EconAlliance - Economic in Santa Barbara County

Oil and Gas + Alternative Energy=ENERGY

EconAlliance has supported and celebrated North County energy production, alternative energy and energy efficiency since 2012, when it first established its initiatives. EconAlliance has since helped educate policymakers and the public about the positive economic and job impacts of environmentally-sensitive expansion of energy production.
Wine/Tourism

Northern Santa Barbara County enjoys a nexus of fine wine and a thriving tourist industry so EconAlliance has chosen to address both through the Wine/Tourism Initiative. Santa Barbara County boasts over 27,000 planted acres of wine grapes, nearly all of those in North County.
Agriculture

The Agriculture Initiative celebrates North County’s agricultural legacy, economic impact, and the sector’s support for North County communities. Agriculture is the #1 economic contributor to Santa Barbara County and the ag sector contributes $2.8 billion in direct economic output and an additional $1 billion in expenditures by ag companies and employees.
Education and Workforce Initiative

In 2014, the WALI Initiative was born in partnership with EconAlliance, when United Way NSBC, Allan Hancock College and others discussed how a broad, regional approach could help support workforce development and literacy-building efforts, as well as foster an increase in the number of degrees and certificates attained by North County residents. With the commitment of these three entities and other partners, The Northern Santa Barbara County Workforce and Literacy Initiative (WALI) developed a common set of five workforce and literacy goals for collective regional attainment by 2020.
Global Trade

EconAlliance has a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the District Export Council of Southern California (DECSC) which supports its efforts to expand export opportunities for Northern Santa Barbara County industries, businesses and entrepreneurs. Periodically joining with the DECSC to organize North County trade seminars and workshops, EconAlliance reaches out to those already exporting or planning to expand into the global marketplace.
IDEA

The IDEA (Innovation Development Entrepreneurship Acceleration) Initiative was created to celebrate and support both innovation and entrepreneurship, especially that entrepreneurship capable of stimulating job creation or technology advancement in the region. The Future Forum is designed to introduce the region to the leading-edge research and technology and showcase innovative trends. The Future Forum is also EconAlliance’s Annual Dinner and fundraiser with annual innovation awards.
Infrastructure

EconAlliance assists in regional Infrastructure, Transportation and Logistics by partnering with the Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast supporting the regional broadband expansion. The organization supports technology, space and launch and advanced manufacturing, as well, working to provide a high-tech workforce and monitoring those issues impacting these sectors. Currently, EconAlliance is also exploring the need for supporting Healthcare industry.
Delays, Uncertainty, Regulations and Taxes “DURT”

To keep our North County industries strong, we educate the public and policymakers about the impacts on jobs and the economy of delays, uncertainty, regulations and taxes. EconAlliance is actively engaged with industry stakeholders to better understand the impacts of issues and projects and help educate decision-makers about the benefits versus the risks.

Our Mission

Take a look inside

The mission of the Economic Alliance of Northern Santa Barbara County (EconAlliance) is to create a high performance, globally competitive regional economy.

EconAlliance drives positive North County economic impact through advocacy, strategic initiatives and programs that support target industry sectors. The organization is committed to bold collaboration and the leveraging of regional assets and talent to enhance Chamber, City and County economic development efforts. EconAlliance provides the dynamic inspiration for a highperformance, globally competitive, Northern Santa Barbara County economy.

What is unique, special or important about EconAlliance?

• Geographical area served is Northern Santa Barbara County
• A targeted, "sector strategy" approach to North County economic prosperity
• Collaborative, participatory advocacy, with cross-industry, non-partisan support for industry and North County priorities
• Focused industry and regional support initiatives that build and sustain North County prosperity and global competitiveness
• Unique partnerships that leverage resources and expertise and support cross-community vitality
• One-of-a-kind events driving regional dialogue, awareness, "possibility thinking" and action
• Support for economic development efforts undertaken by other organizations (Cities, Chambers, County, and others)

What do we do?

1. Celebrate and champion important Northern Santa Barbara County industries* with policymakers and the public
2. Provide cross-industry, cross-sector, crossjurisdiction voices and support for target industry sectors and key economic issues
3. Promote economic development and address unemployment
4. Design and manage far-reaching initiatives, strategies and programs to benefit key industries, sectors, workers and community economies
5. Drive "blue sky'. opportunity-oriented thinking through dynamic, innovative, industry-relevant regional events and forums
6. Collaborate broadly and creatively with industry sectors, agencies, public sector entities, education/academia, nonprofits and others, leveraging resources and talents to foster and accelerate North County innovation and economic prosperity