Economic Climate

Nearly 54,000 in population, large businesses are taking notice of Woodland.

The Chamber has also seen tremendous growth with 175 new members in 18 months, made up of large firms as well as one person and family businesses. In addition to business growth, Woodland, with its "small town" quality of life, historic charm, and agrarian roots, is attracting families wanting to be a part of a community. Within two years, Yolo County is expecting 5,000 new homes ranging from starters to executive housing.

Ideally situated for commuting or easy access to larger markets, Woodland is 15 minutes from Sacramento, 10 minutes from Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, 10 minutes from UC Davis, 90 minutes from Bay Area, and 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Woodland's local economy is becoming more linked regionally to its neighboring cities.

 "Analysis of the Changes in the Economic Structure of Yolo County and its Probable Long-Term Future Expansion," as prepared for the Yolo County Workforce Investment Board, confirms this regional linkage, and predicts increases in consumer services and manufacture of consumer products. Dr. Robert Fountain, Sacramento Regional Research Institute, conducted the study to identify changes in the Yolo County economic composition and structure. Summarizing, four major conclusions were drawn: Yolo County's link with Sacramento Region in many areas of technology; UC Davis being a national draw for agricultural and biological research; statewide expansion in recreation and entertainment as it relates to local attractions; and increased demand for wide diversity of consumer products, business products and services, and financial and investment services.

Having its roots in agriculture since the 1850s, Yolo County remains a leader in agricultural production ranking in the top 25 at $350,736,000 in total commodity production. Given the impetus for growth, it is still a community committed to preserving its prime farming land - this region claims one of the state's highest percentages of land protected by the Williamson Act.

In addition to agricultural vitality, Woodland boasts 150 industrial firms selecting this community for their sites. A number of "move-in" locations are available ranging from $1 to $4 per square foot.

Total employment is nearly 25,000, with strong growth occurring in government, services and industry. Jobs in the electronics, biotechnology and light manufacturing industries will grow as more companies move into the area. Seasonal jobs continue to play an important role in the agriculture and food-processing sector. Retail and services will produce one out of five new jobs, with food service and stores, general merchandise, auto dealers and stations and specialty stores comprising specific growth areas. Twelve major financial institutions and credit unions make up a ten percent growth in two years to form the community's financial network. A full complement of professionals meet local accounting, legal and insurance needs. In addition to a strong central core of stores in the historical downtown area, three major strip shopping centers and the 35-acre, County Fair Mall, provide retail opportunity. Steady growth in retail sales has positioned Woodland as the highest tax-generating community in Yolo County.

Largest Employers Manufacturing/Distribution

Company	Employees	Type
Target Distribution	1,337	Distribution Center
Rite Aid	650	Distribution Center
Fleetwood Homes	220	Mobile Home Manufacturing
Walgreens	300	Distribution Center
SilverCrest/Western Homes	325	Mobile Home Manufacturing
Lamson Session (Carlon)	216	PVC Pipe Manufacturing
Seminis Vegetable Seeds	180	Vegetable Seed Research
Tri-Co Welding Supply	170	Welding Supply
Leer West	170	Truck Bed Manufacturing
R.H. Phillips Vineyard	150-60	Winery and Vineyard
Pacific International Rice Milling	120	Rice Milling
Coen Co	105	Industrial Burner Manufacturing
Skyline Homes	102	Mobile Home Manufacturing
Gayle Manufacturing	100	Grain and Rice Dryers
Johnston's Trading Post	100	Seasonal Storage Warehouse
Pacific Grain	100	Rice Product Manufacturing
Tru-Serve Corporation	100	True Value Hardware Distribution
Ames Co., Inc.	85	Water System Valve Manufacturing
A. Teichert & Sons Construction	40-45	Engineer Contractors
Johnson Farm Machinery	24	Harvesting Machinery

Largest Employers Non-Manufacturing/Distribution

Land Use

2000 Yolo County Agricultural Value (in millions)

Largest Crops

Tomatoes 76,496
Wine Grapes 40,873
Rice 34,597
Alfalfa 21,420
Seed Crops 19,975
Field Corn 13,670
Cattle and Calves 10,034
Walnuts 9,885
Wheat 8,382
Honeydew Melons 7,487

Economic Development Services

Several resources exist for businesses seeking to expand or relocate to the Woodland area. The Woodland Economic Renaissance Corporation - a partnership forged with the City of Woodland, Chamber of Commerce, private sector business representatives and the city and county education community - facilitates the relocation and expansion process for Woodland businesses. It also provides a wealth of information, including available industrial and commercial properties and demographic and economic statistics.

The Small Business Development Center offers, by appointment, counseling in marketing, financing and all other aspects of business growth for startups to refinement of established firms. The Chamber offers a "community team approach" to problem solving, and is a vital link between business and government.

Climate Averages - Temperature (F°) & Rainfall

Volunteer Opportunities

CommuniCare 753-3498
P.A.C.T. (Parents and Children Together) 669-3285
Progress Ranch 753-1125
R & R Consignment/Thrift Stores 759-9648
Sister/Friend Project 669-3285
Suicide Prevention Hotline 666-6350
Woodland Police Dept. 666-2411
Woodland Public Library 661-5982
Yolo County Historical Museum 666-1045
Yolo Hospice 758-5566
Yolo Hospice Thrift Shop 668-1599