As this article over at The Business Journal stated, one of the goals for the winner was to provide economic growth for Fresno and promote growth and diversification for the valley.  So it seems a little insulting to find out that Vine Global is leaving the area to relocate to Scottsdale, AZ for an extended amount of time to be closer with a customer.  I understand sometimes part of the business is to build great relationships with your customers and provide the best service you can but this seems to be part of a larger trend that is occurring in the valley.

If you weren’t aware I wrote another post regarding another startup based on the Fresno area called PlasticJungle.  They were recently funded from a Venture Capital firm in which following the round of funding, decided to move most of their operations out of Clovis to the bay area.  While I disagree with these moves since I want to see new and innovative businesses grow here in the valley, I understand that the business here is not as optimal as places like the bay area.

But when is this trend going to end?  What will make Fresno and the central valley keep technology companies from wanting to relocate?  I personally would like to see more of the government stepping in and providing incentives for businesses to stay here but we all know that isn’t going to happen.

PlasticJungle Founder and COO Tina Henson I think made a good point, that we are best to focus on what assets we have here.

This is something that’s been bothering me for a while.  If you weren’t aware, there is a local startup located here in Clovis, CA called PlasticJungle. They are a small company filling a big void right now: gift cards. But what they do is allow you to buy/sell discounted gift cards.

Everyone wins right?  Well yeah, but not the central valley.  Recently it was announced by PlasticJungle that they’ve secured a round of Venture Capital funding which would allow them to grow and expand their services. The problem is they’re packing up and moving to the bay area.

There goes the quick glimmer of hope for any Fresno developers hoping to work for a hot local startup.

Is it wrong to be upset?  No I don’t believe so.  The central valley is so niche itself that when something does make it big here we tend to applaud it and put it in the spotlight. But at the same time a big congrats to PlasticJungle for their continued success.

Maybe this is just another feint echo from a guy hoping that boom of startups does finally hit the valley one day.