Countywide : Panel Suggests Ways to Revive Economy

A group of government, industry and community leaders met in the first of a series of meetings Thursday to brainstorm ways to jump-start Ventura County’s economic recovery.

About 30 members of the Council on Economic Vitality, which was established by the Board of Supervisors, voiced their concerns and suggested ways to improve the county’s economy.

The members, ranging from bankers to owners of small businesses, came up with a list of suggestions for improving the economy, including focusing on the retention of small businesses rather than the recruitment of large ones; finding out why businesses are leaving the county; identifying roadblocks to growth and stability at the city and county levels, and increasing collaborative efforts between business and government.

However, some members who said their businesses are not suffering suggested that the economy in general is not doing as poorly as has been suggested.

A preliminary survey of some major industries concludes that “things aren’t as bad as people say,� said William E. McAleer, chairman of Ventura County National Bank.

McAleer said phone calls to several respondents of his bank’s semiannual survey showed that profits are up 5% in manufacturing and are holding steady in retailing and wholesaling. Results of the survey are due out today, he said.

About 60% to 70% of businesses that responded to the bank’s survey were optimistic about the economy, McAleer said.

The group will hold its second meeting toward the end of February.

The meetings will culminate in a business summit at the Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club in the spring.