Published
3 years agoon
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief economic adviser believes in Fresno.
As the California Economic Summit convened at the downtown Double Tree Hotel ballroom, an estimated 900 attendees from around the state listened to what makes Fresno tick. And holding it here is key for Lenny Mendonca.
Agriculture, of course, is a significant driver in the region’s economy. At a panel session called “The Fresno Showcase,” Fresno Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen succinctly summarized the formula for success in his industry and others.
Related Story: California Economic Summit in Fresno Is Biggest Ever
“Water is the magic ingredient,” Jacobsen told the audience. He added that labor shortages continue to be a problem, asking for comprehensive immigration reform.Micah Weinberg, CEO of California Forward — the group responsible for the summit — hopes that booking the event in Fresno will place a focus on how state policy impacts the economies of the various regions.
“it’s really difficult to know about the different regions, if you don’t go to the different regions,” Weinberg said. “(Fresno) is really telling its story to the rest of the state through this event.”
At the summit, the governor’s office announced a $13 million investment in the San Joaquin Valley for volunteerism. The money will help fund AmeriCorps, and also offer $10,000 educational scholarships for those who volunteer for a year.
“The governor is very interested in figuring out how we mobilize and engage all California in tackling some of our pressing issues,” Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer said.
The money was set aside in last year’s budget.
Newsom will address the summit in person Friday at 10:30 a.m.
According to a news release from his office, Newsom “will discuss initiatives to strengthen economic growth and inclusion across California communities, and his administration’s commitment to inland regions through the work of his Regions Rise Together initiative.”
His speech will be live-streamed at this link.
The governor is scheduled to appear at a fundraising event for Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) at a private residence tonight.
David Taub has spent most of his career in journalism behind the scenes working as a TV assignment editor and radio producer. For more than a decade, he has worked in the Fresno market with such stops at KSEE-24, KMJ and Power Talk 96.7. Taub also worked the production and support side of some of TV sports biggest events including the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals and NASCAR to name a few. Taub graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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