As the national economy appears to be gaining some steam, local economics can sometimes be overlooked.  With his finger on the financial pulse of Southern California, Jack Kyser has been providing economic input and advice to the Los Angeles area for decades.

Kyser, 76, is planning to retire from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). Often described as the “Guru of Los Angeles economy,” his advice was regularly sought by local and national media, including The Wall Street Journal.

“It’s time to sit back and relax,” said Kyser. “I’ve been at this for many years. The people at the LAEDC will carry on and do an excellent job.”

Before he worked for the LAEDC, he was the chief economist for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. After joining the LAEDC, the Kyser Center for Economic Research was founded to forecast and interpret economic trends in Los Angeles.

“Tourism is still number one,” he said when asked about the current economic conditions in Los Angeles. “Motion picture filming and trade is still very big for Los Angeles. Asia is the biggest trading partner for Los Angeles with the closest European country being Germany at 12^th”.

When asked if he will assist the new Santa Clarita EDC, Kyser said he has heard from the Santa Clarita EDC and would be open to assisting them.

Kyser will retire after giving the LAEDC 2010 Mid-Year Economic Forecast on Wednesday, July 21 at the downtown Los Angeles Marriott.

ABOUT THE LAEDC

Founded in 1981, the LAEDC was created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to implement LA County’s economic development program through land development, project financing and marketing activities.

During its history, the LAEDC has evolved from being a facilitator of the County’s industrial bond development program to being Southern California’s premier economic development organization.