STORIES
SHOP LOCAL MARKETING VIDEO
Shop Local
Shop Local Video
We recently collaborated with the Visitor Program and the Chamber of Commerce to produce a video promoting Petaluma's Downtown shopping experience. Thanks to Petaluma residents Houston Porter and Katherine Wells for adding fun and flair as our video stars. Check it out to see how many shops you recognize!

YEAR-END UPDATE
Updated website with more content, better search
As you'll see in the boxes below, we crossed off many items on our to-do list this year! 

We've also laid the foundation for exciting, creative work in 2017. Next year we will update  our Economic Development Strategy, build out our talent attraction program, and continue to support local businesses in unique. If you've got ideas about how we can support the local economy and/or your specific business,  let us know !
Online Permit Tool 

Petaluma.OpenCounter.com  is an interactive website that helps businesses navigate the City's permit process--anytime, from anywhere. The tool uses a question-and-answer format to estimate  requirements, fees, and processing times. 
PetalumaMap.com

A joint project with the Visitor Program, this new interactive website ( which feels more like an app) allows you to explore all that Petaluma has to offer. It's perfect for visiting clients, talent recruits, and those days when you want to try something new. Easily viewed from any mobile device or desktop. 
Printed Maps

Hot off the presses, these foldable, pocket-sized maps show Petaluma from new perspectives. Fertile Ground for Exploring shows the personality of each Petaluma neighborhood. Fertile Ground for Our Heritage describes Petaluma's history in terms of themes like Culture and Architecture. Contact us to order free copies for your shop or office.
Talent Initiative

Employee recruitment and retention has been bubbling up as a top business challenge for the past few years. In 2016, we launched an initiative to tackle this challenge. We published several 
talent profiles,  brainstormed with local professionals affected by the issue, and identified ways to help. Contact us if you'd like to participate.
Updated Website

Launched in 2013, our Petaluma Star website needed a touch-up. We recently tweaked the home page and navigation, changed the look-and-feel of our landing pages, and reorganized the site so it's easier to find information. Take a look and let us know what you think! 


WORKFORCE AND TRAINING RESOURCES
Petaluma apparel company Kitsbow received recruitment and training assistance from EDB.
The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) offers many workforce-related programs. These programs can help you identify competitive wages, find qualified candidates, and even receive reimbursements for wage and training costs. In addition to its existing programs, the EDB will be hosting monthly job fairs. Contact Heather LoBue, Business Programs Manager, for more information. 

NEWS AND EVENTS

VISITOR PROGRAM 

Petaluma's Visitor Program supports all types of local businesses, not just those associated with tourism. 

Network at one of their monthly marketing meetings. Get help planning local activities. Or promote your business at one of their many events. 

For more info, contact Colleen Rustad by email  or at 707.769.0429. 

GET LISTED ON PETALUMAMAP.COM

Let visitors and residents know about your business, nonprofit, or event. 

Get listed on PetalumaMap.com by completing a Google Form accessible from Petalumastar.com.

It only takes a minute--and the listing is FREE!
 

NEW MARKETING TOOLS