Invest in San Joaquin County’s Growing Economic Landscape
San Joaquin County’s prime location, with its extensive highway and rail networks and proximity to the Port of Stockton, provides companies unparalleled access to major markets. Combined with lower operating costs than neighboring regions and a growing workforce, it’s an ideal destination for commerce.
“San Joaquin is a jewel,” says Bob Gutierrez, president/CEO of San Joaquin Partnership economic development organization. “With more than 750,000 people, we seem large, but we have that small-town closeness and commitment to our citizens and businesses. We are personable, and we embrace businesses and investment. We’re an active community that welcomes and supports growth.”
Read on to learn why businesses should invest in San Joaquin County.
In This Article
Diverse Economy
San Joaquin County is a dynamic region where traditional industries like agriculture coexist and flourish alongside emerging sectors like logistics, manufacturing, health care and technology.
Amazon and Wayfair have set up large e-commerce hubs in the region, while Target and Williams Sonoma operate distribution centers here. Niagara Bottling has expanded in Stockton. The county’s small business landscape is also diversifying, with new ventures in sectors like food services, retail and health care. In 2023, the San Joaquin Small Business Development Center helped small businesses across the region secure $645 million in capital investments, contributing to the creation of more than 10,000 new jobs .
Skilled Workforce
An available and skilled workforce is crucial to attracting new investment. San Joaquin meets that demand through its higher education opportunities, offered by its four colleges and universities and workforce training programs like IMPACT Intern Program, CodeStack Academy and others.
A new initiative brings all those programs together in one platform: Go San Joaquin (GoSJ).
“GoSJ is a great resource for people looking to upskill to get better jobs,” Gutierrez says. “All of the different entities are collaborating to help people get into the program that meets their goals. GoSJ offers a one-stop shop for technical education, training and job opportunities. It connects residents with local programs and careers in key industries, aiming to boost the local workforce and attract new businesses.”
Commitment To Sustainability
Prologis, a real estate company headquartered in the Bay Area, constructed a 650,000-square-foot distribution center in Lathrop specifically designed for Kraft Heinz. The modern and sustainable facility is equipped with advanced features like CO₂ refrigeration, railcar integration, a backup generator, electric vehicle infrastructure and solar panels. The facility has also achieved a LEED certification.
With solar projects, electric vehicle charging stations and the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, which provides 18- to 26-year-olds with education, training and employment in the fields of recycling and natural resources, the commitment to sustainability in San Joaquin is put into action.
Culture of Collaboration
“Collaboration is an area that our communities have really focused upon,” Gutierrez says. “The cities and the county are committed to ensuring that new businesses have a welcomed experience while timetables are met and expectations are delivered.”
The San Joaquin region fosters a collaborative environment where governments, organizations and businesses work together to drive economic growth. Streamlined permitting processes and proactive development initiatives make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and expand their ventures.
Prime Location
The region is centrally located in California with easy access to major markets, and it is well-connected by highways, railways and proximity to international airports. This facilitates the efficient movement of goods, attracting businesses involved in warehousing, distribution and transportation.
Significant infrastructure assets include Prologis International Park of Commerce, Airpark 599 and Port of Stockton.
“Our infrastructure is a key asset,” Gutierrez says. “For several decades, community leaders have focused on investing in infrastructure, which has resulted in our ability to be a competitive region to do business.”
Work-Life Balance
For those seeking an affordable and culturally rich community, San Joaquin County is an excellent choice. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas in California, making homeownership more attainable and everyday expenses more manageable.
The San Joaquin Delta, a confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, covers over 1,000 miles of navigable rivers, streams and canals.
Other amenities for residents to enjoy include top-notch golf courses, sports events, live music venues and delicious local restaurants. And it wouldn’t be California without some of the nation’s top wine producers. The city of Lodi is known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World, and dozens of local wineries offer tastings, tours and activities.
Get to Know San Joaquin County
Want to learn more about living and working in San Joaquin County? Check out the latest edition of Livability San Joaquin County, California.