President’s Message

Updates

Articles of Interest

Upcoming Events

Standing Committees

Staff Members

Board of Directors

February 2013Update

Newsletter Contents Greater Yuma Economic DevelopmentGreater Yuma EDC Mission Statement:

To expand economic activity within Yuma County by attracting commerce and industry to the region, and by assisting in developing the region's existing industry to its fullest potential.

Greater Yuma EDC Vision Statement: Greater Yuma will be recognized as a globally competitive region— one that embraces advancing technology, attracts and retains human capital and continues to develop & foster the amenities that make the Yuma Region a great place to live and work.

Message from the President

In our efforts to solicit companies from California we have learned many of the pitfalls that can befall Economic Development professionals in these attempts. The key to success is speaking to the right individuals in the company who can influence or better yet make the decision to relocate to a new geographic site. Having an existing relationship with the company is the greatest formula for success. Securing an introduction from an existing relationship is the next best solution to reaching the right individual.

GYEDC has compiled a list of companies in the Southern California region that fit within the target industries identified by the GYEDC Board of Directors and the GYEDC Strategic Committee. The list is comprised of companies that employee 50 or less in the Food Processing, Manufacturing and Aerospace industries. Currently there is a good supply of buildings in the Yuma County market that can accommodate companies of this size along with an available workforce that can meet the needs of these industries.

We have supplied a link to the list of these companies and we ask that each of you review the list for acquaintances as well as working relationships. We need your help in reaching the right individual and having an introduction made on our behalf in order to begin the conversation of promoting Yuma County’s assets.

We are asking that you reply to Greg LaVann, Senior Project Manager with any information you may have regarding the companies on our list by February 11, 2013. Greg can be reached at glavann@greateryuma.org or at 928.782.7774.

We sincerely thank you for your assistance and we hope we can garner solid leads from this comprehensive list of companies. Link to California Outreach Companies http://www.greateryuma.org/cms_uploads/text/California--Company-List.pdf

Julie

GYEDC IS SEEKING THE HELP OF OUR

INVESTORS FOR OUR CALIFORNIA OUTREACH

Updates

Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation is launching www.greateryumaprospector.com today. This launch simplifies the process of attracting companies and job growth here. The website can also be accessed through Greater Yuma EDC’s website by visiting www.greateryuma.org.

Using Geographic Information System (GIS) Software, the website provides immediate access to in-depth information that previously took weeks to research. Now data including dynamic real estate, demographic and industry breakdowns are available free and instantly for all cities in Yuma County, along with a database of available properties with images.

Over 97% of initial site selection screening is done on-line now, and the new website provides immediate access to critical business intelligence that decision makers need to make an investment decision. The site reduces research time from weeks to minutes.

Website visitors can view available properties, along with size, use, cost and development incentives. Corresponding demographic reports such as labor force, education levels, consumer spending, and age can be created. In addition, businesses are mapped by industry showing their distribution and concentrations throughout the area.

The GIS-powered web-site is built upon Google Maps technology, and offers state-of-the-art site selection mapping capabilities. The new website is also integrated with GIS Planning’s national site selection search engine, http://www.zoomprospector.com, which allows visitors to conduct national searches of cities and commercial properties that match their unique criteria..

Greater Yuma EDC Launches Innovative New Website Designed to Attract Business

Greater Yuma EDC Attends Legislative Luncheon on the Lawn

Updates

On February 24th, GYEDC along with its economic development colleagues throughout the state hosted an event at the State Capitol to engage elected officials from the house and senate on critical issues impacting the viability of economic growth in Arizona. The Arizona Association for Economic Development coordinated the annual Legislative Luncheon Day on the Lawn. Critical topics such as a much needed Infrastructure Development program along with a more aggressive statewide training program were at the forefront of discussion. Many areas of Arizona including metropolitan and rural regions are restricted to grow due to limited infrastructure within rail and utilities. Without a formal plan that can improve these matters, cities and towns will continue to lose projects

and jobs to states that can address impediments such as these. As the workforce skill sets demands continue to expand and become more robust, our state must be proactive in training and re-training our workers to stay competitive. It is imperative Arizona not fall behind any further in the labor force drain, so we are encouragingour legislators to bolster our job Training fund with the intent of growing a more talented work-force statewide. Other talking points included temporary property tax reductions on projects that invest substantial capital in equipment and buildings along with incentives that promote Data Center development in Rural areas of the state.

Left to Right: David Bentler, APS; Teri Drew, President, AAED; Andy Tobin, Speaker of the House

Andy Tobin, Speaker of the House

Articles of Interest

Implications of California’s Proposition 30

Proposition 30, a Sales and Income Tax Increase Initiative, was on the November 6, 2012 ballot in California as an initiated constitutional amendment, where it was approved.

Gov. Jerry Brown led the charge for Proposition 30, which was a merger of two previously competing initiatives; the "Millionaire's Tax“ and Brown's First Tax Increase Proposal.

Proposition 30:

• Raises California’s sales tax to 7.5% from 7.25%, a 3.45% percentage increase over current law. (Under the Brown Tax Hike, the sales tax would have increased to 7.75%)

• Creates four high-income tax brackets for taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding $250,000, $300,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000. This increased tax will be in effect for 7 years.

• Imposes a 10.3% tax rate on taxable income over $250,000 but less than $300,000--a percentage increase of 10.6% over current policy of 9.3%. The 10.3% income tax rate is currently only paid by taxpayers with over $1,000,000 in taxable income.

• Imposes an 11.3% tax rate on taxable income over $300,000 but less than $500,000--a percentage increase of 21.5% over current policy of 9.3%.

• Imposes a 12.3% tax rate on taxable income over $500,000 up to $1,000,000--a percentage increase of 32.26% over current policy of 9.3%.

• Imposes a 13.3% tax rate on taxable income over $1,000,000--a percentage increase of 29.13% over current "millionaires tax" policy of 10.3%.

• If this proposition is passed in November, 2012, the income tax will apply retroactively to all income earned or received since the first of the year (1 January, 2012).

• Based on California Franchise Tax Board data for 2009, the additional income tax is imposed on the top 3% of California taxpayers.

Estimated revenue from Proposition 30 vary from Jerry Brown's $9 billion estimate to the $6.8 billion estimated by the non-partisan Legislative Analysts Office (LAO).[9]. The difference stem for the volatility caused by capital gains income from high-Income earners, an issue in California's tax system previously identified by the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO).

Articles of Interest

California Outreach Response Reminder

Your responses will help secure an introduction using an existing relationship to reach the right individual in the Food Processing, Manufacturing and Aerospace industries. All information received will remain confidential

Responses are due by February 11, 2013.

Greg LaVann Contact Information

Email: glavann@greateryuma.orgOffice: 928.782.7774Cell: 928.580.0088

PLEASE VOTE FOR YUMA!

The Expect More Excellence Tour highlights what Arizonans are doing all over the state to make progress toward world-class education. The Tour celebrates the kind of world-class education we expect and believe can be available for all Arizona students.

Arizona Western College hosted an Economics Forum for over 200 students. Please follow this link to VOTE for YUMA. http://www.expectmorearizona.org/excellence-tour/stories/arizona-western-college-connecting-economics-to-the-real-world/

The Arizona SciTech Festival will begin February 6th and run through March 17th. The Arizona SciTech Festival is Arizona’s BIGGEST celebration of science and technology held annually in February and March. Over 350 organizations have partnered to showcase Arizona’s leadership through Hundreds of events statewide? Join us on an

adventure to explore the science and technology occurring through arts, education, engineering and innovation – all in your backyard!Yuma EVENTS: Field to Feast Tours – Tour the agricultural industry first hand by harvesting crops, visiting citrus groves and preparing one’s own lunch. Arizona Western College

Yuma Tree Kid’s Program – Hands-on learning experience centered on Arizona plants, nature and wildlife. Yuma Readiness and Community Center

Odyssey of the Mind – Western Regional – Students K-20 solve problems and showcase hands-on demonstrations to the public. Ron Watson Middle School Somerton Greater Days Heritage Festival – Learn about hybrid seed production agricultural technology along with a carnival, music, arts and crafts. Somerton Avenue

Yuma Lettuce Days Culinary Festival – This agriculture and culinary festival celebrates the $3.2 Billion agriculture industry in Yuma. SciTech opportunities include agricultural activities, equipment displays, agriculture field trips and more – 4th Ave and 1st StreetMCAS Yuma Airshow and Open House – The 51st Annual Airshow and Open showcasing Yuma’s proud military community – MCAS 32nd street

For more information about the Statewide Events please follow this link: WWW.AZSCITECHFEST.ORGEvent Brochures and Passports are available at Greater Yuma EDC, the Visitors Bureau, Arizona Western College and City of Yuma City Hall.

Upcoming Events

February 8YMPO State Transportation Meeting

February 11Responses for the California Outreach Program due from

Investors

February 13Strategic Planning Committee

Meeting

February 14Good Morning Yuma

February 18GYEDC Office Closed

President’s Day Holiday

February 21Greater Yuma EDC

Board of Directors Meeting

February 28GYPA Meeting

February 2013

March 14Good Morning Yuma

March 21Greater Yuma EDC

Board of Directors Meeting

March 28GYPA Meeting

March 2013

The Staff and Board of Directors wish to thank all of our investors who attended our January 22, 2013 luncheon.

Our next Investor Luncheon will be held on April 23, 2013.

Greater

Yuma

EDC Standing Committees

Terry Frydenlund Chair

Governance/Finance Committee Review of By-laws and Articles of IncorporationReview of personnel policiesCreating a plan for financial stability Creating a stable funding model for Greater Yuma EDC’s Public InvestorsA personnel committee will also function within this committee. The Personnel Committee will be responsible for CEO Contract, evaluation and reviews.

Strategic Planning/Outcomes Committee Set goals and objectives for Greater Yuma EDCCreate a value proposition - an Incentive Program to be used in attraction and retention effortsAsset identification and developmentEstablish benchmarks for return on investment (ROI)

Joni BrooksChair

Project Management Committee Assisting new and/or existing businesses in industry specific consultation, local operational guidance (navigating permitting, hiring etc.) state laws, insight into industry efficiency models, workforce training, effective cost cutting measures and shared supplier referrals (i.e. shipping, lean manufacturing, educational resources)Help new or expanding businesses navigate start-up challenges and best practices for operating a business in YumaAct as an extension of the Yuma Manufacturers Association and the Yuma Logistics AssociationAccompany Greater Yuma EDC when meeting with prospective businesses to serve as ambassadors for the regionReport monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors

Membership Committee Responsible for new private sector campaign Responsible for meeting with Public agencies to secure funding for GYEDCUpdate and create value added benefits to each investor level and implement those benefitsResponsible for P/R of private sector investors who are recognized in the community or are receiving unpaid press in local or national publications. Monthly updates will be submitted to GYEDC staff for dissemination to entire GYEDC investor database. Provide topics and speaker recommendations for quarterly luncheons and annual dinner.Responsible for soliciting feedback from these events, in order to meet the needs of the Public/Private investorsReport monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors

Derek RuckmanChair

Jeff NolteChair

Jonathan LinesChairman of The Board

Clayton HastyVice Chairman

Dennis BoothSecretary/Treasurer

Doug NichollsPast Chair

Board Members

Joni Brooks, Yuma Sun

Shaun Cassidy, City of Somerton

James Deermer, Town of Wellton

Greg Ferguson, Yuma County

Terry Frydenlund, 1st Bank Yuma

Bobbi Lewis, City of Yuma

Leslie McClendon, City of Yuma

Russell McCloud, Yuma County

Robert Pickels, Yuma, County

Victor Smith, Skyview Cooling

Phil Smithers, Arizona Public Service

Karin Jimenez, City of San Luis

Greg Wilkinson, City of Yuma

Frank West, General Motors

Julie EngelPresident/CEO

Greg LaVannSenior Project Manager

Alison MoreyProject Manager

Stephany TurnerOffice Manager

Office Location899 Plaza Circle

Suite 2Yuma, Arizona 85365

www.greateryuma.org

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Greater Yuma EDCStaff Members Greater Yuma EDC

Board of Directors & Officers