FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2007

 

Chief Economist Jack Kyser, “Godfather” of L.A. Economy

Earns Business Spotlight At LAEDC Eddy Awards®

 

LAEDC Eddy Awards® will also honor Northrop Grumman and reveal winner of
“Most Business-Friendly City” award at the annual Gala event in Beverly Hills

 

Los Angeles, CA – Affectionately dubbed the “Godfather” of the Los Angeles economy, Jack Kyser, chief economist and senior vice president of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), is being honored at the 12th Annual Eddy Awards®.  The Eddy’s honor excellence in economic development leadership and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel (9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210).

 

“This is truly an honor no one could refuse him.  Whenever anyone wants to know anything about the Los Angeles economy from runaway TV/Film production to fashion, housing and Wall Street issues, Jack Kyser is the man with the answers,” said Bill Allen, president and CEO, LAEDC. “This is his silver anniversary as a business leader.”

 

Kyser has been the chief interpreter and storyteller for the regional economy for the past 25 years.  His annual forecast report has been ranked #1 by the Wall Street Journal and his analyses of key industry sectors and economic trends have helped both the public and private sectors better understand the diversity and dynamism of the greater Los Angeles area.

 

As chief economist for the LAEDC, he is responsible for interpreting and forecasting economic trends in the Los Angeles five-county area (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties), and for analyzing the major industries of the area. Utilizing this information, he helps develop job retention and creation strategies for Los Angeles County.

 

In the past year alone, he has been quoted in more than 900 newspapers, television and radio stations. Last year LAEDC received 150 million media impressions, and this year it has already surpassed 200 million, many of those interviews involved Kyser.

 

Also being honored at this year’s 12th Annual Eddy Awards™ is Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) for “exemplifying the essence of economic development leadership and corporate citizenship,” said Allen. “They provide high quality jobs for the Los Angeles County area, and their commitment to educating and training our future workforce ensures that we will continue to nurture and grow our region’s economic prosperity.”

 

Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the “Most Business-Friendly City” award.  The cities of Burbank, Cerritos, Lancaster, Long Beach, Palmdale and Santa Clarita were selected from the 88 cities in L.A. County by a blue-ribbon panel of judges for their commitment to attracting and retaining businesses which provide quality jobs for their residents. 

 

More than 700 leaders from the business, government and education communities are expected to attend the gala dinner.

 

“To ensure the economic health of our region, we need to be more aggressive in attracting and retaining businesses and the jobs they bring to our many communities,” said Allen.  “L.A. County is quickly becoming the Business Capital of America, and this award will showcase the city that best shows what it means to be business-friendly in our region.”  Last year, this award went to the City of El Segundo.

 

About the Eddy Awards®

 

The Eddy Awards were introduced by the LAEDC in 1996 to celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional contributions to positive economic development in the region. For more information about the Eddy Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.laedc.org/eddy.

 

For past Eddy honorees please visit www.laedc.org/eddy/about.html

 

About LAEDC (www.LAEDC.org)

 

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the region’s premier business leadership organization, is a private, non-profit organization established in 1981.  Its mission is to attract, retain, and grow business and jobs for the regions of Los Angeles County.  Since 1996, the LAEDC has helped retain or create more than 132,600 jobs, providing $5.6 billion in annual benefit to LA County.

 

[Editors: For media interviews please contact George McQuade, MAYO Communications, 818-340-5300 or PR@MayoCommunications.com]

 

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