This episode of Capital Rivers Connect: California Edition welcomes Robin Reimold, President and CEO of TeamCalifornia, a nonprofit dedicated to helping California cities attract business through statewide collaboration, trade show visibility, and public-private partnerships. Host Greg Aguirre, CEO of Capital Rivers Commercial, leads a strategic conversation exploring how TeamCalifornia supports business attraction and retention across diverse California communities.
A Nonprofit Built to Support Economic Growth
TeamCalifornia was originally created by the Governor’s office over two decades ago with a singular mission: to promote California’s diverse communities and their economic assets in ways the state government cannot. As a nonprofit, TeamCalifornia has the flexibility to attend national and international trade shows, host business-friendly receptions, and engage directly with site selectors and investors. These outreach efforts help tell the story of California communities, drawing attention to their unique value propositions.
Robin explains that TeamCalifornia acts as a proactive storyteller and advocate, helping to showcase everything from retail development potential to specialized industry zones. Their presence at over 40 annual events ensures that California communities are visible and competitive on the national stage.
Membership That Spans Public and Private Sectors
TeamCalifornia’s strength lies in its diverse membership, which includes cities, counties, economic development corporations, and private sector partners. Members share a common goal: advancing business attraction, retention, and expansion in California. From city managers and economic development directors to developers and utility companies, TeamCalifornia provides a platform for cross-sector collaboration.
Robin emphasizes the organization’s ability to foster deep relationships among stakeholders who may not otherwise connect. This team-oriented approach helps members overcome challenges, share resources, and solve complex infrastructure or workforce problems together.
How California Cities Attract Business Through Storytelling
Trade shows play a critical role in TeamCalifornia’s strategy. Robin outlines how the organization represents members at a range of events, from ICSC (focused on retail and placemaking) to ag-tech, biotechnology, and hydrogen innovation summits. These platforms allow TeamCalifornia to amplify the visibility of its members and California’s economic potential.
Attending events is just one part of a broader strategy. Robin describes how TeamCalifornia functions as a force multiplier, often representing communities that cannot attend themselves. By providing marketing materials, sharing updates, and facilitating follow-up, TeamCalifornia keeps California’s communities top-of-mind for prospective investors.
Connecting People, Solving Problems
TeamCalifornia is more than just an event presence. It’s a connector. Robin shares stories of communities that benefited simply from being part of a broader network where shared knowledge led to practical solutions. Whether a data center needs alternative energy options or a rural city needs broadband expansion, TeamCalifornia brings the right people together.
Economic development, Robin notes, isn’t just about recruiting new businesses. It’s about creating wealth that supports communities through job creation, infrastructure investment, and increased quality of life. TeamCalifornia helps ensure that local economic development professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to tell their story and grow their regions strategically.
Growing Engagement, Shared Results
Since Robin took the helm, TeamCalifornia has expanded significantly, now approaching 100 members. Monthly calls, special committee meetings, and post-event debriefs give members regular opportunities to collaborate and grow. With California’s complexity and diversity, Robin underscores the importance of local storytelling to counter generic negative narratives about the state.
TeamCalifornia ensures those stories reflect the resilience, potential, and readiness of California communities.
Listen to the full episode of Capital Rivers Connect to learn more about how TeamCalifornia helps California cities attract business through strategic promotion and economic development support.
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