Another year is upon us and our staff and partners are ready to make 2013 the most dynamic and progressive year yet.
Although the year has just begun, we have made great progress in spurring our economies. For instance, our CVBI-SBDC clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings Counties have already generated more than $6-million in capital infusion! This is a great indicator of strengthening businesses and job growth across our region, and we’re only in January!
The Water, Energy and Technology Center is full – with five new, high-potential technology-based companies that are preparing to enter and grow their products into our local markets. And, as they develop, they will create jobs and continue to support the development of new technologies – especially relative to food and water use – supporting and growing our proud ag-heritage and helping our region feed the world!
And, speaking of feeding the world … FOOD is a major focus of CVBI programs this year. There are so many initiatives growing (pun intended), from the Public Market to Commercial Kitchens to a Kitchen Incubator, and CVBI is supporting these efforts to ensure that the entrepreneurial and innovation opportunities are fully leveraged – keeping dollars and talent here in our region. An excellent example is CVBI-SBDC client Rosa Brothers Milk Co. a Hanford Dairy that opened a processing and distribution plant in Tulare and is now processing their own milk and ice cream and distributing it through the Central Valley under their own brand.
Especially exciting is the growth of the BlueTechValley initiative. It’s hitting full-throttle, creating awareness across the nation and world of the many unique assets, resources and opportunities our valley provides to develop and advance solutions to the world’s water crisis and protecting this valuable resource in support of our Ag-economy.
2013 is a year of innovation, technology and job development. Through our programs and partners, CVBI will work at full capacity to drive business launch, job development and awareness of the tremendous opportunity and contributions if our Valley.
We gratefully acknowledge our key funders, The Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board, the University of California, Merced Regional Small Business Development Network, and the City of Clovis. And the many contributions by our local foundations and institutions, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Central Valley Community Bank, Small Business Administration, Comerica Bank, PG&E, AT&T, Sebastian Enterprises, Grundfos and all the members of the BlueTechValley Committee.
Here’s to a great 2013!
