EDA Annual Report 2013-2014

Business Seminar Series Assisting business in accessing the myriad of services available to them is a key principle of the division’s goals and objectives. Economic Development launched its business seminar series by partnering with the State of California Board of Equalization to deliver topical seminars on Sales and Use Tax compliance. The first seminar in Murrieta attracted over forty business owners who learned about basic Sales and Use Tax rules and regulations. Upcoming seminars will focus on assisting food and beverage businesses better understand State guidelines. Strategic Planning Initiatives U. S. Economic Development Administration Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Annual Update EDA is the entity responsible for creating and updating the CEDS on behalf of the County for USEDA. The CEDS is used to identify economic development strategies and priorities, along with various projects that would support those efforts. The CEDS must be approved by a local committee which is the Workforce Development Board Executive Committee. The CEDS must then be approved by USEDA and it lasts for a five-year period. EDA’s CEDS was approved in July 2011 and updated in 2013 and 2014. The CEDS document must be approved before the County can apply for USEDA grants. Many cities and non-profit entities rely on EDA’s CEDS in order to apply for grant funding. In fiscal year 2013-14, EDA and the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership received a $200,000 planning grant from the U.S. Department

of Commerce as part of the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership program. Additionally, EDA’s support helped facilitate the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership’s receipt of an almost $800,000 grant for the development of its Accelerator Campus in Palm Springs. Economic Development Strategic Action Plan In 2013-14, EDA completed its draft Economic Development Strategic Action Plan to guide its Economic Development efforts. The draft plan lays the foundation for a comprehensive Strategic Plan which will provide an in- depth analysis of the County’s assets and economic regions in order to enhance the County’s economic development efforts with its partners. Strategic Partnerships & Organizational Leadership Riverside County’s involvement has forged critical partnerships with internal and external partners that allow it to be on the forefront of economic development activity at the state and local level. Involvement in these organizations yields tremendous benefit to the county in the form of lead generation, policy formulation, and capacity building. Because of its expertise in Economic Development, EDA is frequently sought to participate in strategy development and planning with a number of statewide and local organizations. Partners include: • Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development • Team California • Economic Development Corporation of Southwest California

• Coachella Valley Economic Partnership • Inland Empire Economic Partnership • California Association for Local Economic Development • International Council of Shopping Centers • Corporate Real Estate Network • Industrial Asset Management Council • California Association for Local Economic Development • National Association of Industrial & Office Properties, Inland Empire Chapter • Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire Economic Development Capacity Building The Division contributed over $200,000 to the following regional and specialized agencies to provide additional programs and services that reinforce EDA’s economic development objectives: • Inland Empire Small Business Development Center • Tri-Tech Small Business Development Center • Coachella Valley Enterprise Zone • Palm Springs / Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Bureau • Temecula Valley Wine Growers Association • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Association • 46th District Agriculture Association • Coachella Valley Economic Partnership • Inland Empire Film Commission • Cal State San Bernardino Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards • Cal State San Bernardino Report on Business • Inland Empire Economic Partnership

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