Economic development comes in many forms and sizes, and for the High Desert, a coordinated effort at a recent convention of retailers presented an opportunity to attract businesses back to the area. City managers from the Victor Valley and Barstow all networked the Las Vegas Convention Center hoping to boost their regional economy.

Although the cities had previously attended the International Council of Shopping Centers is the past, they had done so as separate entities. This time, under the banner of “Opportunity High Desert,” the City Managers were able to present the regional advantages of moving to the High Desert, including demographics, economic and environmental highlights as well. According to preliminary interviews, the strategy may pay off.

For the estimated 12-miles per day walked throughout the convention center, there are about 150 leads and follow up conversations to be had. Even converting just a few of those opportunities into realities could mean a huge boost to the regional retail portfolio.

Read the full article at the Victorville Daily Press.