Economic Development – Progress Report out



Economic Development – Progress Report

Strategy #1 - Expand telecommunications and other infrastructures to support new and existing industries.

1. Identify infrastructure needs for high tech/communications and technology cluster groups/CSUB-Business School.

Lead Organization: Bakersfield City Economic Development & Kern County Economic Development

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: July 26, 2001

Mike Freeman, assisted by Janette Pell, David Lyman and Guy Greenlee, conducted workshops on April 30 and May 1, with representatives of Kern Education, Government, Health Care, Major Employers, Community Based Organizations, Real Estate, Telecommunications and Utility companies and the Connecting Kern County Steering Committee. The purpose of the workshop was to:

1. Assess the status of Kern’s readiness for high-tech and telecommunications based business;

2. Set one year goals for progress; and

3. Identify action items for consideration.

A report that documents the findings of the assessment is in draft form and should be ready for review by the full Steering Committee in late July. All workshop participants will receive a copy of the final Phase I (Assessment) report upon completion. Distribution of the draft to the Steering Committee has been delayed due to requested revisions.

Phases II (Action Plan/Strategy) is to be started in September 2001.

Phase III (Implementation Plan) will follow – date uncertain A.T.T.

Phase I was funded jointly by the City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern. Phases II and III will be funded by a grant from the State pursuant to an application by New Valley Connections (of the Great Valley Center). The total grant is for $375,000 and is to be split between 8 counties.

Among Phase III components will be a geographic display of existing telecommunications infrastructure and recommendations for phased improvements.

It is anticipated that the Steering Committee for this planning process will become the Regional Technology Council for the countywide effort, and the technology industry cluster groups, as recommended in the County’s Economic Development Strategy.

Progress: June 20, 2001

Phase I report (Assessment) available upon completion (July 2001). Phase II Action Plan is to be completed in late July, early August. Phase III Implementation Plan will follow the process of who is best, in the community, to champion and implement infrastructure improvements identified.

Bakersfield College-June 20, 2001

Vital to this effort is the availability of trained electronic technicians. The AST Division has an Electronic s Technology training program that does this. We will also have a new electronics instructor who will enable us to generate some new programs relating to computer architecture and networking. We should be involved in the needs assessment and development of solutions.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Mike Freeman, consultant, assisted by Janette Pell, David Lyman and Guy Greenlee, conducted workshops on April 30 and May 1 with representatives of Kern representatives from Education, Government, Health Care, Major Kern Employers, Community Based Organizations, Real Estate, Telecommunications and Utility companies, and the Connecting Kern County Steering Committee. The purpose of the workshops was to: Determine existing status of Kern’s readiness for high-tech and telecommunications based business; Set one year goals for progress; and Identify action items for consideration.

Mike will synthesize the work of the groups and submit a draft report to the Steering Committee. All participants will receive a copy of the final Phase I report upon completion (mid June, 2001).

Phases II (Action Plan/Strategy) is to be completed in early July 2001.

Phase III (Implementation Plan) will follow – date uncertain A.T.T.

CSUB-May 8, 2001

The University’s Applied Research Center (66402173) and its directors Drs. Ken Nyberg (664-2109) and Dan McMillin (664-2386) have extensive qualitative and quantitative research capability and are prepared to assist with this strategy and others requiring research and evaluation activity.

The Computer Science Department has wide-ranging expertise in the area of new high tech industries. Its faculty is anxious to work on this strategy. Because of the special contribution Computer Science can play, the University hopes that Dr. Thomas Meyer (664-2104), the Chair of the Computer Sciences Department, will be invited to join Economic Development Vision Force.

1. Inventory existing public and private high tech and communications infrastructure.

Lead Organization: County Director of Information Technology, Jeannette Pell, in conjunction with Valley-wide I.T. Directors

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee

Progress: July 26, 2001

See progress report for Action #1. Among Phase III components will be a geographic display of existing telecommunications infrastructure and recommendations for phased improvements.

Progress: May 16, 2001

See progress write-up for Action #1. Among Phase III components will be a geographic display of existing telecommunications infrastructure and recommendations for phased improvements.

2. Develop and implement a technology plan for Greater Bakersfield to include public and private wiring grids, digital access, technology support structures, building codes, etc.

Lead Organization: Bakersfield Economic Development and County of Kern Economic Development

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: July 26, 2001

See report for Action #1. The plan will be funded with funds provided by the State. Kern’s plan will be for all of Kern County but will include geographically specific recommendations for the Metro Bakersfield area and other communities as deemed appropriate.

Progress: June 20, 2001

See progress report for Action #1. The Plan will be funded with funds provided by the State. Kern’s plan will be for all of Kern County but will include geographically specific recommendations for the Metro Bakersfield area and other communities as deemed appropriate.

Progress: May 16, 2001

City/County collaborated to hire a consultant, Mike Freeman, whose engagement is to identify infrastructure needs (phase 1), identify action initiatives (phase II) and implementation teams (phase III). The consultant work from all three phases will result in a plan to be implemented by what will become the Regional Technology Council. See update in Action #1.

3. Apply for grants (California Trade and Commerce Agency, HUD, etc.)

Lead Organization: Consortium of education and government to serve as resource center (KHSD, KCSOS, BC, CSUB, Kern County)

Time Frame: 2002 and on going.

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: July 26, 2001

See report for Action #1 regarding the State grant to complete Connectivity Studies for eight valley counties, including Kern County.

AB 31, Reyes will provide grants not to exceed $400,000 to each of the eight valley Counties pursuant to a Central Valley Infrastructure Grant Program. Grants are to fund public infrastructure improvements related to business development, retention or expansion. This can include telecommunications infrastructure. Grants are also to be available to qualified rural small cities (less than 100,000 population). The State office of Housing and Community Development will administer grants. Regulations are still in development, grants are to be available by September 1, 2001. Thus far it appears that grants to counties for unincorporated areas must be used in small rural communities with populations of less than 10,000.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Phase 1 (see Action #1) was funded jointly by the city and county. Phases II and III will be funded by a grant from the State, pursuant to an application on our behalf by the Great Valley Center-New Valley Connexions (total grant is $375,000 to be split between 8 counties). The remaining counties will follow our lead. We will apply for additional grants for implementation.

CSUB-May 8, 2001:

The University has extensive experience in grant writing. The Office of Graduate Studies and Research and its grants officer, Vincent Oragwan (664-2233), are prepared to be of assistance to groups developing grants. In the School of Business and Public Administration, a number of faculty are willing to assist. Mr. Donovan Ropp is particularly interested and has had considerable success recent grant applications. Dr. Robert Negrini (664-2185), a member of the Geology Department, is interested in working on technology grant. He and several of his colleagues authored grant applications that resulted in the GEOTECH Center, an invaluable resource to the petroleum and water industries.

Strategy #2 - Attract new types of businesses consistent with our Vision.

1. Complete a cluster industry analysis specific to Greater Bakersfield; identify new industries to target and a marketing strategy for their attraction/growth.

Progress: May 16, 2001

The existing Natelson report will be used for those clusters specific to metro Bakersfield.

1. Develop Cluster Task Forces to identify and recommend incentives necessary to attract investment capital in those sectors.

Lead Organization: KEDC (City and County economic development supporting)

Time Frame: 2002

Vision Force Liaison: Brent Dezember, Pat Collins

Progress June 20, 2001:

KEDC: In addition to the 3 cluster groups previously reported, KEDC is responsible for forming 5 more cluster groups by year end, and the Board of Trade is responsible for forming cluster groups for tourism, film-making, and retirement industries. Warehouse Distribution was not initially identified by the Natelson Report as an industry cluster to be targeted (air quality issues?). The KEDC added warehouse distribution into the mix to total 11 cluster groups.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Financial Services/Call Centers, Warehouse Distribution, and Plastics & Light Manufacturing cluster groups are formed and have met several times. KEDC staff is in the process of identifying potential members for other groups and will accelerate their effort to assemble those groups this year.

1. Target growth companies that meet clean air requirements, and create sustainable employment in jobs paying higher wages.

Lead Organization: KEDC (City and County economic development supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Brent Dezember, Pat Collins

Progress???

Bakersfield College-June 20, 2001

In 1990 we conducted three major studies in the county to assess the technical training needs to support the fabrication and manufacturing industries. We had a representative from IBM coordinate the studies and worked with us throughout the project. The goals were to assess what technical training was needed now, and also what advanced technology related training would be needed into the twenty-first century.

From these studies grew our Automated Production and Manufacturing Processes program. Focal points of this program are Computer Aided Manufacturing, Programmable Logic Controllers, Process Control, Robotics, and Computer Numerical Control. Our Electronics and CAD programs also integrate with this program. We have a half million dollars worth of hardware and software in the lab and teach evening classes so that working individuals can attend.

We hired a new instructor in January to facilitate more day classes and develop plastics related programs.

1. Conduct a review of companies, that fit the criteria identified over the last three years but that chose not to relocate here to determine the specific reasons for not selecting Bakersfield

Lead Organization: Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)

Time Frame: June 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Brent Dezember, Pat Collins

Progress: May 16, 2001

The KEDC has begun tracking missed opportunities, however there is no historical data.

1. Develop a marketing plan, specific to targeted companies, that addresses issues identified

Lead Organization: KEDC

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Brent Dezember, Pat Collins

Progress: June 20, 2001

The KEDC is in process of developing specific marketing plans for light manufacturing, call centers, and warehouse distribution.

1. Ensure the development of a regional technology group with public and private membership.

6A:

Lead Organization: Kern County Technology Transfer Group (CSUB)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Donovan Ropp

Progress: May 16, 2001

The KCTTG has a membership of 150 parties formed as a public/private alliance addressing technology issues.

6B:

Lead Organization: Bakersfield and Kern County Economic Development

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Donna Kunz, Guy Greenlee

Progress: July 26, 2001

The Steering Committee established to guide the “Connecting Kern county” study (see report on Strategy #1) includes representatives from Government, Education, Health Care, Real Estate, Major Employers, Small Business, Telecommunications and Community Based Organizations. This Steering committee, as augmented over time, will become the County’s Regional Technology Council. It will champion implementation of the recommendations developed during the study process.

Progress: June 20, 2001

The steering committee established to guide the “Connecting Kern County” study (see report on Strategy #1) includes representatives from Government, Education, Health Care, Real Estate, Major Employers, Small Business, Telecommunications, and Community Based Organizations. This steering committee, as augmented over time, will become the County’s Regional Technology Council. It will champion implementation of the recommendations developed during the study process.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Mike Freeman, assisted by Janette Pell, David Lyman and Guy Greenlee, conducted workshops on April 30 and May 1 with representatives of Kern representatives from Education, Government, Health Care, Major Kern Employers, Community Based Organizations, Real Estate, Telecommunications and Utility companies, and the Connecting Kern County Steering Committee. The purpose of the workshops was to:

1. Determine existing status of Kern’s readiness for high-tech and telecommunications based business;

2. Set one year goals for progress; and

3. Identify action items for consideration.

It is anticipated that the Steering Committee for this effort will become the Regional Technology Council for the City/County.

Strategy #3 - Build on existing economic base: Agriculture (for example; applied technology, value-added agriculture, Genetic technology) and Energy (for example: natural gas, micro-energy generating).

1. Form a Joint Economic Commission (Cluster Group Task Force) to review existing industries identified as industries to build upon, and create synergy with other horizontal or vertical groups to support the building on the strength of these industries via incorporation and use of technology.

Lead Organization: KEDC (City Economic Development supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Brent Dezember & Patrick Collins

Progress???

Bakersfield College-June 20, 2001:

Our business is training technicians. The Automated Production and Manufacturing Processes Program trains students for employment in value added agriculture such as carrot processing, potato chip making, and ice cream making. Our Industrial Drawing and AutoCad program supports all industries where design and working drawings must be developed. Hundreds of our graduates work as technicians or managers in these businesses.

CSUB-May 8, 2001:

The interim Dean of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, Dr. Marla Iyasere (664-3450), can engage her faculty in the work of the Joint Economic Commission. The school’s Biology Department are hiring faculty with agricultural research capabilities that may complement the Commission’s work. The contact is Dr. Iyasere.

Strategy #4 - Create a post-graduate Research and Development partnership with industry and universities.

1. Develop a high level task force to discuss focusing research and postgraduate programs on adding value to existing industries such as high tech agriculture to create an alignment and a competitive advantage similar to that found in Silicon Valley-Stanford and Sacramento-UC Davis.

Lead Organization: High Tech Cluster Group, KEDC, Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Patrick Collins, John Nilon

Progress:

CSUB-May 8, 2001:

The University is very interested in this strategy. The Lead Organizations can contact Dr. James George (664-3420), Associate Vice President, or the school deans to secure the names of faculty and departments interested in this strategy.

2. Form an advisory group to assist in the planning and implementation of the newly approved CSUB Engineering Program.

Lead Organization: High Tech Cluster Group

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Gene Voiland

Progress: May 16, 2001

This group has been formed and is charged with planning, implementation, and dean selection committee. Gene Voiland serves on the committee.

Strategy #5 - Encourage and provide business development and entrepreneurial opportunities.

1. Identify needs of small business and existing family businesses and develop an action plan to encourage and provide business development and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Lead Organization: CSUB-Family Business Institute and Weill Institute, Small Business Development Center.

Time Frame: 2002

Vision Force Liaison: Tom See, Donovan Ropp, Lynne Hall

Progress: June 20, 2001

CSUB: The Family Business Institute (FBI) has received a grant for an incubator project and is currently looking for matching funds and space, with 4-6 months to completion. The website is updated and family business workshops will re-start in September. FBI will present at the Kern Council of Chambers to be arranged through Chris Frank, President of the GBCC to inform them of the existence of FBI.

WIB: Career Services Center has 16 job developers who are working with the SBDC to ask business what their needs are.

Progress: May 1, 2001

The new Family Business Institute at CSUB and the SBDC are specifically charged with this responsibility. Grants have been requested for programs relating to the implementation of export trade programs and resources, and an e-business Incubator for the Kern County and Southern Central Valley area.

Strategy #6 – Align the offerings of higher education with the needs of the new economy.

1. Survey high tech and other industries to determine what industry standards and what skill sets will be required to prepare students to work in the “new economy”.

Lead Organization: WIB (CSUB, BC, KEDC supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon, Lynne Hall, Pat Collins

Progress:

WIB-July 26, 2001

The ERISS Study has been completed for the California Central Valley Workforce and can be accessed on the website .

WIB-June 20, 2001

ERISS Study has been completed. It is compiled every year through interviews of businesses with 5 or more employees (what are growth plans, employee skill needs. It should be released within a month.

CSUB-May 8, 2001

BPA’s faculty are particularly well qualified for and interested in this strategy. Examples of campus partners are Donovan Ropp’s Family Business Institute, D. Ropp, and the entrepreneurial activities of Dr. David Olson (664-2284). Dr. Ropp (664-2435)is the contact.

1. Develop courses that focus on meeting the industry standards and workforce skill sets identified by surveys of high tech and other industries (outcomes of Action 1).

Lead Organization: CSUB, BC

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Lynne Hall, Henry Lowenstein

Progress-June 20, 2001

CSUB-The School of Business has been approved for a new e-business concentration, which will also be completely available on-line.

Bakersfield College-The programs in the Bakersfield College Applied Science and Technology Division, are focused on maximizing this strategy. We need to be a key player in the assessment and planning process.

KEDC-KEDC has developed a new Education Task Force (Nilon, Hall, and Lowenstein are members) whose first discovery was that basic skills development was foundational to higher education such that the focus needed to be in the lower grades first.

Progress: CSUB-May 8, 2001:

Depending on the survey the University will develop the appropriate courses.

1. Partner with high tech and other industries to develop internships for students.

Lead Organization: CSUB, BC, WIB, High Tech Cluster Group

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Donovan Ropp, Lynne Hall, John Nilon

Progress June 20, 2001:

WIB/KEDC-is moving into identifying internships. WIB already provides 16-18 year olds with hi tech intern exposures. Efforts need to be coordinated so as not to duplicate.

CSUB-May 8, 2001

The University’s Office of Community Service and its coordinator, Ms. Chesni Meske-Dixon (664-2100), currently develops interns for CSUB students. Her office will contact high tech and other industries to secure their agreement for internships.

May 1, 2001

BREC has the Export Facilitator Internship Program, which has provided paid interns to businesses throughout Kern County. This program is specifically designed to promote the possibility of employment for interns by the participating businesses at the end of the internship. CSUB-BPA continues to network with accounting, insurance, and financial firms to provide CSUB students internships.

1. Develop marketing plan to educate the public about the higher education programs currently in place that prepare students for the new economy

Lead Organization: CSUB, BC, WIB

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Lynne Hall, John Nilon, Henry Lowenstein

Progress: July 26, 2001

The WIB has approved the Career Services Center (CSC) Marketing Plan to promote CSC as a community resource for all job seekers to use throughout their lifetime to learn and/or enhance job skills. It also establishes the CSC as a single source contact for employers seeking information in all aspects of employee expansion, retention, reduction or retooling. The plan will help redesign the image of Kern County’s workforce and create a better awareness of employment training activities as well as services for employers, job seekers, partners and the community in general.

Progress: June 20, 2001

CSUB: The Extended University now has a Marketing person on staff for this express purpose. The School of Business reports a 20% increase in enrollment in their school.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Marketing plan is in progress at these institutions.

Bakersfield College-June 20, 2001

The marketing of careers in technology is vital. We are in the technology training business but we do not to get sufficient numbers of viable students into our programs to meet local demand. The value of vocational education programs must be recognized and quality vocational programs must be an integral part of the k-12 educational system.

CSUB-May 8, 2001: The Extended University Division (664-2241) and University Development (664-2136) will develop a marketing plan to inform the community of the programs already in place.

1. Inventory, evaluate and prepare a plan to apply for existing federal funding, grants and foundation awards, which can fund technological training programs in our community college, state university and private institutions.

Lead Organization: WIB (CSUB, BC supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon

Progress: July 26, 2001:

Employers' Training Resource has identified two eligible grants for funding to technological training programs: H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant (Effective immediately) and Manufacturing Technology Program (Submission due date: August 25, 2001). Information on the grants will be distributed.

Progress June 20, 2001:

CSUB: New interim dean of Graduate Studies, Janis Chaves, plans to develop a staff person whose responsibility it is to write grants. The WIB will coordinate efforts with CSUB.

Progress: CSUB-May 8, 2001:

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Research (664-2231) will assume responsibility for CSUB’s role in the development of a plan to secure external funding. That position is currently vacant. Dr. George (664-3420) will serve as contact until the position is filled.

Strategy #7 - Create a permanent on-going nexus between community business employment needs and local educational requirements.

1. Utilize the Workforce Investment Board to identify current and future employer needs. One critical source of data is “cluster groups” teams comprised of business representatives from current and targeted growth industries (for example: oil, film, tourism, high tech, communications, retirement, value-added agriculture).

Lead Organization: WIB (KEDC, and CSUB Business and Public Administration School supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon

Progress: July 26, 2001

The CSC staff that has been assigned to this task has identified 6 “cluster” groups specific to the industries in Bakersfield and is currently working to clarify the definition of “clusters”.

Progress June 20, 2001:

GBCC (Chamber): A 3-day Academy for Teachers, “At Work” will take place the week of June 25th, whose purpose is to expose teachers to business. This is the 2nd of what is an annual program.

Progress: May 1, 2001

The Career Services Center (CSC) and Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) have assigned staff to work with employers to establish cluster specific strategies regarding the number of new jobs that need to be created to achieve the goals for reducing unemployment, increasing the county medium income and training/attracting a skilled workforce. Other goals include designing cluster specific workforce education/training programs; optimizing cluster specific marketing; and serving as a forum for the exchange of ideas within and between clusters.

1. Produce an annual “State of the Workforce” report detailing strengths and weaknesses of the local workforce, its preparation system, metrics and action plans for improvement.

Lead Organization: WIB

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon

Progress June 20, 2001:

WIB: The WIB has been asked to expand the scope of the “State of the Workforce” Report. It will be presented in September at the annual WIB Summit at which time other significant workforce reports (ERISS and the 25 Fastest Growing Careers) will be presented.

Progress: May 1, 2001

A preliminary draft has been prepared. Modifications to the draft have been requested and a final draft should be completed in early April and will be submitted to the full WIB for review.

CSUB-May 8, 2001: Dr. Abbas Grammy (664-2466), Chair of the Economics Dept., is available to assist on this undertaking.

Strategy #8 - Develop a system-wide workforce preparation program, pre-kindergarten through University system that integrates quality academic instruction, relevant vocational education, and workforce responsibility skills (soft skills).

1. Develop plans to expand business and education programs such as Academies, School-to-Career, vocational classes, business mentoring, job shadowing, and internships.

Lead Organization: WIB (KCEOC supporting pre-school)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon

Progress: July 26, 2001

On June 28, 2001 an Ad Hoc Committee meeting was held to discuss the Governor’s 15 Percent Discretionary Fund - Career Technical Training Grant. The committee agreed that youth funds for this grant would be best utilized to assist in the development of the Arvin Manufacturing Academy, making it a model for the state. Employers' Training Resource to collaborate efforts with the Kern High School District.

Progress: May 1, 2001

As a result of the collaborative efforts of the Workforce Investment Board, the Kern High School District, and Employers’ Training Resource, a new Career Academy for Arvin High School has been funded and will begin classes in the fall.

An Ad Hoc Committee of the WIB Youth Council, consisting of WIB members and business and educational leaders, has been formed to explore innovative High School Career/Technical/Vocational programs for the community. An initial planning meeting was held and action is underway to survey and obtain information from which conclusions can be drawn regarding the issues involved and possible solutions. Once the survey data is obtained, a series of 2-3 facilitated meetings will be held to discuss the identified issues, the case for action, what currently exists, the needs, the gaps, and possible solutions

2. Develop a Public Relations program educating the community on various career, education and training opportunities in the community.

Lead Organization: WIB (BC supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: John Nilon

Progress July 26, 2001:

“Careers in Kern County”, produced by the Workforce Investment Board and CSC, has recently aired programs on Summer Jobs for youth awareness and Automotive Technology. Copies of the taped programs have been used at informational meetings between training providers and job seekers as an additional tool for career awareness.

Progress June 20, 2001:

A new public relations/information program “Careers in Kern County” has been launched. Each month a new career will be highlighted. Manufacturing and Health Care careers have been highlighted so far.

Progress: May 1, 2001

A marketing plan has been developed and will be submitted to the WIB Planning Committee in May, and subsequently to the full WIB for approval.

Bakersfield College has obtained a $50,000 grant for this purpose.

Strategy #9 –Develop a plan to promote, publicize, obtain adequate funding, and implement a technology incubator.

Lead Organization: CSUB, BC

Time Frame: 2001

Vision force Liaison: Donovan Ropp, Lynne Hall

Progress: May 1, 2001

BREC is working with Weill Institute, Small Business Development Center, in the implementation of technology incubators. Dr. Thomas Meyer (664-2104) and his colleagues in the Computer Science Dept. will also assist with the planning.

Strategy #10 - Identify, support and coordinate existing private-public collaborations such as KEDC, Greater Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Vision 2020.

1. Develop “mega-group” to help coordinate existing efforts and eliminate duplication.

Lead Organization: Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Chris Frank

Progress June 20, 2001:

The Chamber is researching the need for this mega group to determine if some other organization is already providing the coordination/collaboration.

Progress: April 18, 2001

The Chamber has agreed to coordinate a meeting of the mega group; establish an agenda; seek buy-in and commitment with a timeline of

April 30, 2001,

2. Establish and communicate a specific legislative agenda for economic growth, including potential public funding.

Lead Organization: “Mega Group” (coordinated by the Chamber)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Ed Hickman, Sheryl Barbich

Progress: April 18, 2001

Legislative agenda to be developed, as outlined above by May 30, 2001.

Strategy #11 - Develop a Fast-track process for establishing a business, in Greater Bakersfield

.

1. Develop permit information in a consistent format between City and County. Use existing business model for City and County to establish a simplified and timely business application process

Lead Organization: City, County

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: July 26, 2001

Permitting processes are not currently coordinated between the City and County (a common application process does not exist). On-line permitting is a goal of the County Resource Management Agency (RMA). Feasibility of permits for the following RMA departments will be considered during design of the portal and web sites accessible through it. The RMA includes: County Planning; Engineering and Survey Services; Building Inspection; Environmental Health; Roads and community Development Departments. County ITS reports that this project is on their to do list, but has not been started.

Progress: June 20, 2001

Permitting processes are not currently coordinated between the City and County (a common application process does not exist). On-line permitting is a goal of the County Resource Management Agency (RMA). Feasibility of permits for the following RMA departments will be considered during design of the portal and web sites accessible through it: County Planning; Engineering and Survey Services; Building Inspection; Environmental Health; Roads; and Community Development. CSUB is working with the city and county to identify the public demand for on-line services.

Progress: May 16, 2001

Permitting processes are not currently coordinated between City and County (a common application process does not exist). The common web portal may allow this without significant amendment to current application processes. This will be considered as the portal is developed.

1. Provide business permitting information, application, and permitting capabilities as a part of a common web portal.

Lead Organization: Governmental consortium on technology

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: July 26, 2001

This concept will be considered as work between the City and County proceeds on the common web-portal. City and County ITS staff will request Board of Supervisors approval of the new portal on August 14, 2001 and will launch the initial design of a common web-portal immediately thereafter. Information and on line service applications will be added as they are developed.

Progress: June 20, 2001

This concept will be considered as work between the City and County proceeds on the common web-portal. City and County I.T. staff will launch the initial design of a common web portal by mid-August, 2001. Information and on line service applications will be added as they are developed.

Progress: May 16, 2001

City and County I.T. staff will have the initial design of a common web portal completed by mid-June 2001. Applications will be added as they are developed.

May 1, 2001

The County RMA Director (David Price III) reports that on-line permitting (as appropriate) is one of his goals for the RMA departments (Planning, ESS including Building Inspection, Environmental Health, Roads, Community Development).

Strategy #12 - Develop and implement a plan to develop statistics measuring the economy and other relevant data for Greater Bakersfield.

1. Determine which sets of data needed and the best sources to obtain and maintain on-going.

Lead Organization: CSUB (supporting WIB, KernCOG)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Mark Evans, Guy Greenlee, Donna Kunz

Progress: June 20, 2001

Representatives from the following agencies met on June 5, 2001 to discuss this action item:

CSUB

County Administrative Office

City Economic Development and Community Development Department

Kern COG

KEDC

ETR

EDD

Board of Trade

The group decided to review the full list of Economic Development data, as recommended in “So You Want to Make a Company’s Short List Huh?” Each agency is to identify which of the recommended data sets they produce or otherwise have access to for the County as a whole, Metro Bakersfield, and other County communities. Reports due June 22nd.

During a subsequent meeting the group will determine:

1. Which of the recommended data sets are relevant to Kern County’s economic development effort;

2. Of those data sets, which agency is best suited to provide and maintain the data for local economic development efforts; and

3. Should a single agency be designated as a central repository for the data?

Progress: May 16, 2001

Mark Evans and Guy Greenlee will establish a working committee of representatives from the following organizations to determine: specific sets of data needed; the best sources for each; which local organization should provide each data set; how data should be made available; and how often it should be updated: CSUB, County Administrative Office, City Economic Development and Community Development Department, Kern COG, KEDC, ETR, EDD, Others as appropriate

1. Form a task force to determine the university’s role relating to maintaining databases/information systems and conducting applied research. Develop funding plan.

Lead Organization: CSUB Economics (CSUB-School of Business and Public Administration, MIS, Computer Science and the KEDC, and WIB supporting)

Time Frame: 2001

Vision Force Liaison: Mark Evans

Progress: May 16, 2001

Pending completion of Action item #1.

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