For many years, the communities of San Joaquin County and the Bay Area have witnessed first-hand the remarkable capabilities of entrepreneurship as dramatically showcased by the growth of Silicon Valley. All residents have felt the effects of this technological revolution. While both communities have experienced shifting populations, higher costs of living and increased traffic congestion, each has also experienced decidedly different outcomes. These differences have resulted in a disparity of opportunities between the two communities, creating an additional set of challenges for the regional economy. Overcoming these individual and collective economic hurdles together will ensure that the San Joaquin County and the Bay Area have thriving and innovative economic futures that will support continued success and development for the entire region.

Undoubtedly one of its best assets, the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation can be found in abundance throughout the entire region. The energy of its residents combined with a corollary abundance of natural and physical resources suggests that the economic future is bright. Having already begun to explore the wind energy sector, research indicates other renewable energy industries would also be well suited for the area. However, capitalizing on these readily available resources will take cooperation and leadership.

To help the county define a vision, plan for its economic future, and identify a coalition that will help drive toward shared goals, Congressman Jerry McNerney will lead a collaborative economic summit to be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at the University of the Pacific.  The 2007 Economic Summit: Cultivating Job Growth Through Innovation, Entrepreneurship and New Energy Technology will bring together representatives from business, education, labor, local government, the media and other community leaders to examine existing resources and develop innovative ideas for smart and sustainable economic growth.

Specifically, the summit will: provide ideas for creating an environment that will empower entrepreneurs and small businesses and create a new job center in the Central Valley; identify promising opportunities for further development of renewable energy businesses; establish ‘smart growth’ guidelines for urban planning and affordable housing, promoting ‘green’ public transportation and promoting investments to local infrastructure; consider ways to tap into promising research being conducted in university laboratories; and, examine the necessary steps to educate and train local residents while making priority investments into math, science, engineering and technology education to create a pipeline for high tech and entrepreneurial jobs.

 The summit will be coordinated by the Public Forum Institute, an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has considerable experience with similar efforts.  For further information contact Brenden Chaney at 202-467-2778 or at Brenden@pfidc.org or visit www.publicforuminstitute.org