Courtesy of the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County:
Aaron Johnston, Chairman of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board, is pleased to announce that the organization has hired Marc Fontes as its new Executive Director.
Johnston noted: “Marc has an extensive background in business retention, business expansion and business recruitment. His career has focused on the implementation of economic development policies, programs and projects. Marc’s track record in working with local government entities is impressive. We welcome Marc to San Benito County.”
Marc worked for the City of San Ramon for nine years as their Economic Development Director and Deputy Director of the Redevelopment Agency. His dual role resulted in various projects including retail attraction, a new Police headquarters and Planning permit center, expansion of a local automobile sales company and a multijurisdictional Tourism Business Improvement District, or TBID.
Prior to his work with San Ramon, Fontes worked for the City of Alameda for five years as its Business Development Manager. In Alameda, Marc worked on the successful redevelopment of the Bridgeside shopping center, and the retail revitalization of Park Street. Marc’s direct efforts also saved TheraSense and their 300 jobs when parent company Abbot Labs considered moving them to out of state.
Fontes’ early career in planning and development reflects his work with local governments including service in Irvine, Madera County, Contra Costa County, Vallejo, Hayward, and Santa Cruz.
Marc received a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona.
Johnston also notes, “Here in San Benito County, Marc will foster relationships with all stakeholders to promote and gain support for economic development initiatives, coordinate with county and city departments, act as an advocate to help guide projects through the entitlement process, and serve as a key point of contact for business resources and development”.
The EDC is funded through the generous support of the City of Hollister, San Benito County, the Community Foundation for San Benito County and Graniterock, along with a number of other investors.
