September 12, 2011

Sacramento Business Journal

West Sacramento has formed a team of business, economic development and financial leaders to look at economic development and revitalization.

Mayor Chris Cabaldon said the team can help the city to “stay on the leading edge of prosperity,” especially because the state is eliminating redevelopment agencies or making them pay to stay functioning.

The advisory group will meet during the next several months to look at ways to fund or implement economic development, which includes keeping and recruiting businesses.

Cabaldon said by forming the group, the city will be able to stay competitive and continue to invest in the community by supporting infrastructure and development projects.

Councilmember Chris Ledesma, with experience in small-business development and the chairman of the city planning commission, will be the chairman of the advisory team, Cabaldon said.

Other members include:

Meg Arnold of Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance; Grant Deary of NorCal Beverage ; Jeffrey Dorso, a land use attorney with Pioneer Law Group; Catherine Dunwoody, executive director of CA Fuel Cell Partnership; Jack Ehnes, chief executive officer of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System ; Mark Friedman, president of Fulcrum Property , Lon Hatamia, president and CEO of the Hatamiya Group, Agrivest Ventures; Barbara Hayes, Sacramento Area Trade and Commerce Organization;James Morante and Clay Schmidt of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. ; Donald Terry, community development, Wells Fargo Bank ; Dr. J. Robert Fountain of Regional Economics Consultants; Denice Seals, CEO and president of the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce ; Val Toppenberg, retired West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency director and Bob Murphy, retired city attorney for West Sacramento.

Posted by Melissa Wiese. Contact her atmwiese@bizjournals.com or 916-558-7866

Source:  http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2011/09/12/west-sacramento-economic-development.html