As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, Fremont has a robust retention-oriented economic development strategy, due in large part to research from the Bay Area Council, which suggests that most job growth comes from the expansion of existing businesses and startups. We’ve highlighted some great success stories in the business retention blog “Business Retention & Expansion Success: Why we’re not cold calling.”

The key ingredient in our Business Retention recipe is an active Business Appreciation Visit program. We regularly reach out to Fremont companies to schedule appointments in order to thank them for their contributions to the City, understand their business needs and learn about new industry trends. These businesses graciously welcome our team, which includes a representative from the City’s Economic Development Advisory Commission, a City Council member, a member of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development staff. In the past year, we have met with 46 companies in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and clean technologies. We also focused on Fremont’s educational institutions and our auto dealers.

Here are a few highlights from our business appreciation visits made in FY201213:

  • We have met with 46 different companies.
  • 87% were first-time visits.
  • 50% of visits included the president/CEO at the meeting.
  • 57% of visits were with innovative industries in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, or life sciences.
  • Businesses requested assistance from us with permits and regulatory policies, finding qualified employees, linkages with local universities and colleges, and opportunities to demonstrate new technologies.
  • We heard from Fremont companies that while the cost of doing business in California is expensive, they feel positive overall about the business climate.
  • Fremont-based companies have told us that this City is an attractive location for business because of its central location in Silicon Valley, proximity to technology clusters, access to educated employees and competitive lease rates.

Thank you to all the companies doing business in Fremont. We‘re excited to continue our Business Appreciation Visit program with Fremont companies in 2014. If you would like to participate, please contact Kim Marshall at kmarshall@fremont.gov.