Dubroff: COVID-19 pandemic prompts chambers to merge
Merging the chambers of commerce for Santa Barbara and Goleta is a logical step but it took a global economic crisis to force the decision. In case you missed it, the Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region and the Goleta Chamber of Commerce announced April 24 that they will combine memberships, creating an organization with Read More →
EVC launches online tool to help companies attract workers
San Luis Obispo County-based Economic Vitality Corporation has launched an online platform to connect regional businesses with new workers. The economic development nonprofit said April 29 the tool will help Central Coast companies attract and retain new employees from the area and farther out. “Local businesses aiming to hire talent from elsewhere are challenged to Read More →
Our view: SLO County reopening would yield lessons
With public officials and some health departments beginning to pivot toward re-opening the Tri-Counties for business, there is a single message that stands out — one size fits all won’t work for California. The state is too big, with too much geography and too much diversity of population density to respond to a single approach. Read More →
Tri-county manufacturers up to COVID-19 challenge
Manufacturers are finding niche opportunities as Central Coast operations pivot to serve essential industries like health care in order to survive a deep downturn. The shift has resonated throughout the supply chain as manufacturers aim to retain all-important relationships. “The challenge isn’t just in operating, keeping your doors open, it’s keeping supplies and components coming Read More →
Santa Barbara and Goleta chambers to merge
Two of the region’s largest chambers of commerce have agreed to merge, creating a regional chamber for South Santa Barbara County that mirrors efforts elsewhere in the region. The Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region and the Goleta Chamber of Commerce announced April 24 that they will combine memberships, creating an organization with more than Read More →
Office market rents will drop, NAI survey respondents say
NAI Capital took a look at regional trends from the last 10 years but also asked office market professionals where they see the market going in the near future for its COVID-19 Impact Survey, which was released April 13. “The financial impact on coworking spaces and office landlords in general will likely grow exponentially the Read More →
Our view: COVID-19 preventative measures have delivered results
This is what flattening the curve looks like. Across the Tri-Counties, new coronavirus cases are beginning to level off — with the exception of the Lompoc area, where a federal correctional center has emerged as a rare hot spot. Case counts and deaths per 100,000 population are low compared to other parts of the country Read More →
