N. Inland Empire Officials Set Wheels in Motion to Lure Industry

LOS ANGELES—Officials from REDA, a public-private economic development organization, and San Bernardo County today announced a plan to lure industry to a region known as the Inland Empire North.

Touting the region as the “Gateway to the World,” the initiative, billed the e-Corridor program, is using the area’s unencumbered infrastructure, pro-business attitude and skilled workforce to sell businesses on locating there.

In announcing the program, San Bernardino county supervisor Kathy Davis says, “In the New Economy, companies must be equipped to get their goods to market at a moment’s notice. The unique combination of transportation, large tracts of available land and a skilled workforcemake the e-Corridor region the ideal location for 21st Century business.”

The area’s comprehensive transportation and distribution network extends along Interstate 15 from Highway 60 to Barstow through the Inland Empire North, which comprises Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia and Victorville. It includes both international and cargo airports; transcontinental rail service by two railroads; and access to an extensive, uncongested highway system that includes Interstate 15, long considered Southern California’s commercial lifeline.

Targeting a global market, REDA’s president Jennifer Resch-Silvestri says the initiative is shooting for a 150% increase in new businessleads and creation of about 10,000 new jobs over the next five years.