Monday, December 05, 2005

Tomatoes on Steroids—Get on Board!

Tomatoes on Steroids is a catchy name for a unique program that the Kern (CA) Economic Development Corporation (www.kedc.com) started last year to assist fledgling companies in the county. The nine companies chosen last year have already created 35 new jobs in the past year.

This year the EDC has chosen eight small businesses and one business cluster from the 38 applicants to the program. The program is aimed at companies with fewer than 50 employees that have the potential to pay above average wages, have sustainable products and a unique or advanced technology.

The cluster selected for the program is the off-road and motorcycle industry. Eight companies in this cluster will be assisted on how to get their information out to a wider public by working together. As I travel around the USA, this cluster and related recreational activities is a rapidly growing one.

The Tomatoes on Steroids is another Economic Gardening initiative that first began in Littleton, CO and is spreading throughout the country. You need to have your community on this bandwagon. Get on board!

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