"Can-do" attitude key to economic growth.A "can-do" attitude toward new business is one of the reasons why a unique partnership of public and private entities formed the Kern Kern, river, 155 mi (249 km) long, rising in the S Sierra Nevada Mts., E Calif., and flowing south, then southwest to a reservoir in the extreme southern part of the San Joaquin valley. The river has Isabella Dam as its chief facility. Economic Development Corporation (KEDC KEDC Kern Economic Development Corporation (California) ). Charged with the mission of creating a diversified and strong economic base in Kern County, the KEDC works cooperatively to recruit new business and industry and retain existing business. This spirit of teamwork, along with the market amenities available in Kern County, has proven key in the success of the KEDC. Kern County offers tremendous opportunities for businesses seeking to access California's huge market. A strategic location; excellent multimodal Two or more modes of operation. The term is used to refer to a myriad of functions and conditions in which two or more different methods, processes or forms of delivery are used. On the Web, it refers to asking for something one way and receiving the answer another; for example requesting transportation systems; abundant affordable land, labor and housing; and a "can do" positive business climate are key elements of Kern County's attraction to prospective business decision makers. These attributes, combined with the existing economic base dominated by oil, gas and agriculture, assures a broad-based economy for years to come. With an estimated annual growth rate of 4 percent over the next ten years, additional opportunities exist. Health care, general construction, business services, food processing Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption by humans or animals. The food processing industry utilises these processes. and retail are the sectors expected to provide the most employment over the next five years. The KEDC matches the areas' comparative advantage with employment opportunities to implement recruitment strategy. Currently regional office, food processing, light manufacturing and warehouse/distribution companies in southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, , Chicago and the northeast are KEDC's primary targets. In conjunction with local communities, central valley counties and the State of California, the KEDC pursues an aggressive marketing program directed at these targets. A variety of marketing activities are ongoing in attracting new business, including a computerized land and building inventory, market profiles and demographics The attributes of people in a particular geographic area. Used for marketing purposes, population, ethnic origins, religion, spoken language, income and age range are examples of demographic data. , incentives, direct mail, trade shows, prospect missions, public relations public relations, activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most , promotional events and advertising. KEDC also monitors the regulatory and economic climate. Air and water quality, growth management, endangered species endangered species, any plant or animal species whose ability to survive and reproduce has been jeopardized by human activities. In 1999 the U.S. government, in accordance with the U.S. , transportation and financing, all areas that can substantially impact site selection, are tracked regularly. Over the past six years KEDC has facilitated 50 projects, creating more than 4,300 jobs and an annual payroll over $60 million. The projects have taken place throughout Kern County. The ability for KEDC, County of Kern, City of Bakersfield, various state agencies and local communities to work together has been a major source of success. In August, Elk Corporation announced plans to construct a $30 million asphalt asphalt (ăs`fôlt, –fălt), brownish-black substance used commonly in road making, roofing, and waterproofing. Chemically, it is a natural mixture of hydrocarbons. roofing manufacturing facility in Shafter. The team effort, which resulted in receipt of construction permits within 93 days, was listed as a key reason for the Shafter selection. State Farm Insurance had a similar positive experience with the City of Bakersfield during their decision-making process, resulting in a commitment for a $35 million regional headquarters, which will employ 1,000 by the summer of 1995. Kern County and it's communities offer numerous sites in a variety of geographic settings to accommodate a wide range of business activities. The local "can do" attitude will continue to result in economic opportunity for the county and its residents. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion