Spotlight on Opportunities In Ontario–Advertising Supplement

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The City of Ontario is enjoying something of a hot streak at present. In 1996, Ontario Mills opened to enthusiastic crowds, and last year almost 20 million people visited this mega retail and entertainment mall, making it the state’s No. 1 tourist attraction. In 1997, the Ontario Convention Center opened, sporting 225,000 square feet of incomparable high-tech space for conventions, trade shows, exhibits, meetings and other special events. In 1998, Ontario International Airport unveiled two new air terminals offering the best in service, comfort, convenience and amenities. In 1999, the City announced that Porsche, BMW, New Balance, the University of La Verne College of Law and Keystone Engineering were all building significant facilities here. Also in 1999, there were 46 transactions in Ontario for 100,000 sq.-ft. or larger buildings, up from 29 in 1998 and 17 in 1993.

In 2000, corporate expansion and relocation experts have begun a new Ontario land rush, led by CoachSports developer Barry Kemp, who has entered into an exclusive right to negotiate agreement with the City to develop a new arena seating about 11,000 patrons. The arena site is part of the 200-acre Ontario Center, one of the last undeveloped tracts of prime real estate along the I-10 highway in Southern California.

As of April 30, a staggering total of 22 million square feet of industrial space was under development in Ontario. In recent weeks, Estyle.com, Etoys.com and Toysrus.com have announced plans to build major satellite-linked distribution facilities here to better serve their worldwide customer bases. On May 18, New Balance broke ground on its massive West Coast distribution facility at the Crossroads Business Center in Ontario.

Several factors can account for Ontario’s market momentum. The sixth annual Kosmont Cost of Doing Business Survey of 220 California cities and counties ranked Ontario as one of California’s most business-friendly cities. According to the survey, the cost of doing business in Ontario, based on business taxes, fees, use taxes and property taxes, was “very low,” the best rating a city could receive. As part of this pro-business environment, the City’s Economic Development Department can help any small, mid-size or Fortune 500 business hit the bricks running with fast-track permit, employee development and site location assistance among the many free services it provides.

Air cargo traffic at Ontario International Airport in 1999 increased 8.5 percent over 1998. The pace of business remains brisk in 2000, capitalizing on Ontario’s excellent airport and transportation infrastructure, including expanded HOV lanes and major improvements to key overpasses and ramps in high-traffic areas of the City.

Ontario is also being recognized as a key stop along the Inland Empire’s Innovation Corridor, nourished by 24 local colleges and universities stretching from Caltech in Pasadena to UC Riverside. In recognition of this reservoir of young, high-tech talent, the City of Ontario has launched major initiatives to attract more aerospace companies and customer relationship management centers to the area. At the same time, Ontario has built a broadband pipeline to provide cutting-edge businesses with high-speed Internet access.

Low crime rates and high housing affordability are other outstanding Ontario attributes. The Ontario Police Department reported that Part 1 felonies , which include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, vehicle theft and grand theft , decreased 11% from 1998 and 16% from 1997. At the same time, more Southern Californians are finding Ontario a safe, affordable place to live a smart alternative to higher-priced Los Angeles and Orange Counties. And with the City’s recent annexation of the 13-square mile agricultural preserve, now called the New Model Colony, Ontario will boast an even wider range of housing opportunities, including executive model homes.

When all things are considered location, transportation, technology, education, business opportunity, housing affordability and quality of life Ontario offers a unique combination.

This article was provided by the City of Ontario.

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