development.
  
  Correction: For the Record published July 7, 2005
  
  Basin Street Properties, the Petaluma development company, sold most of its office buildings in a deal announced Tuesday, but the company itself was not sold. A headline on Page A1 Wednesday was incorrect.
   
• Confidence in Economy Slips*
  (July 6, 2005— Press Democrat)
  A survey of Sonoma County business leaders shows that their confidence in the economy has slightly dipped since March, but they expect improvements for the remainder of 2005.
   
• Nascar Invasion*
  (June 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  The roar of high octane-powered racing engines reverberates today over acres of ripening grapes, signaling an incursion by a flag-waving, fun-loving army that thrives on speed, sunshine and beer.
   
• Petaluma Rents Soar: Demand For Downtown Retail Space Pushes Rates Higher After A Decade Of Stability*
  (June 18, 2005— Press Democrat)
  After a decade of fairly stable commercial rents in downtown Petaluma, the new Theater District, changes in ownership of older buildings and higher demand for space are generating stiff rent increases as leases turn over.
   
• 'Sanguine'*
  (June 18, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Finally, an optimistic forecast for Sonoma County economy
   
• County May Be Poised For Growth: Annual Report Finds Economy On Cusp Of Expansion Outpacing Nation's*
  (June 17, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Tourism will continue to see growth due to the weak U.S. dollar, which is promoting both domestic travel and visits from foreign tourists. Wine sales also are benefitting from the weak dollar, in addition to overall increases in consumer wine interest and an end to the grape glut.
   
• Economic Health Report*
  (June 13, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Latest economic analysis of Sonoma County industry and growth by economy.com's Steve Cochrane.
   
• Economic Forecast: Sonoma County's Slow Pullout From Recession Threatened By High Gas Prises, Interest Rate Hikes*
  (June 5, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County is teetering on the fine line between economic recovery and relapse as rising gas prices and potential interest rate hikes threaten to upstage the tepid growth in jobs and incomes of the past year.
   
• Retail, Office Markets Diverge*
  (June 5, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County's commercial real estate market, an important indicator for the health of broader economy, is sending mixed signals, with retail and the commercial office markets heading in opposite directions.
   
• On The Verge: Long-Ailing High-Tech Finally Seems Headed For Recovery*
  (June 5, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Two years after Sonoma County's high-tech sector hit bottom, there are signs of recovery
  
  Correction: Unpublished Correction:
  
  TriVascular Inc. is developing a stent-graft to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. A stent-graft is a tube that is inserted in a weakened aorta to provide a new conduit for blood, protecting the aorta from rupture caused by the pressure of blood flow. A stent-graft is different from a stent, which is a tiny tube of metal scaffolding that holds open arteries to permit adequate blood flow. Their product description as originally published was incorrect.
   
• Wine Industry Value Balloons In New Report*
  (May 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  A Napa consulting firm has pegged the local impact of the industry at a whopping $8.2 billion!
   
• Tourism Among Economy Winners*
  (May 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Report notes unemployment rate at lowest since 2001; tech sector looking positive
   
• Shifting Ideas, Faces in Tourism Marketing*
  (May 23, 2005— Press Democrat)
  New Sonoma County Tourism Board brings new ideas and direction to marketing strategies
   
• High End Hotels Invest in Rosy Future*
  (April 23, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County room rates rise, facilities expanded to gear up for tourism rebound
   
• Health Care In The Pink*
  (April 19, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Report finds growth spurt i county's $1.4 billion industry
   
• Sonoma County Gains 1,100 Jobs*
  (April 16, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Upswing in hiring lowers jobless rate to 4.6% as construction, tourism show best growth
   
• County's Business Spirits Soaring*
  (April 6, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Survey: Hospitality, health care industries showing confidence in economy; high-tech still stagnant
   
• Building Latino Home Ownership*
  (March 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Chapter of national real estate group combines education, networking, advocacy
   
• Tourism In County Tops $1 Billion*
  (March 26, 2005— Press Democrat)
  7 million visitors helped generate jobs for 15,180, report finds
   
• Bay Area Economy, Jobs On Upswing*
  (March 15, 2005— Press Democrat)
  UCLA report forecasts 'solid rebound,' cooling real estate market
   
• Opening Doors To New Jobs*
  (March 7, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Tourism and hospitality industries are hiring and seeking workers with a can-do attitude
   
• County Job Growth Stronger*
  (March 5, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Job growth in the county last year was greater than previously estimated by the State of California
   
• Signs Point To Renewed Growth In Area Jobs*
  (February 21, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County may have best showing when annual statistics released on Friday
   
• Summit Focuses On Tourism Push*
  (February 17, 2005— Press Democrat)
  With leisure and business travelers increasingly returning to San Francisco, travel researchers are urging Sonoma County tourism promoters -- armed with millions in new ad dollars -- to focus on encouraging visitors to drive to the Wine Country
   
• Seeing New Economic Vitality*
  (January 30, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma State University Center for Regional Economic Analysis predicts fastest job growth since 1997 for Sonoma County this year
   
• Report Predicts Local Economic Rebound*
  (January 27, 2005— Press Democrat)
  Economy.com analyst Steve Cochrane predicts positive job growth and higher personal incomes in 2005 for Sonoma County
   
• County Business Confidence Drops*
  (January 8, 2005— Press Democrat)
  While business confidence in Sonoma County drops, many local businesses are planning on hiring and expanding

Archive

• Preparing Student for Global Workplace: Sonoma County Retooling High School Job Skills Program*
  (December 31, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  To help students and local businesses compete in the increasingly competitive global economy, the Regional Occupation Program is planning to focus job training on industries centered in Sonoma County.
  
  
• Slow Growth Predicted for State Economy*
  (December 8, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Latest information on California's financial recovery from UCLA economic analysts with analysis on how growth trends will impact Sonoma County.
  
  
• Economist Says County Recovery Has Begun*
  (November 20, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Analysis of Sonoma County's economic outlook for 2005 from Christopher Thornberg, a senior economist with UCLA Anderson Forecast.
  
  
• Economist Sees Better Year Ahead*
  (November 15, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Questions and answers on Sonoma County's economic outlook with Christopher Thornberg, a senior economist with UCLA Anderson Forecast.
  
  
• Confidence in County Economy Slips*
  (October 8, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Business executives polled expect rebound over next six months; decline the first since spring 2003
  
  
• La Tortilla plans on track*
  (August 31, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  SR-based food business consolidating 6 facilities at business park
  
  
• Travel business rebounds*
  (August 30, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Hotels, wineries report upswing in visitors, revenue as tourists overcome post-9/11 fears
  
  
• Lodging industry takes lead*
  (July 26, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Outpacing day-tripping as source of spending in county, group seeks room taxes to fund ads
  
  
• Confidence in local economy rising*
  (July 23, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Survey of Sonoma County executives points to recovery
  
  
• Windsor Town Green soon to become a WiFi hot spot*
  (July 8, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Windsor is getting wired. Visitors to the Town Green soon will be able to surf the Internet and check e-mail from laptops and hand-held computers courtesy of radio-signal technology approved Wednesday by the Town Council.
  
  
• Hotel pins hopes on Hyatt alliance*
  (June 27, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Clout of national chain may raise profile of SR's Vineyard Creek, Sonoma County among travelers
  
  
• Airwaves to carry high-speed Internet farther in Sonoma Co.
  (June 25, 2004 — North Bay Business Journal)
  High-speed wireless connectivity technology is taking the Internet beyond the U.S. 101 corridor ...
  
  
• North bay teens face corporate challenges at SSU*
  (June 22, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Stocks rise or fall on decisions of students in simulated program
  
  
• Crane touts business climate*
  (June 17, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Governor's economic aide says state can capitalize on 'natural advantages'
  
  
• County jobs may be on upswing*
  (June 15, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Unemployment rate lowest in 2 years; experts say this rebound looks sustainable
  
  
• Industry pins hopes on growing leisure travel*
  (June 6, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  With 75% of visitors from California, 2003 a good year despite post-9/11 slump
  
  
• Health-conscious consumers feed sales*
  (June 6, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Local natural foods industry growing up to 20%, being squeezed by business costs
  
  
• Sonoma County economic outlook rosy*
  (May 28, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Economic Development Board's adviser forecasts job growth, temporary drop in home prices
  
  
• Economic outlook up*
  (May 24, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Report's author: Sonoma County looks stable with nascent signs of recovery
  
  
• Telecom forecast improves*
  (May 1, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Upbeat report could signal tech turnaround for Sonoma County
  
  
• REPORT UPBEAT ON COUNTY WINE INDUSTRY*
  (April 23, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  A weak dollar, changing consumer tastes and a new generation of wine drinkers improve the Sonoma County wine industry's prospects, according to a new economic report released Thursday.
  
  
• SR honored as 'most livable' city
  Nonprofit group hails 'creative' ways found to cope with traffic, other problems*
  (April 20, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Its budget is in the tank, its homes are among the least affordable in the nation and the highway that cuts through it resembles an afternoon parking lot.

  But today Santa Rosa will be honored as one of the 25 "most livable cities" in the United States during an awards presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
  

• Local business confidence rising*
  (April 14, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County survey finds leaders' optimism grew for 4th consecutive quarter
  
   
• Manufacturers to increase hiring in 2004
  (April 5, 2004 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Sonoma County has yet to pick up any of the 6,900 manufacturing jobs lost over the last three years, leaving many to wonder if the buzz about the sector's recovery is premature or just flat out wrong.
  
  
• Sonoma County Economic Development Board receives Grand Prize for Excellence
  (March 22, 2004 — North Bay Business Journal)
  California's highest award for an economic development program — the Grand Prize for Excellence 2002 — was awarded to the Sonoma County Economic Development Board ...
  
  
• Business, nonprofits co-dependent*
  (March 21, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  There's an old saying that the only difference between nonprofits and for-profit businesses is that nonprofits are nonprofit by choice.
  
  
• NONPROFIT MERGERS URGED*
  (March 20, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Officials from some of the 1,500 Sonoma County Nonprofit organizations were told at an annual conference Friday that they are fulfilling critical community needs, for which they should be lauded, but the groups need to consider mergers and collaborations to be more efficient.
  
  
• WORKFORCE CONFERENCE looks at employment projections, issues
  (March 15, 2004 — North Bay Business Journal)
  The North Bay economy is in a holding pattern, though unemployment in most of the area has stabilized...
  
  
• Specialization seen as key to Sebastopol's economic future*
  (February 25, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Developing unique economies can help Sebastopol and other small cities become more self-sufficient, business leaders and local officials said Tuesday...
   
• Weak Dollar, Strong Export*
  (February 15, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  According to the survey by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, 52 percent of local companies that are in the exporting business say exports have increased...
  
  
• Hospitality Jobs Stable*
  (January 25, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  While jobs in high tech and manufacturing have declined markedly in the past few years, the job market in hospitality, tourism and wine industries remains strong.
  
  
• County's biggest challenges: State deficit, funding cuts*
  (January 22, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Priorities for 2004 include widening Highway 101, finding airline
  
  
• Local business confidence up*
  (January 21, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County survey finds executives have trouble finding qualified workers
  
  
• Biotech leaders converge*
  (January 17, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma, Marin execs say North Bay could be hub if talent, traffic, housing issues were solved
  
  
• Health sector on the mend*
  (January 16, 2004 — Press Democrat)
  Economy.com says patient revenues up, long-term outlook positive

Back to current News Articles

• State economy on mend*
  (November 22, 2003— Press Democrat)
  UCLA economist says recession was mild, especially outside Bay Area; '90s boom made it seem worse

• County tourism still clouded*
  (November 21, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Report warns hotel room boom, lingering effects of 9/11, recession confound recovery

• 1 in 6 execs might move business elsewhere*
  (October 10, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Survey: Most local leaders unhappy with expenses of operating in state; overall confidence, profits remain steady

• Banking sector tops local economy*
  (September 30, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County remains in recession, few signs of improvement

• Sonoma County tech survey finds optimism, expansion plans*
  (September 13, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Read the High Tech Report

• Oculus ready to release product*
  (September 13, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Petaluma biotech firm lands $25 million deal for disinfectant

• Kenwood Inn targets high rollers*
  (June 18, 2003— Press Democrat)
  $9 million renovation turns bed-and-breakfast into upscale destination complete with spa

• Riding out the storm*
  (June 8, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Economists see clearing ahead, but more jobs could be lost before recession ebbs

• Agilent foresees strength in Sonoma County*
  (June 8, 2003— Press Democrat)
  High-end manufacturing to remain close to local development teams

• All segments of economy feel recession's impact*
  (June 8, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Ripple effect from tech debacle spreads to largest businesses, with few immune to continuing squeeze on profits

• Economy seen turning corner in next 6 months*
  (May 30, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County expected to lag behind pace of national recovery

• Going green for profit*
  (May 19, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Survey finds local businesses swayed by cost-saving aspect of conservation measures

• Sonoma County is the only California region to make the "Top 25" in the new Forbes magazine list of "Best Places for Business".

  Sonoma County is one of the few regions in the Nation to have consistently scored in the top category for the last several years. This year, Forbes has changed its methodology in calculating "best" places for business, and Sonoma County has accordingly declined from its previous position in the top 10.

  Still, as the only California region in the top 25, it's a testament to Sonoma County's economic vitality and strong potential.

• Lego Robotics not just child's play*
  (May 10, 2003— Press Democrat)
  10 Sonoma County schools develop junior engineers

• Making one last pitch*
  (April 26, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Students end business simulation with trade show...

• Make-believe firms teach local students real-world skills*
  (April 22, 2003— Press Democrat)
  Youth Business Week simulates process of creating, producing, marketing products...

• County rated among best places to live*
  (November 22, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  Money magazine has named the San Francisco Bay Area and Sonoma County as among the best places to live in the United States...

• Local businesses cope with crime*
  (November 6, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  From embezzlement to bad checks to graffiti, small companies face problems that eat into profits, workplace trust

• County business confidence waning*
  (October 23, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  Survey finds mounting pessimism about regional, national economies

• Tourism industry urged to diversify*
  (October 10, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  Report: Sonoma County's reliance on Wine County alone could backfire

• County execs predict recovery*
  (July 11, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  Business executives in Sonoma County are growing increasingly optimistic

• Home Grown*
  (June 16, 2002 — Press Democrat)
  Food processing plays burgeoning role in Sonoma County's economy …

• Teens Learn Business By Doing It*
  (April 5, 2002 - Press Democrat)
  Read about the five-day Youth Business Week program, sponsored by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, to teach high school students about real life in the corporate world.

• Santa Rosa - #2 In The Nation For Business!!
  Forbes Magazine and the Milken Institute publish their annual list of the best places for businesses and careers in the United States. Santa Rosa ranked #2 in the nation among 200 metropolitan areas analyzed. Read the articles to find out more:

  • Press Democrat (May 10, 2002)*

  • Forbes Magazine (May 9, 2002

• Business Confidence Falls In County*
  (November 27, 2001 Press Democrat)

  By Mary Fricker
  Business confidence in Sonoma County's potential for economic growth in the near future has dropped dramatically since the summer, but most top executives still feel their own companies are doing fairly well, a county economic report said Monday.
  Read the Business Confidence Report

• Report: arts good for business*
  ( August 20, 2001 Press Democrat)
  By Debra D. Bass
  Sonoma County Economic Development Board says culture helps new industry. Arts groups contribute $44 million a year to the local economy according to the Arts as an Industry report released this summer.
  Read the Arts Report

• Commerce on the Quick*
  (July 30, 2001 Press Democrat)
  By Bob Norberg
  Connectivity Council - Expanding high-speed Internet in Sonoma County Economy
  The effect of high-speed internet access on Sonoma County business is the subject of a draft study prepared at the request of a new group called the Connectivity Council, a coalition of business, education, government and community service groups. The council was formed to take up the challenge of improving access to and use of high-speed Internet service in Sonoma County.

• Business Execs Stay Upbeat*
  (July 21, 2001 Press Democrat)
  By Ted Appel
  Mid-year poll finds outlook on Sonoma County economy less glowing than year ago.
  Business optimism is fading in Sonoma County as the economy slows, although local executives remain bullish about the future, according to a new survey. Despite layoffs and declining profits across corporate America, 94 percent of local companies are confident the Sonoma County economy will not be pulled into a downward spiral this year

• High Tech on Solid Ground*
  (June 2, 2001 Press Democrat)
  By Bob Norberg
  Sonoma County Economic Development Board's report on the high-tech industry reinforces the long term expectations for the County's $1.8 billion industry even as growth shows signs of slowing. Because of the diversity within the high-tech industry and the strength of other economic sectors, Sonoma County's economy will stay healthier than Silicon Valley's and San Francisco's.
  Read the High Tech Report

• Sonoma County Among the Elite*
  (May 17, 2001 Press Democrat)
  By Bob Norberg
  For the second year in a row, Sonoma county and its thriving economy have been ranked by Forbes magazine as among the elite in America. Of 238 metropolitan areas surveyed Sonoma County was No. 6 in the Forbes rankings of where businesses and employees would like to be.

• Youth Discover Real Corporate World*
  (April 18, 2001 Press Democrat)
  Students gave up Spring Break to learn the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a business at Sonoma County's first-ever Youth Business Week, a conference at Elsie Allen High School. The program allows students from all over the county to work side-by-side with local executives as they get hands-on experience at running a company. The program, organized by the Economic Development Board, is modeled after a similar conference started in Seattle almost 30 years ago.

• Do-it-yourself Security*
  (February 1, 2001 Press Democrat)
  An Economic Development Board handbook offers crime-preventiuon tips in a handbook specifically geared for businesses — everything from stopping computer viruses and embezzlement to what to do during a robbery or bomb threat.

• County May Catch its Economic Breath*
  (November 10, 2000 Press Democrat)
  This review of the BEA's Third Annual $traight to the Bottom Line Conference, "21st Century Business: How to Prepare for Tomorrow Using the Trends of Today," summarizes Dr. Steve Cochrane's presentation.

Back to current News Articles