San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair James Ramos San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair James Ramos

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair James Ramos recently chatted with GlobeSt.com about the upcoming San Bernardino County Business Roundtable and State of the County to be held on April 6, 2016 at the Citizens Business Bank in Ontario. The event is a business forum featuring commentary from high-level leaders in transportation, investment, commercial real estate, international trade as well as business owners who have expanded into the County.

GlobeSt.com: How does this year’s theme, ‘Making an Impact’ relate to the current state of San Bernardino County?

James Ramos: We recently commissioned a report from renowned futurist and economist Joel Kotkin, who noted that there are already significant signs throughout the region of better times ahead. We are in the midst of a demographic shift as more millennials move to the County in search of an achievable quality of life that includes affordable housing, good schools and safe neighborhoods. We have business growth from both Fortune 500 firms and entrepreneurs in a diverse selection of industries that includes manufacturing, technology, logistics and aerospace, among others. These new residents and businesses are making an impact on the future fabric of San Bernardino County. In turn, our Board of Supervisors is continually evaluating how we can best make an impact on their success, and ensure that we have a long-term vision that encourages certainty and progress.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the issues to be discussed at State of the County?

Ramos: We spent time with the companies that have recently located to the region to uncover what is driving their decision. There is a strong desire to create jobs here at home as well as a global opportunity for international firms to establish a foothold in an important domestic market. It is this unique combination of infrastructure with a skilled workforce that is driving business expansion now and into the future. The challenge will be to ensure we can provide the workers who are ready to fill the jobs.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the County’s programs that are making an impact?

Ramos: I’m really excited about the Industrial Technical Learning Center, called InTech Center, which is now in operation on the campus of California Steel Inc. near Fontana. It is a game-changing opportunity for our County and for the entire region. This new center will provide training, at no cost, to workers who need skills in manufacturing, logistics, technology and digital media, for example. These workers can then meet the needs of manufacturers who desire uniquely skilled workers to propel their business forward. The greatest challenge for manufacturers today is finding good quality talent. We are providing a solution—and that is going to make a major impact, not just for San Bernardino County but for Southern California.

If you are interested in attending, register here.