Our President's Message
Conventional economic development must quickly make the transition to collaborative economic development. This transition will involve genuine partnerships with the EDC among many organizations and private businesses to effect change in the manner in which we view and practice economic development.
Traditional approaches- cheap land and cheap labor-must be replaced with value-asset approaches and innovative, outcome-based methodologies, which are focused on broad-based, results-orientated outcomes. The best prepared community wins: Every business wants to know how remaining in or locating to Fresno County benefits profit margins and the ability to efficiently and effectively serve customers.
With the revitalization of downtown, the infusion of new investments, the development of industry clusters, and the hard work of the City of Fresno, Fresno County cities and the EDC, Fresno County is positioned to be the location of choice for business expansion, start-ups, and the attraction of business outside of traditional markets.
The EDC’s challenge is to lead the way to communicating who we are and what we have to offer. Defining this role will require the collective vision of many organizations, not just one.
The EDC is paving the way for change: change in impressions, change in methodologies, and most importantly, change in thinking about the role and practice of economic development in Central California.
These are exciting times, and the EDC team looks forward to working with the existing and new businesses in transforming economic development in Fresno County.
Sincerely,
Steve Geil, President & CEO
Economic Development Corporation, Fresno County