![Armstrong Technologies builds high-tech manufacturing parts at the Auburn Airport Business Park.
(photo http://www.kodiakgreenwood.com/) Armstrong Technologies builds high-tech manufacturing parts at the Auburn Airport Business Park.
(photo http://www.kodiakgreenwood.com/)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0214_region_Armstrong_Technologies.jpg?1577874530)
The Auburn Advantage
How one city turned lifestyle into business leads
Downtown Auburn has a distinct, modern-day Mayberry feel, from the stone-paved sidewalks to the rustic brick bus stop. But five miles away,
![Photo by PIDC/The Navy Yard Photo by PIDC/The Navy Yard](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1113_D_opinion.jpg?1577874530)
Go Time
Hey Sacramento, let’s stop talking and get something done.
You may have recently noticed some random references to JFDI. Maybe it was in a tweet or a sticker on the back of a cell phone. The initials stand for Just F*cking Do It. It isn’t a new movement or an acronym from a New York Times Best Seller. It represents an attitude, a mindset and — most importantly — an unwavering willingness to act.
![Armstrong Technologies, Auburn, Ca.) Armstrong Technologies, Auburn, Ca.)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0913_F_manufacturing.jpg?1577874530)
Brain Power
Research and development is the foundation for regional manufacturing growth
Like an oil derrick with arms, the school-bus-yellow robot is the center of attraction in an otherwise colorless room dominated by metal castings and concrete floors. Moving like a mime on a street corner, the robot picks up a metal casting, holds it to a computer-run camera and then places the part and the fixture that holds it on a machine for tooling.
![Steve Ayers, CEO, Armour Steel Steve Ayers, CEO, Armour Steel](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0713_F_construction_II.jpg?1577874530)
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.
![(istockphoto.com) (istockphoto.com)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0513_D_Med_Tech.jpg?1577874530)
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.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0413_China_insider.jpg?1577874530)
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.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/placerville_comstocks_jan2013.jpg?1577874531)
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.
![(photo courtesy of Coda Manufacturing) (photo courtesy of Coda Manufacturing)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/120312codanp-067.jpg?1577874530)
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.