Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is encouraging all California high schools to apply to compete in the 2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge, a statewide cybersecurity competition. Up to 16 high school teams will qualify to compete against each other at the championship round, June 23-25^th at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.

The competition allows high schools to demonstrate their expertise in cybersecurity, while encouraging students to explore new career pathways in the cybersecurity industry. GO-Biz and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are leading this event on behalf of CyberCalifornia, which is a coalition of businesses, academic institutions, and state agencies, all of whom understand the need to proactively address the cybersecurity concerns and opportunities associated with next-generation technologies.

2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge
June 23-25, 2017
California Cyber Training Complex
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo

Application Deadline: April 26, 2017 (Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received.

For more information and to apply visit the GO-Biz Cybersecurity 2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge page.  

Application Information

The application form will allow high school level cybersecurity competition teams to apply to the statewide championship round. If you know of high school level cybersecurity teams that are interested in applying, please encourage them to fill out this application by April 26, 2017. You can also email GO-Biz for more information: gobiz.innovation@gov.ca.gov. 

Overview of Rules

1. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that each participant meets any specific travel and supervision requirements of the school or school district or other applicable laws or regulations related to participating in the event. 
2. During the final championship round, each team may only have 5 competitors at a time. Teams may also have two substitute members (for a total of 7 student competitors per team). Students participate at their own risk.
3. Applications received by April 26, 2017 will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of industry, academic, and government leaders.
4. Upon selection by the committee, each team will be responsible for completing a waiver and release form for each participant.

Note:

• All types of high school level cybersecurity competition teams are encouraged to apply. 
• The application may be filled out by students, parents, teachers, or any individual associated with the applicable cybersecurity competition team. Please only submit ONE application for each team. 

Regional Cybersecurity Competitions

In addition to the application process described above, up to eight teams will qualify through regional cybersecurity competitions.  The list below provides more information on these regional competitions.

Los Angeles Unified School District Beyond the Bell Cyber Cup 
This competition will take place on April 22, 2017 and the top two teams will advance to the statewide championship round. Interested teams should contact event coordinator Carey Peck at carey.peck@lausd.net.

Sacramento Mayor’s Cyber Cup 
This competition will take place on May 6, 2017 at Sacramento City College, and the top two teams will advance to the statewide championship round. Interested teams should contact event coordinator Steve Linthicum at slinthicum@sierracollege.edu.

SoCal Cyber Cup Challenge
This competition took place on March 25, 2017, at the San Diego Computer Center at the University of California San Diego Campus. The top two high school teams gained automatic entry to the statewide championship. Those interested in learning more should contact event coordinators Liz Fraumann at lfraumann@securingourecity.org and Lillian Maestas at lmaestas@knowledgemade.com.

Bay Area Cyber Patriot Program
The top two Bay Area schools in the CyberPatriot Program earned entry to the statewide challenge. Those interested in learning more should contact Richard Grotegut at rgrotegut@gmail.com.

About CyberCalifornia
CyberCalifornia is a cybersecurity initiative focused on educating California businesses about cybersecurity needs and resources and connect California’s robust workforce development system with the needs of California employers. CyberCalifornia is organized in conjunction with the Innovation Hub (iHub) Network, a program administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

About Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast. It’s a distinctive learning community offering academically focused students a hands-on educational experience that prepares them for today’s scientific and technical world. Cal Poly is consistently ranked a top university for academics, value, and graduate’s salaries.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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GM expanding cruise automation self-driving operations in California.

SAN FRANCISCO — General Motors today announced that it will add more than 1,100 new jobs and invest $14 million in a new research and development facility for Cruise Automation in San Francisco. These investments will allow Cruise Automation to expand development of self-driving technologies that will transform personal mobility.

“Expanding our team at Cruise Automation and linking them with our global engineering talent is another important step in our work to redefine the future of personal mobility,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Self-driving technology holds enormous benefits to society in the form of increased safety and access to transportation. Running our autonomous vehicle program as a start-up is giving us the speed we need to continue to stay at the forefront of development of these technologies and the market applications.”

Cruise Automation and GM engineers are currently testing more than 50 Chevrolet Bolt EVs with self-driving technology on public roads in San Francisco; Scottsdale, Arizona; and metro Detroit.

The new investment will include repurposing an existing facility in San Francisco that will more than double Cruise Automation’s research and development space. The Cruise Automation team plans to move into the new space by the end of the year and hire more than 1,100 new employees over the course of the next five years.

“We are excited to significantly expand our footprint in California and continue on our rapid growth trajectory,” said Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise Automation. “As autonomous car technology matures, our company’s talent needs will continue to increase. Accessing the world-class talent pool that the San Francisco Bay Area offers is one of the many reasons we plan to grow our presence in the state.”

California Governor Jerry Brown’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) allocated an $8 million tax credit to GM Cruise for this expansion. The incentive was approved by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee at a meeting in Sacramento.

“GM’s investment is further proof that California is leading the nation in the design, engineering and deployment of autonomous vehicles,” said Panorea Avdis, director of the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “Today, GM joins hundreds of other companies that have received a California Compete Tax Credit award in return for adding good-paying jobs in the state, and we look forward to working with them on their continued expansion in California.”

GM acquired Cruise Automation in March 2016 to strengthen the company’s software development capabilities and accelerate development of self-driving vehicle technology.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – In an ongoing effort to improve California’s business climate, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced that the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) committee approved $91.4 million in tax credits for 114 companies expanding and creating jobs in California. The awards will help these companies create a projected 8,223 jobs and generate over $828 million in total investment across California. View the complete list of approved companies and award amounts.
 
“Thanks to the California Competes Tax Credit and the hard working staff at GO-Biz, California continues to recruit new companies and help existing companies grow and add jobs in the state,” said GO-Biz director and committee chair Panorea Avdis. “In just three short years, over 680 companies have made commitments to expand in the state and GO-Biz continues to field inquiries from businesses around the world that are interested in moving to California and creating good-paying jobs.”

Chair Avdis convened the committee – which includes Treasurer John Chiang, director of the Department of Finance Michael Cohen, Senate appointee Denise Zapata and Assembly appointee Madeline Janis – at the California Department of Food and Agriculture auditorium in Sacramento. The committee voted to approve all 114 tax credit agreements.

In 2013, the California Competes Tax Credit was created by Governor Brown to focus on helping businesses grow and stay in California. This fiscal year, GO-Biz allocated over $240 million in total tax credits. Since 2014, GO-Biz has allocated $492.5 million to 688 companies projected to create 70,747 new jobs and make $14.4 billion in new investments.

About California Competes
The California Competes tax credit is part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) which Governor Brown signed legislation to enact in 2013 (AB 93 and SB 90). GO-Biz evaluates the most competitive applications based on the factors required by statute, including total jobs created, total investment, average wage, economic impact, strategic importance and more. Companies are exempted from paying state income taxes in the amount awarded.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) will convene the California Competes Tax Credit committee Thursday, April 13 to vote on $91.4 million in tax credits for 114 businesses projected to create 8,223 jobs and make $828 million in investments. Potential awardees include Michigan-based automaker General Motors, electric bus manufacturer Proterra, streaming video service Hulu and more. View the Complete list of companies and the agenda. 

Thursday, April 13, 2017 
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Department of Food and Agriculture Auditorium
1220 N Street 
Sacramento, CA 95814

Media Availability
GO-Biz staff, committee members and company representatives are available for interviews at the meeting. Please RSVP to Brook.Taylor@gov.ca.gov.

About the California Competes Tax Credit
The California Competes Tax Credit was created by Governor Brown as part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) enacted by legislation in 2013 (AB 93 and SB 90). GO-Biz evaluates the most competitive applications based on the factors required by statute, including total jobs created, total investment, average wage, economic impact, strategic importance and more. Since 2014, GO-Biz has allocated $401 million to 574 companies projected to create over 62,524 jobs and make more than $13.6 billion in investments.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Hollywood, Calif. – March 17, 2017 –Year-two of California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 will end very much as it began – by scoring new and relocating TV projects ready to create jobs across the Golden State.

The fifth and final tax credit application period (held February 10 – 17) for the current fiscal year brings an additional four relocating TV series; a pair from New York (“The Affair” and “The OA”), and another pair from Vancouver (“Lucifer” and “Legion”). With their arrival, a total of 11 TV series have relocated to California under Program 2.0.

“We’re wrapping up year-two of Program 2.0 on a very high note with a record number of relocating TV series,” said California Film Commission Executive Director Amy Lemisch. “The tax credit program is working as intended to reaffirm California’s status as the preferred choice for film and TV production.”

“Lucifer” co-showrunners Ildy Modrovich and Joe Henderson added, “Los Angeles is a key character in ‘Lucifer,’ with the storylines revolving around iconic locations in Hollywood and Southern California, so we are thrilled that the California incentive now makes it competitive to base the show in the L. A. area.”

In all, the latest TV allocation round reserves tax credits for 15 projects, including five new series (“Here, Now,” “Law & Order: True Crime,” “Messiah,” “Sharp Objects” and “Untitled Seth MacFarlane Project”), two recurring series (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Snowfall”) and four pilots (“Behind Enemy Lines,” “Mayans MC,” “S.W.A.T.” and “The Get”).

In addition to the record number of relocating series, the latest round of TV projects is also notable for the growing number that plan to film outside the Los Angeles 30-Mile Zone. Seven of the 15 projects announced today (“Behind Enemy Lines,” Mayans MC,” “Sharp Objects,” “Untitled Seth MacFarlane Project,” “Lucifer,” “Legion” and “The OA”) plan to shoot at least partially outside the zone. This out-of-zone trend is also evident with feature film projects participating in the tax credit program (see California Film Commission announcement dated February 13, 2017).

“The projects announced today further demonstrate Program 2.0’s ability to bring production jobs and spending to regions across the state,” Lemisch added.

A total of 25 projects applied for the latest $99.2 million in tax credit allocation. Based on data provided with each application, the 15 projects announced today will generate an estimated $620 million in direct in-state spending, including $235 million in wages to more than 4,400 crew and cast members.

The complete list of conditionally approved TV projects for the latest allocation round is attached. Note the list is subject to change, as applicants may withdraw from the program and their tax credits reassigned to those currently on the wait list.

The next application period for California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 is May 22-29 for television projects.

How Projects are Selected and Awarded Tax Credits Under Program 2.0
Projects approved for California tax credits are selected based on their jobs ratio score, which ranks each project by wages to below-the-line workers, qualified spending for vendors, equipment, etc., and other criteria. The top 200% ranked projects in each round (i.e., those that would qualify if double the amount of funding was available for the current allocation round) are evaluated, and those with the highest-ranked jobs ratios receive tax credits. Those not selected are placed on the waiting list. The program allocates funding in “buckets” for different production categories, including non-independent feature films, independent films, TV projects and relocating TV series. This enables applicants to compete for credits directly against comparable projects. As has been the case since the state launched its first-generation tax credit program in 2009, the California Film Commission awards tax credits only after each selected project: 1) completes post-production, 2) verifies that in-state jobs were created, and 3) provides all required documentation, including audited cost reports.

About California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0
On September 18, 2014, Governor Brown signed bipartisan legislation to more than triple the size of California’s film and television production incentive, from $100 million to $330 million annually. Aimed at retaining and attracting production jobs and economic activity across the state, the California Film and TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 also extends eligibility to include a range of project types (big-budget feature films, TV pilots and 1-hr TV series for any distribution outlet) that were excluded from the state’s first-generation tax credit program. Other key changes include replacing the prior lottery system with a “jobs ratio” ranking system that selects projects based on wages paid to below-the-line workers, qualified spending (for vendors, equipment, etc.) and other criteria. Program 2.0 also offers an additional five percent tax credit for non-independent projects that shoot outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone or have qualified expenditures for visual effects or music scoring/track recording. Visit California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program 2.0 for more information including application procedures, eligibility and guidelines, is available at http://www.film.ca.gov/tax-credit/.

About the California Film Commission
The California Film Commission enhances California’s status as the leader in motion picture, television and commercial production. It supports productions of all sizes and budgets, and focuses on activities that stimulate and preserve production jobs, spending and tax revenues in California. Services include administration of the state’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, permits for filming at state-owned facilities, an extensive digital location library, location assistance and a range of other production-related resources and assistance. Visit the California Film Commission for more information. 

Attached Files

Tax Credit Program Year 2-3rd TV Allocation Release

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. –As part of California’s continued leadership in cybersecurity and workforce development, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced the 2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge scheduled for June 24^th and 25^th. The statewide competition will feature 16 teams of high school students competing at the new California Cyber Training Complex in San Luis Obispo, CA.

“The California Cyber Innovation Challenge helps identify the next generation of cyber innovators and connects them with potential employers and academic leaders before they even leave high school,” said Panorea Avdis, Director of GO-Biz. “GO-Biz is proud to host the event along with our partners at Cal Poly and we look forward to a robust competition that brings out the best in our students.”

Earlier this month, Cal Poly held the grand opening for the California Cyber Training Complex (CCTC), a new cyber education center and collaboration space at the California National Guard’s Camp in San Luis Obispo.

“In addition to the CCTC’s cyber forensics mission, a key focus is providing hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of cyber defenders.” said Cal Poly Cybersecurity Center Director William J. “Bill” Britton. “Being a part of the Innovation Challenge is big step towards realizing that goal.”

In the coming months, teams of high school students from across California will compete in timed cybersecurity challenges designed to replicate the many different threats that cybersecurity professionals face, from attacks on critical infrastructure to attempted breaches of consumer data on connected devices. The winners of designated regional cybersecurity competitions will earn automatic entry to the statewide tournament in San Luis Obispo.  In addition, the competition organizers are soliciting applications from other high school cybersecurity competition teams to ensure that more students have access to the challenge.

“These competitions help students learn more about technology career pathways, not just in cybersecurity, but also in other advanced technology industries and as entrepreneurs.” said Louis Stewart, Deputy Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at GO-Biz. “Through this competition students in California are learning that their skills might translate to a career at a tech company, as a chief technology officer with the government, or starting their own cybersecurity business.”

GO-Biz is leading the California Cyber Innovation Challenge with the CyberCalifornia coalition, a collection of businesses, state agencies, and educational partners dedicated to reinforcing California’s leadership position in cybersecurity. The California Workforce Development Board provided the seed funding for this event and for last year’s successful demonstration event, held at Sacramento City College. Other coalition leaders include the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Technology, the California Military Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District and California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.

To attend the free California Cyber Innovation Challenge, please Register .

High schools interested in joining the competition can email GO-Biz to learn more about the qualifying process.

About Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast. It’s a distinctive learning community offering academically focused students a hands-on educational experience that prepares them for today’s scientific and technical world. Cal Poly is consistently ranked a top university for academics, value, and graduate’s salaries.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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