Bohannon Development Company and JobTrain Announce Agreement to Make Menlo Gateway Project Jobs Available to Local Job-Seekers

MENLO PARK, CA, September 17, 2009 – The Bohannon Development Company and JobTrain, a Menlo Park-based educational and training institution, today announced an agreement that will make certain new jobs created by the Menlo Gateway project available to JobTrain’s Menlo Park clients first. This “first source” hiring agreement reinforces Bohannon’s commitment to Menlo Park, and particularly the Belle Haven community, by offering JobTrain clients the first opportunity for entry-level positions, enabling these clients to enhance their lives by developing sustainable careers.

Menlo Gateway is expected to create approximately 1900 construction jobs. It also will create over 2300 permanent jobs, with more than 200 hospitality jobs at the Renaissance ClubSport facility. JobTrain's Computer Service Technician, Culinary Arts, Office Skills, Project Build, and Solar Training programs will ready graduates to fill both temporary and permanent jobs created by the Menlo Gateway project in construction, hotel, fitness, restaurant and office positions.

"We are delighted with this wonderful opportunity for our clients," said Sharon Williams, executive director of JobTrain. "The Bohannon Development Company has long been an important supporter of JobTrain and sponsor of events such as our Breakfast of Champions. The organization's desire for our input and inclusiveness throughout the planning phases of Menlo Gateway underscore David Bohannon's commitment to this community."

JobTrain serves adults and youth ages 14 to 21 each year through vocational training programs, evening classes and after school programs. In FY 2009, the program helped 5,000 participants, more than 600 of whom were enrolled in full-time vocational courses. They placed 75 percent of their graduates in quality jobs. In addition, 293 at-risk youth earned credits toward high school graduation or gained valuable work experience in a summer job.

"We want to first help members of our local community benefit from new job opportunities," said David Bohannon, senior vice president, Bohannon Development Company. "Through Menlo Gateway, we can help local people and help JobTrain achieve its goals while building a foundation for longer-term economic sustainability."

Menlo Gateway is a proposed combined hotel, fitness club, office, and open space project that will responsibly re-develop industrial land in Menlo Park, east of Highway 101. The project will aim for achieving LEED certification while creating jobs and contributing over $1.6 million annually to Menlo Park's General Fund and property tax rolls. The project is slated for a Menlo Park City Council vote early in 2010. For information about Menlo Gateway, see www.menlogateway.com

About JobTrain
JobTrain, formerly OICW, is an educational and training institution that also offers career counseling and job placement services to graduates. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, JobTrain helps its clients launch new careers and break out of the community’s existing cycle of poverty, low education levels, homelessness, drugs, crime, and prison. Through each student’s personal and professional growth, JobTrain creates a new, positive model for other members of the community. For more information, visit www.jobtrainworks.org.

About Bohannon Development Company
The Bohannon Development Company, based in San Mateo, has owned property and invested in the Peninsula since 1930. Launched by David D. Bohannon in 1928, the firm began its projects in residential real estate, later launching its commercial development activities with the Hillsdale Shopping Center in 1941. Since its founding, the Bohannons have worked hand-in-hand with elected leaders and community representatives to plan for Menlo Park’s successful future.

For additional information:
Corman Communications, LLC
Patrick Corman
650-326-9648
patrick@cormancom.com