BEST passes its annual jobs goal and helps business create over 1000 jobs in Sonoma County in 2014

Sonoma County BEST released its Annual Report today, with the news that the economic development initiative of the Santa Rosa Chamber helped businesses create over 1,000 total jobs in the region in 2014. The public-private partnership started in 2012 with a five year goal of bringing 4,100 jobs to Sonoma County. After three years of work, BEST is now at 65% of that goal with a total of 2,678 total jobs.

BEST helps companies create jobs by leveraging business to business connections. The core strategy demonstrated through its successful food industry group or “FIG” and the technology industry group or “TIG” initiatives. More than fifty companies are actively involved in BEST industry groups, working together on industry specific issues.

A highlight of 2014 was the BEST Tech Industry Group Supplier Fair that connected Sonoma County component manufacturers with major Sonoma County end product manufacturers. Nearly 80% of component manufacturers expected to get $4M new or increased business as a result of this event.

The BEST Food Industry Group recognized two of the founding pioneers of the food industry in Sonoma County – Andy and Rachel Berliner of Amy’s Kitchen and the Tamayo family of La Tortilla Factory.

In 2014, BEST received support from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors who voted unanimously for continued financial investment in BEST, joining investment from private industry to support the economic development program.

BEST expanded its marketing initiative in 2014 to attract business relocation and expansion, launching a new website which garnered an additional 33% of visits immediately, supported by a grant from Google worth $120,000 for online marketing. BEST is targeting its outreach to site selection consultants who advise corporate expansion and relocation decisions, and in 2015 will be the host sponsor with Team California of the annual Team California Meet the Consultants Forum in Santa Rosa.

An economic development program like BEST engages and represents the voice of business, making the program an effective tool for job growth. In just three years, BEST has made a difference to over 400 companies, and helped them create 2,678 total jobs in Sonoma County. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of Sonoma County BEST, gratitude is extended to BEST investors for the ongoing support as BEST works to create and support economic vitality in Sonoma County.