CORONA, Calif., April 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Team Corona, the heart of Corona's innovative job creation and retention program, was named "best of the best" by California Association for Local Economic Development in 2004.
The statewide economic development group selected Team Corona and the city as the winner of the grand prize for its economic development programs. The grand prize is awarded to winners in three categories.
"What can I say except they seem to be the best of the best all of the time," said Wayne Schell, CALED executive director. "Corona is one of the leading edge cities when it comes to delivering thoughtful and effective economic development programs."
Corona won the top award despite formidable competition from 13 larger economic agencies, including the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.
"We are honored to receive the award," said Nancy Martin, Corona economic development manager. "We also feel fortunate that our programs have helped enhance the quality of life in Corona and helped make the city a better place to do business."
Since its creation in 1991, Team Corona has attracted dozens of businesses, created thousands of jobs, revitalized blighted sections of the city and helped to improve communications with the business community.
During that period, Corona added more jobs than any other Inland Empire city, taxable sales tripled to more than $3 billion, property values increased to more than $12 billion and average household income grew to more than $78,000.
Over the years, Team Corona has created numerous programs to attract new companies and make sure businesses that relocate to the city stay there. They include the city's visitation program, Legislative Summit, Corona Manufacturer's Council, Corona Business Assistance, Corona Business Connection resource and Location Corona site selection tool.
Team Corona sets itself apart from other business attraction and job creation agencies with fast track approvals, access to key city officials and a team approach to problem solving. It's not unusual for city staff to enlist Southern California Edison, the Gas Company, Riverside County Economic Development Agency, Air Quality Management District, county board of supervisors or local congressional representatives to overcome development challenges.
"They do what they do very well," said Schell. "We use them as an example of how a city can achieve results"
Schell credits Corona's achievements to farsighted leadership that starts with the city council and filters down to the individual departments.
Innovative ideas and strategies instituted in the city have been recognized for excellence far and wide.
The League of California Cities selected Corona as the 2003 Helen Putnam Award of Excellence winner in the category of community services and economic development for its Main Street Plaza Office Fender Museum of Music and the Arts.
The Main Street project also received an award of excellence for partnerships from the CALED.
Nurturing, supporting and listening to the business community are an integral part of Team Corona. The International Economic Development Council recognized promotional materials created by Team Corona with a first place award. In 1999, the Council for Urban Economic Development recognized Team Corona for outstanding efforts in all aspects including promotional/ informational materials, retention and marketing. Team Corona also received top marketing awards from the California Redevelopment Agency in 1999 and twice in 1998 from CALED.