SONOMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) is focused on growing a healthy economy by helping Sonoma County businesses and collaborating with community partners. The EDB Team brings together the knowledge, resources, services, connections, information, and inspiration to move Sonoma County forward.

EDB assists businesses in:

• Navigating the startup process
• Troubleshooting business challenges to get businesses to the next level
• Connecting businesses with key contacts, resources, financing and training opportunities
• Collaborating on issues affecting Sonoma County regional economy

“I think the advantage of being a member of CSN is connecting with other economic development partners across the greater Bay Region and entire state. Given all that California has been through, it is critically important to stay connected to our peers, lean on one another, and leverage our collected knowledge for creative problem solving and innovation. CSN fosters this regional approach to creating a healthy and balanced California economy.” -Sheba Person-Whitley, Executive Director

INLAND EMPIRE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) is a private, non-profit organization that advocates for business and quality of life for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (the region known as the Inland Empire). Our membership, a collection of important organizations in the private and public sectors, gives the organization the knowledge and perspective needed to advocate and provide a vibrant business and living environment.

“I have a genuine appreciation and belief in stewardship to help meet the State’s needs.” – Paul C. Granillo, President & CEO

Service Areas: Riverside County, San Bernardino County

  BAY AREA COUNCIL

The Bay Area Council has been at the intersection of business and civic leadership, shaping the future of the Bay Area since 1945. Today, the Bay Area Council is focused on ensuring the Bay Area is the best place to live and work. The Bay Area Council welcomes business leaders committed to working with public and community leaders to keep the Bay Area the most innovative, globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable region in the world.

“The California Stewardship Network is the premier gathering of regional leaders from across California working together on the state’s most pressing issues.”

NORTH BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

North Bay Leadership Council is an employer-led public policy advocacy organization committed to providing leadership in ways to make the North Bay sustainable, prosperous and innovative. As business and civic leaders, our goal is to ensure economic health by promoting better education, infrastructure, and governance to make our region a better place to live and work. Over thirty years ago, business leaders founded the North Bay Leadership Council on a simple premise: We can accomplish more by working together.

“Solving regional problems requires regional cooperation and collaboration. Being a part of CSN helps us explore best practices, find partners and share experience so we are able to achieve our goals of resilience, diversity, equity and innovation. ” –Cynthia Murray, CEO

Service Areas: Marin County, Napa County, and Sonoma County

ECONOMIC VITALITY CORPORATION

The Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) was established in 1994 and provides economic development services and business resources throughout San Luis Obispo County. EVC is a non-profit funded by grants, private and public sector sponsors which support our mission to help start, grow, and attract business on the Central Coast to create a more vital economy. The EVC provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with a wide range of resources and also developed and facilitates our County industry clusters, assessments and economic strategies.

“For over a decade the EVC and the rural county we represent, have found immense value in CSN’s power in numbers. Together we elevate our voices as advocates at the state level, share our common challenges and apply best practices from each other’s regions to solve our problems working smarter, saving resources and building camaraderie.” – Loreli Cappel, Senior Project Director, EVC

Service Area: San Luis Obispo

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE

The EDC creates confident, connected and directed business owners, civic leaders, and community partners by providing tools to build pathways for economic development. EDC’s mission is to maintain a healthy Ventura County economy through collaboration, education and training as a means to create and sustain quality jobs and improve wealth, thus enhancing the standard of living and quality of life throughout Ventura County.

“Participation in CSN provides our single most important opportunity for partnership, inspiration and learning about triple-bottom-line leadership, essential for assuring that our work in economic development remains true to our values for broadly shared opportunity, environmental health and balance.”-Bruce Stenslie, President & CEO

Service Areas: Santa Barbara County, Ventura County

REACH

REACH is a private sector-led coalition committed to solving shared challenges and shaping a vibrant economic future for more than half a million people in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Launched in 2018 as the Hourglass Project, REACH unites public, private and civic leaders to drive action and planning toward a more sustainable, inclusive economy across 17 cities and dozens of communities on the Central Coast.

“The ideas we’ve shared and connections we’ve made with like-minded regional leaders through our involvement with CSN have been invaluable in launching our 10-year REACH 2030 vision for creating a sustainable, equitable economy on the Central Coast.” -Melissa James, President & CEO

Service Area: San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County

  TAHOE PROSPERITY CENTER

The Tahoe Prosperity Center is focused on creating a Lake Tahoe where anyone can live, work, play, and thrive. In order to make this beautiful region a truly inclusive community, we are working to establish attainable workforce housing, higher wage and less seasonal job opportunities, reliable and robust internet, and a safe Basin equipped with fire safety cameras – all driven by locally focused, topical community indicators data.

“We greatly appreciate Becky Morgan’s vision and leadership in creating the California Stewardship Network. Learning from the leaders of this organization has brought tremendous benefit to Lake Tahoe – through sharing of promising practices and experiences that have improved our planning efforts.” -Heidi Hill Drum, CEO

Service Areas: El Dorado County and Placer County

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

LAEDC is a nonprofit collaborative regional stewardship organization committed to reimagining and reinventing the LA regional economy into one that is faster growing and more equitable, sustainable and resilient so as to provide a healthy and high standard of living for all. Through objective economic research to inform policy development, public convenings to develop consensus on regional growth strategies, technical assistance to small businesses, foreign direct investment attraction, and workforce development systems change initiatives, LAEDC advances growth, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

“LAEDC values the differences between our distinct, dynamic California regions and the unique and innovative approaches taken by our peer stewardship organizations as they seek to advance the interests of their regions. Through our many years engaged with the California Stewardship Network we have learned much from and enjoyed collaborating with our peers around the state to build a stronger and more equitable and sustainable California from the regions up.” -Bill Allen, President & CEO-Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

Service Area: Los Angeles County

MONTEREY BAY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

“We are very pleased to be part of the California Stewardship Network to work in partnership to create a vibrant economy that works for all our residents. CSN has been a leader in bringing diverse regional organizations throughout California together to focus on innovative solutions to the state’s most pressing economic, environmental and social challenges.” — Kate Roberts, President, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership

Service Areas: Monterey County, San Benito County, Santa Cruz County

3CORE

3CORE, Inc. is the federally designated Economic Development District for Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties and the nine cities and Town within. 3CORE is an intermediary focusing public and private investments that foster a stable and diversified local economy to improve social, economic, and employment conditions in the Tri County region. 3CORE’s mission is cultivating healthy businesses, because people matter. We do this by acting as a convener, connector and financial intermediary.

“The work of the California Stewardship Network shows that thoughtful collaboration and creativity are the keys to creating an equitable and prosperous economy that takes into account our differences and builds upon our strengths.” -Chelsea Irvine, Community Resource Manager

CSU-CHICO NORTH STATE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COLLECTIVE

California State University, Chico’s North State Planning and Development Collective is the lead agency for the Center for Economic Development (CED – established in 1986), the Geographical Information Center (GIC – established in 1988) and the Northeastern and Upstate California Connect Broadband Consortia. The agency provides services and resources to the region’s businesses, governments, and residents by pairing GIS mapping services and broadband infrastructure support with economic development research, surveying, analysis, planning and implementation throughout the state of California.

“The North State Planning and Development Collective at CSU, Chico values the opportunity provided by the CSN Network to integrate our rural counties of the North State into a partnership that builds capacity, leverages resources and taps into the expertise offered to create a robust statewide strategy moving forward.” -Jason Schwenkler, Executive Director

REDWOOD COAST RURAL ACTION

Redwood Coast Rural Action (RCRA) is a dynamic network of diverse regional leaders who have identified areas of focus and developed an agenda for local, regional and statewide action. RCRA was founded in 2002 and spans Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, & Mendocino Counties in Northern California. Originally convened by Humboldt State University, College of the Redwoods and Humboldt Area Foundation, RCRA has emerged as an effective vehicle for community leaders to join together building the region’s capacity to create the future of their choosing.

“Being a part of CSN enables me to magnify our rural voice at the state and national level.” -Kathleen Moxon, Director

Service Areas: Del Norte County, Humboldt County, Lake County, Mendocino County, Trinity County

VALLEY VISION

In 1994 a group of community leaders formed an organization to improve the regional landscape of the six county Sacramento Capital Region. Ever since, Valley Vision, together with regional leaders and collaborators, has engaged in hundreds of highly complex social issues that involve large numbers of community leaders, oftentimes with different agendas. In this way, Valley Vision exercises collective impact leadership to achieve breakthrough solutions that bring about long-term health and sustainability in the areas of environment, economy and social equity. Our work spans nearly every major social or policy issue—things like food security, education attainment, water reliability, digital literacy, health access, climate implications, business resiliency, air quality, mobility, and more. It’s by crossing boundaries and enlisting the expertise and influence of community leaders that Valley Vision activates the regional engagement necessary to affect transformative change on these large-scale challenges in a way that no other single organization is capable of tackling. But in all we do, our sights are on a single goal: To improve our region for the generations to come.

“We bring communities together to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and ensure a more livable future. By creating common ground built on facts through trusted research and meaningful coalition-building, Valley Vision brings “community inspired solutions” to the frontlines of a regional agenda for prosperity, equity, and sustainability. Through research and action, we collaborate on bold, long-term solutions that improve people’s lives.” – Evan Schmidt, CEO, Valley Vision

Service Areas: El Dorado County, Placer County, Sacramento County, Sutter County, Yolo County, Yuba County

FRESNO BUSINESS COUNCIL 

The Fresno Business Council has evolved from a traditional business civic group into a community stewardship organization. We tackle complex, chronic challenges requiring the multidimensional skills of a CEO. The members apply their entrepreneurial acumen to community problems and build networks to leverage resources across sectors. As civic entrepreneurs, the members have embraced the responsibilities of citizenship and applied their highest-level skills in the service of their community. Committed to acting in accordance with the ten Community Values, our contract for behavior in the civic sector, members have earned the trust necessary to work effectively with leaders in other sectors and the emerging leaders of younger generations. Sustainability of a stewardship approach is a priority focus as the organization moves past its 20th year.

“CSN offers a way to unite the regions of California empowering us to address intractable issues and build upon the unique and extraordinary strengths of our great state.” -Deb Nankivell, CEO

Service Area: Fresno County

  SIERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL

Sierra Business Council (SBC) fosters thriving communities in the Sierra Nevada region through “on the ground” local projects that promote, develop and amplify the area’s social, environmental and economic capital. Founded in 1994, we are the Sierra Nevada’s sustainability organization and we continue to demonstrate that vibrant communities, fair and prosperous economies, and healthy thriving ecosystems are not competing interests.

“CSN challenges my organization to be better, not just exposed to experiences, but to use them to push us.” -Steve Frisch, President

Service Areas: Alpine County, Amador County, Calaveras County, El Dorado County, Fresno County, Inyo County, Kern County, Lassen County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Modoc County, Mono County, Nevada County, Placer County, Plumas County, Sierra County, Tulare County, Tuolumne County

SILICON VALLEY LEADERSHIP GROUP

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, founded in 1978 by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, represents nearly 400 of Silicon Valley’s most respected employers on issues, programs and campaigns that affect the economic health and quality of life in Silicon Valley, including energy, transportation, education, housing, health care, tax policies, economic vitality and the environment. Leadership Group members collectively provide nearly one of every three private sector jobs in Silicon Valley and have more than $3 trillion in annual revenue.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (Statewide)

LGC works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions. With roots in California and a national reputation, LGC offers inspiration, information, and partnership for local and regional champions dedicated to building thriving communities that integrate civic engagement with environmental, social and economic priorities.

“The complex challenges we are facing calls for a new level of innovative and collaborative leadership — efforts like the California Stewardship Network are critical in bringing together business, community, and government voices to develop solutions for more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable regions.” -Kate Meis, Executive Director

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. 

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is an independently-funded economic development organization that mobilizes business, government, and civic leaders around an inclusive economic development strategy in order to connect data to decision making, maximize regional prosperity, enhance global competitiveness, and position San Diego effectively for investment and talent. In addition to our programming, we work directly with companies free-of-charge that are looking to expand, stay, or locate in the San Diego region. As a non-profit, our work is supported by nearly 200 companies that believe in creating a stronger San Diego for everyone.

“CSN creates an opportunity to partner with regions in subsets as a mega region.” -Lauree Sahba, COO

STANISLAUS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Since 2002, Stanislaus Community Foundation has been a catalyst to transform local resources into common good through strategic philanthropy and bold leadership. Consistently named one of the fastest growing Community Foundations in the last 5 years, SCF has granted more than $24 million in charitable funds to nonprofits and scholarship recipients in Stanislaus County. SCF houses more than 150 funds and close to $40 million in total charitable assets. The leadership work of SCF encompasses initiatives in educational attainment, economic mobility and civic literacy.

“Although we’re a place-based funder focused specifically on the residents of Stanislaus County, our team recognizes the importance of connecting with other organizations across the state – especially organizations led by stewards who believe and invest in the long-term vibrancy of their own regions. CSN allows us to build these connections meaningfully.” – Marian Kaanon, President & CEO, Stanislaus Community Foundation

Service Area: Stanislaus County

SAN MATEO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (SAMCEDA)

SAMCEDA (San Mateo County Economic Development Association) was founded in 1953 to promote business issues that enhance and sustain the economic prosperity of our region and its local communities. The message, “Business is Good, Business Brings Opportunity,” remains timeless. The rapid pace of change and locally, regionally, statewide, nationally and globally demands that SAMCEDA meet an ever-changing environment with information, ideas and tools our members can utilize to remain on step ahead.

“No one organization or person can effectively create opportunities for a fair, just and sustainable economy. Being a part of CSN and linking with other regions, SAMCEDA can learn, share and grow with through increased knowledge and collaboration. This will build a better, more resilient California for all.” – Rosanne Foust, President & CEO, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)

Service Area: San Mateo County

  THE JOHN JORDAN FOUNDATION

Service Area: Sonoma County

KERN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Kern Community Foundation (KCF) embraces a mission of Growing Community, Growing Philanthropy. For more than twenty years, the Foundation’s programs and initiatives have made a significant impact in the community – granting out nearly $25 million to community-based organizations (CBOs) while growing to nearly $30 million in total assets. Our reputation as a trusted community partner has earned us the opportunity to serve as a community convener, respected thought partner, responsible fiscal agent and catalyst for systemic change with a variety of stakeholders on many different levels.

“Participating in CSN connects us to organizations throughout the state that are embracing meaningful projects within their own communities. What better way to learn from successful efforts while also identifying opportunities for future collaborations.” – Kristen Beall Watson, President & CEO, Kern Community Foundation

Service Area: Kern County

CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

For more than fifty years the Central Valley Community Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy in the Central Valley. Founded in 1966, we provide giving options for individuals, families, businesses and other foundations to invest in programs that address social and environmental needs.

We work with donors and nonprofits to advance effective philanthropy and build stronger communities. Our staff has an in-depth knowledge of the needs in our region and the agencies and organizations that are working to find solutions. In October 2015, we launched the Center for Community — a collaboration hub for donors, nonprofits and the local community. Located in our Fresno office, the Center for Community is a driving force in leveraging the potential and impact of those who will shape the future of the Valley.

“As we at CVCF continue our efforts to address the systemic challenges impacting our region, it is important we remain engaged with key stakeholders to build upon and advance our work. The CSN Council of Executive Stewards provides us that network of thought leaders throughout California giving us an opportunity to strategically align under the essential components needed to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Together, we can move forward our vision of an inclusive, vibrant and sustainable economy so all residents can move from poverty to prosperity.” – Sarah Moffat, Director of External Affairs, Central Valley Community Foundation

Service Areas: Fresno County, Kings County, Madera County, Mariposa County, Merced County and Tulare County

UNITE-LA

UNITE-LA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has worked for over 20 years as a trusted business intermediary dedicated to supporting the development of an effective local public education system, so that all children and youth succeed in college, career and beyond. Through the intersection of programming, policy, and systems change efforts, UNITE-LA works to increase access to high-quality early childhood education, improve college access and success, develop career pathways in high-growth industries, and ensure workforce readiness, especially for individuals with high barriers into the workforce.

“UNITE-LA is thrilled to join the California Stewardship Network. As a long-time business intermediary and cross-sector convener, we value this opportunity to collaborate with organizations and leaders across the state to strengthen the California economy at a time when Californians are facing immense challenges. We look forward to working with the CSN to build a strong, equitable cradle-to-career education system that provides economic opportunity for all Californians.” – David Rattray, President & CEO, UNITE-LA

Service Area: Los Angeles County