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• Architect Larry Simons is honored for his body of work
  (April 28, 2008— North Bay Biz)
  Larry Simons is being honored by the Redwood Empire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.
   
• What downturn? *
  (April 14, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  For healthy, recession-proof companies like Santa Rosa's G&C Auto Body, now's the time to expand
  
  
• County jobless rate dips slightly *
  (March 22, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  Business picks up after dismal January, but forecast 'fair to cloudy'
   
• County backs energy independence *
  (March 20, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  Water Agency proposes solar-powered complexes, fleets of electric cars
   
• Going green, saving green *
  (March 1, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  16 Sonoma County companies honored for practices that are easy on the environment.
   
• Businesses going green with BEA *
  (February 29, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  Business Environmental Alliance honors top local eco-friendly companies.
   
• Officials: «ª-year plan can help guide choices *
  (February 3, 2008 — Press Democrat)
   
• Calculated Influences *
  (February 3, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  County employs complex model to analyze conditions, their effects on future growth.
   
• Economic diversity will weather slump
  (February 2, 2008 — Sonoma News)
  Forecaster likes county's diverse economy.
   
• County's 'big picture' healthy *
  (January 24, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  County Economic Development Board issues Sonoma County passing grades in annual report.
   
• It's Vegas, baby! *
  (January 24, 2008 — Press Democrat)
  New flights to Las Vegas from Sonoma County Airport.
   
•  Horizon responds to desire for air service to Las Vegas
  (January 23, 2008 —North Bay Business Journal)

• SR-Petaluma area No. 17 on list of secure places *
  (December 11, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Despite headlines about gang violence, home loan foreclosures and other social ills, the Santa Rosa-Petaluma region is one of the most secure places to live in the country, a study released Monday said.
   
• Motherland of invention *
  (November 18, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County residents taking problems, challenges, and some tinkering, to becoming a patent leader
   
• Study: Counties competing for jobs *
  (November 6, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Companies not fleeing to other states as much as thought but are escaping costly L.A., SF areas
   
• County job growth up in September *
  (October 20, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County job growth outpaces the average for California
   
• Sonoma County Health Action team holds first meeting
  (October 12, 2007— North Bay Business Journal)
  A 32-member council has begun discussing how to change health care in Sonoma County.
   
• County economy stable, report says *
  (October 10, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Moody's Economy.com analyst calls housing downturn biggest short-term risk to growth
   
• Supervisors name Innovation Council
  (September 11, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today appointed 34 individuals to serve on the Sonoma County Innovation Council, an advisory committee that will be charged with overseeing the development of an economic strategic plan for the county.
   
• County job growth slows in August
  (September 22, 2007)
  Real estate slowdown affects the number of worker seeking jobs
   
• Yankovich, Raeside on Innovation Council
  (September 18, 2007 —Sonomanews)
  Over the next 10 years, approximately 80 million baby boomers will retire nationwide, and it's expected that only about 40 million people will replace them in the workforce.
   
• Mapping county's economic future *
  (September 12, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  34 business, community leaders selected for Innovation Council will advise elected officials
    
• Disaster Comes In Many Forms *
  (September 10, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  When Sonoma County businesses plan for disaster, they may think about fires, floods or earthquakes.
    
• County jobless rate hits 2-year high *
  (August 18, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  July unemployment figures included losses in real estate, home finance, education
  
  
• Sonoma County vacancy rates drop *
  (August 8, 2007 — Press Democrat)
   
• Back In Business *
  (July 23, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  After post-9/11 slump, future rosy again for Sonoma County hotels
   
• Going the distance *
  (July 22, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Annual Vineman triathlon events strengthening Wine Country's draw for tourists, world-class athletes
   
• Sonoma County adding jobs *
  (July 21, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Unemployment rate up slightly, but more people working than last year
   
• Tourist Attraction
  (June 30, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Winery visiters are bringing big bucks into the North Bay's Economy
   
• Sonoma County adds jobs in May *
  (June 16, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Farm, tourism, construction sectors boost employment from April
   
• Forecast for county economy looks upbeat *
  (June 1, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Despite a drop in housing prices, Sonoma County's economy is expected to remain strong for the coming year
  
  
• ‘Innovation Council’ good step toward economic plan
  (May 28, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Business Journal Editorial
   
• Report: Sonoma County economy improved in first quarter
  (May 24, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Sonoma County's overall economy improved during the first quarter 0f 2007
   
• Tourism outlook strong in Sonoma County
  (May 22, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Hotel occupancy rates in Sonoma County are at their highest in six years
   
• New council will address innovation, economic stability
  (May 21, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Sonoma County Supervisors approve funding for new council to create an economic strategic plan
   
• Car sales stall *
  (May 20, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  New car sales in Sonoma County for the 1st quarter of 2007 are down 11.7 percent, compared to the 1st quarter of 2006
   
• County jobless rate holds steady *
  (May 19, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  The April unemployment rate for Sonoma County remained the same as the same period one year ago.
   
• Offices on the go *
  (May 8, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Regus Group to open furnished & staffed business rental suites in Petaluma in June.
   
• County adds 600 jobs in March*
  (April 21, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Unemployment rate drops to 4%, indicating strong local economy
   
• Job gains span various industries
  (April 2, 2007 —North Bay Business Journal)
  Business services, education, construction among fields seeing employment gains
   
• A career in hospitality*
  (March 26, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Hotels, restaurants eager to fill growing number of jobs
   
• County jobs growth best since 2001*
  (March 24, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  The job market in Sonoma County continued to grow in February at the fastest pace since 2001, state labor analysts reported Friday
   
• Air Service returns to Santa Rosa with Horizon Air*
  (March 18, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Daily flights from the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport offer travel convenience to local businesses and residents
   
• Strong jobs report raises questions about monthly data
  (March 12, 2007 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Data reporting differences result in confusion about employment statistics
   
• Incentives for health*
  (March 11, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Employers find programs reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, retain workers, lower insurance costs
   
• County economy looking better*
  (March 3, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Contrary to previous estimate, Sonoma County gained the most jobs last year since 2001
   
• Bright year ahead for hotels*
  (February 26, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Industry optimism: Hoteliers in Sonoma County hoping upward swing of 2006 continues in room occupancy
   
• Going green, saving green*
  (February 23, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Group honors businesses that find ways to be kind to environment,bottom line at same time.
   
• Making room for new hotel*
  (February 7, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Hotelier plans 38-room downtown inn to capture tourist overflow.
   
• Officials worried about county economic health*
  (January 25, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County's economy is stalled by lackluster job growth.
   
• Dive in county home prices may be leveling off*
  (January 17, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Number of homes available falls as more owners drop out of market
   
  
• Cloudy skies ahead*
  (January 7, 2007 — Press Democrat)
  Housing slump, projected slowed growth in retail and income point to mild recession

Archive

• North Bay entering new year with very low jobless rates
  (November 27, 2006 —North Bay Business Journal)
  North Bay Market Fact Book
   
• Forecast: Housing to hit bottom in 2007*
  (November 4, 2006 —Press Democrat)
  Economist predicts no rebound in area market for five years
   
• Prosperity recipe for Sebastopol
  (October 16, 2006 — Sonoma West Times & News)
  Economic Summit calls for innovative “Wealth Index”
   
• County makes stand for sustainability*
  (September 5, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Water, energy conservation efforts meant to set example for private industry
   
• The Biotech Trek
  (August 2006 — Diamics Corporation)
  Medical Biotechnology is beginning to hit its stride in the North Bay
   
• Shrunken Telecom Employment Still At 2,000
  (August 7, 2006 — North Bay Business Journal)
  Telecom & Biotechnology News
   
• Clos du Bois to grow*
  (July 28, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  One of Sonoma County's largest wineries is planning an expansion that will double its production capacity.
   
• Selling Sonoma County*
  (July 13, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County Tourism Bureau creates new marketing plan to draw more visitors.
   
• Improving economy helps boost tourism*
  (July 7, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Visits to Petaluma by out-of-towners have increased significantly, annual hotel tax receipts and Visitors Bureau statistics show.
   
• Equity Office sees bright future in county*
  (July 3, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  REAL ESTATE BET: Chicago-based company's expansive portfolio shows bullish expectations on market growth
   
• County Growth Shows Promise*
  (June 23, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Analyst predicts Sonoma County's economy to grow to nearly $28 billion over the next five years.
   
• Diverse economy bounces back*
  (June 11, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Broad-based local economy overcomes continued decline in high-tech manufacturing
   
• Tourism Bureau: Big budget, big vision*
  (June 11, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  New tax, county fundsgive group $3.5 million to attract visitors
   
• Growing stronger*
  (June 11, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Tourism, construction, wine industries fuel recovery despite downturn in housing market
   
• Tourism industry sees some blue skies*
  (June 11, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Return of air service bolsters confidence as businesses bank on steady visitor growth
   
• Job surge for grads*
  (May 28, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  HIRING BOOM: Survey finds Class of 2006 entering best employment market in six years as upbeat employers search to fill staffing gaps
   
• Horizon Air expected to start flights to county*
  (April 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Announcement due today of service to Seattle, L.A. likely early next year
   
• Barnyard welcome mat*
  (April 23, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Farm Trails has helped Sonoma County farms and ranches to thrive.
   
• County jobless rate falls to 4.2%*
  (April 22, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  The unemployment rate went down slightly in March, despite the loss of construction & farm jobs, due to bad weather.
   
• Town ripens on the vine*
  (April 20, 2006 — USA Today)
  Healdsburg wrestles with maintaining a sense of taste, charm and authenticity these days.
   
• Rising short-term rates squeeze profit *
  (March 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Local bankers will have more competition and lower profits this year, due to rising interest rates.
   
• Home builders expect good year*
  (March 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Residential home builders are expecting another busy summer, as construction is forecasted to continue at the same pace as previous years.
   
• Construction industry booming*
  (March 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Commercial construction in Sonoma County is up; 1,300 jobs have been added in the past year.
   
• Quiet Growth*
  (March 9, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  While no one was looking, local economy was expanding
   
• Hotel rooms cost more, fill up*
  (March 8, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Local lodgings experience greatest increases in room rates, occupancy of any region north of Golden Gate
   
• Surprise surge in jobs in county*
  (March 4, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County employers have increase hiring between October and January, more than doubling the rate earlier in 2005.
   
• Amy's Kitchen adds jobs*
  (March 4, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Local food manufacturer adds 300 new jobs, despite plans to move plant to Medford, OR, later this year.
   
• Poll finds traffic biggest woe facing North Bay*
  (February 23, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County residents rate traffic as the number one problem in the North Bay.
   
• County's hospitals squeezed as costs rise faster than revenue*
  (February 17, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Report cites more expensive patient care, new technology.
  
  
• Calix leads new wave of high-tech startups*
  (January 22, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Calix and other next generation tech companies located in Sonoma County's Telecom Valley look to have a promising year.
   
• Healthy growth forecast for medical tech industry*
  (January 22, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County's medical technology industry is forecast to grow, due to advances in science and the aging population.
   
• Economy shifts from high-tech*
  (January 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Sonoma County business sector has evolved, with health care, tourism showing most potential.
  
  
• Big changes: What a difference a decade can make to local economy*
  (January 26, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  ''We have a totally different economy in Sonoma County now," economist Doug Henton told a sold-out crowd at Wednesday's 2006 State of the County breakfast.
  
  
• Bay Area economy returns to 'normal'*
  (January 27, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  Despite first job gains since recession, growth still trails state, nation; 2% job, wage gains predicted
   
• Turning Point*
  (January 22, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  The Sonoma County economy, three years out of recession and still searching for a foothold toward the next economic boom, will see marginal growth this year even as it faces rising gas prices and interest rates and a questionable housing market.
  
  
• County jobless rate 3.8%: December figure lowest since 9/11; new job boom forecast*
  (January 21, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  The unemployment rate in Sonoma County is the lowest it has been since September, 2001, and is lower than the average for the state. A new study predicts the County will be one of the fastest job-growing regions in the nation.
   
• Weighing wage hike impact*
  (January 14, 2006 — Press Democrat)
  The proposed minimum wage increase may have little affect on jobs in Sonoma County.
   

Archive