Well, about a year and half ago I gave the first "State of the County Address" right here in this center. This was the first time in more than 50 years the State of the County was presented in a locale other than the County Administration Center in Downtown San Diego. I felt it was very important to showcase East County and drive home the fact that --contrary to what some believe -- there is life east of I-5. And, I am thrilled that the people and accomplishments of the East County Region are being recognized and celebrated again here this evening.

Unfortunately, we often read and hear about the "bad things" that are happening in our communities, while tremendous progress is sometimes given only a slight acknowledgement as filler between more negative news.

Well, I don't have any bad news to share with you tonight. And that's only fitting --because the State of the East County is positive and looking more promising with the passage of each and every day.

I have the honor of representing an area which affords its residents with a superb quality of life with a wide array of cultural and recreational opportunities. This area continues to attract people from all walks of life because of its diversity. East County is made up ofunique communities with distinct characteristics providing diverse housing opportunities and more importantly the variety of economic opportunities.

Jobs -- that's the key to any region's prosperity.

With the leadership of the East County Economic Development Council and all the East County Chambers, we are spearheading an economic revolution in East County.

Now you may not have known you were participating in a revolution, but let me tell you there's alot going on. And I'd like to thank some of the companies who helped start this revolution. Companies like Buck Knives, Chemtronics, Bigger Than Life, Vals Foods and Taylor Guitars who had the vision and faith to start their businesses and more importantly keep their businesses in the East County. We all thank you and as a region celebrate your success.

CUYAMACA WEST BUSINESS PARK

Ground breaking for phase two occurred earlier this year and grading has already begun. This $3.2 million expansion of the industrial park at Gillespie Field is expected to be home to 17 new businesses and create more than 400 new manufacturing jobs in the East County. These jobs are so vital, because the manufacturing sector is the engine that energizes the entire economy.

This project signifies the successes that we achieved when County and city governments join efforts with the private sector to create a winning proposition for the community.

It's also important to recognize that all this new industrial and manufacturing space has developed because of the tremendous value of Gillespie Field. Many people often overlook the economic importance of this regional airport. It is truly a valued resource here in East County that should be nurtured and allowed to grow.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The new Business Assistance Program is a partnership between the County, ECEDC and local banks who go out in teams door to door looking for businesses which would like to expand, but didn't think they could get financial backing.

This program was piloted in Spring Valley and resulted in 25 small businesses applying for small loans. And, just this week, businesses in communities of Lakeside, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Santee and El Cajon received visits and information about business loans that may be available to them.

This program is coordinated by the County's newly created Office of Business and Trade Development under the leadership of Cindy Gomper-Graves who has been doing a bang up job of business development. Cindy I'd like you to stand up and be recognized for a job well done. This office and Cindy doesn't wait for businesses to come looking for help -- she goes and finds them.

DEFENSE CONVERSION STUDY

The ECEDC has also taken the lead in working with manufacturing companies who were impacted by cuts in defense spending. The ECEDC developed and implemented a first in the nation program to determine how defense down-sizing impacted small and medium manufacturers. ECEDC surveyed manufacturers to identify their capabilities and how they might be able to convert their defense industry trade into new growth areas in the public and private sector. This innovative program has been extremely successful and is now being expanded to the downtown EDC and other areas. I just can't say enough about the good work of ECEDC and their staff. You do an outstanding job championing East County's manufacturers!

COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION

This year the Board embarked on a revived strategy to focus on communities as a whole to try to solve their problems and enhance their neighborhoods. Every aspect of the community is brought together to identify needs and potential solutions. Spring Valley wasthe first area targeted and already 104 street lights have been added, construction on Sweetwater Lane Park was started and a grant for more youth facilities was received. Now these improvements may not sound business-related, but they are. Our young people are our future business leaders and it's vital we keep them out of trouble and on the road to success.

Lakeside is the next area slated for revitalization efforts and I look forward to working with community leaders to improve their quality of life and the business climate.

COUNTY IS OPERATING MORE LIKE A BUSINESS

How many times have you heard the buzz words "Government needs to be more like a business". Well the County finally figured that businesses need to be open at times that are convenient for their customers. Right -- it makes sense. Recently the Board approved a proposal to keep the County Planning, Public Works, Environmental Health and Park departments open until 7:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. And I think we are going to see more of this, because people are busy working during the day and need the County to respect their time commitments and offer hours of operations that put the needs of customers first.

We have also consolidated the County's codes enforcement, building permits and environmental health services into one office in El Cajon in order to bring government services closer to people.

Along with consolidating, the Board has also lowered and eliminated many fees and permits previously required, in an effort to cut red tape and streamline permit processes.

TOURISM IN EAST COUNTY

Another vital link in the economic chain in East County involves promoting our region not only as a manufacturing hub, but as a destination for tourists who flock to San Diego County in the millions. East County has it all! From championship golf courses and resorts to the natural wonders of our mountains and deserts. We've got it all and it's time we begin to educate people about East County's treasures and share them. That's why in the upcoming budget discussions I will be looking for money to fund a Tourism Office here in East County.

The challenges ahead of us are many. And no one person or organization will meet them successfully working alone. As we celebrate our joint victories and accomplishments this evening, it is important that we collectively look ahead to the future and how we, as the shepherds of East County's destiny, can work in concert to achieve greatness for our special piece of the world.

Thank you very much.