Testimonials

"Oakland has proven a fertile ground for my high-tech company from start-up to inclusion in the top 10 of INC. magazine's Inner City 100 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. for four consecutive years. Since intellectual resources are vital in the high-tech industry, Oakland's highly skilled labor force is a key factor in my company's success."
Frank Tucker, CEO
Tucker Technology, Inc.

"Our original expectation was that we would lease from 25 to 30 units per month at The Essex on Lake Merritt. But we surpassed that number and leased 87 units just two weeks after the initial occupancy. The Essex represents a combination of elements not available in Oakland for some time -- the beautiful Lake Merritt area, proximity to downtown Oakland and an upscale lifestyle opportunity —- and people from all over the Bay Area are responding very positively."
Keith R. Guericke, President & CEO
Essex Property Trust, Inc.

"We looked at office space in Emeryville, Berkeley and Oakland. [Oakland's] City Center had all the amenities we were looking for -- shops, restaurants, a health club -- and convenient access to mass transit. It just had a good feeling."

Reid Miller, Administrator

Beyer Weaver and Thomas LLP

"Our company has a product that is top-shelf, located in a city that is steadily redeveloping its downtown core and gaining favor in business world. Shorenstein is confident that we'll see strong leasing activity at 555 City Center in the coming months."
John Dolby, Marketing Manager
Oakland City Center
Shorenstein Company, LP.

"We just calculated our 2003 tax credits for enterprise zone and related programs.  For 2003, we get tax credits of $96,000.  $96,000 additional profit right to the bottom line -- all for being located in Oakland."

Michael Hannigan, Owner

Give Something Back Business Products

"We moved IDG Entertainment/GamePro Magazine from San Francisco to Oakland in 2002 in order to achieve a lower rent structure. What we've discovered since making that move is that not only is the rent lower, my commute is actually shorter from Marin to the East Bay than to San Francisco, the weather is markedly better, and there is a great downtown shopping and dining environment for workers during their breaks. For all of these reasons, our 50+ employees really enjoy being in Downtown Oakland."

John Rousseau, President & CEO

IDG Entertainment/GamePro Magazine

"Oakland is a great place to live, build and do business. Our goal is to bring people close to work centers, leisure activities and public transportation. We can achieve that here in Oakland."
Michael Ghielmetti, Principal
Signature Properties, Inc.

"Dreyer's has expanded from a small ice cream store on Grand Avenue to the leading manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice cream in the U.S. In 2003, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of our $1.5 billion company – headquartered in Oakland -- and our "rocky road" to sweet success."
T. Gary Rogers, Chairman & CEO
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream

"Clorox has called Oakland home since our founders first set up shop in 1913. Over the years, we've seen many positive changes – from Oakland's emergence as a world-class seaport to the revitalization of the city's downtown business district. Clorox is committed to helping strengthen Oakland's rich culture, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit."
G. Craig Sullivan, Chairman & CEO
The Clorox Company

"Downtown Oakland is a great place for a corporate headquarters. New office space, new restaurants, new hotels, great weather, BART literally at our feet, and a "can-do" spirit at City Hall -- they all add up to an excellent location for business."
Bill Hamlin, President, North America Region
APL

"Many of our employees live in the East Bay, and the move to a more central location just makes sense. Because we are a national company, easy access to the Oakland Airport was an important factor. And of course it's nice to be in a newer building and have access to the latest office technologies."
Marion Aaron, President

OREXCO