As the Media Capital of the World, Burbank looks to create even more opportunities and continue to move forward in every direction in 2011! While navigating our way through these tough times hasn’t been easy, I am happy to report that we are not only succeeding today, but Burbank is positioning itself as the premiere southern California destination for years to come.  Major vacancies that were once an eyesore are now thriving new destinations; like Flapper’s Comedy Club (former Macaroni Grill), Burlington Coat Factory (former Mervyns), and Nordstrom Rack (former Linens 'N' Things), and the list keeps going on and on with Ashley Furniture (former Circuit City) opening on December 17, 2010. Through our enhanced marketing campaign and the City's commitment to sustainability, infrastructure, and competitive business incentives, Burbank is on the map as not only the media capital of the world but also as a City that is diversifying its portfolio to include green technology and medical technology businesses. Most recently e-Solar, a company that designs and develops cost effective commercial scale solar panels, moved its headquarters with 90 employees to Burbank.

With the launch of ONE Burbank (Optical Network Enterprise Burbank), Burbank Water and Power (BWP) is able to offer a new service of high speed and quality data communication to Burbank businesses. This program provides high quality, high reliability, secure infrastructure and services for the Burbank business community, another key component in attracting and retaining business in Burbank.  BWP is also launching a comprehensive Smart Grid infrastructure which will improve energy efficiencies and allow for commercial and residential customers to take advantage of demand response pricing.

Current unemployment rates for Burbank are lower than the rates for Los Angeles County and the State of California. With small businesses the driving force for economic recovery and the key to lowering the unemployment rate, Burbank continues to provide the tools and resources necessary to keep small businesses thriving. With programs like the Team Business Program and the Shop Burbank Program, the business community can take advantage of these free or minimal cost resources to help take their business to the next level.   

The City of Burbank is poised for growth in 2011 and is excited to be a collaborating partner for economic growth and vitality. Join us in the future….we look forward to creating those partnerships with you.

For information contact: www.burbankusa.com