Our team is advocating for businesses at the local and state level. Between our Leaders Roundtable, Government Affairs Committee, and our day to day work supporting businesses, we are committed to keeping you informed and convening leaders to advocate for the continued success of our region.
Government Affairs Committee Recap (September Meeting)
- The Committee went through all of the local propositions on the November ballot to determine what propositions the Chamber would support, oppose, or take no stance on. This information, as well as how the Chamber falls on statewide ballot measures will be shared in the next newsletter.
- The Committee received updates from the offices of Congressman John Garamendi and Assemblymember Lori Wilson:
- Garamendi’s office highlighted upcoming legislation focused on airline passenger air quality and pilot training, along with the recent September 10 Maritime Summit, the October 23 Woman of the Year event, and an upcoming student app-building contest.
- Wilson’s office reported that AB 1643 (climate change), AB 1621 (planning and zoning for housing accountability), AB 1731 (farm-to-fork), and AB 1798 (genetic testing and insurance) are currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting action.
- We also had two new members to the committee, with even more interested at the committee meeting. Want to help steer the Chamber's impact in our community? Join our Government Affairs Committee.
Leader's Roundtable Recap (September Meeting)
The Leader's Roundtable is a group of community leaders, who meet regularly at the Chamber to keep each other informed on what's happening in their industry, and work together to better our region. Here are a the highlights from their latest meeting:
Federal (Congressman Garamendi's Office)
- The Congressman and Senator Blumenthal introduced an act to insure cabin air quality and flight crew training for airlines.
- The Maritime Summit was held in September 10.
- The Woman of the Year event will take place on October 23, with nominations currently closed. Those who were nominated will get invitations soon.
State Senate (Senator Cabaldon's Office)
- Legislative updates on AB1643 (climate change), AB1621 (zoning/permitting), AB1798 (genetic testing insurance restrictions), and AB1731 (American food for American schools).
- Clean up event on 10/01. Suisun Town Hall upcoming (10AM-12PM).
- Civic Engagement Townhall on 09/23 with Solano Community College.
- Touro University Breast Cancer Awareness event on 10/14 (10AM-12PM).
- Turkey Drive on 11/21 at Solano County Fairgrounds Vallejo.
Fairfield Fire Department
- Two new stations under construction with ribbon cutting planned after Thanksgiving.
- Wildfire awareness plan internal review nearly finalized.
- ISO rating for Cordelia improved from four to two. Economic Development
Economic Development (City of Fairfield)
- Anheuser Busch location sale progressing smoothly, expected to finalize by end of year.
- Ongoing road projects including West Texas Street.
- North Texas Street revitalization grant program offers up to $4,000 for eligible parties.
- Staff attending retail conference, meeting in sister city in Japan, and attending an energy summit in Japan on hydrogen power.
Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
- This is the final week of voting for Buzz Awards; Red Carpet Award Show on 10/09 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
- North Texas Street grant promotions and lunch mobs upcoming.
- Government Affairs Committee opposed 2 propositions and supported 5.
- Next ribbon cutting/lunch mob on 09/24 at Taj Grill and Crust.
Residential Real Estate (Navigate RE)
- Petaluma sales moving well.
- Working with leaders to address affordable housing challenges due to interest rates.
Local Real Estate (Wiseman Commercial)
- Increased commercial real estate tours.
- Blue Ridge apartment complex planning completion by Spring.
- Ribbon cutting held for Shell’s restaurant in downtown Fairfield.
California Forever
- Community confused about the shipbuilding proposal.
- Note: California Forever will have no further updates until November.
Education (FF-SUSD)
- Ten schools nominated in Buzz Awards.
- Monthly job fair on 09/24 at Fairfield Adult School.
- Inspire Dreams event for middle schoolers scheduled for 10/08.
Healthcare (NorthBay Health)
- Sutter Health opening new family clinic;
- NorthBay Urgent Care ribbon cutting on 11/05.
- Touro Breast Cancer Awareness event on 10/14.
Workforce Development
- Workforce Development Gala tonight featuring Desmond Bishop.
- Small business grants issuing this week.
- Manufacturing Career Fair on 10/22 (10AM-10PM). Vacaville and Fairfield are partnering to host an SBDC hub; the official host location for SBDC should be announced this month.
- HR1 benefit impacts expected in February/March affecting 6,000 individuals.
Travel & Tourism (Visit Fairfield)
- Restaurant Week promotion running 10/04-10/10 featuring Fairfield High School students.
Solano Economic Development
- Second manufacturing roundtable on 10/25 at Solano County Office of Education.
- Speaker series sponsored by Kaiser on Zoom.
- Received $2 million grant for maritime development.
City of Suisun Updates
- Lighting on the waterfront held last Saturday.
- Interviews underway for Finance Director.
- Cybersecurity expected to be fully restored by Halloween; online water bills currently operational.
- Upcoming events: Candidate forum, Senior Prom at Joe Nelson Community Center, Cruisin Suisun, and Music on the Waterfront conclusion.
- Suisun Fire Department was impacted by city cybersecurity breach.
- The Fire Department held 9/11 memorial event.
- Recent downtown fire affected nine families.
- Fire Prevention Week runs 10/04-10/10.
Our Leaders Roundtable meets monthly to better connect the leaders of different industries in our community and work together to build a stronger, more resilient region.