Gobs of Jobs - 1,326 in Six Months!

5/16/2010
CORONA, Calif.,  PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Despite a tough economy, Corona has added more than 1,300 jobs in the past six months through relocations and expansions involving nearly 1 million square feet of office and industrial space, city economic development officials report.

In the first three months of 2010 alone, Corona reported the creation of 1,005 jobs through expansion and companies relocating. Nearly two-thirds of the new jobs resulted from the arrival of trendy retailers Zumiez and Anchor Blue, pet food maker Waggin Train and heavy duty compressor producer Kobelco EDTI.

"Corona is just the right place at the right time with a pro-business approach to attraction and retention of business," said Darrell Talbert, director of the city's redevelopment agency. "Not only are we geographically blessed, but we have the right workers for the jobs, the right mix of available buildings to choose from and a staff that can solve problems, not create them."

Over the past six months, Corona has helped create jobs for 1,326 employees occupying more than 925,000 square feet of office and industrial space.

Talbert attributed the positive numbers to availability of industrial buildings in the 60,000 to 120,000 square foot range that are priced competitively with the modern amenities that tenants are looking for.

Affordable lease rates also have made industrial properties in the city very attractive.

"It's a good time for companies that have withstood the (economic) storm to take advantage of lower rates to right size -- either grow or shrink," advises Brian Hall, vice president for Lee & Associates commercial real estate firm.

It hasn't hurt Corona's economy either that a large number of highly skilled and affordable employees live near the city, which is conveniently situated at the gateway to Orange County at the nexus of the 91 and 15 freeways.

"Corona has a good balance that is nice for residents and a central location from which employers and employees can meet," says Hall.

Clothing retailer Anchor Blue moved its headquarters to Corona because it was the most convenient for the 100 or so employees on its corporate staff, had great amenities, pro business culture and its easy access to the 15, 60 and 91 freeways.

"It's been a good fit already," said Erik Forsell, vice president of marketing for Anchor Blue. He said Anchor Blue employees are especially excited about the proximity of numerous restaurants and retailers.

Anchor Blue is not alone. Major companies with headquarters and regional offices in Corona include Watson Pharmaceuticals, Monster Energy, Robertson's Redi-Mix, All American Asphalt, Fender Musical Instruments Corp., Sterigenics and Kaiser Permanente.

Intangibles also have played a role in Corona's continued success. At the heart of the city's economic development philosophy is Team Corona, an award-winning marketing and retention program. Deal-breaking problems are identified early on and all the city departments have a role in solving them, minimizing frustrations and giving the applicant a single point of contact within the city. The personalized service of Team Corona allows companies to conserve capital and spend more time marketing themselves.

Corona is a city of 149,000 strategically located in the Inland region of Southern California that is committed to the success of its growing and diverse business community and the well being of its residents. For more information call (951) 736-2260 or go to: www.TeamCorona.com

RELATED LINKS
http://www.TeamCorona.com