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Board approves Economic Development Office work programs; EDO highlights business and tourism campaigns
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Business Opportunities, Film Commission and Tourism work programs after a presentation on county economic development efforts, ARPA grants distribution, and the Taco Trail tourism campaign.
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved three economic development work programs — the Business Opportunities Work Program, the Film Commission Work Program and the Tourism Work Program — after a presentation from the Resource Management Agency’s Economic Development Office (EDO).
EDO Director Mike Washam and staff outlined a year of business outreach, partnerships and targeted marketing. Washam introduced the EDO team (Alida Verduzco Silva, Javier Cineros, Lacey Patrick, Elva Parker and intern Caleb Smalley) and summarized business retention and expansion work, saying the office conducted more than 40 responses to requests for information, provided site-selection assistance and completed more than 42 local business visits through the BEAR (business expansion and retention) program.
Washam said the county distributed about $500,000 in ARPA funds to 24 community partners including chambers, cities, health care districts, economic development corporations and nonprofits to support job fairs, mobile health/dental services, a new community center, and a business incubator. He highlighted local success stories including Valley Forklift/Early Mart and Streamline Irrigation, and cited micro-business growth examples from the Taco Trail campaign: more than 500 nominations, 25 featured taco businesses, over 70,000 Instagram views and hundreds of new downloads of the Discover Tulare County app.
The board praised the collaborative approach between county and cities, and supervisors highlighted outreach that included Meet the Consultants events and industry conferences. After discussion, Supervisor Eddie Valero moved to approve the three work programs; Supervisor Amy Shucklin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Washam said the EDO will continue targeted recruitment missions, support for existing local businesses, enhanced marketing and coordination with cities and regional partners. He noted plans to host and bid to host industry events and rural economic development conferences.
