This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby positioned for NYC air taxi service

Each week, we’re taking a closer look at the movers and shakers, the growth of industries, and what’s really driving the Santa Cruz County economy. I’ll be spotlighting some of the biggest areas for opportunity, updates on local development and all things underpinning the regional business scene, each Wednesday.

Got ideas? Send them my way to news@lookoutlocal.com with “Business News” in the subject line.

Joby Aviation moves closer to takeoff in NYC

Joby Aviation is positioned to launch an air taxi service in New York City after one of the Santa Cruz-based company’s partners, Atlantic Aviation, recently extended its agreement with city officials to operate at the East 34th Street Heliport for another five years. The move helps set the stage for Joby to use the facility when it launches service next year. Additionally, Atlantic Aviation will begin upgrading utility infrastructure and installing charging stations at the heliport to support electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations. Atlantic is also working with other eVTOL operators, including Archer Aviation. 

These upgrades will ensure eVTOL aircraft like Joby’s can land at the heliport and are expected to be completed in time for service launch.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will release finalized pilot training and certification rules for air taxis this week. Upon receipt of FAA certification, New York City will be one of Joby’s initial launch markets. Company officials previously said that commercial service could happen as soon as next year.

ICYMI: New Leaf Market opens Nov. 9 in Capitola

After months of renovation, the new Capitola location of New Leaf Community Markets will open on Nov. 9. The company will close the old store in Begonia Plaza on Nov. 8. The new market will take over the former Lucky Supermarket in the King’s Plaza Shopping Center on 41st Avenue. 

Earlier this month, New Leaf also closed its Pacific Avenue store in downtown Santa Cruz in preparation for opening a larger space in the Gateway Plaza on River Street next year.

Ch-ch-changes: Openings, closings and other developments

• Board of directors change-up for West Coast Community Bancorp: The parent company of Santa Cruz County Bank announced that Thomas N. Griffin has retired from the bank’s board of directors after more than 20 years. Wayne Doiguchi has been appointed in his place. Doiguchi has over 40 years of experience in the Bay Area banking industry and most recently served as director of California Bank of Commerce.
• Dream Inn receives new green certification: The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz has received a Green Key Global certification, a globally recognized sustainability certification launched in 1994 that evaluates hotels across criteria including energy and water conservation, solid and hazardous waste management, indoor air quality, community outreach and environmental management. Steps taken at the Dream Inn include eliminating plastic water bottles and replacing single-use amenities like shampoo and hand soap with refillable dispensers. These efforts are part of parent company Ensemble Properties LLC’s companywide efforts to reduce its carbon footprint across all its hotel properties.
• Santa Cruz Works launches eighth Annual Titans Awards: Local nonprofit Santa Cruz Works has opened up nominations for its annual Titans Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Santa Cruz, Monterey or San Benito counties through their innovation and leadership. Nominations are due Monday, Oct. 28, and winners will be announced at an event on Dec. 4. Previous winners include Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, Digital Nest founder and CEO Jacob Martinez and Nina Simon, former executive director of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. To nominate a local leader, click here.

Got hires, promotions, or departures to report? Send them to news@lookoutlocal.com with the subject line “Career changes.”

Looking at the numbers 

5.2%: That’s the September unemployment rate for Santa Cruz County, down from 5.8% in August. It was up slightly from 4.9% in September 2023 and almost even with the state rate for September 2024, which was 5.3%.

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Save the date 

• Wednesday, Oct. 23: The Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce will host its next business after-hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. at Solaire Restaurant & Bar inside the Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz. Beverages from West Peak Sparkling Spirits and wines from Big Basin Vineyards will be served, along with appetizers and oysters from Parker Presents: Bill Oysterman. Details here.
• Wednesday, Oct. 30: Santa Cruz Works holds its next CEO Works luncheon with Bill Underwood, CEO and founder of the Catalyst Consulting Team. He will discuss how leaders can avoid friction as they scale their businesses. The event occurs at productOps’ office at 110 Cooper St., No. 201, Santa Cruz, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Register here.
• Wednesday, Nov. 6: Santa Cruz Accelerates will host its Demo Day, where its sixth cohort of startup teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $5,000. Finalists will also be invited to pitch the investors at Santa Cruz Ventures and Hawktower for seed funding. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the Pasatiempo room of the Back Nine Grill & Bar in Santa Cruz. Details and registration are here.
• Friday, Nov. 8: The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership will host its 2024 annual State of the Region event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CSUMB University Center in Seaside. Representatives from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties will speak about the region’s economic progress and other key issues. Speakers include state Sen. John Laird and UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive. Register here.

Add your business or networking events to Lookout’s free public calendar, BOLO. Click here to add your event.

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