Cope Approved As Economic Development Director

Sonora, CA — Larry Cope of Gilroy has officially been named the new Director of the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority.

Cope says he is impressed with the city-county partnership that has been put together over the past year to spur economic development. He says he is happy to be in the Mother Lode, noting that the region has been one of his favorite vacation destinations.

Looking ahead, he says one of his main priorities will be maintaining local companies.

“When you look at economic development itself, eighty percent of new jobs come from existing businesses,” says Cope. “You need to make sure that they are growing and healthy.”

“Once you do that, recruiting becomes a little bit easier,” he adds.

Cope was approved during a meeting of the EDA held at Sonora City Hall during the noon hour. He will be paid a salary of $93,595.

Cope has spent the past three years working as Director of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com