Region’s unemployment dropped to 6% in April, but shrinking workforce played a part
The tri-county region’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.4% in March to 6% in April, equaling its lowest rate since the pandemic began, according to a Business Times analysis of data released May 21 by the California Employment Development Department. The drop in the unemployment rate was due in part to job growth, but a shrinking Read More →
New REACH study: Central Coast businesses were hit hard, but $1.5B in PPP loans softened blow
The pandemic was bad, but without business assistance in the form of the federal Paycheck Protection Program, it could have been so much worse for local businesses. REACH — the Regional Economic Action Coalition, a San Luis Obispo-based economic development nonprofit — released a report May 19 that examined the impact of the pandemic on Read More →
Lots of help wanted in restaurants, other industries
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Wine Buzz: Santa Barbara County loses a true pioneer in Jim Clendenen
On May 15, legendary winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat died in his sleep at 68, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future vintners, chefs, and historians in Santa Barbara, the United States and throughout the world. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, recognized by his flowing head of shoulder-length hair and Read More →
Community foundations helped small businesses survive during pandemic
Small businesses have been struggling to survive for more than a year. Storefronts and hotels across the Tri-Counties were shuttered and vacant with normal operating hours left on windows like a sad joke. On top of managing day-to-day operations and responsibilities, many owners and employees were faced with an unthinkable task: asking for help. For Read More →
Cleveland Fed CEO talks inflation, recovery at UCSB forecast
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New study puts Vandenberg at $5.8B in economic impact, 20K jobs
Editor’s note: This article was updated shortly after it was posted to include information about the planned renaming of the base. Vandenberg Air Force Base was responsible for 20,000 jobs and $5.8 billion in economic activity in 2020, with room to grow to $7.9 billion in output by 2030, according to a new study by Read More →
