March 2, 2010

Stockton, CA – Over 150 people attended a small business and economic development workshop hosted by Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) in Stockton yesterday. Congressman McNerney planned the event after hearing from numerous small business owners that they would like information about what resources are available to them.

Speakers at the workshop, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, San Joaquin Partnership and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce provided information on business training, tax incentives, export opportunities and access to capital.

“I hosted this workshop because I want local businesses to have access to information and opportunities that will help them succeed,” said Rep. McNerney.  “Small businesses are key to our area’s recovery.  By helping small businesses to grow, we’re investing in our economy and our community.”

Congressman McNerney also recently authored legislation that would provide tax credits for small businesses that hire people who were previously unemployed.  The bill also offers additional credits to businesses located in areas of high unemployment, like San Joaquin County.

Jim O’Neal, District Director of the Sacramento Office of the Small Business Administration and Mike Locke, President and CEO of San Joaquin Partnership, were two of the speakers at the event.

“Thanks to Congressman McNerney, many small business owners in San Joaquin County got information about resources that will help them through these tough times,” said Mr. O’Neal.  “I'm thrilled to see how many people attended the workshop and I spoke to many small business owners who are glad to know that we're here to help them succeed.  I appreciate Congressman McNerney's leadership in bringing together such a wide range of resources for over 150 local small business owners.”

“The workshop hosted by Congressman McNerney was an outstanding way to reach out into the community,” said Mr. Locke. “As a result, people will be using resources that they might not know about otherwise.  I’m particularly glad that San Joaquin County Partnership was able to offer information about local tax credits that are available to businesses.  Tax credits can be the deciding factor if a small business opens or expands in San Joaquin County.”

The workshop opened with remarks by Congressman McNerney and Dr. Pamela Eibeck, President of University of the Pacific, followed by the event’s speakers.

Speakers at the event included:

• Fran Aguilera, Economic Development Director, Employment and Economic Development Department of San Joaquin County
• Jerry R. Avila, Regional Manager, International Trade Programs, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Frank Ferral, Public Policy Director, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
• Jim Hoffman, Senior Business Development Officer, Safe Credit Union
• Mike Locke, President and CEO, San Joaquin Partnership
• Dr. Jeffrey Michael, Director of the Business Forecasting Center, University of the Pacific
• Gillian Murphy, Director, Small Business Development Center, San Joaquin Delta College
• Jim O’Neal, District Director, Small Business Administration Sacramento Office
• Mark Plovnik, Director of Economic Development, University of the Pacific
• Christella Sanchez, Stakeholder Liaison Specialist, Internal Revenue Service
• Raymond Yeong, Senior Consultant, Northern California Minority Business Enterprise Center, U.S. Department of Commerce

The workshop was held yesterday, Monday, March 1, 2010 at the University of the Pacific’s DeRosa Center.