Objective
Economic Development program offers an integrated approach of programs and services to support the creation of new businesses, the expansion of existing businesses within the city of Rohnert Park, and the attraction of companies that offer high　impact jobs and share the community's values. The overall goal is an increase in sales tax revenue for Rohnert Park.
Business Retention 40%
Retention is key to continued sales tax revenue for Rohnert Park and working with the top income producers to understand their needs and the needs and directions of the city will help to cement communication and understanding.
1. Work with top 100 sales tax revenue produces for the City of Rohnert Park increasing this to 500
2. Set up communication programs with these revenue produces & Rohnert Park business community
a. Newsletters, focus groups, issue forums, luncheons, meet & greet with city council and city staff
3. Work with SSU, SRJC, California Development Center and SBA to set up business classes for Rohnert Park businesses
a. Small business development classes - two classes per month
4. Continue survey work with e-Synchronist program
a. Average per intern -- 70 business per 200 hours
Business Expansion 35%
Markets to site selectors getting Rohnert Park know as a business friendly city that will work with businesses willing to relocate. Focus on emerging technological groups and work with them directly and through site selectors.
1. Promote City of Rohnert Park to 220 independent site selectors around the country
2. Of the Targeted top 10 emerging technologies groups through; choose the ones for Rohnert Park - Solar Industry, fuel-cell technology and computerized health care
3. Coordinate Rohnert Park economic development marketing efforts with the State of California Economic Development Department
4. Join regional marketing efforts through TEAM California
5. Work with City on economic development website
6. Continue working with businesses in the Core Area
Tourism 5%
Tourism will grow in Rohnert Park with the Green Music Center and Casino, so we need to begin putting in place the recognized venues and promotion material that tourist look for when they visit a city.
1. Get Visitor Center recognized by the State of California and on their website
2. Placement of Rohnert Park Visitor Center Sign on the 101 Signage display area
3. Visitor Signage at Chamber location for visitor recognition
4. Work with Sonoma County Tourism Bureau to ensure Rohnert Park advertisement placement in their tourism magazine
5. Work on a brochure that emphasis Rohnert Park attractions, activities and hospitability industry
Workforce Development 10%
Businesses today recognize that a youthful, educated workforce is their number one priority and with the economic depression and some businesses going out of business, a continued educational program is a plus for Rohnert Park to draw businesses into the community.
1. Work with SSU Extended Education Program for business retention and expansion to maintain an educational workforce that will support the business growth and development of Rohnert Park
2. Work with SSU and SRJC to determine businesses that will match the graduates for the University and College
Marketing Program 10%
Branding and marketing are key to business expansion and tourism, so working with the State and regionally will promote Rohnert Park to a larger audience in California and the United States.
1. Coordinate Rohnert Park economic development marketing efforts with the State of California Economic Development and Tourism Departments
2. Continue the branding program of City or Rohnert Park
3. Help in the development of a Signage program for Rohnert Park that moves shoppers (residences & tourists) around the community's shopping areas
4. Coordinate marketing programs of Rohnert Park 0destination drivers
　
