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- Written by: Visit California
The numbers released in an economic impact report by Visit California and Dean Runyan Associates showcase the industry’s role as a mainstay of the fifth-largest economy in the world.
The report’s findings show tourism spending jumped 4.8 percent in 2017, signaling the industry’s eighth consecutive year of growth.
The new job opportunities and additional income from tourism spending are of great value to local communities, particularly those in rural regions.
“Tourism is at the foundation of California’s economy and a consistent revenue generator for local communities whose prosperity depends on the industry’s ongoing success,” said Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta. “We cannot afford to lose out on the benefits our tourism economy delivers for all Californians.”
The report’s findings reveal the vital role tourism plays in sustaining the state’s future success.
Without tourism, each California household would have to pay an additional $820 in taxes each year to maintain the level of government services they currently receive.
Revenue generated by tourism funds the programs and services Californians benefit from every day – such as public safety, parks, trails, roads and infrastructure – and allows local and state government to invest in innovative solutions to face complex challenges.
To ensure California continues to receive a healthy share of tourism dollars, Visit California unites the state’s tourism industry into a powerful, collective force that inspires travelers from around the world to visit the Golden State.
Through successful global marketing campaigns, the industry reaches targeted domestic and international audiences in 14 markets including China, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. These cutting-edge marketing strategies ensure California continues to attract visitors whose spending injects critical revenue into our state’s economy and supports valuable jobs.
“Last year’s growth is a testament to the strength of the California brand at home and abroad, and the strong dividends that tourism marketing delivers back to California’s economy,” said Beteta. “With competition for visitors increasing, we’re committed to elevating the California brand by sending the message to international visitors that all dreams are welcome here.”
The release of this report is part of California Travel and Tourism Month, which occurs every May following a resolution enacted by the Legislature in 2016.
This week, California celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week, when destinations in the Golden State will join communities across the nation to host events that highlight and celebrate the importance of sustaining the travel industry.
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- Written by: California Department of Food and Agriculture
COPAC advises the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the SOP on organic issues, and provides guidance on enforcement, education, outreach, and technical assistance for organic producers.
“Those who serve on CDFA advisory boards for the California Department of Agriculture provide us with highly valued insight,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. That insight assists our department in meeting the ever-changing needs of our growers, producers, processors and consumers.”
The COPAC is comprised of leaders from the California organic industry, including producers, processors, wholesale distributors, a representative of an accredited certifying agency, a consumer, an environmental representative, a retail representative, and technical representatives with scientific credentials related to agricultural chemicals, toxicology, or food science.
Each of the 15 representatives has an alternate counterpart who fits the same criteria.
The current vacancies include:
– One technical representative;
– Two producer alternates;
– Two processor alternates;
– One environmental representative alternate;
– Two technical representative alternates; and
– One consumer representative alternate.
Appointments for advisory committee positions will normally be for three years from the date of appointment. A member may serve for two consecutive terms.
After one year of absence from the committee, a former member may reapply for other vacant seats and may be appointed. As needed some appointments may be made for two years to allow staggering of terms. Term limits do not apply to alternates.
To apply or learn more about the committee, visit the COPAC Web site at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/organic_publications.html#COPAC.
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- Written by: California Department of Insurance
Assembly Bill 1797 (Levine) and Assembly Bill 1875 (Wood) will help homeowners avoid being underinsured-a terrible problem faced by many survivors of the 2017 fires.
"These bills are designed to help fire and mudslide survivors avoid the huge financial burden of being underinsured and unable to afford to rebuild by tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Commissioner Jones. "They offer California consumers more peace of mind knowing that if disaster strikes their insurance coverage should be sufficient to cover the costs of rebuilding and they will be able to move forward with certainty. I am pleased the Assembly Insurance Committee recognized the need for this legislation and am hopeful the full Legislature will agree and pass these important consumer protection bills."
Underinsurance is one of the most significant problems facing fire and mudslide survivors in the aftermath of the 2017 firestorms.
According to a survey conducted by United Policyholders following the 2017 North Bay fires, 66 percent of survivors were underinsured on the dwelling portion of their claim and 47 percent were underinsured on the contents portion of their claim.
AB 1797 is aimed at making sure that homeowners are given an updated replacement cost estimate for their home.
Current regulations require a complete and comprehensive estimate of the cost to replace a home when a replacement estimate is provided by the insurer, but state law does not mandate that insurers produce or regularly update a replacement cost calculation.
AB 1797 would require insurers to either provide a policyholder with a full replacement cost estimate every other year or apply an inflation factor to the dwelling limit at each renewal and clearly offer the consumer the option to obtain a full replacement cost estimate.
AB 1875 addresses confusion surrounding extended replacement cost coverage (ERC). Almost all insurance companies offer ERC, which allows property owners to purchase limits above the replacement cost policy limits, which are typically based upon the insurance company's estimated cost of replacement.
However, those ERC limits can vary dramatically from the low of a 20 percent option to higher options of 50, 75, or 100 percent.
Many consumers are never provided these options by insurers nor are they told how the coverage options, if available, would impact their premiums.
AB 1875 would require an insurer who does not provide at least 50 percent ERC to help direct the consumer to an insurer that does. This will give consumers reasonable options against underinsurance.
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- Written by: Middletown Area Merchants Association
Social media and technology consultant, author and keynote speaker Kerry Rego will explore the possibilities and limitations of social media for business.
Rego is a lecturer at Sonoma State University, an adjunct faculty member of Santa Rosa Junior College, and has written books on social media strategy and reputation management.
“I want you to be an educated consumer, feeling confident, and walk out feeling more centered about your social media approach than when you arrived,” she said.
This workshop will cover topics from posting to scheduling, quirks of the systems, providing online customer service, handling negativity, crisis management, how to get around obstacles, editorial calendars, and how to minimize the amount of time spent and impact on a work day.
"Kerry is one of the most well researched social media experts that I know. Her ability to share insights, knowledge and practical application is unsurpassed,” said Sam Euston of Euston Productions in Lower Lake.
Spots may be reserved for $15 by using the link on the homepage of the Merchants Association, www.MiddletownAreaMerchants.com. Students with a current ID may attend for free but must also reserve a spot at the same link.
Questions may be directed to Beth Rudiger, MAMA president, at 707-326-1291.
A MAMA Certificate of Completion will be available after successful completion of a quiz following the workshop.
An optional Social Media Book and Workbook Starter Kit ($32) will be available for purchase from Kerry at the workshop.