Knowing the Valley’s audience

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Published on 06/14/2013 - 10:19 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

Spanish-language advertising carries unique benefits

The growth of the Hispanic population and Latino TV programming in the Fresno area makes advertising on Spanish-language television a logical part of a marketing plan for products and services.
Hispanics comprise nearly half the area’s population and their spending power has surged.
Still, advertising on Spanish-language TV stations and targeting of the Hispanic audience may not be on the top of the mind of many business owners. But that may be changing.
One reason is the sheer number of viewers.

Safe and sound

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Published on 06/07/2013 - 1:28 pm

Written by Clay Moffitt

Local gun safe makers busier than ever

Anticipation of stricter gun control laws has proven lucrative to a pair of Central Valley gun safe manufacturers.

The Gun Safe Co., a manufacturer based in Exeter, and Sturdy Gun Safe, a Fresno manufacturer, both report they’ve struggled to manufacture at a rate to keep up with demand.

Staffing firms see own jobs bump

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Published on 05/30/2013 - 10:59 am

Written by Clay Moffitt

This past year, employment with staffing firms increased, which is great news for the industry and is indicative of a bigger impact on the economy as a whole.

Boys & Girls Club expands Fresno County youth employment

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Published on 05/30/2013 - 10:57 am

Written by Ben Keller

With all the competition among youngsters looking for work this summer, at least 105 of them can expect a decent paying job thanks to the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County.

Downtown office activity still lags behind North Fresno

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Published on 05/30/2013 - 10:30 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

Older buildings will continue to provide office space for companies that prefer the Downtown Fresno area, at least until demand makes new office construction practical.

Nonprofits welcome cash infusion to help homeowners

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Published on 05/17/2013 - 11:09 am

Written by Ben Keller

Earlier this month, the Central Valley received its largest infusion of cash for foreclosure prevention assistance ever when several nonprofits divvied up more than $1.3 million to help low-income residents in the region keep their homes and navigate the mortgage minefield.

On the job

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:22 pm

Written by Chuck Harvey

Solar farms, new homes fuel construction employment bump

The hiring of construction workers in the Central Valley has picked up slightly, spurred by major solar power projects and an uptick in the building of new homes.

Building to learn

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Published on 05/10/2013 - 2:18 pm

Written by Ben Keller

Districts, colleges embark on new projects

Construction activity may not be soaring in the Central Valley, but you wouldn’t know it by taking a look at several college and high school campuses throughout the region.
With a number of bond measures approved by voters in the last few years, Valley school districts have been infused with new cash to move forward on a few long overdue and novel projects for students to enjoy when classes start up again in the fall.

Local banks see negative growth in Q1

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Published on 05/03/2013 - 1:21 pm

Written by Clay Moffitt

Reluctance to borrow — by both businesses and individuals — despite an improving economy, coupled with low interest rates, produced disappointing first quarter earnings for some local community banks and tough questions for some of the struggling banks.

According to Barclay’s compilation of Federal Reserve data, smaller banks’ total loans fell by 0.2 percent nationally. 

Simonian Farms

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Published on 04/26/2013 - 11:31 am

Written by Chuck Harvey

Simonian Farms believes local produce sales should be more than a booth loaded with fruits, vegetables and nuts.
The long-time provider of local produce has taken sales to a new level by taking shoppers on a trip to the past. The Simonians sell their fresh and dried fruits and vegetables in buildings filled with old-time memorabilia and props in a museum-like setting.