Sonoma County Economic Development Board unveils new name, focus on strategic partnerships as Economic Development Collaborative

The Economic Development Board, which is the County agency focused on growing a healthy economy by helping local businesses, today announced it has changed its name to the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved the name change on a unanimous vote today. The organization’s new name represents an evolution and increase in the agency’s role of convening business and community organizations around critical elements for Sonoma County’s economic health, such as increasing quality wage jobs and creating housing affordability in Sonoma County. EDC officials believe the new name communicates the department’s growth, partnerships and desire to connect with the broader community.

“Today’s social, economic and environmental headwinds require us to work better together to boost upward mobility, grow quality jobs and make our communities more affordable and adaptable to economic shocks,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, vice chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Collaboration is a key ingredient for success in accessing capital, applying for incentives and meeting regulatory requirements. This name change represents a focus on meaningful partnerships that support economic prosperity for all in Sonoma County.”

“In the past decade, we’ve worked toward and recognized the strength of our community partnerships across diverse sectors and the increasingly important role these collaborations play in our collective regional economic well-being,” said Ethan Brown, executive director for Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative. “We believe this name change reflects, captures and communicates these efforts.”

The name change follows the Board of Supervisors’ recent adoption of the EDB 3.0 Action Plan, which was created with guidance from community and business leaders to chart a path for Sonoma County’s economic development future. A key component of the 3.0 Action Plan is to enhance the agency’s role as a convener of stakeholders to align and collaborate on pressing economic goals, such as workforce retention and attraction, building resiliency for all businesses and community members, and restoring an affordable cost of living. The evolution in name, brand and message are designed to reflect that collaboration, where anyone can see their business ideas and creative endeavors become reality. Currently work is being accomplished through connecting partners in education and workforce development, jobs and business development, and housing and community development.

The name change also marks an expansion of the agency’s core services including one-on-one business assistance and economic research and reports. These services are accessed by thousands of businesses, organizations, academics and individuals.

“Access and belonging are so important to our overall health and future, and this name change reflects and aligns with our long-term goals as an organization. We want to make sure that everyone has the right to economic opportunities and resources to pursue their dreams and live to their fullest potential. Our community depends on it.” said Kathryn Hecht, board chair of the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative.

Input from business and community partners, the department’s advisory board and staff were included in the process of changing the agency’s name.