CEO Guide to Site Selection

California

ALL-IN ON CLEAN ENERGY

The Golden State is going all in on clean energy. Massive investments in alternative energy projects combined with forthcoming regulations has put California on a clear track to lead the nation in clean energy in the coming years.

This comes at a time when semiconductor manufacturing is returning to the U.S. from China and setting its eyes on California as a top destination. Signed into law in August 2022, the federal CHIPS and Science Act offers $280 billion to boost research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the U.S. And while California still ranks dead last in Chief Executive’s Best and Worst States for Business, there’s no shortage of companies setting up shop to access port access and talent. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development offers many California Competes grant awards to offset taxes and costs.

“While critics often say California’s best days are behind us, reality proves otherwise—our economic growth and job gains continue to fuel the nation’s economy…. California’s values and entrepreneurial spirit have powered this ascent to becoming the fourth-biggest economy in the world, and we’ll continue doubling down on industries of the future, like renewables and clean energy. I feel tremendous pride in California’s resilience, leadership and our formula for success.”
Gavin Newsom
Governor

TAXES

0 %

top corporate income tax

# 0

on the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index ranking

EDUCATION

0 %

of adults 25 years of age and older graduated high school

0 %

of adults age 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

0 %

RIGHT TO WORK STATE

No

QUALITY OF LIFE

# 0

POPULATION GROWTH

0 %

increase between 2010 and 2020

KEY INCENTIVES

California Competes Tax Credit: Offers a flexible income tax credit for businesses that come, stay and grow in the state. Applications are accepted three times per year, and tax credit agreements are reviewed and negotiated by GO-Biz and the California Competes Tax Credit Committee.

California Research Credit: Offers a tax credit of up to 15% to taxpayers engaged in qualified research activities to discover new technology, develop a new businesscomponent or pursue a “process of experimentation.”

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing: Offers a partial exemption of sales and use tax on certain manufacturing and R&D equipment purchases and leases.

Advanced Transportation and Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption: California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority offers a full sales and use tax exclusion for manufacturers that promote alternative energy and advanced transportation.

EDCs

California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
business.ca.gov

Greater Sacramento Economic Council
selectsacramento.com

Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
laedc.org

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
sandiegobusiness.org

San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development
oewd.org

HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in October 2022 the state would invest $1.2 billion in port and freight infrastructure projects to build a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system to move goods. Seventy percent of funding will go to projects to support movement through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest ports in the western hemisphere.

BIG DEALS

  • Infinity Energy announced in December 2021 it will open an $11 million factory and create 209 new jobs in Fresno.
  • Apple announced in April 2021 it will add 5,000 employees to its workforce in San Diego by 2026.
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals announced in July 2021 a $126 million expansion in Thousand Oaks.
  • Anheuser-Busch announced in August 2021 a $64 million expansion at its brewery in Los Angeles.
  • Vietnamese EV company VinFast announced in November 2021 investing $200 million in an L.A.-based headquarters.
  • L’Oréal USA announced it will open a second headquarters in El Segundo in early-2022.
  • Sparkz announced in April 2022 it would build a manufacturing facility in the Central Valley and create 800 jobs.
  • Energy startup EnerVenue announced in August 2022 it is expanding operations in Fremont.

BIG COMPANIES

51 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in state, including

  • Apple
  • Alphabet
  • Chevron
  • Meta
  • Platforms
  • Wells Fargo
  • Intel
  • Walt
  • Disney
  • Cisco Systems
  • HP
  • Qualcomm
Roundtable

Strategic Planning Workshop

1:00 - 5:00 pm

We are in a period of rapid change. Customer needs, technologies, competitors and internal capabilities require companies to review and update their strategies for the new realities. In this workshop, strategy experts Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison will show you a systematic approach to strategic planning to help you refine or redefine your business strategy and approach including:

  • Learn what you need to know to develop an effective strategic plan. Put the right players on the strategic planning team.
  • Develop strategies that leverage your company’s unique position in the marketplace. Lift your management team beyond “business as usual” thought processes and activities.
  • Translate your strategies into action. Achieve your vision for success and generate superior financial results.
  • Identify exactly what you need to do now to position your company for future success.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations. 

Limited space available.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

Golf Outing

10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS

General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.

The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.