It took the worst recession in decades to get there, but all of a sudden, “economic development” is a politically acceptable term in South Santa Barbara County.

In fact, momentum is building behind a countywide economic development effort to help existing businesses expand and recruit new companies to the area.

First, a little disclosure. A few weeks ago, Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce President Steve Cushman and Board Chair Julie McGovern asked me to moderate a panel on the future of the South Coast economy.

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