LISA WAHLA HOWARD, Valley Press Staff Writer
February 9, 2006
Economists predict strong year for L.A. County
LOS ANGELES - The county's economy should continue to strengthen in 2006, with aerospace among the industries poised for a positive year, according to economists with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.
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Expected strong sectors for the year include aerospace/high-technology, international trade, professional and business services and tourism and travel, said Jack Kyser, the LAEDC's chief economist. "They're going to push our economy forward, and we're looking for a good rate of job growth in Southern California," Kyser said. "We have industries that do face challenges, including the motion picture industry and the retail industry."
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Long viewed as the lifeblood of the Antelope Valley's economy, aerospace employment grew 2.6% countywide in 2005, ending the year with about 40,825 jobs compared to 39,808 in 2004. The industry is estimated to grow 1.2% in the county in 2006, to 41,300 jobs; and further grow 1.9% the following year, according to the report.
 
The run-up in land prices has led to a shortage of industrial and office space, which should continue to profit the Antelope Valley. "The county does have the escape valve of the Antelope Valley, which has not only lots of land but also a positive attitude towards business," according to the report.
 
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