
Art Exposed: Alexander Suelto
Stockton artist on the city’s revitalization
Alexander Suelto has always been inspired by street art. As a teenager coming of age in Stockton in the ‘90s, he admired the local graffiti artists whose art brought the city to life. Back then, street art was widely stigmatized.
Tell us about your career switch!
Maybe you were once an accountant, but now run a soda company. Or you left your lobbyist job to focus on the wellness industry. If you too have gone through a career shift, fill out the form and we may share your story.

Movers and Shakers
How a boss can deal with the dreaded office relocation
Moving offices is a dangerously stressful time for a business: Employee retention rates, cultural harmony and productivity will suffer. Your relocation might just be the straw that breaks your bottom line.

Sacramento Metro Chamber Welcomes New CEO
Amanda Blackwood becomes first woman to serve full-time as organization’s top executive
Amanda Blackwood took charge of the Sacramento Metro Chamber on May 1, and immediately embarked on a 100-day plan to assess and redefine strategy.

Dilemma of the Month: Bias in Human Resources
You need to conduct an investigation, and it might be better to outsource something this sensitive
I am the CFO for a 90-plus person firm and the head of human resources reports to me. Several employees have told me they feel uncomfortable going to the HR manager with complaints or concerns, because she’s really good friends with some of the people here and they’re afraid she’ll be biased. What do you think?

Dilemma of the Month: Adjusting Employee Compensation
We are a small business with a staff of three: myself, my husband and one employee. As a seasonal business, we are sometimes very busy and sometimes have hardly any business at all. Recently, our employee asked to convert from a salary to hourly pay. He made this request during our busy season. My question is: Do we have to pay him during a month when we have no business at all?

California Launches Online Directory of Business Incentives
Government entities can upload information on new portal designed to spur economic development
Businesses in California now have a new centralized directory with which to find information about relevant state and local incentives.

What Every Business Owner Needs to Know Before Launching a Franchise
Franchise success rates are often touted online as being wildly successful, but further examination has shown attaining reliable data is difficult. The franchise arrangement is inherently risky for both parties — but some Sacramento-based small businesses are going for it regardless.

A Balancing Act
Managers can — and should — find a balance between accountability and flexibility
So how do managers keep their offices running as well-oiled machines when the various parts may frequently not be in the same place at the same time? It hinges on clear metrics for success, ongoing communication and regular feedback on performance.

Startup of the Month: Molecular Matrix
Biotech company uses carbs to help bones heal themselves
You might say Dr. Charles Lee created a synthetic bone graft substitute by accident.