IN THIS ISSUE

Yahoo and Google Locating Jobs in San Francisco

Cody's Books Expands from the East Bay into San Francisco

Census Report: San Francisco Still Tops in Terms of Talent

Events Announcements (see below):

International BioMed Society Forum on Biotech in San Francisco, October 4th, 2005

Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Conference 2005 on October 14th, 2005

San Francisco Wins with Its Brains

San Francisco's winning streak is continuing. As reported below, Yahoo and Google are locating jobs here. It is no coincidence that recent Census Bureau figures indicate San Francisco is even better educated than it was, as recorded in the 2000 census figures (see below). Jobs follow talent, and San Francisco has a deep pool of talent. Our imperative is to make sure we continue both to grow and attract this talent for the good of our citizens and our economy.

Yahoo and Google Moving to San Francisco (?)

For those who missed it, the ever-vigilant San Francisco Business Times reported on August 29th, 2005 that both Yahoo and Google have each been considering basing more than 500 jobs in San Francisco. Yahoo has signed a letter of intent for a lease of approximately 200,000 square feet at 475 Sansome while Google is said to be looking at a lease of approximately the same square footage at an undisclosed location. According to a September 14th, 2005 article by the San Francisco Chronicle, Yahoo reportedly intends to add approximately 800-1000 positions at its site, if the deal is consummated.

Cody's Expansion

Fans of Cody's, a Berkeley bookstore favorite, will be thrilled to hear about their 22,000-square-foot new location on Union Square. The third location for this 48-year-old family-owned business will open at the end of September, and will bring dozens of jobs to San Francisco.

"It's terrific to see a well-established shop from the East Bay move to the city," said San Francisco Center for Economic Development Executive Director Dennis Conaghan. "Cody's strategic move to the corner of Stockton and Market will heighten the shopping experience for San Francisco residents and visitors by adding variety to the big-box retailers in the area."

With neighbors like Virgin Records and the Apple store, and with the arrival of Bloomingdale's and Westfield San Francisco Center across the street next fall, Cody's will be in good company.

San Francisco Maintains Deep Talent Pool

The depth of San Francisco's talent pool is growing, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau recently.

Considered one of the nation's most educated cities, San Francisco boasts 84.3% residents who have a high school diploma. More than half (51%) of San Franciscans have college degrees, and 19.5 percent have advanced degrees. These statistics are slightly higher than statistics released in the 2000 census.

"San Francisco's high worker productivity is due to its well-educated populace," remarks Dennis Conaghan, San Francisco Center for Economic Development Executive Director, "and the city's talent pool is one of its greatest attractions to new companies relocating here."

International BioMed Society: Biotech in San Francisco Event

The International BioMed Society (IBMS) will hold a forum titled "Biotech in San Francisco: Development Issues and Opportunities" at Genentech Hall's main auditorium on the University of California, San Francisco's campus. Jesse Blout, Director of the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development; Gail Maderis, CEO of FivePrime Therapeutics; and Dr. Warren Browner of California Pacific Medical Research Center will speak. Registration is required. Register at www.biomedsociety.org. $25 ($35 at door).

Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Conference 2005

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the People's Government of Guangdong Province have invited members of the San Francisco Center for Economic Development and of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to attend the Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Conference 2005 on October 14, 2005 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at Hilton San Francisco (333 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco).

Mr. Huang Hua-hua, Governor of Guangdong Province and Mr Henry Tang, Financial Secretary of the Government of HKSAR will lead a high-level business delegation comprising enterprises of Hong Kong and Guangdong.

The Conference aims to introduce the US business community to the economic achievements and investment environment of the Greater Pearl River Delta, including Hong Kong and Guangdong, and showcase how American companies can capitalize on the tremendous business opportunities in China through the region. Export and import items amounting to $2 billion and about 1,000 investment projects from various sectors including telecommunications, infrastructure, agriculture, chemical, environmental protection and logistics will be presented.

For more information and to register please click here.

For additional details and information on Chinese trade opportunities, buyer lists and projects located in participating provinces and cities please visit event organizers website at www.norcalwtc.org.

For more information on the SFCED or any of the items mentioned above, please contact info@sfced.org.