Brawley Economic Development Commission

MISSION STATEMENT

The Brawley Economic Development Commission (BEDC) is a voluntary association of individuals and organizations, both public and private, having common interests in the area of diversifying, stabilizing and expanding the economic base of the City of Brawley and its sphere of influence. The underlying purpose of the BEDC is to create and retain employment opportunities by crafting economic development plans, facilitating communications and providing marketing materials and programs aimed at stimulating economic activity in the Brawley area.

INVESTING IN BRAWLEY MAKES SENSE

When your company decided to locate it's manufacturing facility in Brawley we will offer you:

• Industrial zoned city land in a business park with direct airport access.
• An unlimited supply of water.
• We can reduce the cost of land to zero depending on jobs created.
• We can waive impact fees.
• You will have direct access to the new Mexicali Port of Entry via a four lane highway from the Brawley Business Park (completion in the year 2001).
• Under State law we are designated the only Manufacturing Enhancement Area in the state. When you locate a manufacturing or food processing facility in Brawley, you willl be eligible for special STATE tax breaks.
• Brawley is designated as a Federal Enterprise Community. We can offer you financing through low interest State Industrial Development Bonds or Federal Enterprise Bonds.
• We will assist you with employee hiring and training.
• We have worked with the Federal Immigrant Investor Program and have experience assisting foreign investors with projects in Brawley.
  

Contact: Cindy Stillman, Brawley Economic Development Department Commission, 204 S. Imperial Avenue, Brawley, CA 92227 (760)344-3160

Labor Market

The Imperial Valley labor market consists of an estimated civilian labor force of 47,000 persons. Each potential employee has a means of commuting from almost any location in the county to Brawley using either personal or public transportation.

Unemployment Rate

22.0% (average)

Seasonal fluctuations occur due to the predominance of the agricultural industry. The unemployment rate represents a plentiful pool of available labor.

Education

80% of Imperial County High School Graduates attend college. Specific Job training programs exist through the Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program and the Private Industry Council of Imperial County.

Projected Growth

Based on trend analysis; it is estimated that the Imperial Valley Labor Force will grow at over 2% annually.

Unionization

Over 80% of all private companies in Brawley are non-union.

Wage Rates

Imperial Valley wage rates are over 25% lower than the California average.

Land Costs

Costs for commercial and industrial sites are also significantly lower in Brawley than in other Southern California communities. Typical commercial space leases start at $0.75 per square foot and purchase prices average $4.50 per square foot. On the industrial side, purchase prices average $.55 per square foot. The Brawley Economic Development Commission is currently promoting The Brawley Industrial Park. The park is located next to Brawley's airport and is just off State Highway 111 that connects directly to the international port with Mexico. Sites are currently available with all of the city's amenities.

[Brawley' s City Council]