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.

California Enterprise Zone Program: A Review and Analysis

Thursday, October 8, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Roosevelt Community Center
901 East Santa Clara Street
San Jose, California 95116

DRAFT AGENDA

This is the second in a series of hearings being held by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy on the California Enterprise Zone Program and other geographically- targeted economic development area (G-TEDA) programs. Collectively, the G-TEDA programs represent one of the state’s primary economic and workforce development initiatives.

This hearing will focus on California as a world leader in industries that rely on innovation to remain competitive. Presentations will discuss the changing global economic landscape and the potential and current role of the G-TEDA programs in advancing the state’s competitiveness in the areas of innovation and manufacturing.

Welcome, Introductions and Opening Statements

Chairman Pérez and Members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy will give opening statements and frame the key issues to be examined during the hearing. Mr. Chuck Reed Mayor of San Jose will give a few welcoming remarks.

II. California’s Global Competitiveness: Re-establishing the State’s Innovation Edge

Sean Randolph, Bay Area Council Economic Institute (invited)
Louise Auerhahn, Working Partnerships USA
Representative from Lockheed Martin (invited)
Alissa Anderson, Deputy Director, California Budget Project (invited)

The G-TEDA programs operate within a larger economic and workforce development network. Presentations during this panel will give information on how these programs are used or could be used as part of the state’s larger economic development strategy to re-establish itself within a global marketplace.

III. Economic Development: Focus on Manufacturing
John Weis, Deputy Executive Director San Jose Redevelopment Agency
Neil Struthers, Santa Clara Building Trades Association (invited)
Representative from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (invited)
Jeff Farano, Owner, SA Recycling (invited)
Representative from Siesman, a global manufacturing company located in an enterprise zone (invited)
Representative from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (invited)

Statute provides legislative intent that clearly states that the purpose of the enterprise zone program is to “stimulate business and industrial growth in depressed areas of the State.” Presentations during this panel will discuss how the G-TEDA programs in conjunction with other programs are used or could be better used to meet this statutory intent and advance competitive manufacturing opportunities.

IV. Public Comment

Anyone interested in addressing the Committee may sign up to speak during the public comment period. A sign-up sheet is located at the back of the hearing room.

V. Summation of Key Concepts and Closing Remarks

Assembly Members will highlight key issues and provide recommendations on further actions by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.