Feb. 27, 2019 at the State Capitol – Lt. Governor Kounalakis and BizFed Government Relations Director Lara Larramendi
BIZFED SACRAMENTO DAY 2019
CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL, SACRAMENTO, CA
COMMENTS TO LA BIZFED, AS PREPARED
FEB 27, 2019
Welcome!
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Sacramento today. I’d like to start by saying a few things about the California economy. It is important to recognize that our state is growing faster and outperforming the rest of the country in almost every sector.
We are #1 in manufacturing. #1 in agriculture, #1 in R&D and advanced technologies. #1 in foreign direct investment, #1 in capital access. We’re home to some of the world’s leading universities and we are the cradle of the digital era.
California also boasts the country’s largest port complex. 30 percent of U.S. exports and 40 percent of imports come through California ports. In terms of agriculture, we produce one third of our country’s vegetables and two thirds of our fruits and nuts. My favorite trade statistic is this – 3.3 billion bananas come through Port Hueneme every year. 3.3 billion bananas. 10 bananas for every man, woman and child in the United States.
Everyone now knows that California has landed at number 5 on the list of the world’s largest economies. First is the US, then China, Japan, Germany. California.
The strength of the Los Angeles Biz Fed is the best evidence that the Los Angeles n is a powerful economic and industrial engine that drives the California economy.
As your LG, I’m committed to three things – all of which Los Angeles has a role to play. Public higher education, environment and international affairs. (Add comments.)
My friends, it is truly an honor to be with you today. And know that I’ll be right there with you, working hard to ensure that California’s future is better and stronger for all of our families and all of our children.
Thank you.