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Stockton Record - September 8, 2005
Grupe to co-chair S.J. economic group STOCKTON — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday announced that a Stockton developer will co-chair the group responsible for crafting solutions to address economic needs in the growing San Joaquin Valley.
Fritz Grupe, 67, founder of the Stockton-based The Grupe Co. land development firm, will co-chair the 26-member California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley with Tulare County Supervisor Connie Conway.
Schwarzenegger appointed Grupe because of his expertise and knowledge, said Julie Soderlund, Schwarzenegger's deputy press secretary.
"The San Joaquin Valley is facing tremendous challenges as the region continues to grow more rapidly than any other area," Soderlund said. "Mr. Grupe has the background and experience to understand the unique challenges facing the region as it continues to grow."
Grupe couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.
Schwarzenegger in June signed an executive order creating the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, a group that includes state and local government officials and members of the private sector.
Other appointed members include San Joaquin County Supervisor Victor Mow and Jose Rivera, a Woodbridge resident who is a medical group administrator for Kaiser Permanente and a member of the San Joaquin A+ Educational Program.
The partnership will identify programs and funding sources to address regional issues such as growth, job development and housing.
The group is expected to work closely with the state's congressional delegation to garner federal support for projects that are identified under the program.
The partnership will develop a San Joaquin Valley strategic action proposal that will be sent with a set of recommendations to the governor by October 2006.
The creation of the partnership is a sign that the Central Valley is a booming region that is vital to the state's future, said Carol Whiteside, president of the Great Valley Center, a Modesto-based think tank.
"It's the first time we have engaged in regional conversation about opportunity and challenges before us," Whiteside said. "We have always had a small view of the future. This is the chance to begin to look in a comprehensive way of what the future means."
Contact reporter Erin Sherbert at 209 833-1143 or esherbert@recordnet.com
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