(May 4, 2010) Since the beginning of the economic downturn, the California Chamber of Commerce has been actively discussing and publishing California-specific proposals that will improve the state’s competitiveness and lead to new jobs and enhanced investment. Today, CalChamber is releasing a new compilation of these proposals called “Renew California: CalChamber Economic Recovery and Job Creation Action Plan.”

The Action Plan, which can be viewed online at www.calchamber.com/renew, is a comprehensive listing of proposals that, individually and together, should help state leaders make critical changes that are needed to improve both the perception and reality about California’s hostile jobs and investment climate. At this critical point in California’s history, the state must demonstrate its receptivity to economic investment and jobs by eliminating uncertainty and welcoming growth.

While the first signs of a national economic recovery are beginning to appear, it is the opinion of most economists that California will lag behind the rest of the nation. CalChamber’s Action Plan is being provided to state leaders as a roadmap for a stronger, earlier rebound for California.

Recently, the Governor announced the creation of a Governor’s Office of Economic Development to assist businesses that wish to expand and locate in California. This development resulted from a proposal contained in a report from the Little Hoover Commission, whose recommendation echoed suggestions put forward by CalChamber over the last two years.

In the coming weeks and months, CalChamber will continue to update the Action Plan by identifying barriers to economic growth and proposed solutions to increase investment in California. The CalChamber will also assess the progress California policy makers are making in addressing these issues.