The City of Lodi is boosting its commitment to attracting and developing new business with the creation of a Business Development Manager position within the City Manager's office, and the appointment of Electric Utility veteran Rob Lechner to the job.
Lechner, the Manager of Customer Services and Programs for the utility, will move to his new position March 4. Lechner will spearhead economic development efforts for the City, which has been handled through a team approach for most of the past decade.
"I am quite pleased that we are able to fill this position with someone who knows the business community in Lodi and has the enthusiasm to lead our business development efforts," City Manager Konradt Bartlam said.
Lechner will focus on working with existing Lodi businesses with their ongoing and expansion needs, and with attracting new businesses to Lodi. Lodi Electric Utility has a number of programs to assist businesses, including low rates for industrial customers, rate discounts for businesses that add jobs, zero-interest loans for energy efficiency project and rebates for solar energy projects.
In addition, the vast majority of Lodi businesses and all industrially zoned property is within the San Joaquin County Enterprise Zone, where businesses can receive tax credits for hiring and investing in their businesses.
As Business Development Manager, Lechner will provide businesses with information about these programs, as well as real estate, zoning, permitting and other matters. |
