Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) today announced the finalists for its 2012 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County award. The cities of Baldwin Park, Glendale, Pico Rivera, Santa Monica, and Whittier are finalists for the population 60,000 and over category, and the cities of Commerce, Duarte, El Segundo, Glendora, and La Mirada are finalists in the population 60,000 and under category.
 
One winner from each category will be announced live at the 17th Annual Eddy Awards on Thursday, November 8rd, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Inaugurated in 1996, the Eddy Awards® gala has become the most important economic development award program in the state of California. In 2006, the LAEDC created the “business-friendly” award category to recognize cities within the County that are proactively promoting business-friendly programs and services.
 
The finalists were selected based on the following criteria:
•  Demonstrated commitment to economic development as a priority
•  Excellence in programs and services designed to facilitate business entry, expansion, and retention
•  Economic development activity over the past three years
•  Competitive business tax rates and fee structures
• Availability of economic incentives
•  Effective communication with and about business clients
 
Each of the finalists has created a business-friendly environment that encourages businesses to locate or expand in their respective communities.

Cities With Populations 60,000 and Over
 

Baldwin Park’s economic efforts have been focused on creating opportunities, improving quality of life, and attracting new industries and businesses to the City. Through the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Baldwin Park supported the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development, led by the LAEDC. This is the first year Baldwin Park has been a finalist for the “Most Business Friendly City in LA County” award.
 

The cornerstone the City of Glendale’s success is healthy economic development achieved through business friendly practices. Glendale pays close attention to individual business needs balanced with sharp focus on community priorities. Through the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments, Glendale has supported the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development, led by the LAEDC. Glendale was a “Most Business Friendly City” finalist in 2008 and 2011.

Pico Rivera is a business friendly city and has practices in place to encourage economic growth within the community, including supporting the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development, led by the LAEDC and SCAG’s development of a Southern California Economic Growth Strategy. Through the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Pico Rivera supported the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development, led by the LAEDC. This is the first year Pico Rivera has been a finalist for the “Most Business Friendly City in LA County” award.
 

The City of Santa Monica has always valued its businesses and celebrated their contributions our community’s vitality and well being. The City is committed to making business retention and expansion a top priority by offering unprecedented support, accessibility, and outreach which is highlighted in its Economic Development Element.
 
Through the Westside Council of Governments, Santa Monica has supported the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development. This is the first year Santa Monica has been a finalist for the “Most Business Friendly City in LA County” award.
 

The City of Whittier’s significant investment and policies designed to support businesses have resulted in millions of dollars of private investment and business growth. Through the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Whittier has supported the LA County Strategic Plan for Economic Development, led by the LAEDC. Whittier was a “Most Business Friendly City” finalist in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
 

Cities With Populations 60,000 and Under

For more information about the Eddy Awards®, visit www.laedc.org/eddy.