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released 3/21/2000
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Eight goals emphasizing marketing, business attraction, business retention, business development, education, communication, tourism, and research activities were discussed and milestone dates were identified for specific programs. The activities for 2000 included publishing an economic development web site that contains site specific data to the Internet in May, creating a business retention and attraction brochure by 2001, establishing a business visitation and survey program, partnering with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to form a local film commission, writing and distributing press releases to the local media on a monthly basis, organizing an annual business recognition luncheon, creating a business database to track Yuba County business migration and needs, and participating in local land use and transportation studies. "The Economic Development Strategic Plan is designed to be a proactive mechanism for enhancing existing programs and developing new activities that help us identify business needs," stated Mr. Fleming. "As we work together to minimize business concerns and barriers, the end result will be a local economy reflecting positive gains. The next step for the Strategic Plan is likely to involve input from County directors, city jurisdictions, and community leaders." The creation of the Strategic Plan is an outgrowth of a two-day County director's retreat held off-site September 1999. A goal to stimulate economic conditions to promote consistent single-digit unemployment rates resulted in the formation of the Employment Task Force the following month. The Task Force is represented by the Regional Career Center, Employment Development Department, Human Services Department, Yuba Community College, and Small Business Development Center, and is chaired by Supervisor Bill Simmons. The Employment Task Force used existing County-ratified documents such as the General Plan, numerous specific plans, and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, published annually, as a launching point to discuss programs and activities that can be readily implemented and accommodated by the County's budgetary constraints. "The 2000 Economic Development Strategic Plan represents a significant step forward in establishing an economic development program for Yuba County," asserts County Administrator Jan Christofferson. Targeted industries for Yuba County and the region were evaluated in a 1997 independent study and formulated with input from the by the Economic Development Corporation. The Strategic Plan reveals a business foundation that is based on the agriculture and food processing industries, wood products, the manufacture of sporting and recreational goods, and tourism, particularly agricultural tourism, cultural/heritage tourism, and entertainment and recreational opportunities. The targeted industry list will serve as a basis for business retention and recruitment efforts in implementing a marketing campaign for the County. |
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Economic Development Coordinator
John Fleming and Airport and Enterprise Zone Manager Mary Hansen
showcased Yuba County's newest arsenal in attracting and retaining
businesses, the 2000 Economic Development Strategic Plan. The County
Board unanimously approved the Plan in its March 21 session contingent
upon expanding issues that were briefly addressed and considering
additional areas for future inclusion.