(PLACERVILLE, CA) – The Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) selected El Dorado
County as the recipient of its 2017 Paving the Way award. The award, given to one recipient annually,
recognizes a community that has achieved exceptional economic development results.
“For the last 18 months, El Dorado County has developed and executed a strategic approach to economic
development in order to elevate the profile of our part of the Greater Sacramento Region,” said Don
Ashton, the County’s Chief Administrative Officer.
“We’re honored to be recognized for the efforts to make El Dorado County a place that new businesses
consider and current companies choose to remain and expand in, all while maintaining the rural beauty
that attracts so many people. This award is a reflection of the support of our community stakeholders,
including the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, the
Tahoe Chamber, and our County Office of Education,” added Ashton.
The County joined GSEC in 2016 as a way to leverage the innovative growth strategies it brings to the
Region. For example, when GSEC developed its bid for Amazon’s headquarters, it provided County
leaders the opportunity to think differently about the very real possibility of attracting a large company to
the County, as well as shine a light on the assets of the County for business leaders in and out of
California who may not have ever considered it.
“The County of El Dorado has shown a deep commitment to engaging public and private leaders within
our economic development strategies and to creating County-wide momentum around building an
advanced economy,” said Dave Lucchetti, GSEC Chairman of the Board, in a letter to Ashton.
In the past year, the County has launched Elevate to El Dorado, a multi-media tool which includes easy to-use
mapping showing land use, vacant parcels, amenities, and schools; updated demographic data
compiled by California State University, Chico’s Center for Economic Development; and promotional
videos. These have all been developed to attract and retain business and help guide interested parties
through the steps needed to start or expand a business in El Dorado County. The County has also
sponsored 22 people through GSEC’s Certified Champion program where they learn some of the inner
workings of economic development and current and future efforts, as well as network with business and
community leaders throughout the Region.
The award was presented at GSEC’s annual dinner, with more than 500 business and community leaders
in attendance.
For more about Elevate to El Dorado, please visit www.elevatetoeldorado.com
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