North Valley Thrive

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Modesto, CA
North Valley Thrive

The High Road for an Inclusive Vibrant Economy

04/30/2026

Great places don't happen by chance — they happen by design. ✏️🏙️
Join us for the next Placemaker Lab free community seminar:
From Vision to Viable: Making Place-Based Development Pencil

📅 May 7, 2026
🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM
💻 Zoom — FREE!
🔗 Register at:https://www.opportunitymerced.org

Guest Speaker: Wes Craiglow, Executive Director of ULI Northwest Arkansas
Learn how to bridge competing priorities, align stakeholders, and bring place-based projects to life in our region. 🌱

04/16/2026

Yesterday's Placemaking 101 session at UC Merced on Main was everything — a packed room, national experts, and real talk about what it takes to make great places work in our region.

If you missed it, don't let it happen again.

The Placemaker Lab Series has more sessions on the way, and each one is free and built for the doers, dreamers, and decision-makers shaping Stanislaus, Merced, and San Joaquin Counties.

📍 Register for upcoming events at www.opportunitymerced.org
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04/06/2026

🌟 National experts. Local impact. Zero cost.
The Placemaker Lab is coming to the North Valley — and it's free.
On April 15, six nationally recognized leaders in urban design, economic development, and destination strategy will gather in Merced to tackle one big question: What does it really take to make great places?
Whether you're a planner, artist, developer, or simply someone who cares about your community — this is your seat at the table.

📅 Wed., April 15 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 UC Merced on Main, Merced, CA
🎟️ Free & Open to the Public

Space is limited — register now at: https://www.opportunitymerced.org/

03/26/2026

Yesterday, leaders from across the North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) gathered at the University of the Pacific for the Translation Destination Forum: a powerful conversation about the future of the region and its role in California’s economic landscape.

The NSJV is increasingly recognized not just for its potential, but for its capacity to translate ideas, innovation and technology into real‑world impact. The question before us is no longer whether the region can play a larger role, but how we do it intentionally, inclusively and at scale. 🚀

Hosted by North Valley THRIVE, the forum introduced and advanced the Translation Destination framework, a place‑based approach to economic development focused on better aligning:

🏛️Institutions
⚙️Production systems
👥Workforce pathways
🏗️Infrastructure
💼Markets

Throughout the day, regional leaders, practitioners and partners explored what it takes to move ideas from concept to use through keynote conversations, global perspectives and hands‑on design sessions. 💡

Thank you to our speakers, partners and attendees for contributing your insights, experience and energy. The work continues, and yesterday was an important step forward.

Stay tuned as we build on this momentum and continue shaping the North San Joaquin Valley as a Translation Destination: https://northvalleythrive.org/

12/30/2025

VOLT on the GO is increasing employment opportunities in the region through accessible, bilingual manufacturing skills training.

Partnering with local education institutions, community organizations and workforce agencies, the program aims to train 400+ individuals for high-demand maintenance and technician jobs.

Learn more about this Catalyst Awardee: https://www.voltinstitute.com/voltonthego

12/24/2025

A stronger child care system contributes to a stronger regional economy.

Catalyst Fund Awardee Nurture’s Business Growth Program aids families in their access to affordable, high-quality care, removing one of the biggest barriers for workforce participation.

Learn more: https://www.nurturebusiness.org/

12/22/2025

The North San Joaquin Valley is emerging as California’s next Translation Destination — where big ideas become real-world solutions, jobs and long-term opportunity.

With ready-to-go infrastructure, strong talent pipelines and a collaborative regional vision, the NSJV is shaping a new frontier for innovation, advanced manufacturing, biocircular industries and clean energy.

North Valley THRIVE is uniting partners across the region to drive momentum and position California for global competitiveness.

A stronger NSJV means a stronger California — and the future is already taking shape here.

Learn more at NorthValleyTHRIVE.org

12/16/2025

North Valley THRIVE’s Catalyst Awardee Restore the Delta is transforming places prone to floods into beneficial community areas. Through its Mormon Slough Project, Restore the Delta aligns strongly with our own efforts:

☀️ Climate smart infrastructure
🏞️ Placemaking and amenities

This program is restoring habitats, creating jobs and supporting community-centered development.
Learn more at https://restorethedelta.org/

11/24/2025

Stay connected to the momentum in the North San Joaquin Valley with North Valley THRIVE’s monthly newsletter!

Be the first to hear about regional successes, upcoming networking opportunities and important updates shaping our community. Don’t miss out—subscribe today: https://northvalleythrive.org/updates

11/21/2025

We’re excited to spotlight SkillRISE at UC Merced Division of Professional and Continuing Education, a North Valley THRIVE Catalyst Fund awardee, and their new program designed to upskill the Northern San Joaquin Valley workforce for the future.

SkillRISE is a collaborative educational initiative focused on empowering both new and incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing and solar/renewable energy. Through hands-on training, industry partnerships and flexible learning pathways, SkillRise is preparing diverse learners for in-demand jobs.

Regional employees and employers can now access FREE training in:

📋 Project Management (CAPM/PMP)
☀️ Solar Operations and Asset Management
⚙️ Additive Manufacturing

Participants benefit from work-based learning projects, earn stipends and gain real-world experience through partnerships with local employers. This approach not only supports upward mobility for individuals but also strengthens our region’s competitiveness in global markets.

At North Valley THRIVE, we believe that education is central to economic growth. By supporting programs like SkillRISE, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient future for all.

Learn more and apply today: https://pace.ucmerced.edu/programs/skillrise

11/19/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at North Valley THRIVE's new Stockton office for an inspiring afternoon of connection and collaboration! Our open house brought together partners and friends from across the North San Joaquin Valley to discuss building a more inclusive and vibrant economy.

As we continue to grow our presence in Stockton and beyond, North Valley THRIVE remains committed to leading positive change and fostering strong partnerships in Merced County, Stanislaus County and County of San Joaquin, CA .

The energy and ideas shared at the event reaffirmed our mission and the importance of working as one region to create lasting impact.

We’re grateful for the support of our partners and look forward to many more opportunities to connect and collaborate as we shape the future of the region!

Address

Modesto, CA
95350

Telephone

+12093802022

Website

http://northvalleythrive.org/

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