SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its long-standing commitment to support the economic vitality of the communities it serves and increase the opportunity for local job creation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced that it would provide $25,000 grants to support the work of ten organizations throughout Northern and Central California.
PG&E is piloting an Economic Vitality Grant Program to invest $250,000 in programs designed to enhance local economic vitality—ranging from small business creation and growth to workforce development.
"As a local provider of electricity and natural gas, PG&E has long partnered with local organizations to help boost economic vitality in the communities we serve," said Ezra Garrett, vice president of community relations and chief sustainability officer for PG&E. "These grants will help support organizations in their efforts to stimulate economic growth, generate jobs and enhance workforce development."
With nearly 200 applications received, the funding determinations for this grant program were competitive. All applications were evaluated by a third party who based recommendations on a combination of factors including the strength of the plans presented, demonstrable links to job creation and community need.
Eligible grantees for this PG&E Corporation shareholder-funded program included local government organizations, educational institutions and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations within the company's 70,000 square mile service area.
The 2013 PG&E Economic Vitality Grant Winners are listed below. For more information on the PG&E Economic Vitality Program and this year's grant winners, please visit www.pge.com/community/vitality/grantprogram.
ORGANIZATION
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CITY
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PROGRAM
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Bakersfield ARC
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Bakersfield
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TRAINING: Grant funding supports direct job creation, employment and training for persons with disabilities through the expansion of their Industrial Training Facility.
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Redwood Region Economic Development Commission
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Eureka
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JOB CREATION: Grant funding supports the launch of Phase II of the Manufacturing Network, which fuels job creation by linking existing local manufacturers with the demand of local exporting businesses.
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Fresno Community Development Financial Institution
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Fresno
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TRAINING: Grant funding supports training, technical assistance and financing for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in the Central Valley.
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JobTrain, Inc.
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Menlo Park
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TRAINING: Grant funding provides workforce training and job placement services for low-income adults and youth.
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Upstate California Economic Development Council (EDC)
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Red Bluff
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Grant funding supports the first ever Upstate California Food Expo in March 2014.
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Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA)
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Sacramento
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: Grant funding will establish a new business mentoring methodology.
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SFMade
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San Francisco
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: Grant funding supports the growth of SFMADE's Manufacturer's Accelerator program.
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Opportunity Fund
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San Jose
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Grant funding supports the organization's ability to make loans to small business owners for business expansion
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Downtown Stockton Alliance
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Stockton
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BUSINESS INCUBATION: Grant funding helps to establish a technology incubator in Downtown Stockton.
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El Pajaro Community Development Corporation
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Watsonville
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BUSINESS INCUBATION: Grant funding supports the operation of the Commercial Kitchen Incubator Program.
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), and the PG&E Corporation Foundation strive to power strong communities throughout Northern and Central California. In 2012, PG&E contributed more than $23 million to more than 1,500 charitable organizations, including matching the generosity of employees who donated more than $6 million and volunteered more than 41,000 hours to company-supported events. Community investments are funded entirely by the company's shareholders. For more information, visit www.pge.com/community.
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)