Duarte Named Finalist for L.A. County’s
Most Business-Friendly City Award
DUARTE, CA, September 26, 2011 – For the second consecutive year, the City of Duarte has been named one of five finalists for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) Most Business-Friendly City Award in the category of cities with a population of 60,000 and under.
“It is an honor to be selected again as a finalist, “ says Mayor Tzeitel Paras Caracci. Adding, “It validates the excellent work that both the Duarte City Council and staff are doing to assist business and promote job creation.” Other finalists in the category are Commerce, Gardena, La Mirada, and Monrovia. The winner will be announced at the LAEDC’s 16th Annual Eddy Awards on Nov. 3 at the Beverly Hilton.
“During these difficult economic times, Duarte is doing everything it can to retain, attract and expand our local business base,” said City Manager, Darrell George reflecting on the recent announcement. LAEDC created the “business-friendly” award category in 2006 to recognize cities with the County that are proactively promoting business-friendly programs and services. Finalists were selected based on:
- Demonstrated commitment to economic development as a priority.
- Excellence in programs and services designed to facilitate business entry, expansion, and retention.
- Economic development activity over the past three years.
- Competitive business tax rates and fee structures.
- Availability of economic incentives.
- Effective communication with and about business clients.
Duarte prides itself on maintaining its “small town” feel and business-friendly atmosphere. Duarte provides cutting edge business development strategies and professional assistance, including a one-stop permit center, an updated strategic plan, an Economic Development Element in its General Plan and a hands-on City Council regularly in touch with businesses. Duarte’s incentives include an effective Redevelopment Agency, no utility user tax, free business seminars, business, residential and youth surveys, a low crime rate and distinguished schools.
“The 2011 finalists stand out as model communities in Los Angeles County that are proactively engaging and working with businesses and the private sector to create jobs for their residents,” said LAEDC President and CEO, Bill Allen. “In the midst of prolonged economic crisis, these cities have shown they truly understand the importance of attracting, retaining and growing businesses to create much-needed jobs and generate necessary tax revenue for important public programs,” he said.
The LAEDC also announced finalists in the Business-Friendly City competition in the 60,000 population and over category. They are the cities of Burbank, Carson, Glendale, Torrance, West Covina, and Whittier. Each of the total 11 cities named as finalists in the competition has created a business-friendly environment that encourages businesses to locate or expand in their respective communities, noted the LAEDC.
Established in 1981, the LAEDC is an economic development leadership organization dedicated to promoting job growth, economic expansion, and the overall global competitiveness of Los Angeles County, it’s surrounding regions, an the state of California.
