(April 12, 2010) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed an executive order establishing the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GoED), to help businesses acquire the direction, information and resources they need to invest, succeed and expand in California.
GoED is open for business and can be contacted toll-free at 877-345-GoED (877-345-4633) or at www.business.ca.gov.
The idea of creating a one-stop shop to cater to the needs of California businesses was originally suggested as a part of the Governor's 2004 California Performance Review and again in a February 2010 Little Hoover Commission report. The office will have three defined functions: to promote California as a place to do business; to support businesses interested in starting, growing, financing, expanding or relocating in California; and to help those businesses facing challenges to operating in California.
The California Chamber of Commerce began a policy development and public education campaign in 2009 to bring more focused attention to economic issues. As part of an agenda of solutions proposed for this year, CalChamber recommended the administration identify and empower Cabinet agencies to drive economic development, assist business location and retention and market California for job-creating investments.
Those who want to do business in California must interact with the state in many ways, such as establishing, registering and maintaining their businesses, obtaining permits and licenses, reporting required information and paying taxes. The state also has more than 100 individual economic development programs and services available to businesses. At GoED, experienced staff will guide businesses through the various state requirements and help them access state resources.
"California is the best place in the world to do business, and by cutting red tape and streamlining functions, my Office of Economic Development will make the state an even better partner to the economy," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "This office is exactly what businesses need to navigate through state requirements and take advantage of state resources, and Joel Ayala is exactly the person to head it up. He knows what it takes to create jobs and bring businesses to our state, and I am looking forward to working with him to boost California's economy."
At the news conference announcing creation of the office, the Governor reiterated his commitment to vetoing all “job killer” legislation.
GoED is being established, staffed and housed using existing state resources. The administration is drafting legislation that will make GoED a permanent entity in state government.
Ayala, appointed by the Governor as director of the new office, is former president and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
Additonal Information
Agenda for Economic Recovery Business Issue
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