We're Here to Help Your Business Thrive
We invite you to cross over to excellence and do business in the City of Benicia. A city where art and industry merge providing a culture of innovation, craftsmanship and precision.
Our team of economic development professionals are dedicated to working with you throughout your location or expansion project.
City of Benicia Economic Development Team
Colette Schow
Economic Development Manager
With over 10 years of experience in marketing, public relations and program management, Colette spearheads the City’s Economic Development program to promote business retention, expansion and attraction. In addition, Colette works on the City’s tourism program to increase visitor traffic to the City.
Your first point of contact:
Colette Schow, Economic Development Manager
707.746.4202 • cschow@ci.benicia.ca.us
Elliott Williams
Management Analyst / Sustainability Coordinator
Elliott was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from Arizona State University. He developed a passion for planning and sustainability through exposure to real word projects in urban planning during college. Elliott joined the City of Benicia in November 2022. He is focusing on the expansion of Benicia’s sustainable programs and planning, working with the Community Sustainability Commission, and is eager to assist businesses with questions about sustainability.
How We Can Help
Consider us your first point of contact when looking to locate or expand in the City of Benicia. We are here to assist you with the following:
Help finding a site or building
Expansion planning
Re-purposing existing buildings
Permit process
Infrastructure connections
Energy saving and sustainability measures
Access financing
Access workforce development training programs
City of Benicia's Economic Development Board
CHAIR – Norma Morales Perez
Ms. Morales Perez brings a fresh perspective and insight to assisting businesses with her more than 10 years’ experience in retail placemaking and real estate experience.
VICE CHAIR – Chris Kerz
Mr. Kerz is a retired commercial banker with 30 years’ experience working with large and small businesses. He’s also involved in several local service organizations.
BOARD MEMBER – Marty Jones
Mr. Jones has over 20 years’ experience in sales and new business development and is currently employed for the Benicia location for the largest fastener distributor in North America.
BOARD MEMBER – Penny Nichols Stell
Ms. Stell is a retired regional manager of 24 stores in the Schruman Fine Papers retail brand. She is an active volunteer for several local nonprofits.
BOARD MEMBER – Raj Dhaliwal
Mr. Dhaliwal brings a data driven decision making approach with over 22 years in the biotech industry. As a scientist and now portfolio director he has experience in managing project risks, scope, timeline and stakeholder relationships. He also is involved in the community as head coach of one of Benicia’s local women’s AAU basketball team.
BOARD MEMBER – Rachel Noble
Ms. Noble has over 15 years of business operations experience working for Fortune 500 companies in the Tech sector. She offers a unique perspective, rooted in creativity and resourcefulness, to help Benicia businesses thrive.
BOARD MEMBER / CITY TREASURER – Ken Paulk
Mr. Paulk is the City of Benicia’s Treasurer and longtime resident of Benicia. He has a background in operations management and distribution and is a member of the City Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery Commission and Finance Committee.