Welcome to the Winter issue of Fresh Biz,  a quick jolt of Economic Development news brewed especially for you and your business by the City of Rancho Cordova. Read on for current news and projects, useful business resources and more. Thank you for being a part of our Rancho Cordova business community!
Resource Hig hlight
In each issue,  Fresh Biz will highlight partner organizations and resources available to local businesses. The City wants to connect your business with new ways to grow and thrive.

Need Assistance With Building Your Workforce?
Sacramento Works Can Help!
 
Sacramento Works has provided resources and services to employers and job seekers in Sacramento County for more than 20 years. It ensures that qualified and trained workers are available to meet the needs of the region's employers. Sacramento Works provides these FREE services, and more, to your business:
  • Job posting opportunities in CalJOBS to maximize recruitment efforts.
  • Coordinate customized and personalized recruitment events (i.e. job fairs, hiring events, etc.), as pictured above.
  • Screen interested applicants and applications to identify the most suitable candidates.
  • Conduct skills assessment to help hire the right people.
  • Access to 14 job centers throughout the Sacramento region where job seekers can receive job placement assistance.
  • Provide customized training to job seekers in preparation for new employment.
  • Provide tax and wage subsidies to employers as incentives to hire.
  • Provide transitional assistance to employees impacted by layoffs and/or plant closure.
  • Provide assistance to small businesses for expansion, stabilization or mitigating layoffs.
For more information about Sacramento Works, call (877) 920-JOBS or visit your Rancho Cordova Job Center at 10381 Old Placerville Road, Suite 150, Sacramento.

Business Highlight 

KP International Market: It's Like the World in Your Shopping Cart

Do you want to journey around the world without leaving Rancho Cordova? Visit KP International Market at 10971 Olson Drive. This Rancho Cordova business has bec ome a popular Northern California destination.
 
With so much to see, one could spend a whole day exploring KP International Market. Start at the center with the market and food court, which spans the size of a football field! With more than 80,000 grocery items and products from more than 100 different countries, the market is a magnet for foodies. The produce department is the area's largest at 7,000 square feet and filled with unique items you won't find anywhere else. They will fry or steam seafood fresh for you in the fish market, and you won't find a bigger selection in the meat department. The food court features American, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, and Japanese cuisine.
 
Just next door, the popular Korean barbecue restaurant, The Red Alcove, delights diners who enjoy the fun of grilling meats right at their table.
 
New additions include KP Karaoke & Dining, located two doors down, with 14 private rooms for parties of two to 22 that rent by the hour. Parties can purchase food and drinks from a full bar, which connects to the new KP Family Billiards featuring four pool tables and four billiard tables.
 
The newest attraction, Paradise, is a one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge. Stunning flaming volcanoes and lit water fountain features are timed to music. It's all set in a tropical atmosphere surrounded by a glassed-in wall of fire. Servers provide a fantastic selection of eye-popping tropical drinks and Polynesian-inspired cuisine. 

See all KP International Market has to offer at 10971 Olson Drive in Rancho Cordova.

Local News for your Business
Catch Up on What's Happening

City of Rancho Cordova Partners with Hacker Lab
 
The City of Rancho Cordova is excited to partner with Hacker Lab on a feasibility study to determine whether the City is a viable Hacker Lab location. The study will identify future users, locate potential grant funding, solicit partners from the private sector, and research available space. 
 
Hacker Lab is a Sacramento-based co-working space for entrepreneurs and makers that offers education and training classes, as well as community mentorships for startups, designers and students. It has two other locations in Sacramento.
 
A Hacker Lab location in Rancho Cordova would support the City's innovation, workforce development, education and learning, and civic engagement. It would help the City continue to grow and attract talent to Rancho Cordova's thriving businesses, as well as support the 18 post-secondary schools that offer an array of educational opportunities in Rancho Cordova.
 
The cost of the feasibility study is supported by the City's Community Enhancement Fund, a half-cent voter-approved sales tax that supports local priorities. 

If you or your company is interested in providing feedback or potential partnerships on this study, please email the City.

Please also join us for our first-ever City of Rancho Cordova "Town Hall" Idea Fest, designed to gather ideas for our Innovation Center. It will be held on Feb 23rd at 6:00 pm at American River Brewing Company. More details and RSVP link below in the calendar section.
 

New Businesses Coming to Sunridge Plaza
 
The Sunridge Plaza shopping center is under construction at Sunrise Boulevard and Douglas Road. New businesses have been announced including Soho Sushi, Starbucks and Bark Avenue, a local pet supply and grooming store. They are joining seven other businesses in this development under construction. Click here for a full list.

Rancho Cordova Traffic Management Center Project Starts
 
The Rancho Cordova Traffic Management Center Project has started in the City of Rancho Cordova. The project will connect traffic signals on major roadway corridors throughout Rancho Cordova to ensure traffic flows more smoothly and allow the City to respond more efficiently to traffic incidents.
 
The City's contractor, Pacific Excavations Inc., will be doing the work. The construction timeline and locations are available on the City's website by visiting cityofranchocordova.org/currentprojects. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2017.
 
Project construction will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Expect intermittent lane and sidewalk closures and minor delays during the project. Access to entrances will be maintained at all times. Please drive with caution and reduce speeds in construction areas.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chris Boyer at (916) 851-8907 or [email protected]. 

California Competes Tax Credit Now Available

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit. The income tax credit is available to businesses who want to locate, stay or grow in California. Click here for more information and to apply.

California Building Codes Updated

On January 1st, 2017, the City of Rancho Cordova began enforcing the new 2016 California Building Codes, as mandated by state law.

Building codes are updated every three years, and 2017 will be the beginning of a new code cycle. This means that any applications for permits submitted on or after January 1st, 2017, will need to meet the new code standards, which are the 2016 California Building Codes. Click here to learn more.

New State Law Requires Businesses to Recycle Organic Materials

AB 1826 is a new state law that requires businesses and apartment complexes to recycle organic materials such as yard clippings and food scraps. The law went into effect January 1, 2016. The City of Rancho Cordova is working to assist local businesses with the implementation of new recycling programs to comply with the law.  State law requires the following businesses to arrange for recycling services:
  • All businesses that generate 8 cubic yards or more of organics per week (yard clippings and food waste) 
  • All apartment complexes that generate 8 cubic yards or more of yard clippings per week (apartments are not required to recycle food waste)
  • By January 1, 2019, businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of trash per week must implement an organics recycling program.
Your business has two options for compliance:
  • Contact your waste hauling company to sign up for organics collection service. Your waste hauling company will help you fill out and submit a Recycling Plan to the City, and it will provide you with bins for the collection of organic materials at your facility.
  • You may also donate, sell and/or self-haul your organic materials to appropriate recycling facilities. If you intend to not use your waste hauling company to collect your organics, contact the City's Public Works Department to fill out and submit a Recycling Plan and a Self-haul Certification Form.
For questions on how a qualifying business can comply with this law, contact the City's Public Works Department.
Calendar of Events
Write These Down

2017 Business Outlook & Economic Forecast
Friday, January 27th, 8 - 10 a.m.
Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova,  
11211 Point East Drive
This is a must-attend event for business leaders who value well-researched information and insight into the economic development of our community. The event offers analysis of markets within the region and dynamic views on national trends, regional perspectives and local indicators.  Confirmed speakers include Mark Vitner, Managing Director & Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, and Barry Broome, President & CEO of the Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council. The City of Rancho Cordova's Economic Development team will also present and share plans for the future of our community. Purchase Tickets

Connectionopolis: Matchmaking on LinkedIn
Tuesday, February 14th, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall,  2729 Prospect Park Drive
Even on LinkedIn, meeting that special someone can be a challenge. That includes networking, online and offline, finding that professional friend that connects you to your next big sale, employer, or simply to other valuable relationships.  Hear from a panel of experts on best practices in self marketing, networking and nurturing professional relationships. Register Here

Rancho Cordova Regular City Council Meetings
Tuesday, January 17th, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, February 6th, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 6th, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 20th, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, April 3rd, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, April 17th, 5:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive 

Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova Luncheon Meeting
Every Tuesday, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rotary is a leadership organization made up of local business, professional and civic leaders, and other community members. Through networking and completing projects, they work to help the community combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, and promote peace under the motto Service Above Self. Come see what they're all about!

Off The Grid Food Truck Lunch
Every Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall Parking Lot, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Visit Off The Grid's website for weekly truck announcements!

SCORE Sounding Board
Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Next Event: Wednesday, January 25th
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
In this small group session, you'll get a chance to discuss your challenges and opportunities with an experienced counselor and other small business owners and entrepreneurs. Work together to brainstorm actions you can take to move forward productively. S CORE Chapter in Sacramento was established in 1978 and currently helps more than 5,000 clients each year via workshops, counseling, forums, and seminars. Learn More or Register Here

Hacker Lab Town Hall
Thursday, February 23rd, 6 - 8 p.m.
American River Brewing Company 11151 Trade Center Drive 
Can you imagine what a Hacker Lab in Rancho Cordova could be like?
If so, you need to join us for our first ever City of Rancho Cordova "Town Hall" Idea Fest! It will be held on Feb 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at American River Brewing Company.

Hacker Lab and The City of Rancho Cordova have teamed up to bring innovation to the Highway 50 corridor. As part of this effort, we need you to join us for discussion and creative collaboration. We want to hear from you. What are your goals, challenges, ideas? What opportunity do you see?

Food, drinks, music and networking will all be happening. We'll also share some of our initial ideas and facilitate a session to hear from you.

Let's make something awesome! RSVP here!
  
Business with Intention Workshop
Thursday, March 16th, 9 - 11 a.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive 
Join the City of Rancho Cordova for a morning workshop focused on planning and success for your business in fou r key areas: 
  • LEGAL: Learn how new laws may affect your business in 2017 and beyond.
  • BANKING & INVESTMENT: Understand what banks look for and how best to invest in business wealth.
  • OPERATIONS: Discover ways to improve operations and how California may pay you to train your employees.
  • TAXES: Learn about possible tax changes for 2017 and how to prepare now.
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Seminar
April 13th, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Learn from City of Rancho Cordova Code Enforcement certified experts how to prevent criminal activity at your place of business by making small but effective changes to your building and operations.


Project Highlight
Curious about the latest and greatest businesses and projects popping up in the City of Rancho Cordova? We'll give you the scoop:

BUSINESS
STATUS LOCATION
True Value and Standard Plumbing Now Open 11119 Folsom Boulevard
Independent Training and Apprenticeship Program (I-TAP)
 Now Open  9856 Business Park Drive
Taiko Sushi Now Open 11291 Folsom Boulevard
Cali Bowl Teryiaki Now Open 10673 Coloma Road 
Mi Rancho Now Open 10669 Coloma Road
Intercoast College Now Open 9738 Lincoln Village Drive
Taco Bell Facade Renovation Completed and reopened Zinfandel Village 
Red Dragon  Coming Soon Capital Village
Huong Lan Coming Soon 10145 Folsom Boulevard
Bridgeway Square
(199 upscale apartments)		 Under Construction Capital Village
Sunridge Plaza Opening Summer 2017 Sunrise Boulevard & Douglas Road

Did You Know?

Rancho Cordova is home to the first and only legal distillery in Sacramento County since Prohibition! 

At right, Gold River Distillery founder Greg Baughman stands in the distillery with a bottle of the Wheel House Gin. Visit the tasting room and store at 11460 Sunrise Gold Circle, Suite C to sample their spirits.

For more great ideas on what to do after hours in Rancho Cordova, take a peek at our  Stay an Hour After Work program .