EDC-VC CEO to Helm Statewide Economic Development Board

CAMARILLO, Calif. - July 9, 2013 - PRLog -- CAMARILLO, Calif. – Bruce Stenslie, CEO and president of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County (http://www.edc-vc.com), recently was elected chair of the California Association for Local Economic Development (http://www.caled.org) (CALED) board of directors.

CALED is comprised of approximately 800 members statewide, including city and county staff, elected officials, regional economic development organizations, industry associations and workforce professionals. In addition to its core work in support of the state’s economic development community, the organization operates two subsidiaries: the California Enterprise Development Authority (http://www.ceda.caled.org), which addresses gaps in economic development financing, and California Academy for Economic Development (http://www.edacademy.org), which provides professional training to career economic development professionals.

As chair, Stenslie will guide the board’s efforts in sharpening stakeholders’ understanding of economic development and its value for improving quality of life and economic health regionally and statewide. The board will also work to identify and secure resources to support local economic developers and help local communities access financing, technical assistance and professional development.

“To connect our local work with a larger statewide movement is both an honor and great responsibility,” said Stenslie. “I look at this challenge as an opportunity to help California’s communities and businesses be competitive in the domestic and global arena,” said Stenslie.

“We are excited to have Bruce as CALED's chair,” added Gurbax Sahota, CALED CEO and president. “He has proven his dedication to promoting economic development through his service on the CALED board and engagement on the issues impacting our members. We believe the association will reach new heights and make an even bigger difference under his leadership.”

Stenslie joined EDC-VC in 2007 and has more than 20 years’ experience in workforce and economic development. Stenslie served as deputy director of the California Workforce Association, as director of workforce policy for the mayor’s office in Los Angeles, deputy director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency, executive director of the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County, and executive director of the Candelaria American Indian Council. He serves on both the California and Ventura County Workforce Investment boards, the California Enterprise Development Authority, Team California, First 5 Ventura County, and chairs Community Action Ventura County.

         CALED is the premier statewide professional economic development organization dedicated to advancing its members’ ability to achieve excellence in delivering economic development services to their communities and business clients. CALED's membership consists of public and private organizations and individuals involved in economic development: the business of creating and retaining jobs.
         EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.