The City of Azusa wins Eddy Award for “most business-friendly city”

AZUSA, Calif.On Tuesday, the City of Azusa held an event celebrating its achievements for receiving the “Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County” Eddy Award. The event took place prior to the regularly scheduled city council meeting at the courtyard of the City Hall complex at 5:30 p.m., according to the post Eddy Award official release.

Mayor Pro Tem Robert Gonzales accepted the award last November from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), which categorized Azusa and other surrounding cities with a population greater than 50,000.

According to the official release, the winner was selected though independent review by a panel of blue ribbon judges based on the following criteria:

-Demonstrated priority commitment to economic development.

-Excellence in programs and services designed to facilitate business entry, expansion and retention.

-Competitive business tax rates and fee structures.

-Availability of economic incentives.

-Effective communication with and about business clients.

Congratulations to the City of Azusa on its recent Eddy Award for Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County,” said Azusa Pacific President Jon R. Wallace. “APU is honored to be part of this vibrant community, and we benefit greatly from the city’s strong economic development efforts, which make Azusa a great place to work, live, and play for our students, faculty and staff.”

In December 2017, an independent economic impact study found that APU contributed significantly to its neighbors in the City of Azusa, the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, the Southern California region and throughout the state, according to APU’s website. The study found the university is responsible for generating $1.25 billion in economic impact within California each year and contributed more than $30 million in state taxes per year, supporting over 7,200 jobs statewide.

“Azusa is revitalizing the community by offering new choices for living, working and exploring,” wrote the LAEDC. “The City understands that providing the highest quality of life is a means of achieving positive economic development benefits. An ombudsman also provides one-on-one assistance tool businesses. Nestled at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and with access to a reliable source of water, affordable electric rates and a sustainable infrastructure featuring two light rail Foothill Gold Line Stations, Azusa is prepared to be the ideal destination for residents, businesses and explorers.”

According to a statement from city council in the Eddy certification remarks, Azusa’s downtown will soon provide their residents and visitors modern pedestrian-friendly living and working spaces and breathe new life into the historical city.

“Retail will soon be booming in downtown and in all sectors of Azusa,” wrote the council.

The award is a milestone for the City of Azusa and the city council is committed to continuing support for business-friendly programs and services, which are critical factors in business development.

“Azusa has a thriving workforce. Our residents are hardworking and ready to meet those opportunities,” the council wrote. “With Azusa Pacific University — and its nextdoor neighbor Citrus College — we have an educated workforce ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”