Cope Sees Better Times Ahead
Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority Director Larry Cope remains “cautiously optimistic” that the local recession is beginning to turn around.
Cope was Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
Cope points to several recent developments just over the last few weeks, that would bring both new job opportunities and an increase in retail tax revenue.
Tree clearing and soil sampling began last week at Sanguinetti and Old Wards Ferry, where a proposed 111,196-square foot Lowes Home Improvement Store and 27,720 square foot center will soon be built.
National Tractor Suppy at Mono Way and Peaceful Valley Road has already been built and will soon be opening within the next couple of weeks.
MRL Industries, a high tech manufactuing company on Tuolumne Road will soon be more than doubling its’ workforce and will be hiring over thirty engineers and over fifty electromechanical assemblers.
A national retail department store is closely looking at the 55,000 square foot building (formally Gottschalks) in the Junction Shopping Center. Cope can not say who the national chain is, however, Tuolumne County Administrator Craig Pedro has already mentioned that Kohl’s Department Store is interested in the property.
Cope also remains certain that Wal-Mart will be given the green light to expand and add a grocery store to its already existing property.
The KVML “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.
Written by mark@mlode.com
