Utilizing Economic Development Programs to Expand Your Business: Drew Mercy from AV EDGE

Antelope Valley is growing at a rapid pace, and AV EDGE is ready to help businesses get started with expansion into the area. This week, we have Drew Mercy from Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise on the show to discuss how they can help all sizes of businesses take advantage of economic development programs. Drew discusses what the use tax is, how it impacts those doing business in California as well as residents of California. He provides examples how AV EDGE can help small businesses and highlights the businesses they are currently seeking to work with. Tune in to learn more about how they can help you!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [6:00] Drew introduces himself and shares his background.
• [7:32] What is public policy? 
• [8:53] What is the use tax? 
• [13:53] What is Drew’s role at Antelope Valley EDGE?
• [16:12] How do tax breaks work in cases of economic development? 
• [18:03] Do the economic development programs apply to small or medium size businesses?
• [20:12] What are opportunity zones and what are the benefits of utilizing them?
• [22:45] How can business owners learn more about what Antelope Valley EDGE can do for them?  
• [24:09] Drew gives some examples of how a small business used AV EDGE. 
• [25:47] Where can people reach Drew?
• [26:47] Drew provides an example of how AV EDGE could help a carpet company with less than 12 employees.
• [30:07] What types of businesses is AV EDGE currently looking for? 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AV EDGE can help ensure that you are following the correct tax laws within your business, because there can be a lot of gray areas. 
• The economic development department markets the area for economic activity from the local government’s perspective. Anything that brings in jobs, businesses, sales tax, etc.
• Aerospace, distribution centers, industrial manufacturing, film studio space, sound stages, and energy companies are all areas where AV EDGE is looking to expand. 

LINKS MENTIONED:

AV EDGE CA 

AV EDGE CA Facebook

AV EDGE Instagram

Phone #: 661-441-2957

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BIO

The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) is an organization that devotes itself to facilitating business growth and opportunity within our 3,000 square mile region.

In February of 2020 AV EDGE was founded on the legacy of two great organizations: the former Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance. Despite coming together during a strange and difficult time, this new organization is energized and on the rise. Armed with a new structure, new attitude, and a fresh new way of doing business, we are excited to be able to have an opportunity to foster both old and new relationships with the hopes of achieving steady regional economic development and growth.

We strive to attract and maintain diverse business growth and retention opportunities, quality infrastructure, and a strong legislative voice, leading to the success and prosperity of AV EDGE members and the greater Antelope Valley region.