GTE, Chicago Firm Plan Study of Inland Empire

GTE California, based in Thousand Oaks, has joined forces with a Chicago software producer to conduct a computerized analysis of business in the San Bernardino-Riverside area.

The GTE-funded study uses Forte, a program developed by the Illinois firm PHH Fantus Co. to help the Inland Empire Economic Council develop strategies for expanding the region’s economy. A GTE spokesman said it is too early to say whether such studies will be conducted elsewhere.

GTE California has 3,000 employees in Ventura County, making it the county’s largest private employer.