San Joaquin County’s governmental bodies have rallied behind a proposed expansion of the region’s business-friendly Enterprise Zone, but economic development leaders say a fight to keep the program alive is upcoming.

San Joaquin County Economic Development Director Fran Aguilera adamantly supports the EZ.  ”The zone is the biggest tool we have to attract business, and to keep them here.  It’s ludicrous. If you do something that hurts businesses … you’re hurting employment.”

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San Joaquin County has been hit hard by the recession, however the city and many local businesses finally have a reason a celebrate this week. The reason for the celebration is the news that the State of California has approved the requested Enterprise Zone boundary expansion that the region has been requesting for the past year.

Considering that the county has been battling an unemployment rate of 15%, this Enterprise Zone expansion should help to bring jobs to the area due to the numerous tax breaks businesses can partake in by hiring local employees.

The Enterprise Zone offers many perks to spur growth and give residents jobs. Local businesses can earn more than $37,000 in state tax credits for each local employee they hire.