
Man of Steel
Construction veteran Steve Ayers on Sac’s arena plans
Steve Ayers makes no bones about his vocal hope that several local contractors will be involved in the highly anticipated design and construction of a sports and entertainment facility in downtown Sacramento. And while he’s known as a humble person whose industry acumen, political clout and philanthropic activities stay largely under the radar, Ayers wants to be a prominent part of the project he believes will launch a downtown renaissance.

Economic Regeneration
Can stem cells grow the region’s bottom line?
A broken leg used to be a death sentence for a horse. Now, the University of California veterinary teaching hospital in Davis is using stem cells to help the horses heal quickly.

Trade Secrets
The inside scoop on business relationships in the People's Republic
Back in 1985, Margaret Wong saw potential in China’s booming economy and took her Sacramento-based lighting company, McWong International Inc., overseas.
The State of Our State
It's not as bad as naysayers claim
I’m no Pollyanna when it comes to assessing our state’s problems, but I must admit I am weary of hearing endless complaints about California’s terrible business environment, its slow economic growth and its many disadvantages compared to states like Texas.

Economic Evolution
It’s slow growing out there
Congratulations Sacramento. You finally got the economic recovery you’ve been asking for.
It’s not as big or fast as you had wished for, but give it time. It should get stronger as we move toward 2014.

The Green Flash
There's energy in Solano's technology sector
An influx of green manufacturing companies and a burgeoning renewable-energy sector is creating the critical mass Solano County needs to usher in a new era of competitive economic growth.

Power Brokers
Clean tech thrives in the Capital Region
Beutler Air Conditioning and Plumbing may be a poster-business for the rise and fall — and re-birth — of Sacramento’s economy. Rick Wylie, president of Beutler, says the 65-year-old Sacramento company was probably saved by its diversification, partially into green energy models.

Home Field Advantage
Clark Pacific's winning stadium bid scores big for the region
The day Clark Pacific won the bid to provide the concrete components for the 49ers’ new football stadium in Santa Clara was a day for much celebration. It was a $20 million award. It meant new jobs. It meant an economic boost for the region.

Time & Place
WIth Bay Area economies growing, Tracy stands to prosper
As Bay Area businesses begin to regain their financial footing, the city of Tracy is aiming to capitalize on a growing need for industrial space in an accessible, affordable zip code.