By Faughn Top Stories 0 Comments

Business owner in Madera County gets high recognition

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Steel Structures Inc. in Madera County takes a flat sheet of steel and transforms it into massive tools that help drive our economy.

“If it has to be stored or processed, we build it,” says Company President Dan Riley.

The manufacturing plant has four buildings on nine acres and handles projects of all sizes.

Some stay local — others are shipped across the world.

“I have shipped to Guam, Barbados, Australia about three times,” he said. “Florida, Central Valley, West Coast and anything that makes sense.”

In April, the Small Business Association recognized Dan Riley, the company’s president, as the 2024 Small Business Person of the Year.

It’s a recognition he’s humbled to receive as the third generation of the family-owned business.

Riley says it’s important to him to continue the legacy that started with his grandfather in 1952 and pass it on to his two sons one day.

“I feel proud, and I feel honored,” he said. “Being able to do it and trying to overcome obstacles and changing times, presidents, policies, wars, we have survived a lot. Now, my greatest honor is to do my diligence and get my two boys involved.”

Riley says he is thankful for all the employees who help keep their family legacy strong.

He also shows his gratitude by giving back to our community.

“We always do it mainly for the community to give back and support,” he said. “I am a Rotarian and a veteran. I am involved in a lot of service clubs. The goal is always to give back. A rising tide floats all ships.”

Riley’s youngest says he’s been working with his dad since he was a young teen and is excited to be part of the growing business and serve more areas in the future.

https://abc30.com/post/business-owner-madera-county-gets-high-recognition/14858529/

By Faughn Back Office 0 Comments

Cargill sells California beef plant to Central Valley Meat

Cargill confirmed Thursday it has entered an agreement to sell off a California processing plant to the state’s largest beef producer.

Central Valley Meat Holding Company will acquire the food giant’s processing facility in Fresno for an undisclosed amount, according to an emailed statement to Agriculture Dive. The California beef producer aims to retain as many of the plant’s 880 employees as possible.

“With this sale, Cargill’s priorities were to place as many of our workers as possible into jobs and to retain the beef processing capacity for California producers,” a Cargill spokesperson said.

Central Valley Meat solidified itself as a dominant player in the California beef industry following the 2019 acquisition of Harris Farms, which operates the state’s largest feedlot located about an hour’s drive from Fresno. The producer employs more than 2,000 workers.

The acquisition of the Cargill plant represents a “significant expansion” in capacity, according to Central Valley Meat. The purchase will allow the California producer to better respond to market demands and drive efficiencies across its supply chain.

“We’re excited to work alongside cattle producers in the state and region to continue delivering quality beef products for our customers and consumers,” Central Valley Meat CEO and owner Brian Coelho said in a statement.

Cargill employees will have the opportunity to “explore roles” within Central Valley Meat, the California processor said in a statement. Cargill has yet to file the required notice with the state that would indicate mass layoffs.

The sale comes less than a month after Cargill offloaded eight grain facilities in the Midwest to rival CHS. Global food giants’ profits have suffered as lower commodity prices eat away at earnings.

https://www.agriculturedive.com/news/cargill-sells-california-beef-plant-fresno-central-valley-meat/715792/

By Faughn Economy • Energy 0 Comments

Feds Award $623 Million in Grants To Deploy Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

About $623 million in federal grants were awarded to 22 states and Puerto Rico to install electric vehicle charging stations as part of the Biden administration’s push to shift the United States away from gas-powered vehicles.

Cities, states and tribal groups nationwide were named recipients Thursday for funding to install chargers along heavily traveled highways and in underserved areas. The grants are part of a broader $7.5 billion program by the Biden administration to advance the adoption of electric vehicles. Additional grants are expected to be announced later.

Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai and other auto makers are spending billions of dollars to construct factories for electric vehicles and the lithium-ion batteries that power them. Federal and state governments are pushing for the transition to EVs to combat climate change.

The private sector has ramped up efforts to install EV charging stations at retailers, apartment developments, gas stations and other locations. But there remains a dearth of electric vehicle charging stations, causing consumers to worry about getting stranded if their electric vehicle runs out of power and they’re not close to a charging station.

The first EV charging stations funded through the federal program opened last month at a Pilot truck stop in London, Ohio, and in a Bank of America parking lot in Kingston, New York. The new round of grants is expected to accelerate the expansion, with some organizations saying they will immediately begin the process of doling out the funds for installation.

Representatives from winning areas issued statements on Thursday about their plans. The Atlanta Regional Commission said it expects installation backed by its $6.1 million award to take place over the next 12 to 18 months. The planning organization will prioritize groups that will use the funds to put chargers in underserved areas, CEO Anna Roach said in a news release.

The Atlanta Regional Commission did not disclose details of the types of chargers it will deploy, or the equipment manufacturers or charging networks. A spokesman for the organization said that specific locations will be announced later.

The city of Mesa, Arizona, received $12 million to install charging stations as well as charging docks for e-bicycles and e-scooters. “It’ll mean convenience for drivers, lower emissions and even more good-paying clean energy jobs,” U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, who represents Mesa, said in a news release.

The private sector has already stepped up its game on EV charger installations. Mercedes-Benz in November released images for its planned network of canopy-covered charging stations, which will carry the Mercedes brand and offer perks to Mercedes drivers.

Not all grants will be used specifically for charging equipment designed for vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries. A group of local governments in Texas received $70 million to build five hydrogen fueling stations for trucks along highways in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

The next three largest awards announced Thursday were $64 million to New Mexico; $56 million for the Central Valley of California; and $51 million to Puerto Rico. Metropolitan areas that were awarded grants included New York City; Cleveland, Ohio; the San Francisco Bay area; Durham, North Carolina; and Boise, Idaho.

Other grant recipients announced Thursday include:

  • $56 million for truck-charging stations in Taft and Gustine, towns in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. The stations will also include chargers for light-duty vehicles.
  • $15 million to the state of Maryland to develop charging stations in urban, suburban and low and moderate-income neighborhoods. Coppin State University in Baltimore was named as a potential location in Maryland.
  • $12 million for an EV charging center for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles on Interstate 15 in Barstow, California, halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
  • $10 million to New Jersey for charging stations at multifamily developers in disadvantaged areas and near public transit stations.
  • $1.4 million to the Chilkoot Indian Association to build a charging station in Haines, Alaska.

https://www.costar.com/article/323873751/feds-award-623-million-in-grants-to-deploy-electric-vehicle-charging-stations

By Faughn Back Office • Economy 0 Comments

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $600,000 to Bolster Business Growth in Tulare, California

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $600,000 grant to the city of Tulare, California, to make building renovations to accommodate new business growth and startup expansion.

This grant will support the creation of a fabrication facility which will house 3D printers, laser cutters, and other equipment small businesses can access for prototyping and producing new products. This EDA investment will be matched with $210,000 in local funds and is expected to create 72 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will help provide a state-of-the-art space where entrepreneurs can grow their businesses, contributing to regional job creation and economic resilience.”

“California’s innovation and entrepreneurial spirit can be found in every region of our state, from San Francisco to the Central Valley. Right here in Tulare, an investment from the Economic Development Administration will foster economic growth and job creation,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Infrastructure that supports Tulare’s small business owners and entrepreneurs is critical to boosting the Central Valley’s economy,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “As we celebrate Small Business Month, this investment will spur innovation and create good-paying jobs by providing hardworking small business owners important tools to grow their enterprises.”

“I applaud the EDA for delivering this funding which will create jobs, grow businesses, and spur economic growth,” said Senator Laphonza Butler. “These federal dollars going to Tulare will create spaces that help ensure small businesses get the cutting-edge technology they need to keep our local economies strong.”

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2024/05/07/us-department-commerce-invests-600000-bolster-business-growth-tulare

By Faughn Hi-Tech • New Developments 0 Comments

XB-1 Program Developments

Boom Supersonic completed the inaugural flight of XB-1, the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet, at Mojave Air & Space Port. The flight occurred in the “same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947,” according to the company’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl. The flight testing will aid the development of Overture, a supersonic jet designed to transport passengers up to 1,300 mph at an altitude of 60,000 feet. For more information about today’s milestone achievement

https://boomsupersonic.com/xb-1

By Faughn Energy 0 Comments

Navy renews plan for energy project on NAS Lemoore farmland | Around Kings County

It’s back and it could be big. The US Navy has dusted off plans that have been shelved for the past 10 years, offering to lease 11,000 acres of farmland surrounding the NAS Lemoore base for energy production.

In a release made public Feb. 12, the Navy says it is taking this first step in the process by issuing a “Request for Interest” (RFI) seeking information from interested parties on a potential long-term lease for commercial development and operation of critical energy resiliency infrastructure and/or water utility options on 11,000 +/- acres of underutilized, non-excess agriculture land.”

The Navy says they want to look at energy and/or water development opportunities that “will help mitigate threats posed by wildfires and other natural disasters, climate change, water supply shortages, bird air strikes, an unreliable electric grid, as well as cyber and kinetic attacks.”

What is the goal? Like all US military bases, the Navy wants to improve “Energy Security solutions that mitigate the effects of supply disruptions on mission essential functions.”

What’s the worry? Grid blackout caused by a slew of dangers from cyber attacks, strong storms, extreme heat or wildfire that can shut down power that the base depends on. Worries also surround water disruptions brought on by extreme weather — both drought and floods that could pose an actual national security issue that would be out of the military’s control.

The Navy says they do not want to pay a developer for power generated or water improvements but if a project is built, they want to receive “an uninterrupted supply of energy and water necessary” as a (IKC) in-kind-consideration — to carry on with base operations despite any crisis. The developer could offer the power for sale on the market as the incentive to make what will be a major investment.

If the base is potentially vulnerable, it also offers an opportunity to develop both on-base power and water improvements. The notice points out that the base is near critical California electric grid infrastructure and offers geographical features, flat land with sufficient sun and wind, that could support additional energy infrastructure and/or water utility development.

Industry Day Feb. 29

The government will be offering an Industry Day on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 that will provide all interested entities an opportunity to participate in a site tour to view and walk portions of the proposed leased premises.

“NAS Lemoore is host to approximately 20,000 acres of federally-owned rural agricultural land. The secure operational and administrative areas are surrounded by 11,000 acres of prolific agriculture lands with more than 10,000 acres out-leased for agricultural production. The active cultivation of these farming operations have been critical in reducing bird air strikes, as the periodic discing and turning of soil reduces the bird population by frustrating the ground prey base. However, the farming operations are water intensive.”

Therefore, the notice says ”any development ideas in response to this RFI must support the installation’s mission activities and positively contribute to the energy and water goals.”

This is not the first time the US Navy has considered a solar project on their ag land here. A solar energy project at Naval Air Station Lemoore that was “first announced in 2015 is still moving forward,” according to NAVFAC Southwest Energy, it was reported last year. At that time the Navy was working with an Arizona utility affiliate to build a project. Now they have apparently opened the bidding to other developers.

Our past reporting noted “The idea is to ensure the base can operate even if faced with loss of power from the grid. Emergencies like wildfires in California have put portions of the state at risk of going dark with PG&E impacted.”

Notice that this time the Navy has added water resiliency as well as power projects. The base is surrounded by Westland Water District who just announced an expansion of solar projects on their land. They explain that California has set its sights on 100% clean energy. “By 2045, and the Central Valley will play a vital role in getting there. The same Mediterranean climate that make Westlands an ideal farming location, make it well-suited for solar. As water supplies have become more unreliable, farmers have turned to solar development as an alternative use for the land.”

The Navy request offers the possibility to use up to 11,000 acres – what could be a huge solar farm next to the base, possibly one of the largest in the US. Consider that nearby the Westland Solar Park that includes 12 large solar array facilities will, when built out, sprawl over 20,000 acres producing 2700 MW of power.

The Kings County Assessor says the value of big solar projects in the county as of June 2023 was $142.5 million. Even though this potential project would be on federal lands, the lease of the acreage would be taxed.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/navy-renews-plan-for-energy-project-on-nas-lemoore-farmland-around-kings-county/article_e4c87661-537f-5779-931d-3627a512b804.html

By Faughn Food Processing • New Developments 0 Comments

US Cold Storage in Tulare plans $76 mil expansion after food package deal

United States Cold Storage Inc. expects to complete an 8.56- million-cubic-foot refrigerated addition at its Tulare North warehouse in Tulare come February 2025.

This $75.7 million expansion will include some of the industry’s latest storage and retrieval automation and bring the operation’s total space to more than 24.7 million cubic feet, the largest single footprint in the company’s network.

“I am thrilled for our fifth strategic expansion in Tulare,” said Rod Noll, USCS senior vice president for the Western Region. “This expansion reflects the continued growth of some of our major customers who are broadening their manufacturing capabilities. Specifically, we have a consumer-packaged goods customer relocating its business to northern California and to this facility.

“Meanwhile, we also look forward to contributing to the local Tulare business community and creating additional job opportunities.”

Tulare City Manager Marc Mondell added praise. “US Cold Storage has been a fantastic local employer and partner for over 20 years,” he said.  We are thrilled that they are making another large investment into their Tulare facility and look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.”

US Cold Storage plans to break ground for the attached expansion this month, which will ultimately include two new refrigerated rooms capable of storage down to -20F degrees. Officials expect by this November to complete a conventional storage space spanning 3.08 million cubic feet. A second, 5.48 million-cubic- foot room is scheduled to open in February 2025. That space will feature very narrow aisle storage serviced by a warehouse guidance system and semi-automated, turret-style storage and retrieval forklifts.

Upon completion, Tulare North will have approximately 98,500 available pallet positions. The addition also includes 23 more shipping and receiving doors for the operation’s dock, which will boast 73 doors after completion.

“Tulare North is one of our largest facilities in the West Region,” Noll added. “Being a multi-dimensional facility, it can handle a large range of storage temperature requirements. Offering the flexibility of food grade ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and ice cream storage temps allows us to customize our services for many types of customers and many stages of production.”

USCS first built its Tulare North operation in 2002 as a 3.4 million-cubic-foot dry warehouse. Tulare North also offers import and export services, rail handling and product re-pack services. It also is certified according to the BRCGS Food Safety Global Standard. USCS also services the area from a second Tulare operation, a 7.3 million-cubic-foot Tulare South facility, which also offers ambient and refrigerated storage. USCS’s cold storage and logistics network spans 40 sites from coast to coast, including nine California locations from Sacramento and south to Bakersfield.  The company is a subsidiary of the U.K.’s John Swire & Sons Ltd.

https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/2024/02/05/us-cold-storage-in-tulare-plans-76-mil-expansion-after-food-package-deal/72451106007/

By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

Stockton Metro Airport Lands $26M For Upgrades

Stockton Metro Airport — just over 3 miles from Manteca’s northern most city limits — is undergoing $26 million in upgrades. The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved $26.2 million Tuesday to fund what county leaders called “transformative improvements” at the airport. The funds will support revitalization of key facilities, increase capacity for commercial airline service and attain future economic development goals.

Allegiant Airlines currently non-stop flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix. It is also a key airport in Amazon’s Prime network with a number of flights daily delivering cargo that is headed for one of 11 distribution facilities they operate in the region including in Stockton, Manteca, Tracy, Patterson, and Turlock. Amazon has more than 13,000 people working at its nearby fulfillment centers. The airport’s role in San Joaquin County’s future is two-fold. There are 1.2 million residents in San Joaquín and Stanislaus counties alone that could access airline service.

It also playing a role in snagging business park tenants due to its ability to serve both cargo and corporate travel. Stockton has business park projects — or are zoned for such use — on three sides of the airport. Manteca’ business park expansion in the northwest corner of the city is just three miles from the airport. In addition. Manteca’s the general plan calls for the development of hundreds of more acres north of Roth Road that would be even closer to the airport. Given Manteca’s proximity to the airport — downtown Manteca is 8.3 miles away while downtown Stockton is 6.8 miles away — what occurs there can have a big impact on the Family City.

“This funding is a huge step to help attract prospective airline carriers and cargo operators to our region and contribute to jobs, economic development, and overall quality of life,” said San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair, Miguel Villapudua.

“We foresee a time in the near future where we are transporting thousands of passengers each day on multiple airlines to destinations across the U.S. SCK already serves a market of over 1.2 million residents from San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties alone.  The addition of an updated terminal with a competitive scheduled airline service would greatly enhance the economic vitality of the County and Central Valley.”

The funding will be used for the following infrastructure projects:

*$8 million in terminal investments. Construct a new five gate, at-grade hold room designed to comfortably accommodate 400 peak hour passengers. Remodel parts of the existing baggage claim, Transportation Security Administration security area and ticket counter portions of the existing terminal. Add new baggage conveyors, provide space for rent-a-car counters and update restrooms.

*$7 million for west ramp restoration/redesign. Restore and redesign the west ramp to accommodate new hangar construction.

*$5.8 million in new hangars/awnings. Construct new aircraft storage hangars (38 units), aircraft sunshade awnings (10 units). Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) awning, and replacement commercial hangar.

*$4.5 million in commercial hangar acquisition. Acquire an existing commercial hangar to update and repurpose portions, or all, of the building and its site.

*$600,000: to construct a pilot center and self-serve fueling facility.

*$325,000 for an AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER STUDY. Complete a siting study for a new FAA-operated/County-owned air traffic control tower.

“These improvements are much needed and a long time coming,” said SCK’s Airport Director, Richard Sokol.

“SCK’s current air carrier terminal building is more than 60 years old. Over the years, some basic mechanical systems of the building have been repaired, but the layout and functionality of the building has gone essentially unchanged. In addition, aircraft size and passenger load has increased, and the way airlines use airport facilities has substantially changed since the 1960s. The existing building must be updated to successfully meet the needs of air carriers who wish to grow the airline market at SCK.”

Sokol noted that the building was originally designed for airplanes seating 50 passengers, while today’s operators feature aircraft seating 138 passengers or more.

He also said the existing passenger hold room was added in 2011, but its size cannot support concurrent operations of multiple aircraft used by today’s airlines.

In addition, security rules and procedures did not exist in 1965 and the way outbound bags are processed has also changed dramatically.

https://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/local-news/stockton-metro-airport-lands-26m-upgrades/

By Faughn New Developments • Workforce 0 Comments

$100M Scannell Warehouse Project Seeks Local Contractors

With the Fresno City Council’s final approval Feb. 22 of the $100 million, 900,000 square-foot foot warehouse development by Scannell Properties, it’s time to start learning about bid opportunities.

The Fresno County Economic Development Corp. is hosting a bidders webinar for local contractors Friday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Valencia-based general contractor on the project Storie and Severson Construction will take part.

Nearly two dozen specialty areas are being sought, including asphalt paving, concrete (large scale site and tilt-up), cubs, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and roofing.

Contactors will also be able to learn about local pre-apprenticeship program.

Located off Marks Avenue just north of Highway 180, the speculative project by the national developer is expected to create up to 1,000 long-term industrial jobs and employ 1,000 construction workers.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/100m-scannell-warehouse-project-seeks-local-contractors/