Mayor to Address Redevelopment Issues at State of the City Event

South Gate Mayor Maria Davila will discuss the state of the local economy in her speech Wednesday at “State of the City,” a lunch and networking event for businesses.

“Mayor Maria Davila will be addressing the business community on some of the issues that South Gate is currently facing, as well as in the coming year,” said , executive director of the , which is organizing the event.

Among the topics to be discussed is the local .

“What we are hoping to hear most about is our economic situation,” said Salazar. “We are hoping that she can provide insight into the redevelopment issue.”

The economic and fiscal topics to be touched upon during the address will be important to understanding the general business climate of South Gate, said Salazar. The chamber believes businesses should learn about the impact that municipal policies can have on the economy.

“Anything that affects the city as whole is going to affect business,” said Salazar. “Every business member should be interested in hearing where we are currently, and where we are headed.”

The lunch will also serve as a networking event where the local business community can expand their contacts. Networking is a practice that the chamber considers even more important during slow economic times than when business is robust.

“Relationship building is the best way to stay [on a person's] mind when they are in need of a service, product or referring someone,” said Salazar. “You need to be connected to the community.”

The “State of the City” address will take place at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the South Gate Park Girls Clubhouse, 4900 Southern Avenue. Individual ticket prices are $15 if pre-paid before 5 p.m. Monday and $20 at the door on Wednesday.