Council of Business & Industry Mission Statement
The West Contra Costa County Council of Business & Industries is the regional advocate and member resource for business and industry that strengthens the local economy and improves the quality of life by working collaboratively with all stakeholders.This mission is accomplished by:
- Serving as a forum for members, helping in the exchange of ideas, viewpoints and solutions to challenges.
- Increasing exposure through education of COI members and community stakeholders on the positive economic impact COI members have on the region
- Developing partnerships with industry, building trades, public agencies and community groups to enhance the local economy
- Building relationships and taking a leadership role in working proactively with elected officials on identifying and shaping policies that strengthen the local economy.
- Taking a leadership role in working proactively on identifying and developing regional policies that strengthen the local economy
Breakfast with Congressman Garamendi
Announcing Retirement of Council of Business & Industries Katrinka Ruk eff. 12/31/23
The Council of Business & Industries (COI) Executive Director, Katrinka Ruk, has elected to retire, effective on December 31st, after 20 years with the organization. Prior to joining COI Katrinka worked in human resources and labor relations. She spent two years as the assistant to the executive director before assuming the director position following the retirement of Jim Bates. Katrinka looks forward to spending more time with her family, traveling and continuing to volunteer on the Board of Canine Guardian Assistance Dogs, Napa CA- training full-service dogs for our veterans with disabilities and PTSD. We wish the best for Katrinka.
The COI board is also thrilled to announce that Raulin (Rauly) Butler has been hired as the new executive director. Rauly comes to us with 41 years of experience in the retail banking world recently retiring from Mechanics Bank as the Executive Vice President of Retail Banking and Operations providing comprehensive leadership to 115 retail offices. His community volunteer commitment includes working with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, Kitchen@812, A Better Way Family psychological services and previously with the City of Berkeley Revolving Loan Fund. Rauly is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Philadelphia PA and Graduate School of Retail Banking in Madison WI. He completed the Leadership Certificate from the Wharton School in Philadelphia, PA. Rauly is passionate about COI’s mission – his background complements the organization’s commitment to economic development and community outreach and support.
We welcome Rauly to the Council of Business & Industries as the Executive Director commencing January, 2024. Desiree Heveroh will also continue to work within the organization, supporting the organization’s media relations, office management and marketing efforts, and of course the successful annual Fleet Week Networking event on the SF Bay.
New openings on the Hazardous Materials Commission
Three positions on the Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Commission:
The attached flyers include details about each one of the positions, including instructions on how to apply. The application deadline is November 28, 2023.
Mechanics Bank Holiday Party
Below is the invitation to the Holiday Party. Please feel free to share with your Network. Hope to see you on the 14th!
National DERA Grant Program Is Now OPEN
Dear West Coast Collaborative Partners, we would like to alert you to the opening of the National DERA grant opportunity:
National Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Notice of Funding Opportunity Now OPEN!
Deadline to Apply – December 1st, 2023
On August 2nd, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $115 million in grant funding for projects that cut harmful pollution from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. Under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant funding competition, EPA anticipates making 4-10 awards in each of EPA’s ten regions to eligible applicants.
EPA is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality. Applicants may request funding to upgrade or replace older diesel-powered buses, trucks, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad equipment with newer, cleaner technologies. Priority for funding will also be given to projects that engage and benefit the health of local communities already overburdened by air pollution, protect grant funded investments from severe weather events caused by climate change, and applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.
EPA is seeking cost-effective diesel emission reduction projects that maximize health benefits, reduce diesel exposure for those facing poor air quality, and/or employ community-based inclusive and collaborative approaches to reduce harmful emissions. The DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities, creating good-paying jobs and driving inclusive economic growth.
More than 73,700 engines, vehicles, or other pieces of equipment were replaced or retrofitted to run cleaner with DERA funds during fiscal years 2008 to 2018, according to the DERA 5th Report to Congress.
Learn about the Funding Opportunity on the EPA website.
Guidance to Vehicle Owners on Upcoming Requirements within Clean Truck Check
2023 and 2024 Calendar Year
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) has posted guidance to vehicle owners on upcoming requirements and compliance deadlines in Clean Truck Check, formerly known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) regulation. This guidance provides further information about the timing of these upcoming Reporting Requirements and Compliance Fee Payments in 2023 and Periodic Testing Requirements in 2024 to assist vehicle owners in their planning efforts. requirements.
June 2023 Guidance to Vehicle Owners on Upcoming Requirements | California Air Resources Board