With the cutting of a giant blue ribbon with a pair of great big scissors, Blue Shield of California officially moved into the heart of Rancho Cordova.

In a gesture of genuine hospitality, Blue Shield’s “opening of the doors” ceremony on Nov. 4^th both recognized those involved in procuring the 175,000-square-foot campus, and welcomed the renowned insurance company to the city. The event was by invitation only, open to employees and guests.

In attendance, to formally welcome the company to Rancho Cordova, were State Sen. Tom Berryhill, Rancho Cordova City Council Member Dan Skoglund, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce Steve Milner.

This move is big for both Blue Shield and the city of Rancho Cordova, and the lease, a monster. According to the Sacramento Business Journal this is one of the largest deals Rancho Cordova has seen in years. Blue Shield has signed-on for the next 10 years to occupy the two buildings at 3300 Zinfandel Drive and 10834 International Drive, called Zinfandel I and II. Approximately 700 Blue Shield employees will grace this new space.

Zinfandel I and II appealed to Blue Shield for numerous reasons: the ability to add parking, room for future growth, and close proximity to light rail.

“It’s really an ideal fit for Blue Shield,” said company spokesperson Sean Barry, explaining how building owner Strada Investment Group also has 14-acres nearby that Blue Shield will partially use to build a 700-stall parking lot.

Juan Davila, Blue Shield executive vice president of Health Quality and Affordability, reiterated Barry’s statement, adding that the access to public transportation, and retail and restaurants within walking distance was also ideal for employees.

“The move to Rancho Cordova supports Blue Shield’s growth and business strategies while providing employees with great amenities and modern conveniences to enhance their work experience,” said Davila.

Barry agreed with this statement, calling the location “an ideal nexus for employees and guests.”

Tenant improvements on the two buildings were expected to take six months, yet, they only took five. Millie Virgil, director of Corporate Services at Blue Shield, said the opening of the location was done in “record time.”

During the ceremony, Virgil said, “It took only five months to take the building from nothing to move-in, everyone in seats. The team took the stance of ‘failure is not an option.’”

Part of these improvements included a cafe and fitness center; a fitness center which seems to be the center of a lot of excitement.

Todd Walthall, senior vice president of Customer Experience, voiced his excitement regarding the state-of-the-art exercise facility as well as the nearby, local breweries—alluding to how the two could go hand-in-hand. “We can all live happier, healthier, fuller lives,” he said.

Beyond that, in his speech at the ceremony, Walthall said, “There are lots of reasons to be in a great mood. This facility is tremendous. The best part about working for Blue Shield of California is the pride that comes with being an employee here. …This is a big day for Blue Shield. This is a big day for our [employees]. Enjoy this moment.”

The new space was a necessity for the company. Over the years space at their four-building 250,000-square-foot campus in El Dorado Hills, built in 2001, became less and less sufficient: the campus, intending to hold 1,500, was holding 1,800.

Sen. Berryhill presented the Certificate of Recognition to Blue Shield during the ceremony, and hailed the economic development boost of the new facility.

Skoglund echoed Berryhill’s remarks, saying: “Blue Shield is a terrific addition to our community. …We’re excited about the potential for new jobs in this region’s growing health care sector.” This, however, came after he apologized, as he stepped to the podium slowly, saying he had just had knee surgery, but then quickly reassured the crowd he would be fine, pulling a card from his pocket with a little blue cross on it saying: “Because I have Blue Shield.”

The crowd responded with laughter and cheers.

As the celebration went on, it was clear that there were indeed many reasons to be in a good mood, the alacrity was infectious, it was in the air.

Blue Shield joins Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Delta Dental, Dignity Health, Health Net and McKesson, among others, as the latest health care company to have a presence in Rancho Cordova.