Task Force Creating Regional Alliance

A Ventura County task force is working to create a regional alliance comprised of city, county, business and education leaders to promote area assets and tackle local problems.

The Council on Economic Vitality, made up of public and private officials, plans to kick off the alliance during its yearly summit in January, said Nancy Williams of the Ventura County Economic Development Assn.

“We have 10 very diverse cities in this county,” Williams said. “But we have a lot of things in common as well. We’re one of the few counties that can come together on things.”

The Ventura County Alliance, which will meet for the first time in January, would look for ways to convert defense industries, create a regional marketing campaign to attract business and tourists, and work to establish a better countywide telecommunications base.

The partnership would be modeled after Silicon Valley’s Smart Valley group and a similar alliance in New Brunswick, Canada. Agencies would provide funding based on their level of participation.

Sixty leaders from businesses and nonprofit organizations have pledged to take part.

Williams said the county and all 10 cities are expected to participate in the alliance, although some may become more involved than others. She added that the partnership would not diminish competition among cities for business, but will help the entire county grow.

“You don’t want to take away from the competition, but you want to establish things that you can work together on,” Williams said. “You want to avoid situations like the current one where two aquariums are being proposed.”