Category Archives: Business news

New Business Openings in the Area

Business news, , ,

What is new – business-wise – in Sacramento?  Right now, there are plans for a new Dunkin’ Donuts branch to be in East Sacramento, across from Corti Brothers which should open in the middle of next year.

But that’s not all.  For fashion lovers, they will be pleased to hear about the new Country Club Plaza additions, which might be quite welcome for those who have dunked a few too many donuts.  Yes, a much needed exercise center – Planet Fitness – is due to open TODAY at the Watt and El Camino Avenue retail center. Early in 2017 hungry burger lovers will be pleased to hear about the opening of the Flaming Grill Cafe as well as the hibachi buffet.  Later on in the year it is hoped a new movie theater will be opening too.

Meanwhile downtown Sacramento is getting a new investor.  A building that has multi-purposes will be able to  now get much-needed renovations, especially in the office areas.  Elvidge Family LP is investing $11.62 million in the 1007 Seventh Street building.

The Finances of Being Funny: Three Stooges Revival

Business news, Finance, , , ,

three-stooges-516165_960_720Get ready for some crazy fun, because the Three Stooges are soon going to be back in action. That’s right. Independent producers will soon be launching a Three Stooges action comedy that will include Sean Hayes (Larry), Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) and Will Sasso (Curly). The three have already proven themselves when they starred in Fox’s 2012 movie “The Three Stooges” which was produced, directed and written by the Farrelly Brothers.

Certainly, the three stooges have been wildly popular with fans and those creating the newest movie expect to have a wide-reaching and enthusiastic audience as well. The new version will be produced with C3, Grand Peaks and the Exchange. C3, the owners of the Three Stooges brand, will run the film’s licensing, merchandising and promotional materials. Executive producers will include Jeff Bowler, Earl Benjamin, Robert Benjamin and O’Shea. Cameron Fay will be writing the script.

As Benjamin explained about the current undertaking, “With Sean, Chris and Will back as our Stooges and Cameron writing, this next film will be a truly unique blend of fast paced action with the hilarious mayhem of the Three Stooges.”

This is certainly a business venture worth watching – and a film that people will flock to see.

Food Waste Gets Value

Business news,

As a way of transforming food that would be wasted into a valuable commodity, Sacramento-based Valley Vision and CropMobster have teamed up with their new venture.  Valley Vision is a non-profit organization set up over two decades ago in order to “improve people’s lives.” CropMobster is a web location dedicated to the exchange of various agricultural merchandise, including food.

Together – Valley Vision and CropMobster – are making food waste into a valuable commodity.  As well, people can post job opportunities, events and ways to donate.  There is no fee for using the site.  Bay Area communities can all benefit from the non-profit side of this venture that can also ultimately become, a profitable site (helping people move up in the employment world).

Sacramento’s Successful Business Women

Business news

business-womenSeventeen impressive women in Sacramento are being honored by The Business Journal for the outstandingly notable contributions they have made to their firms, professions and communities. These women have made their mark in many industries such as: communications, construction, health, finances, public policy and technology.

This year, the awards ceremony – a luncheon – is to be held at Sacramento’s Hyatt Regency at June 17.  It is the 21st such annual event, which has – over these years – honored 112 women.

A Growing State…A Growing Area Code

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landlineYes, that’s right. Sacramento has gotten so big that the 916 area code will no longer suffice. By the end of 2018, a new area code will be put into place by the California Public Utilities Commission in order to “provide more prefixes and new telephone numbers to 916 customers.”

Customers will still be able to keep their current numbers (including area codes) and people throughout the El Dorado, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, Placer, and Sacramento counties will be given these additional codes. The process is set to go ahead very smoothly as it will be a step-by-step slow one.

Fiscal Caution Urged

Business news, ,

fiscal-cautionIn his State of the State address earlier this month, Governor Jerry Brown urged “fiscal caution.” It is important that legislators make attempts to boost the state’s “rainy day fund,” especially since there are many infrastructure repairs that need to be made. That, he said, is more important than engaging in new programs right now.

This issue is not limited to Sacramento. According to the recent The Menino Survey of Mayors questioning 89 mayors nationwide, many are worried about their “cities’ aging infrastructure and they’d like more state and federal support.”

Nonetheless, it seems that Sacramento’s infrastructure is hardly the worst in the country. Indeed, since Anpac Bio-Medical has chosen to move its headquarters in the state’s capital. According to a recent article in PR Newswire:

“Sacramento is home to one of the world’s most diverse and cutting-edge life science communities, and is a magnet for innovative and life-changing technologies. The region has long been California’s best kept secret when it comes to healthcare discoveries. UC Davis is one of the top universities in the United States for innovation and research, with over $2 billion in economic impact.”

However, Governor Brown remains prudent. He is insistent on “focus[ing] on how we pay for the commitments we have already made,” via a “very progressive but volatile tax structure,” given the volatility of the global economy.

Enhancing the Capital’s Business Environment

Business news,

blackboardSacramento’s candidates for the position of Mayor were presented with a list of “things to do” in an effort to enhance the city’s business environment. This list was compiled by an ad-hoc group of business leaders from the region. Included in this are details of how the city should reform its finances, culture and procedures.

However, it was recognized by this group of business leaders that Sacramento has got a good reputation for already providing a positive business environment. The quality of life there is good and there have already been some economic improvements. However, the statement concluded that: “Sacramento falls short on leveraging these and other assets to make our city a desirable place to conduct business.”

Three of the goals of the document are: a) the appointment of private business leaders to a council of economic advisors; b) move over to a budget cycle of two years; c) engage in the use of “external contracts to implement cost savings and improve public services.” As well, increasing tourism and deal with homelessness are major items that have to be addressed.

Sacramento Metro Chamber, in conjunction with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and Region Business (the new advocacy group) drafted the six page document.