Brad Frost, Chairman of the Shasta County Economic Development Corporation, wrote an op-ed piece in today’s Redding Searchlight in which he praises the EZ as instrumental in improving economic conditions and creating jobs.  The piece quotes Bob Luddy, President of Captive Air, a large Shasta County employer, who had this to say:

The opening of the Redding facility enabled Captive Aire to provide quick deliveries at lower costs to our Pacific West customers.  In particular, the enterprise zone tax credits were a major consideration when deciding on this location. These tax credits resulted in significant tax savings which will greatly enhance our ability to sustain profits and thus ensure the stability of the California operations for the future.

It’s hard to argue against the hard facts attested to by those in the business community, especially when those opposed to the EZ are either politicians or unions, neither of which have impressive track records in running businesses and creating the jobs that everyone is talking about and that California so desperately needs.

 The full piece can be read here.

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.

Hildy Carrillo, executive director of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce wrote an op-ed piece today in the Imperial Valley News about the great benefits of the EZ program and urged its continued existence especially in light of the current economic conditions.  The entire piece can be read here.

The Desert Sun reported on Mark Weber move into the Coachella Valley EZ manager.   Mark, who replaces Hal Joseph, seems to have significant expertise that should hopefully give him the tools he needs to lead the zone.  The full article can be read here.