This week, College of the Canyons and the City of Santa
Clarita will host an historic discussion designed to
assist the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) in
drafting the county's first ever economic development strategic plan.

[view:node_ad=5]The LAEDC event ‘Drafting a Consensus Strategic Plan for Economic
Development in Los Angeles County' will take place from 8 to 10:45 a.m.,
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 in the college's East Physical Education building,
located on the Valencia campus. A continental breakfast, provided by corporate
sponsor The Gas Company, and guest check-in period will begin at 7:30 a.m.

 

There is no charge to attend this event, however event
organizers ask that attendees RSVP in advance. Seating is limited.

 

"College of the Canyons is proud to play a role in this
historic event," said Dr. Bruce Getzan, Dean of economic development at the
college. "It's always important to have a strategic plan and with California's
current economic climate there is no better time to begin creating a
comprehensive and collaborative consensus on how the county should move
forward."

 

Opening with welcome comments from College of the Canyons
Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook and City of Santa Clarita
Mayor Frank Ferry, the event will feature a
presentation by Bill Allen, President and CEO, LAEDC, before audience members
break away for a series of economically themed round table discussions.

 

Round table discussion topics include:

 

Land Use – facilitated by Larry Mankin, President and CEO,
Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Infrastructure – facilitated by Kathy Norris, President and
CEO, Valley Industrial Association.

 

Workforce Education – facilitated by Bruce Getzan, Dean,
Economic Development, College of the Canyons.

 

Quality of Life – facilitated by Greta Boye, Business
Assistance Regional Manager, LAEDC

 

Business Friendly Environment – facilitated by Jason
Crawford, Marketing and Economic Development Manager, City of Santa
Clarita.

 

Following the discussion each facilitator will present their
group's finding to the audience during a follow-up question and answer period.

 

This event is being organized through a partnership between
the LAEDC, the College of the Canyons Employee Training Institute, the College
of the Canyons Foundation and the City of Santa Clarita's
Economic Development Division, and sponsored by The Gas Company.

 

This will be the first in a series of local business
meetings presented by College of the Canyons as part of the President's
Business Partners program – which works to channel the business community's
support for higher education, while also providing the college with knowledge
and information on specific industry needs and trends.

 

Each year the college's President's Business Partners will
host a series of business summits to facilitate the exchange of ideas within
the context of the contemporary economic and business climate.

 

For more information about the LAEDC event ‘Drafting a
Consensus Strategic Plan for Economic Development in Los
Angeles County' or
to RSVP please call (661) 362-3435.

 

For more information about the President's Business Partners
program please contact Murray Wood, Chief Development Officer, College of the
Canyons Foundation, at (661) 362-3433.