Report Shows Employment Up in Solano

Report Shows Employment Up in Solano
By Ines Bebea

FAIRFIELD - The unemployment rate in Solano County decreased from 5 percent in February to 4.7 percent in March.

According to a report of the Vallejo-Fairfield Metropolitan statistical area by the Labor Market Information Division, the unemployment rate was below the year-ago estimate of 5.2 percent.

From February to March of this year, 1,700 new jobs were created, bringing the total number of jobs to 133,700. That is an increase of 3,300 jobs over the same period last year, when March totals were 130,400.

The biggest surge in employment was in the leisure and hospitality industries, where 600 jobs were added in March. That was followed by 200 government jobs; 200 jobs in construction; 200 jobs in farms and 100 jobs in manufacturing, educational services, trade, transportation and utility.

Anheuser-Busch improves sales in first quarter

ST. LOUIS - In its sales and earnings report for the first quarter of 2007, Anheuser-Busch Cos., net sales increased by 2.7 percent and earnings per share increased to 4.7 percent.

Anheuser-Busch, which has a Budweiser plant in Fairfield, made the report available during its annual shareholders meeting in Orlando, Fla.

U.S. beer shipments to wholesalers increased 0.5 percent for the first quarter of 2007, with acquired and import brands contributing 1.2 points to overall growth. In February, Anheuser-Busch became the exclusive importer of select InBev European brands.

The company's U.S. beer market share for the first quarter of 2007 decreased to 50.2 percent. In 2006, the market share during the first quarter was 50.9 percent. International volume, consisting of Anheuser-Busch brands produced overseas by company owned breweries, plus exports from U.S breweries, increased 8.7 percent and sold primarily in China and Canada.

State Fair seeks California's oldest farms

SACRAMENTO - The California State Fair has began its annual search for farms, ranches, and companies that have been in California for 100 years or more. Nominees will be inducted into the California Agricultural Heritage Club, during a recognition ceremony and brunch in August, during the State Fair.

The deadline for entry is June 8, 2007, and it is open to any ag-related business or affiliates, including farms, ranches, equipment dealers, accountants, trade or marketing organizations, universities/colleges, irrigation districts, and others.

Last year, the Vassar Ranch in Dixon and the University of California, Berkeley, College of Natural Resources were inducted into the California Agricultural Heritage Club.

New directors for California Exposition

SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Gil Albiani and Cornelius Gallagher to the California Exposition and State Fair board of directors.

They will serve for four years.

The board of directors serves as the policymaking body for the California Exposition and State fair. It's responsibilities include year-around and management and operation of all the facilities of Cal Expo and the State Fair. Marilyn Hendrickson of Vacaville is a one of the 10 members currently serving on the board.

Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.