Raif Rahal

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨’𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 ✔️In today’s competitive hiring landscape, candidate experience in hiring is no longer a secondary consideration—it is often the deciding factor in whether top candidates accept an offer or disengage entirely. Across Sacramento, organizations are investing heavily in employer branding, recruitment marketing, and talent acquisition strategies to attract talent. These efforts help create awareness and increase applicant flow. However, attracting talent and securing top talent are not the same. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ggSWyC32 #sacramento #hiring #itswhoyouknow

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⚡ Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Ventura Cannabis and Wellness Corp in Sacramento joined by their head grower. And, you know, it was a blast! Ventura's facility is the perfect example of scale and innovation in commercial cannabis cultivation. They do 15 bays, 8–8.5 thousand [!] plants per bay, and 500 lights powering a single thriving operation 💪 This visit was especially exciting since it marked the first large-scale deployment of Advanced Nutrients across their entire facility. The results?  Impressive! 📈 🌿 Healthier, greener plants, robust leaves, even canopy, and buds up to 3–4 X times larger than those grown with competitor products. Notably... clogging in drip lines has been minimal, streamlining operations during this critical growth phase 🧐 ⚠️ To all commercial growers:  🚀 If you're looking to step up your cultivation game and see tangible results, follow Ventura's lead. The difference is clear and the math is simple – quality nutrition equals plants' health, superior yields, and... benefits! 🥦💸 😎 Have questions or want to know more? 🙌 Just reach out to the Advanced Commercial Team (ACT) at support@advancednutrients.com, and our seasoned experts will get back to you ASAP to turn your facility into a sure-fire success story 🎯 #AdvancedNutrients #VenturaCannabis #CannabisIndustry #CommercialCultivation #ACT

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Calculating California’s Regular Rate of Pay California’s “regular rate of pay” impacts overtime, sick leave, and premium pay—and it’s rarely just the base hourly rate. Employers must factor in most non-discretionary compensation, apply special rules for flat sum bonuses, and avoid common errors like misclassifying bonuses or relying blindly on payroll systems. With stricter state rules than federal law, accurate calculations are critical to avoiding wage claims, PAGA actions, and audits. Has your organization reviewed its payroll practices to ensure compliance with California’s unique requirements? #CaliforniaLaborLaw #RegularRateOfPay #Overtime #WageAndHour #PayrollCompliance #HRCompliance #EmployeeCompensation Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered and is not legal advice, and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business or individual situation.

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Big news in Ventura County as a sweeping cannabis raid sends shockwaves through the industry. This high-profile operation revealed exclusive details about market enforcement, regulatory challenges, and the significant impact on local businesses. The fallout? From community backlash to renewed debates on industry oversight, leaders and stakeholders are reacting boldly and asking tough questions about compliance, policy, and the future landscape of cannabis in California. Want to understand what this could mean for cannabis operators, investors, and policymakers? Read the latest updates and comprehensive reactions on our website—link in profile. What lessons can the industry learn from this situation? #CannabisIndustry #VenturaCounty #Regulation #News #VenturaCounty #CannabisRaid #CannabisCommunity #BreakingNews #Cannabis #News #Regulation

The Future of Manufacturing in Northern California Manufacturing in Northern California is evolving, not disappearing. We’re seeing a strong shift toward advanced manufacturing, with growth in robotics, biotech, clean energy, semiconductors, and precision components. Companies are blending R&D with production, investing in automation, and building smarter, more agile operations closer to innovation hubs. At the same time, challenges remain: ⚙️ Rising labor and operating costs ⚙️ Increased need for skilled, tech-enabled talent ⚙️ Faster ramp-ups and flexible workforce demands What’s clear is this: the workforce is changing. Demand is growing for talent across manufacturing, warehouse operations, supply chain, QA/safety, engineering, and operations leadership, especially candidates who can adapt, learn quickly, and support scale. For manufacturers who get workforce strategy right, Northern California continues to be a powerful place to build and grow. Curious, what trends are you seeing in manufacturing right now? 

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BoxPower is honored to join Aggie Square’s January MIX event in Sacramento and contribute to an excellent lineup of innovators who are reimagining how Northern California communities are powered and served. Fallon Vaughan, our Director of Business Development, will share how utility-grade microgrids can act as scalable resilience assets and the need to treat these systems as core, long-term infrastructure rather than niche backup solutions. Headquartered in Grass Valley, just up the road from Sacramento, BoxPower is a one-stop shop from energy audit through operation for utility-grade, standardized microgrids that help organizations and communities enhance resilience, reduce wildfire and outage risk, and deliver reliable and clean power anywhere. #GridResilience #Microgrids #DistributedEnergy #BatteryStorage

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Reporting for California's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework is now open! Companies in scope have until November 15, 2025 to report packaging volumes using 2023 sales data. If you sell or package a product in California, you are likely required to report under this legislation. Learn more about California's packaging EPR and what's required, here: https://lnkd.in/g-cERFHQ Our packaging and EPR experts are ready to offer support in data collection and management, and in preparing your company for California EPR and similar frameworks coming online across the US. Don't hesitate to get in touch today: https://lnkd.in/gmPvpveM #EPR #SustainablePackaging #California #SustainabilityReporting #ExtendedProducerResponsibility

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𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗼𝗳-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁: California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the state, today celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Valley Natural Beverages (VNB) in Bakersfield, CA. The 200,000 square-foot greenfield facility represents a transformational investment by California Dairies, Inc. Inc member-owners, demonstrating their commitment to architecting their own destiny and meeting the growing demand for innovative fluid milk products in both the U.S. and international markets. The vertically integrated plant will begin processing an estimated 116,000 gallons of local milk dairy, showcasing the local nature of California’s dairy industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, alongside California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, Kern County Supervisor David Couch, and local officials, community leaders, and company executives. “We are thrilled to officially open this cutting-edge facility,” said Brad Anderson, president and chief executive officer of CDI. “This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new plant will allow us to increase production capacity, expand our product offerings, improve efficiency, and create next-generation jobs for the local community.” The state-of-the-art shelf-stable milk manufacturing facility features advanced robotics, energy-efficient technologies, and a commitment to environmental sustainability incorporating renewal energy sources and waste conservation. The plant will open with three processing lines to produce conventional extended shelf life (ESL) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) dairy beverages and products. VNB’s strategic growth plan includes multiple phases to expand to 10-12 processing and filling production lines in the future, tripling the facility’s current capacity. When all phases are completed, the facility will be 400,000 square-feet, processing up to 600,000 gallons per day of fresh local milk. #DairyUpdates #News #Manufacturing #CaliforniaDairies #DairyManufacturing #Expansion

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California’s Minimum Wage is Going Up 📈 Starting January 1, 2026, minimum wage will increase to $16.90/hour for non-exempt employees, and $70,304 for salary exempt employees. Some industries and cities have even higher requirements. Get all the details on what’s changing and how it could affect your business on our blog: o2es.com/blog

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As President of California Staffing and Recruiting Professionals Association, I’ve had countless conversations with leaders across the California staffing & recruiting industry and one thing is clear: This market is not getting easier. It’s getting sharper. Let’s look at what we’re navigating right here in California: * California had 588,000 open jobs as of late 2025 but demand is inconsistent and shifting fast * The state took 64 months just to recover jobs post-pandemic slower than most of the country * Talent is leaving California has seen a net loss of professionals to other states due to cost pressures And on the ground, we all feel it: 👉 Fewer qualified candidates despite open roles 👉 Clients more cautious, budgets tighter 👉 Longer hiring cycles and more competition per req 👉 Burnout across sales + recruiting teams This is the California reality. And it’s exactly why investing in ourselves and our people is no longer optional. If we want to: ✔️ Grow revenue in a tightening market ✔️ Win new business when clients are more selective ✔️ Help our recruiters stand out in a crowded field ✔️ Build teams that can actually sustain performance We have to get better. Period. That’s why California Staffing and Recruiting Professionals Association exists. June 3–5 | Rancho Mirage, CA This is not just another event. It’s where California staffing leaders come together to: * Share what’s actually working in this market * Level up sales and recruiting performance * Build real relationships that turn into real growth * And invest in the one thing that drives everything our people If you’ve been before… you already know. You know the conversations. The energy. The community. If you haven’t 👉 This is your chance to step into a community that genuinely cares about your well-being and success in the California staffing industry. In a state this competitive, you don’t win alone. You win with the right people and in the right room. And this is that room. #CSP #Staffing #Recruiting #California #Leadership #Sales #Growth #RanchoMirage #Community #TeamDevelopment

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