The Economic Development Coordinator for Yuba County and the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation President presented a mid-year economic development report to the Board of Supervisors in a public meeting September 11, 2012.

The update highlighted activities and programs initiated or in progress since January including the ongoing Business Resources Seminar series, business walks and visitations, creation of a 7-minute video celebrating 2012 Champion of Yuba County business Frank M. Booth, the business appreciation luncheon "Perspectives 2012" held in April at the Peach Tree Golf & Country Club, additional business lending capital received for the County's revolving loan fund program, and a successful grant application to fund water and wastewater infrastructure planning on Rancho Road.

Other programs included the creation of a "Connected Worldwide, Hometown Vibe" advertising campaign, an update to the successful trade mission to Yangti, China in June, 2012, and the installation of a new Yuba County window display in Sacramento's capitol building August 15, 2012.

Sacramento Capitol Window Display

 An economic report card indicated the Yuba County labor force increasing by 300, employment increasing by 400 and the unemployment rate decreasing by 0.6%  between May 2011 and May 2012. Countywide retail sales were marginally up 1.3% in calendar year 2010 as compared to 2009 and agricultural production values increased 8% to $212.9 million in 2011.

An additional $300,000 was made available to the Yuba County Revolving Loan Fund in September 2012.

The lending program is designed to fill the financing gap between private debt financing and private equity. Funds are available for building or land acquisition, working capital, inventory, equipment, supplies, marketing or other ongoing business or start-up costs, and are provided to create economic benefit in Yuba County through the creation of new jobs. 

For more information, or for a loan application, contact Loan Officer Jackie Slade at 530.751.8555 or visit here. 

An exciting mix of Yuba-Sutter agricultural producers and processors, ranchers and farmers, destination resorts, bed and breakfasts, motels and hospitality businesses will converge on the Yuba County Government Center Friday, November 9 at 8 a.m. for a networking breakfast and agritourism workshop. Presenters and moderators will include representatives from the California Farm Bureau, Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce, Farrell Design Group and Jim's Produce. Planning and Building professionals will present agritourism as defined by use and location in the Sutter and Yuba County General Plans.

The highlight for the workshop is keynote presentation "Why Bishop's Pumpkin Farm Succeeded," from Wayne Bishop, and an interactive break-out session will plan next steps for promoting and marketing  the region's agricultural tourism opportunities.

Seat reservations are required for this unique event, pleae call 530.751.8555, or email. Reservations will be prioritized for organizations and individuals representing entrepreneurial agritourism, value-added agriculture, and hospitality and resort destinations.

From when the gates open 9 a.m. Saturday morning, September 22 through 7 p.m. Sunday night, October 28, about 150,000 visitors and family members will converge on Bishop's Pumpkin Farm to celebrate its 40th year of Hallowen-themed entertainment. As in prior years, activities will include a corn maze and petting zoo, hay rides, pony rides, children's slides and activities, live entertainment, train rides, pumpkin picking, and plenty of apple cider, caramel candy, popcorn balls, burgers, pizzas and homemade pies.

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm first opened to the public in the Fall of 1973, the dream of agritourism pioneers Bill and Sandy Bishop. Although both founders are semi-retired today, they are still involved in the family farm operation being managed by their son Wayne Bishop and grandson Austin Bishop.

For more information about Bishop's Pumpkin Farm's upcoming activities, call 530.633.2568 or visit here.

Three Generations of Bishops Pumpkin Farm Family

North Yuba Festival Promotes Food

"Eat, Drink, and be Local"

Fall/Winter RV Camping Coupons

Deep Discounts for Sierra Foothills Recreation

Yuba-Sutter Enterprise Zone Update

$79.4 Million in Potential Business Savings