Get it fast
In Santa Cruz County business news this week, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a key step being taken ahead of Joby Aviation’s plans to operate an air taxi service in New York next year, along with New Leaf Community Markets by opened a new store in Capitola and Santa Cruz Works is seeking nominations for local business leadership awards.
Each week, we’re taking a closer look at the movers and shakers, growing industries and what’s really driving Santa Cruz County’s economy. I’ll be highlighting some of the biggest areas for opportunity, updates on local development and all things supporting the regional business scene, every Wednesday.
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Joby Aviation nears takeoff in NYC
Joby Aviation is poised to launch an air taxi service in New York City after one of the Santa Cruz-based company’s partners, Atlantic Aviation, recently extended its agreement with city officials to operate at the East 34th Street Heliport for another five years. The move helps set the stage for Joby to use the facility when it launches next year. Additionally, Atlantic Aviation will begin upgrading utility infrastructure and installing charging stations at the heliport to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations. Atlantic is also working with other eVTOL operators, including Archer Aviation.
These improvements will ensure that eVTOL aircraft like Joby’s can be landed at the heliport and are expected to be completed in time for the start of service.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will release the finalized pilot training and certification rules for air taxis this week. After receiving FAA certification, New York City will be one of Joby’s initial launch markets. Company officials previously said commercial service could happen next year.
ICYMI: New Leaf Market opens Nov. 9 at Capitolor
After months of renovations, the new Capitola location of New Leaf Community Markets will open on November 9th. The company will close the old store in Begonia Plaza on November 8. The new market will take over the former Lucky Supermarket in King’s Plaza Shopping Center on 41 Avenue.
Earlier this month, New Leaf also closed its Pacific Avenue store in downtown Santa Cruz in preparation for opening a larger space in Gateway Plaza on River Street next year.
Ch-ch-changes: Openings, closings and other developments
- Change of board of directors for West Coast Community Bancorp: The parent company of Santa Cruz County Bank announced that Thomas N. Griffin has retired from the bank’s board of directors after more than 20 years. Wayne Doiguchi has been appointed in his place. Doiguchi has over 40 years of experience in the Bay Area banking industry and most recently served as a director of California Commercial Bank.
- Dream Inn receives new green certificate: The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz has received Green Key Global certification, a globally recognized sustainability certification launched in 1994 that rates hotels against criteria including energy and water conservation, solid and hazardous waste management, air quality internal, community contact and environmental management. Steps taken at Dream Inn include eliminating plastic water bottles and replacing disposables such as shampoo and hand soap with refillable dispensers. These efforts are part of parent company Ensemble Properties LLC’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint across all of its hotel properties.
- Santa Cruz Works Launches Eighth Annual Titans Awards: Local nonprofit Santa Cruz Works has opened nominations for its annual Titans Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Santa Cruz, Monterey or San Benito counties through their innovation and leadership. Nominations are due on Monday, October 28 and winners will be announced at an event on December 4. Previous winners include Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, Digital Nest founder and CEO Jacob Martinez and Nina Simon, former executive director of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. To nominate a local leader, click here.
Got hires, promotions or layoffs to report? Send them to news@lookoutlocal.com with the theme “Career Changes”.
Looking at the numbers
5.2%: This is the September unemployment rate for Santa Cruz County, up from 5.8% in August. It was up slightly from 4.9% in September 2023 and almost even with the state rate for September 2024, which was 5.3%.
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Save the date
- Wednesday, October 23: The Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce will host its next after-hours event from 5 to 7 pm at Solaire Restaurant & Bar inside the Paradox Hotel in Santa Cruz. Beverages from West Peak Sparkling Spirits and wines from Big Basin Vineyards will be served, along with appetizers and oysters from Parker Presents: Bill Oysterman. Details here.
- Wednesday, October 30: Santa Cruz Works is holding its next CEO Works luncheon with Bill Underwood, CEO and founder of Catalyst Consulting Team. He will discuss how leaders can avoid friction as they scale their businesses. The event takes place at the productOps office at 110 Cooper St., Nr. 201, Santa Cruz, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Register here.
- Wednesday, November 6: Santa Cruz Accelerates will host its Demo Day, where its sixth cohort of startup teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $5,000. Finalists will also be invited to pitch investors at Santa Cruz Ventures and Hawktower for seed funding. The event starts at 6pm in the Pasatiempo Room of Back Nine Grill & Bar in Santa Cruz. Details and registration are here.
- Friday, November 8: The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership will host its annual 2024 State of the Region event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CSUMB University Center on the Coast. Representatives from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties will talk about the region’s economic progress and other key issues. Speakers include state Sen. John Laird and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive. Register here.
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Business news worth reading
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