As the county nears a crucial era in its quest for improved economic development, an array of business groups have shown they understand working together will benefit the whole by focusing recruitment efforts into one lead agency, the Economic Development Corp.
The business associations in the area – such as two chambers of commerce, a downtown association and a business council – recently agreed to peg the nonprofit EDC as the lead player in rejuvenating local economic development.
Seems logical. But it’s not always easy, as we’ve learned in the past, to get so many varying business interests on the same page. It’s the kind of progressive teamwork needed as Hollister approaches an end to the building moratorium and the area once again has potential to draw developers who see an upside to our demographics.
While all sides will have more defined roles in how they interact with the EDC, the most important change will come when the group brings aboard a new director to act as the lead face and voice of economic development in San Benito County.
When the EDC gets to the point of recruiting its head recruiter, it’s important to keep in mind that this position in its redefined capacity must carry more weight and, thus, the eventual successor to longtime EDC director Al Martinez must be paid accordingly.
San Benito County leaders have shown their commitment to the change by approving a $50,000 injection into the effort. But the groups have a long way to go toward raising the kind of money that could attract an established, knowledgeable force needed in San Benito County.
If the new director isn’t paid a handsome, six-figure salary with alluring incentives, the effort will peter out as other cooperative strategies have in recent years.
There are several reasons we have to raise the ante to get the right person for the job.
We need the type of leader with a proven track record who has experience in boosting a similar area’s economic climate.
We need a leader with charisma and energy, someone who can be recognizable not only here, but also throughout the region as he or she vies for companies’ interest.
We need a leader who understands studies must be conducted to understand precisely what types of businesses are needed and which ones would benefit from our climate – someone who understands that qualitative and quantitative goals, by sector, must be set and ultimately met.
We need a leader who can open up his or her Rolodex, pick up the phone and make things happen.
