![City of Sacramento Director of Convention and Cultural Services Jody Ulich City of Sacramento Director of Convention and Cultural Services Jody Ulich](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0116_dept_discourse_nn.jpg?1577874530)
The Crusade for Art Infusion
Sacramento's art czar says it's a necessity, not a luxury
Jody Ulich has been Sacramento’s director of convention and cultural services for just over a year. A transplant from Fort Worth, Texas, the energetic Ulich has brought a fresh energy and perspective to the city’s efforts to stabilize and grow its diverse arts community. We sat down with her recently to discuss the arts and ongoing efforts to modernize the Sacramento Convention Center.
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Digital Hiring
Don't sink too much cash into online job sites
I’m overseeing the hire of a new leadership position. We want to post the position online, but there are so many options, including up-sells to “featured posting” and the like. How do I write a compelling job description that will attract top-notch potential employees, and how do I best use my dollars — some of these sites are expensive!
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Rethinking How We Support Our Local Charities
For many companies, the post-holiday season often marks a return to business. But it’s not the time to forget about the nonprofit organizations that are so important to our community. They need our attention beyond the holidays and throughout the year.
![Hacker Lab co-founder Gina Lujan Hacker Lab co-founder Gina Lujan](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_0087ver4.jpg?1577874530)
Tech for All
Hacker Lab co-founder Gina Lujan on the power of making
Hacker Lab co-founder and CEO Gina Lujan has been focused on entrepreneurship for over two decades. Hacker Lab’s 10,500-square-foot space in midtown Sacramento had become a hub of innovation for numerous creators and doers in the Sacramento Region, from artists to engineers. The site has been so successful it has opened a second site in Rocklin. We sat down with her recently to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the hacker innovation space.
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How Do We Empower Our Innovators?
Collaboration between feeders and leaders is essential to the Capital Region’s innovation economy
I’ve been thinking a lot about a 3-year-old book in recent days- — even more so in the aftermath of the recent study mission to Chicago. The book is Brad Feld’s Startup Communities — a how-to manual for building vibrant, connected communities of innovative companies and entrepreneurs.
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I’m Exempt — What Does That Mean?
If you feel you're owed flexibility, you're wrong
I just started a new job where I am an exempt employee. When I started, I was asked to provide a “regular work schedule” that I selected as 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. When I inquired about coming in at 8:30 on Monday and Friday mornings, my employer said they didn’t favor that and as a new employee, I didn’t feel comfortable pushing back. As an exempt employee, what are the rules about standard hours?
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Mentoring Through the Glass Ceiling
It’s an unwritten but long-standing axiom in business: You can’t get to the top alone. You need a mentor in your corner who is older and wiser. As a young, aspiring publisher almost 27 years ago, I certainly had help from all around. The business owners with whom I spoke supported me with their wisdom, as they continue to do today. I’ve received guidance, know its value and am extremely grateful.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1115_dept_discourse_nn.jpg?1577874530)
The Helping Hand
Senator Holly Mitchell says a level playing field is the mission behind most of her measures
California State Senator Holly Mitchell can be an imposing figure. While most people presume that term evokes physicality, it is Mitchell’s intellect and passion for defending those she believes have little or no voice in the political process that make her such a formidable figure around the Capitol. We talked with her about her effort to turn that passion into policy.
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What To Do When the Bullying Stops
How to restore peace after office disruption
I am currently handling a nasty investigation into bullying and harassment at my company. What do I do after the investigation if all parties remain with the company? The relationship has broken down — do we just have to move the employees? I think it’s too late for mediation.
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The Capital Region Needs More Skilled Laborers
Make no mistake: The Capital Region boasts some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities. Many a regional leader is a proud alum of UC Davis or Sacramento State. Yet in 2015, it might behoove us to ask some scary questions: Does a 4-year college degree guarantee a good job? If so, can that good job be reconciled with the staggering debt that currently accompanies a college diploma.