The LAEGC is the one-stop shop for economic development here. Part clearinghouse, part ringmaster, the organization has been at the table for every major development project since 1981.

Among its many functions:

n Finding sites for expansions and new businesses

n Arranging business financing with various lending agencies

n Liaison with regional, state and federal development groups

n Marketing and public relations

n Assisting with permitting processes

n Providing information, from demographic data to technical-assistance programs