Case in point on how the Enterprise Zone keeps companies from being courted and ultimately leaving California.  In San Jose, companies get the support and financial incentives they need to make the decision to stay in California.

 In an economic climate that has other states from Nevada to North Carolina trying to lure companies out of California, it’s the only state program the city has to help it gain a competitive edge.

“We’re not like other states where they can write a check if you locate a plant there. It’s the only thing we have,” said Harry Mavrogenes, executive director of the redevelopment agency. “We’re not trying to give away money, but we’re trying to diversify our base and induce new types of businesses that we might not have into moving here.”

 The full article appears here.

Craig Johnson’s article in this weekend’s Long Beach Press Telegram highlights the importance of the Enterprise Zone in a recessed economy.  He cites Cal Worthington Ford as the classic example of what can happen without the EZ as a tool to retain California businesses.  Here’s the link to the article.