Economic & Business Development Initiative
2006-2008
Purpose of Initiative: The purpose of the Economic & Business Development Initiative is to foster economic growth and prosperity for businesses in the San Fernando Valley.

Mission: “To expand, retain, and attract businesses and jobs in the five-city San Fernando Valley region”.

Co-Chairs: Dr. Dan Blake, CSUN & David Rosso, Bank of America
Staff: Ken Hitts, Director of Economic & Business Development

Top Priorities: Strengthen the capacity of the Economic Alliance as the “first-stop center” for all business needs, and promote the Business Assistance Program’s menu of available resources and incentives.

Primary Goals:

1. Operate “Business Assistance Program” and Market Available Resources
     • Utilize the “A” Team approach in providing one-on-one assistance to businesses, including
       sponsorship of new “LA’s Valley Business Team”
     • Develop and produce promotional materials that market the Alliance as the “first-stop” for all
       business assistance needs
     • Promote all incentive and financial programs available to businesses
     • Provide economic and statistical information upon request
     • Develop real estate brokers network to assist in site selection searches

2. Conduct Specialized Market Outreach and Business Needs Surveys
     • Identify needs of businesses through one-on-one dialogue and by conducting Industry Specific
       Surveys
     • Work with LAEDC on implementation of County-wide Survey of targeted businesses, and provide 
       follow-up on those located in the Valley
     • Assist the Workforce & Education Investment Initiative with its customized employee training
       programs provided through The Training Alliance
     • Identify, collaborate with, and provide assistance to targeted Industry Clusters like Entertainment,
       Healthcare, Technology, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Financial Services, and Hospitality
     • Initiate “economic strategies” for targeted communities and development opportunities such as
       the Metro Orange Line and select Redevelopment Projects

3. Coordinate Events and Programs to Focus Attention on Economic Growth
     • Co-sponsor and present “San Fernando Valley Economic Summit” with California State University
        Northridge
     • Coordinate with Valley International Trade Association on programs designed to help businesses
        expand into the global marketplace
     • Co-sponsor “Southern California International Trade Conference” with VITA
     • Sponsor “Development Roundtables” to stimulate interest in targeted areas

 
 


2007 Economic Summit

Copyright 2007 Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley