Santa Cruz County Business Council
Supporting Economic Development in Santa Cruz County
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The Business Council would like to welcome our newest member K&D Landscaping. Based out of Watsonville, K&D Landscaping handles both commercial and residential landscaping all across the Monterey Bay region. Having been in business for over 30 years they have a proven track record of looking out for their employees and their community. Check out their website at http://www.kndlandscaping.com
SANTA CRUZ >> Around 100 local business leaders gathered at UC Santa Cruz on Thursday to discuss the pros and cons of working in Santa Cruz County and the region’s economic outlook.
It was the Santa Cruz County Business Council’s annual economic forum and the main speaker, Robert Kleinhenz, executive director of economic research at the Los Angeles firm Beacon Economics, delivered good news.
“There’s no recession in sight over the next 18 months,” Kleinhenz said.
A wobbly Chinese economy and Brexit won’t cause a prolonged downturn in the U.S. market, he said. Consumer, business and government spending all have shown solid growth. Unemployment is down. In California, jobs have been added faster than anywhere else in the country for the past four years. Also, oil prices are down, which is good, because it allows people to spend money on other things, he said.
Same thing goes for Santa Cruz County — economic indicators such as employment rates and consumer spending are good.
In effort to reduce our carbon footprint we have provided a copy of both Dr. Kleinhenz’s report and our report on the 2016 State of the Local Business Climate Survey online. Both reports are linked below and can be downloaded. Remember, only you can prevent some tree genocide.
This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.
Beacon Economics is one of California’s leading economic research and consulting firms, specializing in economic and revenue forecasting, economic impact analysis, economic policy analysis, regional economic analysis, real estate market and industry analysis, and EB-5 Visa analysis. Our firm’s internationally recognized forecasters were among the first and most accurate predictors of the U.S. mortgage market meltdown that began in 2007 – and among a relatively small handful of researchers who correctly calculated the depth and breadth of the financial and economic crisis that followed. Known for delivering independent and rigorous analysis, we strive to give our clients an understanding of economic trends and data that helps strengthen strategic decision making about investment, revenue, and policy. Clients range from the State of California to Fortune 500 companies to major cities and universities.
To learn more about Beacon Economics please visit: www.BeaconEcon.com
This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.
Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP is a full-service regional accounting firm, established in 1922, with four offices in California (Watsonville, Glendale, San Diego, and El Centro). Hutchinson and Bloodgood’s Watsonville office, with four partners and 12 staff, has a large clientele involved in the Agricultural Industry, along with closely held businesses, real estate, homeowner associations, and nonprofit and benefit plan audits.
The partners and staff of Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP are all involved in local charities, sitting on Boards and audit committees. Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP feel strongly about giving back to our community.
To learn more about Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP please visit http://hbllp.com/ or call (831) 724-2441.
This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.
Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) is a global leader in audio communications for businesses and consumers. We have pioneered new trends in audio technology, creating innovative products that allow people to simply communicate. From unified communication to Bluetooth® headsets to gaming solutions, we deliver uncompromising quality, an ideal experience, and extraordinary service. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100™, as well as 911 dispatch, air traffic control and various mission-critical applications for those on the frontline.
From the beginning, giving back to our communities has been a natural part of Plantronics culture. Our daily business is removing barriers to enable smarter communications, which allows us to better understand how to listen to the world differently. Being a good global and community partner plays an important role in engaging the natural giving spirit of our associates.
With more than 3,000 associates worldwide, community engagement is an integral component of Plantronics culture. Though our associate volunteering, technology and funding, Plantronics is already driving positive change in communities where the company has a significant business presence. Some of the local efforts we are involved with are Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way.
Learn more about Plantronics at www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.
This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Bay Federal Credit Union provides personal and business banking services but, unlike a bank, they are owned by their own account-holders — members like you! The Bay Federal philosophy is “people helping people,” which translates into exceptional service, competitive and affordable financial products, and assistance from staff and management who care about you. These benefits are what make Bay Federal stand out as one of Tri-Counties’ best financial service values. Plus, Bay Federal is actively involved in the local community.
Since 2002, 100% of Bay Federal’s employees have volunteered or donated funds to support local non-profits. The Bay Federal Credit Union free Financial Education program has positively impacted the lives of students and adults throughout the area. Bay Federal is an award-winning organization, having been recognized by the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area, Best Credit Union’s to Work for, California’s Small Business Volunteer Program of the Year and repeated recognition in local “Reader’s Choice” surveys by local newspapers. Bay Federal is committed to making a real difference in our community each and every day!
To learn more about Bay Federal Credit Union please go to www.bayfed.com or visit one of their branches today!
This is a multi-part series highlighting our sponsors for the June 30th, Santa Cruz County Business Council Economic Forum. This page will be updated periodically to highlight the work our sponsors are doing at large and in our community.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is a pioneer in the multispecialty group practice of medicine providing quality medical care in Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. PAMF provides general health care, family practice, urgent care, primary care, and health care specialists. In Santa Cruz, PAMF works closely with Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (SMSC) to provide integrated health care for our community. SMSC is a licensed and Joint Commission accredited acute care hospital providing birthing, medical, and surgical services. Both are affiliated with the Sutter Health family of not-for-profit physician organizations and hospitals that share resources and expertise to advance health care quality in more than 100 communities in Northern California.
PAMF’s Philanthropy program raises funds for critical health programs and lifesaving medical technology. Through this program, PAMF was able to donate Automatic Defibrillator Devices to local schools, launch innovative cancer survivorship programs and implement our high school athlete cardiac screening program – all thanks to our generous donors. This year PAMF is raising funds for their Cancer Care Program. In Santa Cruz, more than 900 PAMF patients are diagnosed with cancer each year. Funds raised will cover costs for complementary care (which is not traditionally covered by insurance), purchase equipment to enhance patient care and provide support for patients and their families as they cope with cancer treatment and recovery. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please go to PAMF’s website for to donate.
Learn more about the Palo Alto Medical Foundation at http://www.pamf.org/
