County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency Unveils Opportunity, California Campaign Designed to Promote Its Vast 20,160 Square Miles of Economic Opportunities

• Restructured Agency Cites New Jobs and New Investment As Key Drivers for Regional Economy and Improved Quality of Life
• County's Brand Strategy Will Raise Awareness and Position County as Leading Choice for Business, Lifestyle, Recreation and More

County of San Bernardino, August 31, 2006 - Diverse opportunities drive the San Bernardino County economy. Within its 20,160 square miles, entrepreneurs find a place to innovate and grow; businesses find a skilled and growing workforce along with tools to face a changing, global economy; families find a place to live, prosper and enjoy life.

This week the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency launches its "Opportunity, California" marketing campaign as the eyes of millions of race fans focus on the California Speedway. While the public will see vigorous new marketing, Opportunity, California goes further. This race weekend drops the flag on a new economic strategy for San Bernardino County under the leadership of the Economic Development Agency and direction of the County's Board of Supervisors.

"Opportunity is here. That's why we are driven to provide the leadership for our cities and residents to enjoy a quality lifestyle while building upon a strong, educated workforce and a business base that includes both entrepreneurs and Corporate America. If you're looking for a place to invest, grow a business or enjoy life, the opportunity is here within the County of San Bernardino," said County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus.

San Bernardino County, the nation's largest, encompasses 24 cities as well as national parks, mountain resorts, 10 universities and colleges and much more. Located at the heart of Southern California, it is one of the nation's top performing markets (INC Magazine), home to three of the nation's fastest growing cities (US Cenus Bureau), one of the top 10 retail markets in the nation (Marcus and Millichap) and maintains the lowest office and industrial vacancy rate among major U.S. markets (Grubb & Ellis, 1Q 2006). Some of the County's leading industries include logistics, medical care and manufacturing, making it a highly competitive region for new jobs and business growth.

The Board of Supervisors set the Economic Development Agency's proactive, service-oriented course by reorganizing once separate departments into a cohesive unit. The mandate was to build a more responsive agency that would be better capable of serving San Bernardino County's economic goals.

The four offices include the Economic Development Department, the Redevelopment Agency, the Workforce Development Department and the Department of Community Development and Housing. Under the new organization, each department retains its primary role but serves a common mission. By bringing all of these departments together, the County can better utilize them to develop and retain jobs, attract new business and foster economic investment.
"As we build our economic future, it's critical that we invest our public resources in the most effective business development strategies available," said San Bernardino County Vice Chairman Paul Biane. "Opportunity, California will be the most visible part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure our economic future.

Under the direction of and with the resources provided by the Board of Supervisors, the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency will market a broad range of opportunities to businesses and residents. Opportunity, California provides a platform for the County's officials and staff to lead economic development in the largest county in the nation and its 24 cities with new partnerships and vision.

"Our job now is to make sure people know about the immense opportunities found within the County of San Bernardino and do all we can to support business and job growth," said Brian McGowan, economic development administrator, County of San Bernardino.

The County facilitates local businesses working to compete on a global scale. San Bernardino County can help build a skilled workforce, move to address infrastructure needs, and recruit and retain top companies and entrepreneurs who can propel San Bernardino County into a new role as a recognized leader in economic innovation.

From November 11 to November 19 2006, the County of San Bernardino has announced that it will sponsor and lead its first business-intensive mission to China including three leading business centers in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou as part of a proactive effort to facilitate international trade among local businesses.

"This week we're unveiling a marketing campaign, but there's more changing than banners and logos," McGowan said. "We're focusing this agency to make San Bernardino County, its people and businesses competitive on a world stage. We have the land, the resources, the people, the right combination of factors -and it all adds up to a tremendous opportunity."

The Opportunity, California campaign efforts include marketing exposure through advertising and the web, as well as targeted media relations on a regional, national and international level.

County Displays Leadership in Major Branding Promotion

One of the first steps toward building awareness for the County's economic opportunities is its decision to partner with the California Speedway in San Bernardino County.

The California Speedway and the County of San Bernardino embarked on a unique partnership which provides the County with a world-class venue to promote business and lifestyle opportunities.

This week marks the opening of the County of San Bernardino's Opportunity, California FanZone, a new entertainment complex at the California Speedway. This program exposes the County to an international television audience. The initiative also places the Opportunity, California message in front of more than 100,000 visitors who regularly attend events at the California Speedway.

The Sony HD 500 NASCAR race consistently ranks as California's largest single-day ticketed sporting event. Last year the event drew about 110,000 people.

The County has also signed on as a presenting sponsor to the Inland Empire's premier golf event, the Mark Christopher Charity Classic to be held October 5 through 8 at the Empire Lakes Golf Course in Rancho Cucamonga. This nationally televised golf event will allow a national audience to see the Nationwide Tour's elite golfers play with the spectacular San Bernardino Mountains as a backdrop.

"When the eyes of fans around the country and around the world tune in to an event at the California Speedway, they should know those beautiful mountains in the background are in San Bernardino County," Supervisor Biane said. "They should also know that more than 100,000 people are having the time of their lives in San Bernardino County. We want them to know that the hub of all this activity is here."

And as long as the County has their attention, they should also know:

• The region is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Of course there are challenges to growth. There are also opportunities. It can attract quality investment and quality development that helps manage the growing region.
• San Bernardino County consistently ranks among the best places to start a business. It's a business-friendly region that rewards the innovative work of entrepreneurs.
• The County is a magnet for business growth. The Inland Empire is driving growth and gaining recognition as the economic engine of Southern California. In 2005, more than one in five new jobs in California was created here.
• Each year introduces thousands of new college graduates who either call San Bernardino County home or earn their degree from a local institutions like Cal State San Bernardino, Loma Linda University or Redlands University.

About the County of San Bernardino

Located at the heart of Southern California, one of the world's most lucrative economies, the County of San Bernardino is the largest county in the contiguous United States. Its vast borders stretch from the greater Los Angeles area to the Nevada border and the Colorado River encompassing a total area of 20,160 square miles. Comprised of 24 cities, the County of San Bernardino is the 5th fastest growing county in the nation with almost 2 million residents. Its assets include numerous colleges and universities supporting a strong, diverse workforce along with an unparalleled collection of highways, runways and railways that lead to regional, national and international business centers. The County also benefits from natural assets such as acclaimed mountain resorts, Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks, Western rivers and local and regional parks.

Under the leadership of the County's Economic Development Agency, four key departments are dedicated to providing programs, services and incentives to foster a competitive environment for businesses and maximize the standard of living for residents. The Economic Development Agency is committed to business first programs in economic development including business attraction, retention and expansion, marketing, job development and city-county collaboration. In all ways, the County is driven to provide the foundation that creates greater opportunity for residents and businesses. For more information, visit http://www.opportunityca.us/

Contact:

Jessica Spaulding / Katy Biggerstaff
Amies Communications
949-863-1910 ext 22, 15
Paul Herrera
County of San Bernardino
909-387-9809

Submitted by Paul Herrera
Inland Empire News Feed
Posted at http://www.inlandempire.us/news/2006/08/county-of-san-bernardino-economic.html