special promotional section J u l y 2 0 0 7 los angeles a distinctive character worth county exploring Creativity, diversity, and an entrepreneurial spirit have made Los Angeles County an international business center with far-reaching ties to both Asia and Europe and a major player in the success of the global economy.

For more than a century, visitors have come from across the globe to Southern California to develop and test inventions and trends that have achieved worldwide recognition.

a j o i n t v e n t u r e w i t h t h e l a e d c u n i t e d . c o m 77 J u l y 2 0 0 7 special promotional section / sponsored by the LAEDC sponsored by the LAEDC / special promotional section J u l y 2 0 0 7

Los angeles county t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a Los angeles county

or more than a century, visitors have come from across the The area has come a long way since the city of Los Angeles globe to Southern California to develop and test inventions was established by the Spanish as a community that would be F and trends that have achieved worldwide recognition. convenient to Mission San Gabriel. The area became part of the “The major industry in Los Angeles is creativity,” says Jack U.S. in 1846. The Chumash Indians were believed to be the original Kyser, senior vice president and chief economist of the private, settlers. A visit to historical downtown Olvera Street, where it all nonprofit Los Angeles County Economic Development began, should be a first stop for any tourist interested in history, Corporation (LAEDC). “The county attracts business and leisure followed by a stroll to nearby Chinatown and Little Tokyo. travelers because it is one-stop shopping in terms of business, With the advent of the railroad, the city began to grow, but it manufacturing, and service access. And with more than 40 major wasn’t until after World War II that military personnel passing recreational attractions, there is something for everyone.” through the area or stationed nearby saw the possibilities for The tourists who come to Los Angeles County, which has 88 growth and a new way of life and returned to make it happen. unique cities, return often to enjoy the international flavor of this Today, Los Angeles is the nation’s most populous county with vibrant metropolis. Indeed, if Los Angeles County were a separate more than 10 million people, according to the California nation, it would rank among the top 17 largest economies in the Department of Finance. world. The region has the largest Asian population outside Asia and The growth was further aided by the entertainment industry, the largest Latino population outside Latin America, which adds to which employs more than 250,000 people and generates more than the rich mosaic of cultural diversity and energy. In 2005, Mayor $57 billion annually from 5,100 businesses, many of them small. Antonio Villaraigosa became the first Hispanic American mayor of Though the traditional sound stage remains the image of the the city of Los Angeles in 133 years. industry, the entertainment sector also includes electronic The LAEDC estimates there will be 25.3 million overnight entertainment, cable programming, music, new media, and theme

by Maggie Kilgore

born in la the electric (Main): Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry; guitar (counterclockwide from top): Westin Bonaventure Hotel; Santa Catalina Island; the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica; canals of Venice; sculpture at Disney Concert Hall; surf’s up laspirit visitors in 2007. There are some 30 large conventions booked for parks. In addition to the seven major film studios and the five the year, including the Los Angeles Auto Show, which showcases major broadcast TV networks whose entertainment divisions have tomorrow’s car concepts and emphasizes Southern California’s headquarters here, the entertainment industry is driven by car culture and the innovative auto design studios that flourish in hundreds of smaller firms employing less than a dozen people in a the region. wide range of specialties. Entertainment and the creative talent that At the February LAEDC annual economic forecast and industry drives it are undergoing the greatest transformation since the outlook, economist Kyser said tourism and travel activity in advent of the talking picture. The changes have caused turmoil in Southern California will hold at high levels during 2007. “The region the print media, but the Internet and digital technologies are is again a ‘hot’ destination with a lot of favorable media attention. reshaping how video, music, graphics, and text are produced and Business travel will also remain strong, while international travel consumed, propelling the entertainment and information industry should be good due to the decline of the value of the U.S. dollar.” into a new era, and LA-based companies are on the cutting edge. photos courtesy: (main) Nhien Barros: (counterclockwise from top) nhien barros; Long Beach cvb; nhien Barros; Long Beach CVB; nhien Barros; LA INC.

Los Angeles has always been an innovator, but did you know ideas & trends born in la ★ talking movies ★ the new VW Beetle ★ the Cobb salad ★ the Internet ★ the modern bathing suit did you know? it takes credit for “inventing” ideas and creating trends that ★ SR-71 (the high-altitude supersonic reconnaissance plane) ★ the modern theme park (the work of John Hench, first head of Disney’sI magineering) have spread worldwide? (Some not so serious.) ★ celebrity public relations/press agents ★ Minnie Mouse and Bugs Bunny ★ valet parking ★ implantable collamer eye lenses

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J u l y 2 0 0 7 special promotional section / sponsored by the LAEDC

Los angeles county t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a

“Los Angeles is the perfect place to live, work and play, do business, and visit. We have a pre-eminent position in the world economy.” Bill Allen, president and CEO of the LAEDC

“Enriching Lives” Arts and Entertainment Los Angeles County is an To fill the continuing need for new talent, Los Angeles County’s world-renowned higher- education system graduates thousands each year to fill industry positions. These schools industrial/financial/cultural include the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, giant and one of the most the American Film Institute, Pasadena’s Art Center, Cal Arts, the Santa Monica’s desired destination points Academy of Entertainment and Technology, and the Otis College of Art and Design. in the world. “Creativity is serious business in Southern California,” says Samuel Hoi, president of Otis. “We have both the creative capital and the economic imperative to become the sustaining force of the 21st century. The Los Angeles region has more Population/Business: Most populous creative establishments and workers than the New York primary metropolitan area. county in the nation. More than 140 It is time to herald the fact that artists and designers and other creative minds drive cultures and 135 languages. If a nation, the largest segment of jobs and sales revenue in our region.” its economy would be 17th largest in In any study of creativity, galleries are the perfect venue for allowing the public world. Nation’s top international trade to interact with the creative community. In Los Angeles County in 2005, there were center, largest manufacturing center, and 249 art galleries, 104 in the city alone, offering original work and prints. aerospace research/development capital. TheLos Angeles Times Festival of Books draws 130,000 reading enthusiasts to the Tourism: Hollywood; Aquarium of the UCLA campus every April to meet authors and participate in literary forums. It is Pacific; Magic Mountain; Universal Studios; the largest gathering of its kind on the West Coast. Raging Waters; Rose Parade; Rodeo Drive; It has often been joked that Southern California is “short” on “intellectuals.” Los Angeles Zoo; 63,000 acres of County Yet the area has 152 universities and colleges and nearly 900 hospitals and clinics. parks/gardens; 75-mile coastline; world’s UCLA, USC, and Cal Tech are all world-class research institutions that together “We’re more than just a day at the beach.” largest small-craft harbor. receive more than $1.5 billion each year in federal research money. Other Creative Industries Arts and Culture: Disney Concert Hall; When people think about “Los Angeles” they often imagine our beaches. And it’s true Los Angeles County Hollywood Bowl; Museums of Art and In addition to entertainment, Los Angeles County is home to the highest contains some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. Natural History; more than 300 private concentration of design-based industries in the U.S., including aerospace, museums, including the Getty. engineering and architecture, biotechnology and health sciences, automotive design, fashion and textiles, food manufacturing and processing, home furnishings, But don’t forget the San Gabriel Mountains, less than an hour from our golden beaches. Hike to their Education: Produces more college and toy design, all competing vigorously in the global marketplace by leveraging summits, smell the flowers, or just take in their mile-high majesty. graduates and has more individuals with the innovation of LA’s creative talent pool. Ph.Ds than any other county in nation. Two of the most exciting real-estate developments Schools include USC, UCLA, The Claremont Universal CityWalk for There’s more. dining, entertainment, under way are the estimated $2.05 billion “Grand Colleges, Cal Tech, Jet Propulsion shopping, and more. Avenue” project and the $1 billion “LA Live!,” which Laboratory, RAND, Pasadena Art Center Are world class gardens your style? Los Angeles County boasts four: the Arboretum and Botanic Garden, together promise to revitalize the downtown area, alter College of Design, and Otis College of Art the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens and Virginia Robinson Gardens. the Los Angeles skyline, and provide a central cultural and Design. .

c hub for residents and visitors alike.

Sports: Home of eight major profes- in Los Angeles County maintains 63,000 acres of parks, gardens, lakes, and natural areas. There are

la Scheduled to break ground in late 2007, Grand sional sports teams: Dodgers, Lakers, y 87 regional and local county parks and 344 miles of horse and hiking trails. And did we mention the world’s es Avenue has emerged as Los Angeles’ most Clippers, Sparks, Avengers, Galaxy,

ourt concentrated effort to create dense, high-rise largest public golf course system? Chivas USA, Kings. c residential developments next to rail lines, offices,

Transportation: 15 airports; two photo cultural attractions, and shopping. So, want more than a day at the beach? world-class ports; two major railroads; 25 freeways; and one of largest mass- did you know? transit systems, with subways, commuter ideas & trends born in la ★ the Mazda Miata ★ the fortune cookie ★ cross-interleaved Los Angeles County, California: the #1 County in the #1 State. trains, and buses. Reed-Solomon coding (error correction mechanism for CDs) ★ audio-animatronic figures ★ the plastic Frisbee ★ domain name convention for the Internet ★ the Eames lounge chair www.lacounty.gov "To Enrich Lives Through Effective and Caring Service." 80 hemispheresmagazine . c o m u n i t e d . c o m 81 07-CVB-049 Hemispheres Ad 5/18/07 12:43 PM Page 1

J u l y 2 0 0 7 special promotional section / sponsored by the LAEDC Los angeles county t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a the perfect

Two hundred of the proposed 1,000 housing units will be offered to low-income residents. A 16-acre park is planned between City Hall and the Los Angeles Music Center as part of the first phase of the project, which also will include a new five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Supporters of the project believe that Grand Avenue can succeed where other urban renewal projects have failed because it will Destination for your California Vacation provide easy access to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by area resident and Pritzker-prize winning architect Frank Gehry, as well as to the Museum of On the coast, Long Beach is where the action begins and Long Beach’s waterfront Contemporary Art, the imposing Our Lady of Angels Catholic Cathedral, and the fun never ends. From the Queen Mary and the draws world-class dining, the three venues at the Music Center. Aquarium of the Pacific to Broadway shows, museums, shopping, and entertainment. At the southern end of downtown, adjoining the Los Angeles Area Convention live music venues, and hundreds of unique dining Center and the popular Staples Center for sports and entertainment, will be the new 4 million-square-foot LA Live!, which will include the 7,000-seat Nokia Theatre, and destinations – all centrally located, airport-close, and Long Beach is a rising star in the a new 1,000-room convention “headquarters” hotel combining the JW Marriott and just a short distance from Disneyland, Universal Studios destination marketplace, with more than Ritz-Carlton brands along with 216 luxury condominiums and a new broadcast facility Hollywood, and everything Southern California has $1 billion in the past decade invested in for ESPN. These two signature developments are only part of the downtown LA to offer. Plan your perfect California getaway today. new development of its downtown renaissance, which is ushering in construction of more than 5,000 new housing units. Visit us at visitlongbeach.com waterfront. This major revitalization has Los Angeles also is seeing an upturn in architectural tourism. The American transformed the city into a sophisticated, Institute of Architects commissioned a survey by Harris Interactive in 2007 that urban oceanfront community with named the top 150 landmarks nationwide. LA’s booming residential growth. “The major industry Union Station, the Hollywood Bowl, the Getty Museum, Los Angeles Central Library, and the Long Beach’s downtown sets the in Los Angeles is Hollyhock, Gamble, and Stahl houses all made the standard for “walk-ability.” Within steps creativity—it attracts list. The Crystal Cathedral in nearby Garden Grove, of the convention center, visitors find business and leisure designed by well-known architect Philip Johnson, first-class accommodations, shopping, travelers because it also was chosen. dining, attractions, cultural museums is one-stop shopping Sports and art walks, sightseeing along in terms of business, Additionally, Los Angeles has a lot to offer sports picturesque bays, and five-plus miles of manufacturing, and fans. The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team is sandy beach. There are more than 100 service access.” restaurants within an eight-block radius. celebrating its 50th season in the city this year. The Jack Kyser, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers basketball teams, The Long Beach Convention and senior vice president the Kings and the Ducks of the National Hockey Entertainment Center is a spectacular & chief economist of League, and Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Los multipurpose complex featuring more the LAEDC Alamitos for horse-racing enthusiasts are all here. than 300,000 square feet of flexible Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, which Angelenos exhibit and meeting space, two theaters, like to claim on their roster of sports teams, play in an arena, and 34 meeting rooms. Pacific Wheel at the Santa nearby Anaheim. Monica Pier is the only There also are dozens of public and private golf Special-event venues and popular solar-powered Ferris wheel visitor destinations include the Queen in the world. and tennis facilities available, plus biking and hiking Mary, once the largest, most luxurious on specifically designated safe street lanes, mountain s trails, and beach fronts. The Los Angeles Marathon ocean liner to sail the transatlantic, and rro

ba also has become popular in recent years. The city the Aquarium of the Pacific, which n e features undersea galleries, touch also hosted both the 1932 and 1984 Summer y nhi

tanks, and live shows. es Olympics which raised its visibility worldwide.

ourt The Los Angeles Galaxy soccer organization got a c publicity boost in 2007, when it signed international

For more information on meetings photo British soccer star David Beckham to a $250 million or visiting Long Beach, go to visitlongbeach.com or call did you know? 800-452-7829. ideas & trends born in la ★ the space shuttle ★ “dancing” fountains ★ shoulder pads (designer Adrian created them for actress Joan Crawford) ★ Hot Wheels ★ the multichannel recording process ★ the Aeron chair

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Los angeles county t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a

In addition to entertainment, Los Angeles County is best-known for its contributions to aerospace, architecture, biotechnology and health sciences, engineering and automotive design, fashion and textiles, food manufacturing and wholesaling industries, home furnishings, and toy design.

five-year contract, getting his wife, Victoria, former pop singer “Posh” Spice in the package, adding two more celebrities in a town that is noted for them. The rivalry between UCLA and USC in college sports also is well-known, especially among their more than 600,000 combined alumni worldwide. The USC Trojans football team has won two national championships and three Heisman trophies in the past four years. Transportation to all of these events has improved considerably over the past decade as subway and light-rail systems have been built to serve the downtown area United Launches Service north through Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley and south all the way to at LA/Palmdale Long Beach. There are three light-rail lines in service today, with a fourth under construction. In addition, there is Metrolink, a heavy-rail commuter service connecting much of Southern California. In June 2007, United Airlines Sightseeing initiated twice-daily regional jet Tourists invariably want to visit Hollywood to experience the Walk of Fame, with service between LA/Palmdale signatures and handprints of stars past and present in the forecourt of the storied Regional Airport and San Francisco Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. They also want to see the Sunset Strip, the Pantages International Airport, where travelers Theatre, and the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars are presented on Academy can connect to hundreds of daily flights Award night, and the many shops and restaurants in nearby West Hollywood. anywhere in the world. The new United Enroute to Pasadena, the home of the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl flights represent the first scheduled football game, travelers can make a side trip to Griffith Park, one of the largest commercial service by a major airline urban parks in the nation. It also is home to the Los Angeles Zoo, with more than at the airport in nine years. 1,200 animals, and the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, which houses a trove of LA/Palmdale is between the cities early-Western memorabilia, including movie artifacts collected by the late cowboy of Palmdale and Lancaster, the two star and businessman Gene Autry. largest municipalities in northeastern In Pasadena, the Huntington Library and Gardens and the Descanso Gardens Los Angeles County. With more than are attractive stops along with the smaller but charming Norton Simon Museum, 400,000 residents living in this area, which houses the late industrialist’s personal art collection, including a stunning the service gives United a competitive array of impressionist pieces. No one says advantage because traveling to other Also nearby is the popular Universal Studios Los Angeles area airports could take up to The LA Convention Hollywood, which welcomes tourists to visit movie sets, “Spread your wings and drive.” four hours during peak rush-hour times. Center, one of the most technologically advanced perhaps see stars, and stroll down City Walk to enjoy LA/Palmdale is ideal for frequent venues in the world. live shows or the shops and restaurants. business travelers in the aerospace Moving west, “born to shop” visitors would be and military R&D and manufacturing remiss if they didn’t see Beverly Hills and its fashionable LA/Palmdale is now cleared for takeoff. . operations coming from the Eastern c Rodeo Drive, with its designer-brand labels and chic Now instead of fl ying to Los Angeles and driving in heavy traffi c to Northern U.S. There are thousands of visitors each in la restaurants. Don’t miss a stop at the new Grove at the

y Los Angeles County, you can fl y United jet service to San Francisco and connect

month from the U.S. Air Force and NASA, es Farmer’s Market at 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. as well as major defense contractors ourt Developed by Los Angeles resident and nationally to LA/Palmdale. And if you live in the Northern Los Angeles County, you can fl y c such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop acclaimed lifestyle-center pioneer Rick Caruso, the to San Francisco and connect to the world. Contact your preferred travel agent Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon, and Space photo Grove draws more than 15 million visitors a year. Age Control. Travelers not only will avoid or visit United.com to book your trip today. traffic, but also can take advantage of a did you know? convenient terminal with rental-car ideas & trends born in la ★ the F-117, the first “stealth” fighter plane service and free parking. ★ the sarong (designed by Edith Head for Dorothy Lamour) ★ tooth-whitening toothpaste ★ the first commercially successful TV station, now KTLA Channel 5 ★ the Barbie doll www.lawa.org

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Los angeles county t h e b u s i n e ss c a p i tal o f a m e r i c a

Tour buses cruise Beverly Hills and Hollywood daily to point out the homes of the rich and famous, many hidden behind long driveways and impassable iron gates. A favorite stop for many tourists are studio tours and live tapings of top-rated television shows, but visitors can also often see commercials, TV shows, and movies being made on the streets of Los Angeles. The Museum of Tolerance also is in Beverly Hills, along with the Hammer Museum in adjoining Westwood and the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art, with the prehistoric LaBrea tarpits on the grounds. The County Museum of Natural History and the California Science Center, in Exposition Park near USC, are popular with schoolchildren. Off the San Diego Freeway and visible for miles is the giant Getty Museum, Mayor Bob Foster and managed by the J. Paul Getty Trust, the largest nonprofit arts institution in the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger world. It was designed by architect Richard Meier, is reached from the parking garage by a hillside tram, and is noted for its symmetrical gardens along with the Getty artwork. The Getty Villa in Malibu, which was built by the late oil magnate Imagine the ideal city. Imagine miles of and art collector, was reopened to the public in 2006 after extensive renovation. sandy beaches and a vibrant downtown Further up the freeway and across the San Fernando Valley near Santa Clarita is with museums, restaurants, music, and the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park, known for its giant roller coaster theater. Imagine ideal sites for service, rides and other amusements. Make this flight the kind that technology, medical, and manufacturing A recent poll by the national tourism industry showed that Los Angeles was the dreams are made of. firms. Imagine direct access to interna- No. 1 choice of food lovers coming to enjoy the wine and food festivals featuring tional trade, a creative work force, and California cuisine and ethnic delicacies. Ask yourself this question: proximity to the nation’s finest research Tourists come to The Pacific Ocean beaches and piers from Malibu If I could live and work wherever I wanted, where would it be? facilities. enjoy the climate, south to Santa Monica, Venice, Redondo, and Long Imagine the ideal city. Place it in the the beaches and Beach entice swimmers, boaters, and fisherman by the Imagine 345 days a year of sunshine. Imagine world’s premier market—Southern nearby mountains, thousands to enjoy the surf and sand. On a clear day, The Perfect Place to Live. a boat dock or golf course in your backyard or the beach out front. That can be your life California. Make it a beach community, extensive lodging Santa Catalina Island is visible 22 miles across the in Long Beach - at the center of the California Dream. What’s around the corner? but with a world-class port. Give it 345 accommodations, sea and is easily reachable by boat or plane from Great restaurants, entertainment, theater, beautiful parks, miles of beaches and terrific days of sunshine. Add the nation’s 25th fine dining, good Long Beach. Long Beach is also well-known for shopping. And don’t forget to get your seat at the finish line as the racing world meets shopping, and its tourist attractions, including the permanently largest university, light-rail commuting, at the Long Beach Grand Prix. and four freeways. Imagine a major the numerous docked, historic Queen Mary ocean liner, adjacent metropolis and a tapestry of unique sightseeing to the famed Long Beach Aquarium. Want a great escape? In less than two hours you’re in Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, neighborhoods. Imagine the ideal live/ possibilities. Also, the Long Beach Grand Prix for auto-racing San Diego, Catalina or on the ski slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains. In five you’re in Vegas, while Lake Tahoe and Monterey are close enough for that special long weekend. work city—a city that loves business and has grown in popularity. In addition, NASCAR fans artists, venture capitalists and poets, can enjoy the races at the 92,000-seat California No matter how you look at it, Long Beach just might be the perfect place to live. industrialists and entrepreneurs. The Grove, a shopping and Speedway in Fontana and at the Irwindale Speedway. And don’t worry about leaving friends and family behind - Long Beach is also the entertainment complex built With all the recreational, cultural, educational, and perfect place to visit. Imagine a city with 70 degrees and adjacent to the historical Farmers Market. economic opportunities available in the region, LAEDC d

sunshine in January and a Grand Prix e t

a President and Chief Executive Bill Allen says, “The The Perfect Place to Do Business. Imagine your business in the middle i l every spring. Imagine a city that’s 30 i unparalleled creativity and cultural diversity of Los of 20 million consumers. To your right are a host of Fortune 500 companies - to your minutes to Disney Hall or Disneyland. aff o

s Angeles County today makes this region one of the most left is California’s newest technology center and before you is the front door of limitless

Imagine your slip at a downtown marina ru Pacific Rim opportunities. Then, picture a city of nearly half a million with a diverse,

ca exciting places in the world to live, work, and play.”

with the majestic Queen Mary to starboard y eager workforce and nationally recognized universities turning out your next es as you raise sail for Catalina Island. Maggie Kilgore superstar discovery.

ourt is a freelance journalist and teacher who c Imagine no longer. The reality is has traveled extensively. She has recently published a memoir Now, focus on this: Long Beach is committed to helping your business. From strategic

Long Beach. photo entitled “Remember to Laugh: Writing My Way Around site selection assistance to a comprehensive array of incentive programs, Long Beach the World.” Ms. Kilgore lives in Santa Monica, CA. is the perfect place to do business. Join Us. did you know? Mayor Bob Foster ideas & trends born in la ★ the Mars Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity ★ the “magic” 8-ball toy ★ arc welding of natural-gas pipelines ★ rhinestone and spangled To learn more about the advantages of locating your business in Long Beach Western wear ★ the Douglas DC-3 (first commercially viable passenger plane) ★ the Hula-Hoop call 562-570-3800 or visit our web-site www.longbeach.gov.

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