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A bigger role in economic development
In late 2019 , Roseville Electric developed a team focused on driving commercial growth within our community . In addition to a senior key account representative role that already existed within the utility , we partially funded a position on the citywide economic development team to focus on the utility advantage and what that meant for new businesses considering Roseville as their home .
“ Our goal is to get every customer to success . We understand that energy use varies depending on the type of business . This is why we offer customized solutions to address needs on a case-by-case basis . We are committed to identifying solutions that improve business operations ,” said Roseville Electric Utility Director Michelle Bertolino .
The relationship between the electric utility and economic development makes perfect sense . “ Having access to some of the lowest cost electricity in California that is recognized nationally for reliability is a value proposition that is not ignored by the business community ,” said Matteoli .
This includes a focused effort on operational efficiencies for some of our largest customers to ensure they see success not only now , but in the years to come .
For McKesson Medical Surgical , a medical supply distribution company located in Roseville , that meant evaluating energy consumption and lowering electricity costs . “ They didn ’ t have to reach out to us like that but knew it was a good thing as a business partner ,” said McKesson ’ s Chris Reese .
Businesses like McKesson rely heavily on reliable service at low rates . But , as part of the Greater Sacramento region , getting noticed isn ’ t always easy .
A regional approach to local growth
There is a big effort to draw business to Northern California . The Greater Sacramento Metro population stands at just over 2.5 million . With competitive real estate prices , payroll costs , and utility rates , businesses are starting to recognize what the region has to offer – the benefits of California without the price tag .
The City of Roseville has been an active regional partner and member of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council ( GSEC ). Our economic development team has worked hard in the past two years to help the area thrive .
In addition to a citywide membership within GSEC , Roseville Electric saw an opportunity to have a louder voice at the regional table regarding economic development . This led to a utilityspecific membership this past year , providing additional opportunities to promote the public power advantage to site selectors and other businesses interested in expanding .
“ With a dedicated focus on site selection and infrastructure we are able to promote robust and timely growth within the city and region ,” said Shawn Matchim , assistant utility director for Roseville Electric . He says this has led to a proactive approach to site readiness within our service territory , allowing businesses to move to Roseville sooner instead of having to wait years for infrastructure development .
By incorporating utilities into the site selection process for the region , and more specifically Roseville , we offer an intriguing value proposition . “ Having the ability for site selectors to receive a consistent message , detailed utility information , and point of contact gives confidence to their clients in doing business in Roseville ,” said Matteoli .
“ It ’ s easy to get overshadowed by some of the larger utilities in the region ,” said Bertolino . “ We have a tremendous amount to offer here in Roseville which is why we took this next step .”
In addition to the membership , Bertolino sits on GSEC ’ s Competitiveness Council . The council serves as the strategic advisory group to the GSEC ’ s Board of Directors on advancing the region ’ s competitive position . The Competitiveness Council is comprised of business and community leaders who not only have the requisite expertise for delivering competitiveness recommendations , but also the initiative required to spearhead their execution .
This collaborative approach to growth has helped Roseville identify the best projects for our city and for the grid , including marketing those opportunities beyond the region .
Marketing the public power difference
Working in concert with the larger economic development team , the utility created a collateral package for site selectors visiting the Greater Sacramento region as well as national event opportunities such as South by Southwest in Austin , Texas . Our goal was to create a cohesive package of materials that highlighted a skilled and educated workforce , a pro-business climate , and a valuable partnership with our utility .
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February 2021 | comstocksmag . com 69