CA. Governor’s Office of Economic Development Press Release

Governor Schwarzenegger announced this morning the formation of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (see the press release text, below). The Office of Small Business Advocate is a key component of this new team

GOED is focused on bringing together the state’s economic development assets to better integrate our efforts to support the businesses and entrepreneurs struggling to survive and thrive in our current economic crisis. Small businesses are critical to the state’s recovery, and we look forward to working with all of you in this new endeavor.

Here is the new contact information for the OSBA staff.

Deputy Director – Marty Keller 916-322-0673
Assistant Deputy Director Small Business – Michael Gonzalez 916-322-0661
Assistant Deputy Director Policy & Research Planning – Brook Taylor 916-322-0667
Assistant Deputy Director Procurement Support Services – Robert Padilla 916-319-9956
Project Manager Small Business – Josh Rosa 916-322-0668

TEXT:
Governor Schwarzenegger Establishes Office of Economic Development
Signs Executive Order, Appoints Director, Launches Web Site to Improve Communication between Businesses and State

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GoED), a one-stop shop to help businesses acquire the direction, information and resources they need to invest, succeed and expand in California. The Governor appointed Joel Ayala, former president and chief executive officer of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, as director of the new office.

“California is the best place in the world to do business, and by cutting red tape and streamlining functions, my Office of Economic Development will make the state an even better partner to the economy,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This office is exactly what businesses need to navigate through state requirements and take advantage of state resources, and Joel Ayala is exactly the person to head it up. He knows what it takes to create jobs and bring businesses to our state, and I am looking forward to working with him to boost California’s economy.”

Those who want to do business in California must interact with the state in many ways, such as establishing, registering and maintaining their businesses, obtaining permits and licenses, reporting required information and paying taxes. The state also has more than 100 individual economic development programs and services available to businesses. At GoED, experienced staff will guide businesses through the various state requirements and help them access state resources.

The idea of creating a one-stop shop to cater to California businesses needs was originally suggested as a part of the Governor’s 2004 California Performance Review and again in a February 2010 Little Hoover Commission report. The office will have three defined functions: to promote California as a place to do business; to support businesses interested in starting, growing, financing, expanding or relocating in California; and to help those businesses facing challenges to operating in California.
GoED will be open for business beginning today and can be contacted toll free at 877-345-GoED (877-345-4633) or at www.business.ca.gov.
GoED is being established, staffed and housed using existing state resources. The Administration is currently in the process of drafting legislation that will make GoED a permanent entity in state government.
Joel Ayala has been appointed to lead GoED as the director. Since 2007, he has been president and chief executive officer of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Previously, Ayala served as president and chief executive officer for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2007 and school director for adult education and corporate training at the Career Management Institute from 1994 to 2001. He was deputy probation counselor for the Orange County Probation Department from 1985 to 1993. Ayala is a member of the Orange County Presidents Council and a previous member of the Santa Ana Workforce Investment Board, Anaheim Workforce Investment Board, University of California, Irvine Alumni Association Board of Directors and the California Task Force for Small Business Department of General Services.
Ayala, 44, of Anaheim, earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and social ecology from the University of California, Irvine. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $138,000.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Governor, businesses and the people of California to improve the economy and get people back to work,” said Joel Ayala. “The development and growth of businesses is more important now than ever due to the economic hardships so many communities face. Improving California’s business climate will attract new businesses and allow greater prosperity for businesses that are already here.”