Visalia-based Medical Billing Technology (MBT) plans to lay off 48 employees in early June according to a state WARN notice this week.The firm has an office on Caldwell and according to its website, employs 100.
“With Federal and State program changes, it’s necessary for MBT to adjust our business operations so that we can continue to offer our industry leading service to our clients,” states Roberta Stephens, CEO. “MBT has always been focused on our district clients, and that is not going to change. The adjustments we’re making to our service delivery will allow us to be more agile, while still maintaining our dedication to assisting districts to recover valuable reimbursement funds.”
Founded in 1994, MBT helps connect California’s students to health insurance and health services by assisting school districts and other local agencies in accessing important federal reimbursement funds.
Workforce Investment Board (WIB) staffer Sandy Miller says the company did not have to issue the state public notice because the layoffs were under 50 but doing so helped the employees get WIB agency services.
“We are going to see more of this with all the changes in managed care “ says Miller.
The proposal to build a Dollar General retail store in downtown Lindsay has been withdrawn by the developer.The Embree Asset Group wanted to demolish the Central California Citrus Exchange building on East Hermosa Street and North Mirage but several residents opposed the plan citing the historic nature of the building. No word if the company will try to build elsewhere in town.
Meanwhile there is no letup for Dollar General in Tulare where the company has confirmed they now want to build a second store says city planner Bonnie Simoes. With a Dollar General under construction at Prosperity and J Street,the retailer says they want build another store on the west side of town at Santa Clara and Inyo. Also in Woodlake, the company is underway on construction of new store at 301 W Naranjo.
In Visalia,the long vacant Copeland Sports store on Mooney is getting a new user, Sheik Shoes spending $600,000 to do tenant improvements on the 14,000 sf building at 1100 S Mooney. The building has been empty since early 2007 after the sporting goods chain went bankrupt. The outlet will likely be the biggest shoe store in town.
More former commercial spaces are being occupied by local churches. In Visalia the former Franey Floor Coverings on Encina is being sought by Crossroads Community Church who received city planning commission approval this week to set up in the building. In Tulare, the former movie theater at Tower Square is being sought by a church represented by TAE. The last use of the space – a paint ball operation.
With No Snow – Central California Ski Resorts Throw In Towel :It’s April 2013 and its been a duster for the past three months. So it should come as no surprise that Central Sierra ski resorts have closed for the season.
At China Peak management announced that “unfortunately we are closed for the 2012/13 season, unless we receive a significant snowfall (2-3 feet) in April, where we would possibly reopen. The lack of snow in the first quarter of 2013 is historic, and unfortunately we ran out of snow much earlier than is almost always the case; we are generally open until the end of April, which is our plan for 2013/14!” In Yosemite Badger Pass closed as of March 31.
Still open for skiing is Bear Valley,Alpine Meadows,Squaw Valley,Northstar and Mammoth to name some of the more popular places.
If skiing ends early – let the hiking and tourist buses begin.
That’s what is happening in Sequoia /Kings Canyon where the early snowmelt and warm weather has prompted the return of tour buses early this year.
Already tourists can drive the road to Moro Rock and popular Crescent Meadow. I personally hiked up the cross country ski road to Panoramic Point a few weeks ago taking a picnic lunch to enjoy the Great Western Divide view at the top. The road to Cedar Grove at the end of Kings Canyon will open April 26.
Speaking of tourists Three Rivers is expecting a big crowd this weekend for the 40th Annual Jazz Affair with 11 bands at four venues – April 12-14.Local Tom Sparks says as New Orleans styled jazz has faded in popularity the venues remaining to showcase the music are even better attended. This weekend’s event is followed by the popular Lions Rodeo next weekend.