Suisun City Seeks Train Station Cafe Operator

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - Suisun City is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial-minded operator who can provide cafe (or similar) services at the Suisun City Train Station.

This unique location has a number of advantages over the typical café / food service location. It is easily accessible from the Central County Bikeway, which connects the City from end to end; it is positioned at the only Capitol Corridor commuter rail service stop in Solano County; serves as a multi-modal transit hub for Solano County with regular Greyhound stops; it is within a 10-minute walk from the Solano County Administrative Building and within walking distance of the scenic Suisun City Promenade. Additionally, the Train Station is adjacent to a popular park-n-ride lot and is visible to passing cars on Main Street which offers a vast pool of potential customers.

Suisun City envisions the Train Station as a transit center; as such it is an important gateway to our community and more specifically the revitalized Waterfront District. When a traveler passes through the Suisun City Train Station, the first and sometimes only impression they have of Suisun City is the one they receive while visiting the Train Station.

As a result, the City is keenly interested in creating a lasting positive impression that entices people to return and further explore the Waterfront District. This directly relates to the overall Waterfront District goals and objectives that are geared towards building local economic activity through destination tourism. It is important to ensure the Train Station is open and welcoming for travelers and visitors alike while offering convenient services to enhance their travels and experience in Suisun City.

Submittals are due Oct. 20, 2011.

>> Click here for detailed information on this opportunity

Youth Business Boot Camp

The Solano College Small Business Development Center will conduct a free week-long Youth Business Boot Camp on June 20-24, 9 am – 3 pm, as part the Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) for for youth ages 14-27.

This free program is designed to teach young people how to start a business or simply explore the world of business. The Boot Camp will be held at the Solano College Main Campus, Room 706.

“We had 42 very motivated youth participate in our pilot program in Vacaville and Vallejo," said Charles Eason, Director of the SBDC, "Entrepreneurship is an important element for increasing the self-confidence levels of students. Many students have a desire to achieve their dreams and goals of developing a business. However they need guidance, a clear plan, and encouragement."

During the week long business boot camp, participants will work individually or in teams to develop a business plan for starting and growing a business of their choice. The 30-hour program is structured to offer practical and hands-on learning from Solano College Certified Business Advisors and Local Business Leaders.

The YEP program is funded by a grant through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Economic Workforce Development Program to promote entrepreneurship as a career pathway.

The program focuses on practical interpersonal and technical skills needed to own and operate a business. The goal of YEP is to provide information, knowledge, and “real world” experience to help students master business related skills. “We are teaching youth how they can turn their passion and talents into a business,” Eason said.

For more information regarding the YEP program or to register for the Youth Business Boot Camp, contact the SBDC at (707) 864-3382 or visit www.solanosbdc.org.

Restaurant Week Comes to Suisun City

Experience the wonderful and diverse restaurants on the Suisun City Waterfront by attending Suisun Waterfront Restaurant Week, January 14-23, 2011, sponsored by the Suisun City Historic Waterfront BID. Here's how it works:

• Participating restaurants will offer a prix-fixe menu with three-course meals for dinner or a two course meal for breakfast or lunch or a special (unless noted, EXCLUDES tax, beverages, and gratuity) >> Click for Menus >>
• Dine at as many participating restaurants as you like during Restaurant Week - no tickets are required
• Download menus from participating restaurants (see below) to see what each restaurant is offering
• All restaurants will offer their regular menus as well. You can order from the restaurant’s regular menu, but to capitalize on Restaurant Week pricing, you must order from the prix-fixe menu
• Reservations may be necessary for weekend nights; please call the restaurants directly

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

• Athenian Grill
• Babs Delta Diner
• Cast Iron Grill & Bar
• El Capitan Coffee
• La Cabana
• Main Street Bar & Grill
• Pad Thai
• Puerto Villarta
• Subway (Main Street location)
• Taqueria Tepa
• Tasuke
• Uncle Bong's Pizzeria

>> Click here for menus and more information >>

Survey Launched to Help Support Suisun City Businesses

INPUT VITAL TO CREATION OF BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Economic Development Department is conducting its first local business survey to assess what programs or services would be most helpful for local entrepreneurs.

The one-page survey is being sent to every business license holder in the 2011 billing, which will go out in early January. The survey also is available online.

The survey is being conducted to

* Improve communications with our business community
* Assess the overall health and outlook of Suisun City's businesses
* Develop targeted programs to offer the most help based on the needs of our businesses.

"The economy makes it very challenging to operate a business these days," said Marketing Manager Scott Corey. "We want to hear from local businesses in our community what constructive steps we might be able to take that they would find most helpful."

The survey will be open online until Feb. 22. Paper copies will be accepted with business license renewals through the end of February.

For more information, contact Marketing Manager Scott Corey at 707-421-7333 or email.

Learn more about the Economic Development Department's business services at www.SuisunCityBusiness.com

Suisun City on Good Day Sacramento!

Good Day Sacramento came to Suisun City this morning looking for dining with a view! They got not one, but two awesome places to dine right on the Waterfront!

Check out Bab's Delta Diner and Athenian Grill on Good Day Sacramento!



Congratulations Rebecca and Shelly!

New Workshop: "How to Start a Business"

Solano College Small Business Development Center is presenting “How to Start Your Own Business” on March 4, 9-11:30am, at Benicia City Hall, 250 East L St., in Benicia. Cost is $30. Find out about legal structures, licenses, permits, fictitious business names, recordkeeping, self-employment taxes, business insurance and more!

“So You Want to Open a Restaurant?” is also scheduled on March 4, 6-9pm. Cost is $35. Learn from renown Chef Steven Howard, owner of Bay area-based Consult the Chef whose website is: www.ConsultTheChef.com.

In addition, Brian T. Cushing, professional educator and SBDC Sales Advisor is offering “Soft Selling Techniques That Really Work!” on March 9, 1-4pm. Cost is $35.

Both workshops are scheduled at the SBDC, 360 Campus Lane, Ste. 102, in Fairfield.

Reserve a seat by calling the SBDC at 864-3382 or registering online at www.SolanoSBDC.org. Cost varies.

The Solano College SBDC is an economic development partner of Suisun City, offering affordable, expert advice to local businesses and residents desiring to operate their own enterprise.

For more about Suisun City's Economic Development program, go to www.SuisunCityBusiness.com.

General Manager for Hampton Inn & Suites Suisun City Named by Basin Street Hospitality

Suisun City, Calif. – Basin Street Hospitality, a division of Basin Street Properties (www.basin-street.com), a prominent Northern California and Northern Nevada real estate investor of commercial and mixed-use properties, named Hartmut Ott as general manager of the new Hampton Inn & Suites Suisun City Waterfront in Suisun City, Calif. The 102-room hotel, located at Two Harbor Center Drive adjacent to the city’s scenic waterfront, is part of the Hilton family of hotels and is scheduled to open in September 2009.

“We are excited to have Hartmut join the Basin Street Hospitality team and are confident that his extensive background in hotel management will contribute to the success of this hotel,” said Tom Birdsall, managing partner of Basin Street Hospitality. “His outstanding track record combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as we strive to provide the highest quality of service and standard of care to our guests. Hartmut has moved to Suisun City and is thrilled about the hotel’s great location along the expanding business corridor between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and just minutes away from the Napa Valley. ”

Ott has been involved in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years and his experience spans hotel properties both domestically and internationally. Most recently, Ott served as the director of rooms at Cavallo Point in Sausalito where he was instrumental in launching the hotel opening last year. He was responsible for daily operations ensuring guest satisfaction and the hotel’s financial success. Previously, he was the general manager for the Seven Gables Inn, and held management positions at three Ritz-Carlton, Hotels & Resorts. He has worked for a number of hotels throughout the United States and Germany, and is a graduate of the Hotel Management School in Frankfurt, Germany.

“I look forward to welcoming guests to this hotel that is located in an increasingly popular destination spot for both business and leisure travelers, and with its beautiful waterfront location and high value features it is the ideal lodging option during these challenging economic times,” added Ott.

Like all Hampton Inn & Suites properties, this location features warm surroundings, high-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences, the latest technology and a friendly service culture. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and spa and meeting rooms. Guests also receive a complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary high-speed Internet access, flat screen TVs and the Hampton 100% satisfaction guarantee.

This is Basin Street Hospitality’s second new build hotel. The Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor - Sonoma Wine Country with 116 rooms in Windsor, Calif., opened in November 2008. In addition to the Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, Basin Street Hospitality’s portfolio includes the Sheraton Sonoma County, located in Petaluma, Calif., one of the top performing hotels in the region with guest satisfaction scores among the top five percent of its category, and the 78-room Holiday Inn Express in Corning, Calif. In Reno, Basin Street is planning a new hotel directly across the street from the city’s brand new 10,000-seat Triple A baseball stadium.

Basin Street owns residential, office, retail and hospitality properties in Northern California and Nevada and tenants at all properties receive discounts on rooms at all Basin Street Hospitality hotels.

Basin Street Properties, headquartered in Petaluma, Calif., is one of Northern California’s and Northern Nevada’s prominent developers, investors and managers of commercial properties. Basin Street has become widely recognized for its office, retail and mixed use developments. Founded more than 30 years ago, the company offers a broad range of real estate services, including development, property management, construction management, financial and asset management, and property acquisition and disposition. For more information on Basin Street Properties, please call 707.795.4477 or visit www.basin-street.com.

For more about Suisun City, go to VisitSuisunCity.com

First Harbor Square Business Opens

SUBWAY SANDWICHES FIRST BUSINESS IN NEW COMPLEX

Subway Sandwiches opened today as the first operation to open in the new Harbor Square complex at the corner of Main Street and Solano Street in the Suisun City Waterfront District.

Though it was a rainy and dreary day, the new sandwich shop appeared to be doing fairly brisk lunchtime business on its first day. No doubt a front-page mention in the Daily Republic this morning helped some.

Harbor Square is a nearly 40,000-square-foot mixed use building located in the heart of the Waterfront District. The complex, arranged around a central courtyard, offers restaurant and retail space on the ground floor with office space on the second. [For leasing information, contact Main Street West Partners.]

Stop by for a sandwich and welcome the newest business to open up in the Suisun City Waterfront District.

Massive Career Fair Set for Thursday

SOLANO COUNTY'S LARGEST CAREER FAIR

Whether you are looking for your first job, have become recently unemployed or are looking for work closer to your home in Suisun City or elsewhere in Solano County, Thursday offers an opportunity you can't afford to miss.

The Workforce Investment Board of Solano County is hosting its Spring Regional Career Fair with more than 80 employers with positions to fill waiting to meet you.

Here are the particulars:

• WHEN: Thursday April 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• WHERE: University of Phoenix, 5253 Business Center Drive, Fairfield

Tips for Success:

1. Visit the Workforce Investment Board website for key information. >>Click here!>>
2. Get there early!
3. Bring plenty of up-to-date resumes.
4. Be ready for immediate interviews.

Complete lists of sponsors and participating companies is available here.

New "It's It" Ice Cream Outlet Store Now Open in Suisun City

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES AND COOKIE DOUGH NOW AVAILABLE

The Family Cookie Company has opened an outlet store right next to its Suisun City Waterfront District factory to sell a wide variety of 'It's Its' ice cream sandwiches and cookie dough, including some colorful playdough like dough that can be cooked and eaten, according to Jay Shamieh, who helps run the family-owned business along with his siblings.

Since 1977, this Suisun City business has quietly made the cookies for the 'It's It,' which has been a favorite Bay Area ice cream treat since 1928. Family Cookie Company also makes a lot of cookie dough that area non-profit groups sell during fundraisers. >>For more on the Family Cookie Company, read this profile from the Vacaville Reporter>>

The factory and new outlet store are located on Spring Street east of Main Street in the Suisun City Waterfront District. >>Click here for a map>>

The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturdays. [Hours updated 8/31/09]

It's an easy walk from the Suisun City Train Station, and just blocks away from a dozen terrific family-owned restuarants featuring a wide variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Mexican, Greek, California Wine Country, and traditional American fare.

Stop by to say "Hi" to Jay, and try some of our other great businesses while you are in the Suisun City Waterfront District!

>> Here's a link to a video of the entire production on the official It's It website. >>

Gotta Boat? Want one? Check Out Cal Marine Sports

If you have a boat or ever thought about getting out on the gorgeous local waterways, you've gotta check out California Marine Sports - Solano County's premiere marine retailer and service provider, right here in the Suisun City Waterfront District.

California Marine Sports offers a huge selection of boats plus excellent service.

Generous discounts for military personnel, as well as law enforcement and firefighters!

Located at 1240 Kellogg Street, Suisun City right next to the Boat Launch and the Suisun Wildlife Center.

Great Babs Diner Review

I ran across this review the other day from the 'California Travels' web site, a fun site that explores great unsung places around Northern California.

Here's some of what they said about Babs, located right in Suisun City's Waterfront District:

"If we gave out gold stars Bab’s Delta Diner would get the maximum. It has everything - great surroundings, wonderful serice, fantastic food and it’s not too pricey. Certainly worth going out of your way for to experience it."

Read the rest of the entry here at California Travels.

Profit Mastery for Small Businesses: Creating Value & Building Wealth

From the Solano College Small Business Development Center,
a vital Suisun City partner

Profit Mastery: Creating Value and Building Wealth

On March 31st, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Solano College, Redwood Empire and Napa Valley College Small Business Development Centers are sponsoring "Profit Mastery: Creating Value and Building Wealth," an internationally-acclaimed seminar for small business owners, managers, and advisors. It will be held at Pepperbelly’s Comedy & Variety Theater, 849 Texas St., in Fairfield.

The program is designed to help owners and managers of small business better understand financial management and increase their chances of success in today's difficult economic times.

Statistics show that over half of all businesses that fail each year do so despite reporting profits and record sales. The most successful businesses have found that the key to long-term success revolves around effective financial management.

“I have heard Steve LeFever speak at several of our conferences and I have wanted to bring him to Solano for years. He is one of the best presenters I have heard on the subject of financial management," said Charles Eason, Director of Solano College SBDC.

Sponsored by Citi®, this one-day event includes presentations on financial statement analysis, cash flow planning, planning for growth, cost, volume and pricing issues, and determining the right kind of financing for your business. Participants will practice teaching points by using case studies and discussing real-life examples.

For more information, contact the Solano College SBDC at (707) 864-3382 or visit www.SolanoSBDC.org.

We're Now Exit 58B!

It's official! The main Suisun City Waterfront District exit from Highway 12 is now Exit 58B!

Crews from Hudson Excavation installed the first of four new signs along the highway designed to improve the visibility of our historic business district to passing motorists.

Additional signs are scheduled to be installed over the next several days, including another large sign at the Civic Center exit that will read "Suisun City Main Street/Civic Center Blvd." For westbound traffic, we're increasing the size of the current Main Street sign.

Improved Highway 12 signage has been a concern of Waterfront District businesses for quite a while. Here at City Hall we've heard stories of people who wind up in Rio Vista and say they have no idea they drove clear through our entire city. These signs along with the Waterfront District emblem the BID painted on the water tank should fix that!

We're also looking at additional signage to help motorists, visitors and residents realize there is a terrific Waterfront and business community right off Highway 12.

So plan to come visit us in Suisun City. Just take Exit 58B from Highway 12!

Small busines tax tips offered

From Vacaville Reporter

Posted: 02/01/2009 01:02:47 AM PST

"Tax Tips for Small Business" is the title of a workshop to be held 6-8 p.m., Feb. 5, at the Suisun City Council Chamber, 701 Civic Center Blvd., in Suisun City.

The program will be presented by Teri Johnson, owner of Vacaville-based Bookkeeping and More and business advisor to the Solano College Small Business Development Center.

Cost is $20. Reserve a seat by calling the SBDC at 864-3382 or registering online at www.SolanoSBDC.org.

Check here for more information

Planning Commission Approves 'Fresh & Easy' Facade

NEW GROCER WILL ENHANCE SUNSET SHOPPING CENTER

SUISUN CITY - The Planning Commission unanimously approved changes to the exterior facade of the proposed Fresh & Easy location to allow the grocer to begin improvements at the Sunset Shopping Center.

Fresh & Easy, a small-scale grocer focused on regionally fresh produce and easy to prepare food, has proposed to open a store in about half of floor space previously leased to Albertson's, which closed locally in 2006.

The Community Development Department worked with the applicant to break what previously was a large single space for a store sign into two pieces to accommodate two tenants. Weingarten Realty anticipates leasing the remaining 15,000-square-foot space in the anchor tenant location to another business.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market is a local, neighborhood store providing fresh,
wholesome foods at affordable prices to everyone. It is a company of Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer and one of the world’s leading international retailers. Tesco is investing $2 billion dollars over 5 years in the U.S.

The company has opened a number of locations in Southern California, and has plans for a significant number of store openings in the Bay Area and Sacramento regions. >>See proposed locations on the company website>>

$2,820 for Non-Profits in First Suisun City Christmas Tree Auction

LOCAL BUSINESSES LAUNCH NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION

Eighteen local non-profits raised $2,820 for their groups through the Suisun City Waterfront Christmas Tree Celebration and Tree Auction held Saturday as part of the Christmas at the Waterfront event.

Sponsored by the Suisun City Business Group and the Suisun City Historic Waterfront B.I.D., the celebration and auction offered local residents a real fun opportunity to help local non-profits while being able to take home a beautifully decorated tree to plug right into their home holiday decor.

Particularly given the dour economy, the results of this first local tree auction show the generosity of the Suisun City community.

The $2,420 total haul for the non-profits included $350 in prize money awarded by the business organizations to the first, second and third prize winners.

Groups participating were:

• Cassa of Solano County
• Twilight Rotary Club - Early Act Club
• We "R" Family Childrens Christian Center
• Sullivan Middle School Band Boosters
• Kiwanis Club of Suisun City
• NorthBay Healthcare Foundation
• Solano Christian Academy
• Fairfield Civic Theatre
• Wednesday Club
• Armijo High School Indian Softball Boosters
• Kassondra R. Seney Relief Fund
• Victory Outreach
• Relay for Life - Papa Joe's Pit Crew
• Fairfield-Suisun Community Action Council
• Armijo High School Band Boosters
• Cancer Support Group
• Westwind 4-H Club
• International Order of the Rainbow Girls #7

Congratulations to every group involved, and thank-you for decorating such beautiful trees!

A very special thank-you to the Suisun City Business Group and the Suisun City Historic Waterfront B.I.D. and their committee that brought this event together and worked tirelessly to make it such a success. This wouldn't be possible without you!

We can't wait until next year!

Save While Supporting Suisun City Businesses

WATERFRONT BUSINESSES LAUNCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM

The Suisun City Historic Waterfront BID has launched a brand new discount program called "Passport to Savings" to reward frequent customers and provide an easy way to support local businesses while saving a little of the green.

The program is amazingly simple:

• Visit a participating business to get your very own Passport to Savings card.
• Then, visit the BID website at www.suisunwaterfront.com to see the latest discounts offered by participating member businesses.
• Go to the business and cash in on the savings!

The program was launched just in time for the busy Thanksgiving shopping weekend! There are already 18 businesses offering 24 different discounts and promotions on everything from discounts on car service at Hi-Tech Auto to a free haircut at Bellezza Hair Studio, a free gift at Air, Land & Sea Travel, discounts at Waterfront Comics and meal discounts at El Capitan Coffee Co., Athenian Grill, La Cabana, and many, many more!

Check out the web site today before you head out shopping, then support your local Suisun City Waterfront District businesses!

Suisun City Dancer in 'High School Musical 3'

Tiffany Mallari, grew up in Suisun City and got her start as a dancer and performer at Dance Directions - a long-time Waterfront District studio, is starring in Disney's "High School Musical 3."

Here's how Amy Maginnis-Honey started her story on Tiffany in today's Daily Republic:

SUISUN CITY - Look closely at Disney's 'High School Musical 3' on the big screen and you will see two local dancers with featured roles in the film.

Tiffany Mallari, who grew up in Suisun City and now lives in Southern California, and Tyler Welling, an Armijo High School senior, share the silver screen with the movie's main characters.

Mallari credited her 'dance mom,' dance teacher Lisa Clark Schmelling of Dance Direction in Suisun City, for helping her grow as a performer.

'She always looked out for me and was there when I needed advice,' Mallari said. 'She pretty much helped raise me since I was 4.'

For the complete story about Tiffany and Tyler, see www.dailyrepublic.com

Suisun City Water Tank Tagged ...... sort of

A crew tagged the Suisun-Solano Water Agency water tank on Wednesday with bold blue lettering.

Hired by the Suisun City Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District, the crew from Clear Image Sign Co., located in Suisun City, is installing one of the largest signs to ever grace a major Suisun City entrance.

"This is something our members have been asking us to do for some time now," said Garry Rowe, president of the Suisun City BID. "Waterfront District merchants said they needed more visibility from Highway 12, and this was one way we could start to accomplish that goal."

The sign will be clearly visible to the tens of thousands of daily Highway 12, and should end the age old complaint that people drove clear through Suisun City without realizing they'd even been in the city. The massive paint job should be completed by Friday.

The emblem on the water tank will be that of the Waterfront District, a new identity for the Old Town/Downtown area that the Suisun City BID and the City are working hard to promote as a regional destination for high-quality dining across a number of cuisine choices.

The Waterfront District also is a fantastic place to locate your business, whether you need retail or office space. >>Learn more about the fabulous Harbor Square project>>

>>Learn more about the Suisun City Waterfront District>>

For the record, the paint job was approved by the Suisun-Solano Water Agency board and performed in cooperation with Suisun City and Solano Irrigation District staff.