Regional Approach on Economic Development
For decades, Tri-Valley cities have come together on many issues, most notably transportation. We have also worked on many other endeavors such as community television, public safety, and the arts. Yet one area where our cities have not historically worked together is on economic development. However, with the development of both the I-GATE technology transfers at the two labs and the development of the Innovation Tri-Valley group lead by Sybase Vice-President Marty Beard, this is quickly changing.
I had a meeting with Marty at the Sybase offices on May 24th where this very issue was discussed. Marty noted that to truly be considered an area to attract companies of innovation, that a regional approach is essential. This approached worked in Silicon Valley and can easily work here. To a certain extent, this has already started happening with the formation of the group amongst leading innovation companies representing each of the Tri-Valley’s cities. Now we are also seeing this happen on the public side as our City’s Economic Development Directors meet together regularly. I will be hosting a Mayor’s Roundtable on this very topic next month in Dublin, where Marty and some of the other leaders of the Innovation Tri-Valley group will be presenting the concept of a joint group focused on regional economic development. Although we may still have a “friendly” competition for various retail stores and restaurants (and to a certain extent individual businesses), the joint branding and coordinated efforts will benefit all of us.
A recent study has just been completed that showed the incredible potential of our region for economic growth over the next 20 years. The data and the findings of the report will be officially released in July at an Innovation forum that will be jointly hosted by all of the Tri-Valley cities and organized by Marty Beard’s Innovation Tri-Valley group. In addition to presenting the findings about the Tri-Valley to venture capitalists and other investors, innovative companies and entrepreneurs in the Tri-Valley will have booths featuring what they have to offer. There will also be some prominent individuals involved in panel presentations, workshops, and the keynote address. A date and location is still being determined, but it will likely be in late July. As it approaches we will work to get publicity from various business magazines and trade industry journals, as well as conventional media attention. I will report more as information becomes available.
