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DECEMBER 2024
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As one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in San Bernardino County, sales positions play a pivotal role in the local economy. With more than 200,000 projected openings in sales over the next decade, the demand for skilled professionals has reached an all-time high. From retail and wholesale to specialized roles in technology and industrial sectors, sales jobs are essential for connecting businesses with customers and driving economic growth.
Sales managers and sales engineers are especially in demand, with both roles offering competitive salaries averaging over $100,000 per year. These positions require strong leadership, technical expertise and the ability to build strategic client relationships.
This trend highlights the importance of equipping the workforce with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic, high-demand sector. Training programs, workshops, and internships are valuable investments that can lead to long-term career success while contributing to the region's economic prosperity.
As the county’s economy continues to grow, sales professionals will remain crucial to driving business success and building a strong foundation for the future. The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is dedicated to supporting this vital sector through programs such as On-The-Job Training.
For more information about the programs and services WDB offers job seekers and businesses in all sectors, please visit our website.
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We asked Randall Lewis, Executive Vice President and a Principal of the Lewis Corp., what he looks for in sales personnel. Here’s what he said:
Likability. People like doing business with someone they enjoy being around.
Empathy. A good sales person takes the time to understand what a potential buyer is thinking and what he or she needs.
Two-Way Communication Skills. The ability not just to speak well, but to listen well.
Competitive Spirit: Understand that whatever it is you are selling, you're going to face rejection more often than not. If it’s a new-home sales office, you might get 209 people in for every one sale. It’s important to stay positive.
Know Your Advantage: Understand what your product is.
Speak Up: The feedback you receive from customers is invaluable. Have the courage to tell those above you what you’re hearing, and what you think.
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WDB and Operation New Hope helped her find a pathway to turning her life around
 Keeniyah Johnson was determined to turn her life around. With support from the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) and its partnership with Operation New Hope, she is making it happen – securing part-time employment while training to become a nurse.
“I was getting into a lot of trouble, but being on probation and taking anger management classes made me want to change,” Johnson shared during a recent WDB meeting.
Through Operation New Hope, she received career counseling and landed a 15-hour-a-week job at Arrowhead United Way. This position allows her to work while pursuing her dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.
Reflecting on her journey, Johnson said, “I was having a hard time finding a job before contacting Operation New Hope. They helped a lot. It took about three weeks, but I was patient, and it worked out. I never thought I’d be here.”
ABOVE: Keeniyah Johnson (center) is joined by members of the Operation New Hope Team along with WDB Chair William Sterling and Director Bradley Gates.
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 Message from the Chair
They're showing the world how much opportunity there is right here at home
William Sterling
WDB Chairman
Last month, we introduced Roadtrip Nation: Paths Across San Bernardino, a two-part PBS series that has since premiered. Both episodes are now available online, highlighting the collaboration between the show’s producers and the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board’s Youth Forward program to reshape the narrative around career opportunities in the nation’s largest county.
In Episode 1, four of our Roadtrippers meet inspiring professionals in healthcare and construction, discovering that rewarding careers in these fields are within reach.
In Episode 2, all five Roadtrippers (Amelia, Ansh, Lovely, Luis and Melissa) explore opportunities in logistics, government, and manufacturing.
It has been inspiring to watch these young adults travel across San Bernardino County, gain valuable advice and carve out their own career paths in the place they call home – proving that exciting and lucrative opportunities are closer than they imagined.
Special thanks to the producers of Roadtrip Nation and the professionals who generously shared their time and insights, making a lasting impact on these Roadtrippers’ lives.
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Monthly Labor Market Update
 The labor market in San Bernardino County saw little change in October as it continued to outperform the state. Across the Inland Empire, trade, transportation and utilities added 5,500 jobs month-over-month, while government added 5,100. Year-over-year, healthcare showed the largest increase, up 18,700 jobs in the two-county region.
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Regional planning group projects more job growth across San Bernardino County |
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San Bernardino County’s emergence as a global trade hub, combined with steady population growth, is expected to drive economic expansion in key industries such as healthcare, retail and hospitality over the next year, according to a new economic report.
Released on December 5 by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) as part of the Southern California Economic Update, the report forecasts that increased consumer and business spending, along with foreign trade, will fuel ongoing job growth in San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire.
“The outlook for the Inland Empire is positive,” said Dr. Manfred Keil, Chief Economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, who authored the region’s analysis for SCAG. “Steady U.S. economic growth is expected over the next six to 18 months, driving higher spending. Additionally, migration to the region will rise as households leave coastal areas for more affordable housing. This will spur continued growth in population-serving industries such as healthcare, retail trade, and leisure and hospitality.”
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 Growing up in a rural farming community in Oregon, my first job was working on my grandfather’s hazelnut tree farm. During high school summers, my tasks varied—clearing rocks for swathers, moving irrigation lines, managing tree suckers, or finding ways to keep squirrels away from the crop. The days were long and challenging, but I came to value the reward of seeing hard work pay off. I also gained insight into the diverse efforts required to run a farm, from maintenance to operations, ensuring the crop's profitability.
These lessons in hard work, diligence, and the critical role of agriculture in our economy remain central to my professional journey. I’m grateful for what I learned from my grandfather and plan to send my own children to the same farm to continue the family tradition.
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Stat of the Month
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Connecting Employers and Job Seekers
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board hosts hiring events at the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and other venues throughout the year. Coming up:
Thursday, January 16, 2025: Career Fair, Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, Chino. 11 a.m.-2 p.m..
Thursday, January 23, 2025: Career Fair, Apple Valley Town Hall, 12955 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Coming Up
WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources that are available. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates:
Friday, December 20, 2024: California Employment Development Department releases its November jobs report.
Friday, January 10: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its December jobs report.
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 On any given day, San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have access to 100 or more job seekers ready and able to fill your positions. To find that perfect employee for your business, please contact your local AJCC:
East Valley: 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, San Bernardino (909) 382-0440
West Valley: 9650 9th St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-6500
High Desert: 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville (760) 552-6550
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Stay up to date
Click here to catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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- WIOA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For federal funding disclosure information, visit: workforce.sbcounty.gov/about/ffd/
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