President’s Message
Updates
Greater Yuma EDC Mission Statement:
Articles of Interest
Upcoming Events
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.
Standing Committees
Greater Yuma EDC Vision Statement:
Staff Members
Board of Directors
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.
GYEDC IS SEEKING
THE HELP OF OUR
INVESTORS FOR OUR
CALIFORNIA OUTREACH
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
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..
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
Andy Tobin, Speaker of the House
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 encouraging
our legislators to bolster our job
Training fund with the intent of
growing a more talented workforce 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
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).
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/excell
ence-tour/stories/arizona-western-collegeconnecting-economics-to-the-real-world/
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.org
Office: 928.782.7774
Cell: 928.580.0088
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 Street
MCAS 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.ORG
Event Brochures and Passports are available at Greater Yuma EDC, the Visitors Bureau, Arizona Western College and
City of Yuma City Hall.
February 8
YMPO State Transportation Meeting
February 11
Responses for the California
Outreach Program due from
Investors
February 13
Strategic Planning Committee
Meeting
February 14
Good Morning Yuma
February 18
GYEDC Office Closed
President’s Day Holiday
February 21
Greater Yuma EDC
Board of Directors Meeting
February 28
GYPA Meeting
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.
March 14
Good Morning Yuma
March 21
Greater Yuma EDC
Board of Directors Meeting
March 28
GYPA Meeting
Governance/Finance Committee
Terry Frydenlund
Chair
Review of By-laws and Articles of Incorporation
Review of personnel policies
Creating a plan for financial stability
Creating a stable funding model for Greater Yuma EDC’s Public
Investors
A personnel committee will also function within this committee. The
Personnel Committee will be responsible for CEO Contract, evaluation
and reviews.
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 Yuma
Act as an extension of the Yuma Manufacturers Association and
the Yuma Logistics Association
Accompany Greater Yuma EDC when meeting with prospective
businesses to serve as ambassadors for the region
Report monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors
Derek Ruckman
Chair
Strategic Planning/Outcomes Committee
Set goals and objectives for Greater Yuma EDC
Create a value proposition - an Incentive Program to be used in
attraction and retention efforts
Asset identification and development
Establish benchmarks for return on investment (ROI)
Joni Brooks
Chair
Membership Committee
Responsible for new private sector campaign
Responsible for meeting with Public agencies to secure
funding for GYEDC
Update and create value added benefits to each
investor level and implement those benefits
Responsible 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 investors
Report monthly to the GYEDC Board of Directors
Jeff Nolte
Chair
Julie Engel
President/CEO
Greg LaVann
Senior Project Manager
Alison Morey
Project Manager
Stephany Turner
Office Manager
Office Location
899 Plaza Circle
Suite 2
Yuma, Arizona 85365
www.greateryuma.org
Jonathan Lines
Chairman of The Board
Clayton Hasty
Vice Chairman
Dennis Booth
Secretary/Treasurer
Doug Nicholls
Past Chair
Board Members
Joni Brooks, Yuma Sun
Shaun Cassidy, City of Somerton
James Deermer, Town of Wellton
Greg Ferguson, Yuma County
https://www.facebook.com
/pages/Greater-YumaEconomic-DevelopmentCorporation/205799309434
458
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
https://twitter.com/GYEDC
Frank West, General Motors