Economic Development Task Force Update

The Economic Development Task Force gathered for coffee and conversation at EJ Phair in Concord on August 13th. Chris Mellini, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza and Michele DiMaggio from Contra Costa County Environmental Health provided expertise for a discussion on the hospitality and food and beverage industry in the East Bay.

Much of the group’s discussion centered on the challenges encountered by food/beverage industry employers and small business owners in retaining and developing their workforce. Affordable housing, transportation and juggling multiple jobs were mentioned as factors that contribute to turnover.

The Task Force recognizes the important role this industry plays in bettering quality of life and plans to discuss how to support the industry and its workforce through education, training, and development.