Lancaster Named Most Business-Friendly City

Los Angeles (PRWEB) November 6, 2007 -- The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) announced the city of Lancaster as the winner of its annual "Most Business Friendly City" Award at its 12th Annual Eddy Awards on November 6, 2007. Lancaster was one of six city finalists, including Burbank, Cerritos, Long Beach, Palmdale and Santa Clarita.

Lancaster, which is located in North Los Angeles County, has created an ideal environment for business expansion and growth and has been successful in creating 5,000 new high quality jobs as a result of its pro-business attitude. Throughout its recent growth, Lancaster has retained a family-focused hometown spirit with just over 143,000 residents in 2007. The city boasts a local government which is responsive to the needs of the business community, including the Mayor's roundtable where companies meet with the Mayor and city department heads to discuss and resolve issues. Lancaster also has an aggressive and pro-business City Council, which take a practical approach to business.

The city also places a high priority on attracting and retaining businesses by fast tracking permits and other enhanced services offered through its Enterprise Zone and Recycling Market Development Zone. Lancaster has made local business a top priority, offering businesses affordable land and a streamlined development process with less red tape. Lancaster has seen a large growth in business over the past decade, with the establishment of large distribution centers for national companies such as Rite Aid, Michaels and Sygma, as well as smaller local businesses and national retail and restaurant chains. They also have a well-educated and experienced workforce, which contributes to an ideal environment for businesses to thrive and grow.

"We're delighted to present our second annual award to this very deserving city," said Bill Allen, LAEDC president and CEO. "The City of Lancaster best represents what can be achieved when our city governments work side by side with the business community to create business-friendly environments where quality jobs can grow. Their success can be attributed to the proactive attitude of their Mayor and City Council."

In support of the LAEDC's mission to retain and attract quality jobs to Los Angeles County, the LAEDC announced this award category in 2006 to showcase the cities within the County that are proactively promoting business-friendly programs and services. Last year, the City of El Segundo was the inaugural winner for the "Most Business-Friendly City" award.

About the Eddy

The Eddy Awards® were introduced by the LAEDC in 1996 to celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional contributions to positive economic development in the region. For more information about the Eddy Awards?, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.laedc.org/eddy. For past Eddy honorees please visit: http://www.laedc.org/eddy/about.html

About LAEDC (www.LAEDC.org)

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the region's premier business leadership organization, is a private, non-profit organization established in 1981. Its mission is to attract, retain, and grow businesses and jobs for the regions of Los Angeles County. Since 1996, the LAEDC has helped retain or create more than 132,600 jobs, providing $5.6 billion in annual benefit to LA County.

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