The Ubiquitous They – Duane Oliveira

What is your role in the community? I am on the . I've been on the board for five years; I am in my second term. 

How did you get involved with the Economic Development Board (EDB)? When I moved to town I wanted to get involved in the community. I was previously involved with the Economic Development Corporation in the Yuba/Sutter area. I've always been interested in economic development. I applied to the city for the Housing Commission and the EDB. Mayor Messina thought I'd be really well suited for the EDB so he recommended my approval to the council.

What does the EDB do? We are an advisory body to the City Council; we advise them on matters of economic development situation of Benicia. We are the ones responsible for getting the tourism program off the ground back in 2007. We had a study done about how to market Benicia as a tourist destination. It involved getting the funding for it. We also have a standing committee involved in business retention and recruitment for the city. In the past I think they were responsible for getting business licenses increased.

What’s the biggest challenge on the EDB? Getting enough money to effectively run the department and to have enough in the budget for marketing Benicia as a place for new businesses to relocate.

What are the goals of the EDB? We are interested in the industrial park, working on the infrastructure for internet access, and want to make the industrial park look more attractive to businesses looking to relocate and stay. 

What is your day job and how does that experience help you on the EDB? I have been an over 34 years. Part of my experience over the years has been to represent government agencies. I helped draft organizational documents for the Economic Corporation in the Yuba/Sutter so it all helps.