On to Antioch

The Contra Costa Times reported today that I have left the Home Builders Association of Northern California to become the Economic Development Director for the city of Antioch.

Bjerke accepts economic post – a pdf of the article.

I have had a very happy and successful 16 years with the HBA.  However, I needed a change.  I’m looking forward to the challenges this new position will bring and learning to work in the public sector environment.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Four Home Depots for Concord?

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported today that Home Depot is finalizing the purchase of the Yardbirds Hardware chain.  Yardbirds has a store at the eastern end of Clayton Road/Kirker Pass in Concord that was just recently upgraded but still smaller than a typical Home Depot.

So let’s review. 

1. Concord has an extremely busy Home Depot.

2. The Home Depot owned Expo Design Center in Concord has closed and rumor has it the HD folks would like to spread the decorating/finishing stuff to that location if it can be done without jumping through a lot of new hoops or costs.

3. Home Depot is also planning for a new store in Concord along Oak Grove Road near the intersection with Monument Blvd – ironically on a vacant lot immediately behind an Orchard Supply Hardware store.

4. Home Dept will now own the Yardbirds Hardware store.

Four Home Depots for Concord?

Meanwhile – a Lowe’s Hardware is proposed as part of a shopping center planned for the Arnold Industrial Highway just north of Highway 4 in Concord.

Silicon Valley may have software – but it looks like Concord will be the king of hardware.

links for 2005-09-19