Agenda - 08-19-2010 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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18 Conclusion GFA!J GE CGU!v ?Y Economic Devebpmam Commis4on Business Tip From the Amish "[Businesses] will tell you what they want and how to sell it, if you listen. You "listen" in different ways: by scrutinizing sales statistics, by reading news and industry publications, and by old- fashioned asking. You may have to put aside your ego." Borrowed from Erik Wesner, Success Made Simple, An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive For the better part of the year, the EDC has reached out to business, asked what they need and want, and has listened. And indeed, each time business leaders speak, they tell us clearly what they want and how Orange County can offer the solutions to these needs. We have sought out and evaluated the statistics: the total market'(3.1B +) Orange County's share (0), the product that business is in the market for: shovel- and business -ready space as well as tools that reduce time, expense, and unpredictability. We have strived to do so without ego, seeking data and best practices used by those recognized worldwide as leaders and to those who have achieved results. The product of this effort is the critical path summarized in this presentation. As a parting consideration, we realize it will be unprecedented for the Commissioner to endorse — and fund —these recommendations and that it will be tempting to stick to business as usual with respect to the county's economic development policies. At the same time, it is the EDC's responsibility to advise the Board of the likely outcomes of its choices from the perspective of those who have the means, ability, and opportunity to invest their resources in the county. We understand that sticking with what's known is sometimes more comfortable than making changes -- -even when we know that the known will not help us achieve our objectives. Yet, it is in these times that change is most needed. Failing to endorse and fund these recommendations will strongly signal businesses and citizens alike that Orange County remains welcoming to residents who are business owners and executives while maintaining barriers to private investment in commercial enterprise. Without BOCC funding of these recommendations, Orange County's economic development policies will continue to perpetuate the status quo, and Orange County will continue to rank lowest or near lowest in private commercial investment and job creation, rank highest or near highest in residential taxes and will continue to rank high in the gap between the standards of living between the wealthiest and poorest of its resident families within the entire 13- county RTRP region for the foreseeable future. We do not believe these outcomes are in keeping with Orange County values or long -term fiscal health. This year is a year of hard choices. There are no easy solutions. And, there is no way to avoid pain. We believe by endorsing and funding these recommendations the County will set itself up to begin substantially increasing its revenue and therefore its program funding and service delivery capacity for years to come. Thank You. 11