San Luis Obispo County has a new Economic Strategy thanks to the efforts of the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC), COLLABORATIVE ECONOMICS, Inc., and the input from more than 100 local business leaders. The Economic Strategy for San Luis Obispo County provides an assessment of, and strategy for, the county's long-term economic prosperity.
Formed over one year ago, this project represents the first-ever public-private partnership in San Luis Obispo County to provide a road map for greater economic vitality in the region. Results of an industry cluster assessment were analyzed and a strategy has been created with input from more than 100 local business leaders.
As a county-wide economic development organization, the EVC managed the development of the strategy, and it will now manage the strategy's implementation.
The focus and goal of the project is to create long-term prosperity and job growth throughout the county while improving the well-being of our communities through a strategy that addresses social, environmental and economic considerations. The project cluster assessment identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, and as a result five industry clusters were targeted as the source for nearly 90 percent of local job growth since 1995. The strategy also presents opportunities and requirements for more prosperity. The next phase of this effort moves from planning to implementation for policy makers and the business community.
The strategy was unveiled at the annual countywide Central Coast Economic Forecast in San Luis Obispo on November 5th. More information about the project and the strategy is found on the EVC website at www.sloevc.org.
Driven by the business community and collaborating with local government and education, the project is co-chaired by County Board of Supervisors Frank Mecham and Adam Hill. Special thanks to the project sponsors, committee members, business volunteer champions as well as the EVC sponsors and Board of Directors for making this project a reality. The project sponsors include: County of San Luis Obispo; Pacific Gas & Electric; Rabobank, N.A.; Bank of America; Southern California Gas Co.; AT&T; First Solar; SunPower; and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.
The following elected officials have also endorsed support for the project as follows:
"The first-ever public-private partnership will go a long way toward helping SLO County build a vibrant and competitive economy for years to come...creating this strategy could not come at a better time."
Congresswoman Lois Capps
"I commend...vision for the future of SLO County's economic prosperity...in the Economic Strategy. The clusters laid out in the strategy play an important role in our county...and it is important that they continue to thrive to benefit our communities."
Congressman Kevin McCarthy
"...a growing economy helps everyone. The Strategy will offer ways to create head-of-household jobs, foster more businesses compatible with our county...and pay for vital infrastructure and services... benefiting all county residents and communities"
State Senator Sam Blakeslee
"this comprehensive effort is a road map for economic development for many years...the strategy is meant to establish a countywide effort for job growth of key industries through partnering with education and business to focus on head-of-household jobs."
First District Supervisor, Frank R. Mecham
Third District Supervisor, Adam Hill