LAKEPORT - On Tuesday county supervisors heard the observations and recommendations of economic development professionals on how to strengthen the county's business climate.

Officials with the 900-member California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) made the hour-and-a-half-long presentation to the board Tuesday afternoon.

LOS ANGELES -- Sure, California's economy has seen better days, our budget is a mess, and we've been wondering whether the federal government might help us out with our cash flow. But the barbs sent our way by politicians and commentators in Washington are getting to be a bit much.

Layoffs, foreclosures and budget cuts are grim realities for Californians, but they shouldn't blind us to the fundamental truths about our state's economy. Despite frequent booms and busts, historical patterns are the best guide to our economic future. Economies tend to return to growth rates and unemployment levels established over the long term. California's economy generally keeps pace with the U.S. economy and is likely to do so in the future.

Contact your local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) ASAP and ask them to set aside some dislocated worker (rapid response) dollars for "Layoff Aversion" which translates into Business Retention!  These funds are not for employment generating activities such as business attraction or expansion.

Wayne Schell , President & CEO, California Economic Development Corporation

Click for Video

Executive Summary
The federal government is in the initial stages of implementing a $787 billion economic recovery
plan to provide new funding to states, local governments, schools, businesses, and working
families in an effort to turn the tide in the current economic crisis.  The state must seize this
opportunity by putting forth a comprehensive blueprint to guide the state's economic and
workforce development actions.

Wayne Schell testified on March 17, 2009 at the California's Economic Recovery: Charting a New Path Forward held by The Assembly Committee for Jobs, Economic Development and The Economy. Below is the testimony

Members of the legislature my name is Wayne Schell and I am the President & CEO of the California Association for Local Economic Development.

Summary
The recently enacted federal economic stimulus package-titled the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-commits a total of $787 billion nationwide. As reflected in the figure below, this funding provides: (1) $330 billion in aid to the states, (2) about $170 billion for various federal projects and assistance for other non-state programs, and (3) $287 billion for tax relief.