|
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
Growing from an agricultural Eden into both the agribusiness capital of the world and the commercial and metropolitan center of Central California, Fresno is one of the state's business, transportation, and cultural hubs.
Vigorously heading into a bright future, Fresno offers visitors, families, professionals, conventions, and a varied and growing host of industries and exciting and multifaceted city full of beauty, adventure, cultural diversity, safety, strength, and stability. Fresno's rapidly growing economy is business friendly. Important new developments are taking place in all corners of the city, including new housing, schools, and cultural, entertainment, and shopping centers. New freeway construction connects the city and region, offering rapid access to every part of Fresno and Fresno County. And just as important, new development and revitalization are taking place in many of the city's existing neighborhoods.
Opportunities abound for business on all levels, from corporate enterprises like the new Gap Inc. distribution center to mom-and-pop eateries, boutiques, and coffeehouses. Fresno County agribusiness produces more 250 crops, from specialty and organic produce sold in local open-air markets to staple products that feed and clothe the world. But Fresno is also experiencing a major renaissance of development downtown. The cultural arts district, major regional medical center, adult school, regional shipping center, federal courthouse, Chinatown revitalization new Exhibit Hall, and many smaller projects exemplify the intense and progressive growth happening downtown. Meanwhile, Fresno's cultural and ethnic diversity provides a multitude of choices for dining, entertainment, education and worship.
Fresno's rebirth was acknowledged when the city was named All-America City in 2000. This distinction was no surprise to those who live here and enjoy the city's quality of life, moderate cost of living, and cultural opportunities. With an excellent symphony orchestra, museums, live theater, 17 movie theaters, and a multitude of eateries and nightspots, Fresno's streets hum with excitement on a nightly basis.
Fresno is also ideal for those who yearn to get away from the city lights. Central California is a outdoor recreation paradise, with countless parks, lakes, and rivers. The region is home to the Sierra National Forest, with high-country camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Kaiser, John Muir, and the Minarets wilderness areas offer the ultimate in popular backcountry experience, and the world-renowned Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite national parks provide unrivaled visual splendor.
BUSINESS SECTOR PROFILES
agriculture
Ranking as the number one agribusiness county in the United States, Fresno County offers the perfect climate for growing a wide range of fruit and produce, and providing a wide range of commodities. The mild weather, coupled with fertile soil, allows growers to produce more than 250 agricultural products, amounting to annual crop sales of more than $3.57 billion in 1999. Crops include alfalfa, cotton, lettuce, grapes, citrus and stone fruit, tomatoes, and more exotic items, such as bitter melon, bok choy, kiwi, and the popular bay vegetables: carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes.
call centers and back-office operations
Skilled workers, low lease rates, the region's seismic stability, and an extremely strong telecommunications infrastructure attract many telecommunications centers, data centers, and back-office operations to Fresno County and surrounding communities. A new data center is now open in central Fresno's Manchester Center.
conventions and tourism
Fresno drew 3.3 million tourists during 1998-1999, according to the California Trade and Commerce Agency. Conventions and tourism continue to benefit Fresno, boosting the economy with visitors who enjoy the local attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The Fresno Convention Center's facilities host business gatherings, the arts, and community events. The convention complex includes the Selland Arena, used for concerts, sporting events, and special attractions; the 2,354-seat William Saroyan Theater, a classic venue for concerts, plays ballets, and meetings; and the Exhibition Center, which includes 11 conference rooms and a 32,000-square-foot area for banquets, conventions, and dances.
manufacturing and distribution
Fresno County attracts manufacturers and distributors by offering the perfect environment: a centrally located community, and available and skilled labor force, competitive land prices, and a multitude of natural resources.
[ page 1] page 2 [ page 3 ]
|
