About Us:
Bridge
Builders
What We Do
We help build bridges between businesses and opportunities. As the largest county in the U.S., at over 20,000 square miles, you need an informed partner like us to connect you with the best locations and people our county has to offer.
How We Do It
By actively engaging with all aspects of the business ecosystem, we stay up to date with what’s happening across our dynamic County. When it comes to making the right connections in San Bernardino County, you can count on us to put you in touch with the resources and people you need to make your business prosper and grow.
An Array
of Services
At Economic Development, we connect businesses with the people and resources you need to make your business succeed.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department provides free site selection assistance. If you need help with permitting or understanding local regulations, we’re your go-to resource. Looking for local market information, demographic data, or incentive programs? We’ve got the latest information.
International Investment
Over 800 foreign-owned businesses have a footprint in the County. Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Japan, and China are the five biggest trade partners. France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Australia, and Switzerland have a significant presence as well.
Workforce Development
With a countywide workforce of nearly one million people, our Workforce Development Department helps businesses meet their ongoing hiring and training needs. Businesses need skilled workers, and we can help you find them.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development
When you’re ready to start your own business, let us help you with site selection assistance specific to your needs. We’re happy to help coordinate site tours and connect you with real estate brokers, developers, utilities, and other public agencies. We can also point you in the right direction when it comes to assistance with permitting, regulation, incentives, and accessing market and demographic information.
Travel and Tourism
People flock to San Bernardino County to hike in our world-renowned national parks, ski our majestic mountains, and explore our intriguing history. We can explain the tourism business landscape across our vast county and connect you with the resources you need to get started.
Film and Photography Permitting
San Bernardino County has a long working relationship with nearby Hollywood. We can help find accommodations for cast and crew and inform you about incentive programs. We specialize in obtaining film permits for the entertainment industry. Our knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive staff are hallmarks of our service.
Our
Team
We are your go-to information center for your business services needs.
Stephanie Ramirez
Executive Secretary to the Deputy Executive Officer
Stephanie.Ramirez@eda.sbcounty.gov
Soua Vang, MCR
Interim Economic Development Director
Soua specializes in business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives. She is responsible for overseeing and implementing a variety of targeted economic development and marketing strategies to bring more jobs and investment into the County.
Her responsibilities also include managing sales and use tax revenues of major projects for the department. Her passion is developing productive working relationships with public and private industry to bring job creation and opportunities for the residents of San Bernardino County.
Soua received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino and her Master of Corporate Real Estate from CoreNet Global—one of the most prestigious professional corporate real estate associations in the world.
Richard Vaughn, MPA
Business Development & International Investment
Richard specializes in economic development for San Bernardino County where he oversees a number of economic development efforts. He has extensive experience in business retention, attraction, expansion, marketing, federal direct investment, and international trade efforts.
With more than four years of experience, he works closely with public and private industry to bring capital investment, job creation, and greater economic opportunities to San Bernardino County.
Richard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and his Masters in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.
Rhonesia Perry
Tourism Development & Marketing
Rhonesia brings a fresh perspective to tourism development in San Bernardino County, following 25 years of service within the private tourism / hospitality sector. As the Tourism Development expert for the Economic Development Agency, her experience includes international tourism, hotel development and operations, and her passion—destination marketing.
“Rhonesia has a stellar reputation for forming relationships with the community and professionals in the hospitality industry.” says Michael Krouse, CEO and President of Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Rhonesia holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communications from San Jose State University; where she learned the value of a collaborative approach to communication.
Matt Mena
Business Development
As San Bernardino County native, I am passionate about being an intricate piece to the economic growth of San Bernardino County.
As an Economic Developer, I have relied on my education, experience in the private sector, and willing to adapt to whatever a project entails for success. I have played a significant role in business retention, attraction, expansion, and marketing efforts, which has to lead to the creation and retention of 400+ careers for the residence of San Bernardino County. I also have experience in website development and management, along with experience in Real estate analysis, government tax credit programs, and real estate development codes and zoning laws.
Stephanie Ramirez
Executive Secretary to the Deputy Executive Officer
Stephanie has seven years of experience providing administrative support to executives and leaders in San Bernardino County. Her knowledge and expertise have been developed over the years with the Department of Behavioral Health, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and currently the Economic Development Agency.
Stephanie received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies from Riverside Community College and is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, San Bernardino.
Brian Jorgensen
Business & Fiscal Analyst
Brian specializes in fiscal operations and management. With several years of experience in the public sector, Brian works closely with vendors and is the resource for interpretation of analytical data.
Through coordination of administrative and operational strategies, Brian focuses on resource utilization to maximize the benefit of business development and attraction for the region. Brian works closely with the team to uphold fiscal responsibility for the department.
An alumni of the region, Brian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Cal State University, San Bernardino.
