Getting and Keeping Business Remains a Priority for Economic Development Board

, Chair of the Economic Development Board and owner of ,  reappointed three of its members to the Business Retention & Recruitment Committee. The committee was created approximately 2-1/2 years ago to both retain businesses in Benicia as well as bring new businesses in. During that time the committee has developed goals and framework to move forward in it’s strategy.

 “What I want to recommend is to keep the committee as it is,” Strawbridge said in the meeting. “Because I feel like they just started.”  Strawbridge then reappointed Kimble Goodman, Ron Myska  and Duane Olivera to the Committee.

It was noted during a recent meeting that the Retention/Recruitment Committee is not subject to open government rules because it does not meet on a regular basis, and because all recommendations made by the committee must go through the Economic Development Board before going to City Council for approval.

In the same meeting Nancy Martinez reported that Benicia Main Street solidified a working relationship with the Benicia Yacht Club. Her efforts to direct those visitors to the downtown area were commended by Board Member .  “When those boats come in,” Olivera said, “those people have money.” Martinez noted that on a given weekend as many as 40 visiting boats dock at the club.