“Entrepreneurship is a viable career alternative for dislocated workers,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses produced the largest amount of employment in 2010, generating 72.1 percent of net new positions.”

The Workforce Investment Board is partnering with Empact (www.iempact.com) to provide the training necessary to start a business with little start-up capital. Attendees will learn how to develop their business inexpensively while creating enough profit to earn a living wage.

The training requires a one-year commitment. Each participant will receive a full-day of training followed by weekly trainings for the first month, and monthly virtual trainings for the remainder of the year. Each participant will be assigned a mentor to support them throughout the program.

“Entrepreneurship is vital to San Bernardino County’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “I encourage residents who are thinking of starting their own businesses to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn proven, real life tools shared by successful entrepreneurs.”

To apply, San Bernardino County residents may visit one of the three Employment Resource Centers to take the assessment. To find the nearest location, please visit www.sbcstartup.com or call (800) 451-JOBS.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Department of Workforce Development, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The competition will accept preliminary submissions until May 31, 2012. Preliminary submissions can be made online at http://made2012.istart.org or by going to the http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE.

Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Those who advance to final round will present their finished business plans, products, and services in one last round at the Missouri State Fair on August 16, 2012 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Cash grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners of the final round which is held during the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors, and all information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.

Registration is open to any potential business owner or current business owner in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation, and people considering going into business for the first time are welcomed. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete.

Electronic submissions for the preliminary level are due by 5 p.m. May 31, 2012. Mailed submissions must be postmarked by that date. Judging of the first round will occur the second week of June and participants will be notified of the results by June 22.

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization.

Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, 1415 S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340. Online: http://www.mvcaa.net .

News Source: Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

We are recruiting laid-off workers for this special program that provides no-fee job training and placement assistance in high demand industries in the county that have current job openings. This program is designed to benefit employers in many ways, including reimbursement of a substantial portion of wages paid to new hires from this program.

To date, over 700 individuals have signed up to take advantage of this opportunity. Space is still available now that the deadline to enroll has been extended to June 30, 2012. Interested employers and job seekers should contact us immediately by email at neg@css.lacounty.gov or visit our website at http://www.worksourcecalifornia.com .

“The California Multi-Sector Workforce Partnership addresses 123 mass layoffs in California that have affected over 32,000 workers in 19 industries statewide,” said Richard Verches, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board. “In Los Angeles County, we expect nearly 1,000 individuals to take advantage of job services paid for by this grant.”

This program will pay for laid-off workers to participate in On-the-Job Training, paid work experience, internships and customized training programs in order to increase their opportunities for employment, and the costs of equipment or transportation, depending upon one’s situation.

“The support of government is critical to meet the needs of and support local businesses that employ local residents,” said Mr. Verches. “Employers who participate in On-the-Job Training programs can receive recruiting support to locate well-qualified candidates and possible reimbursement for the wages of new employees.”

About the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board:
The Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is established by federal law as the oversight and policy body comprised of private business representatives, labor, higher education, government and non-profit partners who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The WIB funds 17 one-stop WorkSource Centers to provide employment and training services to residents and businesses in 58 of the County’s 88 cities and all 151 unincorporated areas throughout the County.

News Source: Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Bishamon Industries Corporation faced increased competition with their EZ Loader product, which could have translated to lost sales and lost jobs. With the introduction of the new model, they needed to make sure they could efficiently produce and deliver this product before the competition stepped in.

“The EZ Loader is our premier product and if we lost market share, it would cost us valuable employees,” Stone said.

CMTC came in and showed the company areas of improvement in assembly and welding. Employees were excited to share their ideas and work as a team with the consultant and executives for the good of the entire company.

“We’ve already seen growing sales for our new EZ Loader and the hard work has paid off,” Stone said. “By shipping our product in two days, we will maintain our competitive edge.”

Through the LEAN Manufacturing Program, Bishamon retained 10 jobs. Additionally, Stone also utilized the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Business Resource Team to recruit and hire a shipping supervisor. “They found a great person for us who plays a very important role in satisfying our customers,” Stone said.

“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s LEAN Manufacturing program effectively helps local businesses retain employees and hire additional personnel,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

More information: https://www.csb-win.org/ .

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

In a report titled “Innovative Collaborations between Workforce Boards and Employers Helped Meet Local Needs,” the U.S. GAO referenced 14 local initiatives. Two of the initiatives included San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s successful collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc. and its Rapid Response Layoff Aversion program.

Executive Director Sandy Harmsen testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workforce Safety in addressing workforce needs at the regional level.

“Our Workforce Investment Board was able to quickly and effectively take action when our region was hit with business closures and lay-offs that affected thousands of residents in San Bernardino County,” Harmsen said. “We knew which industries would need workers in the long-term. Through the relationships we established with industry councils, businesses and educational providers we have deployed federal funds to save jobs, train workers with skills needed by employers and encourage hiring.”

In 2011, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Business Resource Team performed 27 Rapid Response visits to companies that were laying off employees. More than 1,900 dislocated workers were assisted through Rapid Response which included workshops on understanding unemployment plans, rolling over 401K plans and Cobra benefits. These residents were also introduced to the local Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) for free workshops on job searching, resume writing and interview skills, as well as how they could qualify for no-cost job training programs and job placement support.

“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board can contribute much to the national conversation on how to put America back to work,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.

“For instance, the WIB’s collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc., is a great example of how we are working together to prepare a skilled workforce and provide businesses with the manpower needed to grow and diversify. The Technical Employment Training program trains dislocated and disabled workers to attain two National Institute for Metalworking Skills Machining Level 1 certifications. The fact that 90 percent of its first class was placed in jobs with local manufacturers is an awesome success story worth sharing,” added Gonzales.

Last year, 3,370 County residents were trained last year using Workforce Investment Act funds to enter long-term careers in growth industries such as Health Care, Aviation, Transportation and Logistics, Advanced Manufacturing and Environmental Technology.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 created a comprehensive workforce investment system that brought together multiple federally funded employment and training programs into a single system, called the one-stop system.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

By giving students the tools to interview and film someone in their career of interest, the Roadtrip Nation Experience empowers students to define their own roads in life; to make school actually matter by relating what they study to their real-world experiences; and open doors to different pathways and possibilities.

“This is an opportunity for our youth to interview specialists in careers they are interested in and find inspiration, as well as practical advice to achieve their dreams,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department for San Bernardino County. “In 2011, 13 youth service providers helped more than 1,320 youth through the Year-Round WIA Youth Program and many of those young people go on to find jobs or higher education that lead to long-term careers.”

“It has been a pleasure working with San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board,” Molly Gazin, Educator Network Coordinator of Roadtrip Nation. “The facilitators are enthusiastic and dedicated to the futures of the youth involved and that is evident in their experience with the program. We’re excited to see the results of the final Roadtrip Projects that they’re hard at work on right now.”

The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Act Youth Program gives eligible youth access to services designed to increase educational opportunities, develop better job skills, explore career options, develop leadership qualities, participate in adult and peer mentoring and counseling and obtain valuable work experience.

Students in the program receive career counseling, reading and math remediation, tutoring, alternative secondary schooling, vocational training, leadership development and job placement. They also complete workshops that taught work readiness, problem solving, life skills and computer literacy.

“These youth services prepare students for the future by helping them to earn a degree, certificate or a paid internship, and obtain much needed career skills,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “The Roadtrip Nation Experience provides each student with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, confidence and an awareness of professional occupations available to them.”

To learn more about the San Bernardino County WIA Youth Program, call or visit one of the youth providers listed at http://www.sbcountyjobops.com/youthservices.html .

Roadtrip Nation, a half-hour documentary television series distributed nationally by American Public Television, airs in southern California on both KOCE and KLCS. Check local listings or visit www.roadtripnation.com/watch for specific airtimes.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

About Roadtrip Nation:

In the summer of 2001, three friends decided to take a Roadtrip to seek their place in the world. The idea behind the Roadtrip was simple: If you don’t know what to do with your life, talk to people who are doing what they love, then ask them how they got there. The trio hit the road in a mechanically unsound Green RV, and three months and 17,000 miles later, had interviewed 85 eclectic individuals.

Since then, Roadtrip Nation has evolved into a Movement to help individuals define their own roads in life: Including seven seasons on public television, three books, an online community, and a student network on more than 350 campuses.

In 2009, the Movement expanded into education with the creation of RoadtripNation.org and the development of The Roadtrip Nation Experience, a hands-on, engaging curriculum that guides students through an explorative process to learn about pathways relevant to their own individuality.

Roadtrip Nation is dedicated to inspiring people everywhere to create lives based on doing what they love. For more information, visit roadtripnation.com and roadtripnation.org.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Max Likins, a recently separated veteran, was hired by Dalton through the Desert Green Veterans Grant that paid for On-the-Job Training wage reimbursement. He was transferred to Dalton’s distribution center in Bloomington where he is now part of the team loading more than 220 pre-fabricated modular units to be shipped by truck and railcar to Joplin. St. John’s Regional Medical Care Center was destroyed by the tornado that ripped through Joplin, MO last year.

“A project of this scope and importance requires personnel who understand efficiency and know how to work as a team. In my experience, veterans bring those qualities to our company,” said Terry Klenske, President of Dalton Trucking. “The people we’ve hired with the Workforce Investment Board’s support have moved up the ranks. My goal has always been to keep our people for the long haul. I’m very fortunate to have many key employees who have been with Dalton Trucking for 20 years or more.”

Hiring new personnel takes time away from keeping up with orders and meeting customer demands. At Desert View Auto in Bloomington, CA, General Manager Eric Frazier is responsible for overseeing an operation that picks up donated cars, processes them and then sells them for various charities in Southern California.

Three months ago, Frazier worked with the San Bernardino County Business Resource Team to hire a recently-separated veteran. He received On-the-Job Training wage reimbursement through the Desert Green Veterans Training Grant

“With his dedication and training, he has already moved up the ranks,” Frazier said. “This young man is a great asset to our company and I want to bring more veterans like him onto our team.”

The Workforce Investment Board’s Business Resource Team provides funding to businesses hire and train new employees through On-the-Job Training programs. The team also offers help with recruiting qualified employees, business consulting, job fairs, market research and business workshops.

“Our Business Resource Team has successfully partnered with many of the employers in our region to help them find the skilled employees they need to grow,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department. “We are very proud to have played a small role in a project that not only hired local veterans, but that will benefit a community heavily impacted by that terrible natural disaster.”

“It is gratifying to see rebuilding efforts happening, both here and in Joplin,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “The Business Resource Team’s training programs are enabling our veterans are find jobs and transform their lives; and as valued employees they are making it possible for a local company, like Dalton Trucking, help rebuild a community nearly 1,500 miles away.”

The Business Resource Team can be reached at (800) 451-JOBS or http://www.sbcounty.gov/csb-win/wia.htm .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Approved by City Council in late August, TRANs raised $2.5 million in short term borrowing from private investors to meet near-term cash flow demands rather than resorting to drastic budget cuts that would have limited city services and threatened the city’s economic recovery.

Montebello’s Interim City Administrator Larry Kosmont has released a comprehensive management report on the city’s website that outlines a clear plan for the city’s future. Kosmont said, “With the TRANs closing, we can move forward with this report as a blueprint for the future of Montebello. It will continue to improve operations and be part of the city’s ongoing recovery plan. Restoring the city’s reserves is pursuant to a 5 year plan.”

The closing comes at the heels of TRANs’ MIG2 rating from Moody’s Investors Service on October 21. The MIG2 rating improved the marketing of TRANs to investors and has removed the negative outlook on the city’s long-term ratings. Montebello’s costs of issuance for the TRANs will total $160,000. The interest paid from today to June 21, 2012 will be $74,434.

Among other considerations, Moody’s noted 2011 improvements to the city’s General Fund balance sheet, as well as the city’s favorable projections for the General Fund closing cash balance for June 30, 2012.

“Moody’s acknowledged the city for making significant improvements to the budgetary balance in 2010-11. The 2011-12 adopted budget remains in balance, with an expected General Fund surplus, which if realized, can help expand Montebello’s operating capacity,” stated Montebello’s Financial Director Francesca Tucker-Schuyler.

The rating improvement was significant in the marketing of the TRANs to investors. After two months of discussions with various mutual funds investors, credit rating concerns and discouraging media coverage derailed the TRANs close in late September. However, since the upgraded rating, Citigroup placed the $2.5 million of TRANs with two investors at an interest rate of 4.85%. It sold, closed, and funded to institutional quality investment funds managed by Oppenheimer Funds.

In addition to the TRANs, other key developments include the California Department of Finance approving Montebello’s redevelopment agency appeal to lower its annual tax increment payment to the state-saving the City almost $1.24 million in payments to the state and increasing available funds for further economic development.

More information on the City of Montebello: http://cityofmontebello.com .

News Source: City of Montebello :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Judy Lopez, Director of Business Development at Microdyne has witnessed many changes since she joined the company in 1975. The recent recession demonstrated the need for a major cultural shift in order to succeed in this new climate.

“As competition grew, we didn’t want to lose jobs because we bid half a cent more than the company down the street,” she said. “We needed to reevaluate our suppliers and our pricing structure, cut costs if possible and look at ways to aggressively market ourselves rather than rely entirely on word-of-mouth.”

Lopez learned about the County’s Business Consulting Program after attending a marketing seminar hosted by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. This program provides local employers an opportunity to receive consulting services in cost cutting and marketing at no cost. In May 2011, Microdyne began an intensive process audit performed by California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC®) and began designing a new website with Ron Stark of Voice Marketing.

“Businesses that struggled most in this recession shared a common trait in that they could not easily shift production into different market segments,” said Michael Goblowsky, Account Manager for CMTC. “We showed Microdyne not only where they could cut costs and streamline operations, but also how they could expand and diversify to create new market opportunities.”

Microdyne completed the program in September 2011 and recently launched their new website at http://www.MicrodynePlastics.com .

“We are leaner and feel ready to take on new opportunities as well as create them with our new marketing plan and our website,” Lopez said proudly.

In 2010, the San Bernardino County’s Workforce Investment Board’s Business Consulting Program helped employers retain 902 jobs and create 204 new jobs.

“Our County Workforce Investment Board’s business consulting program is one of the few offered in the nation that streamlines and empowers regional employers,” said Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor. “This is another example of why San Bernardino County is a great place to do business.”

“We are very proud of the results from the Business Consulting Program,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “Our partners have given employers the tools they need to grow and have provided our workforce with new opportunities for long-term stability.”

Employers and job seekers can find out more information about the business consulting program and services offered through their local San Bernardino County One-Stop Employment Resource Centers located in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Hesperia. Please visit: http://www.sbcounty.gov/csb-win/wia.htm .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life, and the BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

First, cities will need to work with their residents to develop a process for receiving input on ways to create a better and more prosperous community. A primary example of this is Montebello, a city that is moving forward with a financial plan that is taking itself back to the thriving city Montebello once was.

Two events last week proved Montebello’s Financial Recovery Plan is on its way to restore, create, and improve comprehensive services and public amenities, and to provide the City’s deserving residents with an even higher quality of life. Moody’s, the financial rating company, has upgraded the City’s credit rating and the California State Department of Finance approved Montebello’s appeal that results in a $1.25 million reduction in the amount the City would have to pay to retain its redevelopment agency. Both actions demonstrate that the City of Montebello continues to stabilize itself.

Montebello will continue to put the vital services of our community first by protecting and maintaining the full service of police and fire safety. Because public safety remains our top priority, no cuts to police or fire have been made, ensuring the continued protection of our residential neighborhoods and business districts. Montebello’s public safety services have continued relatively seamlessly through the recession and crime is down 26% year-to-date – a proud achievement compared to other cities in our region.

City Achieves Good Credit Rating from Moody’s:

A bigger and better economy also lies for Montebello. Our City is not going bankrupt and our cash flow continues to get stronger each month. Montebello’s economy is on the rise. Moody’s, the credit agency, recently assigned the City of Montebello with an investment grade credit rating of MIG 2, showing that the City’s current finances are stabilizing. Our Financial Recovery Plan underscores the City’s commitment to honor all debt, which will encourage our financial ratings to climb even higher. Montebello residents can be assured that our community is heading in the right direction as we continue to balance our budget and restore financial reserves.

State Department of Finance Approves Montebello’s Appeal – $1.24 million benefit in 2011:

While all cities are waiting for the State Supreme Court to make a final decision on how redevelopment will be practiced, the City of Montebello moved quickly and successfully to save the Agency millions of dollars. Last week, Montebello received great news. The State Department of Finance approved Montebello’s appeal to lower the annual tax increment payment to the state. This means more redevelopment funds for Montebello’s economic development projects.

Redevelopment is an essential investment approach to create a new and improved Montebello; it will create jobs and expand business opportunities, provide housing for families in need, help reduce crime, improve infrastructure and public works, and clean up environmentally-threatened and rundown areas. As Montebello anxiously awaits the State Supreme Court ruling on the attempt by Sacramento to cripple the use of redevelopment funds by local governments, we remain hopeful that the State Supreme Court sees redevelopment as a primary tool for community and economic development. This will allow our city to continue to improve.

Kosmont Management Report Preview – Interim City Administrator Contract:

Since May 12 of this year, the Kosmont Team began its six month commitment, working to turn Montebello’s finances around. Next week, as the existing agreement comes to close, Kosmont will present their Management Summary to the City Council and the community. The following is a preview of the results:

What has worked?
* Montebello City Council adopted a Five-Year Financial Recovery Plan
* Approved balanced 2011/12 budget (with $1 million surplus)
* Adopted Guiding Financial Principles
* Retained firm to assist in the pursuit of grant opportunities
* Corrected inappropriate past practices and are implementing new procedures
* Continued execution on “Buckets of Opportunity”:
- Updates to user fees and charges approved by City Council in June
- Opened discussions with Costco on lease renewal and/or purchase options
- Negotiation of a two-year extension of oil extraction levy
- Economic Development projects list created, consultant panel selected.

What needs to be done?

The way back to full recovery is a long road and will not happen overnight. Montebello must:
* Continue balanced City budgets with reserves
* Proactively manage City cash flow
* Competitively bid all major contracts and service agreements
* Meet State Redevelopment reporting requirements per Controller audit
* Upgrade Montebello’s financial systems.

Audits, Audits, and More Audits – The Past is not the Future:

Based on Montebello’s financial past, it seems like every federal and state agency has audited the City. The State Controller alone has done three audits with one more to go!

Although these audits put a focus on past finances, Montebello’s diligent responses illustrate that the City is turning the corner and that we must continue to work through these audits to rid our community from the impacts of poor decisions made in the past. The City has been responsive and continues to work with the agencies in a cooperative manner. Montebello is pursuing better controls and practices to account for public finances. The new financial system will help ensure that the City’s resources are most effectively utilized to change our community for the better and to move Montebello forward to a brighter future.

As the City moves forward on hiring a permanent city administrator, I am confident that if Montebello continues to head in this new direction outlined above, the City will be stronger than ever!

More information on the City: http://www.cityofmontebello.com/ .

News Source: City of Montebello :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .