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POWERING INNOVATION & DRIVING PROGRESS
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STATE OF THE CITY 2025
I n the City of Industry, we measure our success by that of our businesses and the people who lead and support them. Their prosperity fosters ours, and extends throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Together we are “Powering Innovation and Driving Progress.”
This is more than a slogan it is a promise. A promise that Industry will continue to lead; that we will continue to invest; and we will ensure that our future generations will inherit a city that is stronger, more resilient and more prosperous than ever before. The City of Industry is home to more than 3,000 businesses that employ more than 67,000 people. We welcomed 189 new businesses last year. The City is proud to be the “Economic Engine of the San Gabriel Valley” and one of the most business-friendly cities in Los Angeles County. We are the City people come to for jobs and those employees are the heart of our community. From large-scale manufacturers and distributors to small start-up makers of everything from foods to heavy equipment and parts, each business in our City contributes to our community. Furthermore, the reach of these companies is global. We are proud to be a hub for goods movement and home to Foreign-Trade Zones. Since the incorporation of our City on June 18, 1957, business has been at our core. Our commitment to jobs, enterprise and regional infrastructure never falters. We at City Hall and the Industry Business Council continue to support companies and employees on their path to prosperity. Our City is an incredibly special place. It is so gratifying to work here with an amazing team of City staff and business leaders who strive every day to give back to the greater region. We work hard daily to meet the needs of our businesses and ensure their prosperity. We care about our businesses, our people and our region. We are moving ahead to an innovative and successful future for all.
HEART OF THE CITY AWARD
Cory Moss City of Industry Mayor
City of Industry City Council | email: COICouncil@cityofindustry.org | phone: (626) 333-2211
The 2025 State of the City event celebrated “Driving Progress, Powering Innovation,” highlighting advancements in sustainability, energy, and business growth. Regional business leaders and community groups gathered for the event. Above, Mayor Cory Moss with Industry Sheriff’s Station deputies. At right, Moss presents the 2025 Heart of Business Award to Bentley Mills President and COO, Jay Brown, for the company’s leadership in sustainability and social responsibility.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael Greubel
Council Member Mark Radecki
Council Member Newell W. Ruggles
Council Member Steve Marcucci
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Industry Business Council Champions Local Business Community IBC offers economic growth and business development opportunities to San Gabriel Valley businesses and local students R epresenting the interests of thousands of businesses in the City of Industry and San Gabriel Valley, the Industry Business Council (IBC) is a vital organization that promotes a business-friendly community and economic growth. Today, the IBC represents over 3,000 businesses in the City of Industry including manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, logistics, retail, and restaurants. “The IBC is a vibrant organization that for many years has done a lot of good,” said IBC Executive Director Joanne McClaskey. “The IBC has stepped up its game and become a stronger organization tailored to meet the needs of our members and drive the economy of the region forward to a brighter, more prosperous
The Industry Business Council: Powering Innovation and Driving Progress
T he global economy is a complex network of connections that extends from the international stage to regional and local communities. The City of Industry is proud to serve as home to over 3,000 businesses whose reach extends across Southern California and around the world. Our City is a vital hub for jobs, industry, and goods movement, serving as a major gateway to the global marketplace. At the Industry Business Council (IBC), we are dedicated to supporting our member companies and strengthening the foundation of our community. Each day, our efforts contribute not only to the success of local businesses, but also to the prosperity of the greater region, the nation, and beyond. As highlighted in this section, our City is home to Foreign-Trade Zones serving many companies that depend on the seamless flow of goods — from manufacturing and warehousing to logistics and e-commerce. The IBC serves as more than a resource — it
of tomorrow. Our IBC University offers workforce training on the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence. We also host Executive Luncheons that provide valuable networking opportunities and professional insights. Recently, we welcomed Disney’s innovation expert Duncan Wardle, an ideal fit with the City’s annual theme: “Powering Innovation and Driving Progress.” Our leadership extends beyond the City as well. The IBC actively engages with regional and national organizations to stay ahead of marketplace trends and advocate for the needs of our businesses. By remaining informed and connected, we ensure that our members are positioned to succeed in an ever- evolving economy. Every day, the IBC reflects the energy and pace of the businesses we serve — businesses that operate around the clock, shaping the future of the Los Angeles region and making their mark on the global stage. We invite you to explore the stories of our companies, our City, Foreign-Trade Zones, and the work of the IBC. Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative future.
Membership Benefits IBC members enjoy many benefits, including: • Business development and networking events • IBC quarterly executive luncheons at the Pacific Palms Resort • IBC event discounts • Company listing in a business directory and website • Monthly IBC newsletter • Website access to a company profile • Grand openings, ribbon cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies • Announcements within the member community • The use of an IBC community room (based on availability) • Certificates of origin • Access to the HR Legal Advice Hotline. This is an additional, valuable service members can add at a discounted rate and is included with certain membership levels. Attorneys answer questions regarding labor employment matters including workers’ compensation, wage laws, terminations, harassment issues, disciplinary issues, compliance and more. • Potential future workforce benefits such as finding interns, apprentices and employees as a result of the IBC’s partnership with the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. This partnership connects industry leaders with educators and students in 16 district-wide Career Technical Education programs. IBC members are not only helping students learn workforce skills but are helping to give area students future career opportunities. The IBC offers seven different membership levels to accommodate every business’s needs and interests. For more information about the IBC or to inquire about membership, email the IBC at info@Industrybc.org or call 626-968-3737.
is a trusted partner. We assist companies step by step as they establish and grow, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive. Through our partnership with Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), we connect industry leaders with educators and students across 16 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, helping prepare middle and high school students for the careers
future for all.” History
The IBC has evolved over the years to adapt to a shifting local business climate. It formed in 1962 as the Industry Chamber of Commerce. In 1970, the chamber expanded to include the Industry Manufacturers Council whose members and officers were representatives of business firms located within City of Industry. In 2018, the Industry Manufacturers Council transitioned to the Industry Business Council IBC. The new name reflects changes in the local business community as the City of Industry expanded from a predominantly manufacturing community to including transportation, warehousing, distribution, restaurants, and much more.
Joanne McClaskey IBC Executive Director
NEW BUSINESSES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR Terry Baker
PRESIDENT David M. Perez
VICE PRESIDENT James Lin
SECRETARY/TREASURER Dean Yamagata
DIRECTOR Walter Hafner
DIRECTOR Clement Calvillo
DIRECTOR Janet Kapusta
Openings of food products distributor Greco and Sons, left, and logistics company iDC Made.
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NEW BUSINESSES
T ariffs, trade wars and taxes: For the international business community, any one of these can bring uncertainty and make running a business more complex and expensive. Tariff unpredictability also impacts a company’s ability to plan for the future. This is where the Foreign-Trade Zones and City of Industry come in to play. The Foreign-Trade Zone designation in the City offers many benefits to businesses and a unique opportunity for companies seeking a competitive advantage and solutions to the challenges of conducting international trade in times of tariff unpredictability. Foreign-Trade Zones can be part of an effective, proactive strategy to withstand tariff volatility, enhance flexibility, strengthen supply chain resilience, and cut costs in uncertain economic times. “A Foreign-Trade Zone is a major tool to help companies level the playing field and compete internationally,” said Scott Neal, a longtime U.S. Customs broker and consultant, and a Foreign- Trade Zone specialist. “Foreign-Trade Zones also promote expanding U.S. exports and they can be a powerful cash- management tool. Cities like them because they attract more industries, retain U.S. jobs and create new jobs.” Duties vs. Tariffs Duties belong in a broad category of fixed, government- imposed taxes on goods and can be applied to domestic or international goods. Duties are collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They generate revenue, protect trade, and are typically set by international trade treaties. A tariff is a type of duty applied to international trade, usually imports. Tariffs are used to generate revenue, regulate foreign competition, and protect domestic industries. Tariffs are a type of duty, but not all
What is a Foreign-Trade Zone? A Foreign-Trade Zone is a secure, designated area located within the United States, but considered to be outside of U.S. Customs and Border Protection territory. As a result, businesses in one of these zones can reduce or eliminate duties and tariffs on imports and take advantage of other benefits to encourage foreign commerce within the United States, according to the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (naftz.org). Foreign-Trade Zones were created by Congress in 1934 as part of the New Deal. They were designed to stimulate economic development, promote international trade, and create domestic jobs that would otherwise be lost to foreign competition. Foreign-Trade Zones are in every state and Puerto Rico and are established within an area near a port of entry to the United States. In Foreign-Trade Zones, goods can be stored, assembled, manipulated, modified, relabeled, repackaged and re-exported, free of U.S. Custom duties. Foreign-Trade Zones are a vital resource for trade in the United States. According to its 2023 Annual Report to Congress, the Foreign-Trade Zones Board said there were 197 active Foreign-Trade Zone programs across the country, employing approximately 550,000 people at about 1,300 operations and businesses, and exporting $149 billion in goods.
New restaurant opening, left, and opening of organic waste processing expansion at Valley Vista Services’ Grand Central Recycling & Transfer Station above.
OCT. 11-12, 2025
INDUSTRY HILLS CHARITY PRO RODEO
From left: David M. Perez, Valley Vista Services, Rosa Garcia, EXPO, Yamini Pathak, City Finance Director, Cory Moss, Mayor, Julie Pedroza, Steve Marcucci, Council Member
Foreign-Trade Zone and City of Industry Any company property located in City of Industry can operate under a Foreign-Trade Zone, either operating under an existing zone, or establishing
Continue FTZ, Page 9
duties are tariffs. Tariffs may be imposed by a government for certain products, or categories of products, at distinct times. Tariffs can change at any time at the whim of the current administration.
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types of companies in foreign-trade zones
From FTZ, Page 7
1 Duty/tariff deferral: Foreign-Trade Zones provide importers, exporters, manufacturers, and distributors with opportunities to reduce U.S. Customs duties and tariffs and defer payment until products leave the zone. 2 Duty/tariff elimination: If an imported product that has been admitted to a Foreign-Trade Zone is subsequently exported, no U.S. Customs duty or tariff is due. 3 Duty/tariff reduction: Businesses can reduce duties and tariffs by paying the duty/tariff on manufacturing parts or the finished product, whichever is lower. 4 Weekly entry program: By using the Foreign- Trade Zone, businesses can file weekly TOP 10 advantages for businesses in a foreign-trade zone
or entry in the Customs territory of the United States. This helps reduce inaccurate inventory and emergency shipments. 8 Quality assurance and customs compliance: With the high quality of inventory control systems required, better quality control is a side benefit. These benefits include location and tracing of all foreign merchandise, including those returned or destroyed under Customs supervision. This reporting helps assure that only duty or associated fees are paid. 9 Cargo insurance: Some Foreign-Trade Zone operators and end users have been successful in negotiating a reduction in cargo insurance rates by arguing that direct shipment avoids pilferage opportunities at the point of Customs entry. 10 Community benefits: Foreign-Trade Zones benefit American communities by attracting new businesses, boosting local employment, expanding the tax base, and improving infrastructure.
entry for multiple shipments and only pay one merchandise processing fee for huge savings. 5 Protecting cash flow: A Foreign-Trade Zone offers benefits such as increased cash flow and reduced actual duty paid on imports and products warehoused, manipulated, or manufactured for export. 6 Streamlined logistics and direct delivery: Upon approval from Customs, imports may be directly delivered to the Foreign-Trade Zone. Users may also request permission to break and affix Customs seals. Also, there is no need to hold products for Customs clearance. This often results in a one-to three-day reduction in the supply chain which benefits not only manufacturers and other end users, but third party logistics providers. 7 Inventory control: Better inventory control and security may lead to better compliance with U.S. Customs and Border protection requirements. The Foreign-Trade Zone program requires accurate reporting to follow foreign merchandise from receipt, processing, and shipment for export
their own. As a Foreign-Trade Zone, City of Industry is strategically located about 40 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, 28 miles from Ontario International Airport, and 45 miles from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. City of Industry an ideal place to do business under a Foreign-Trade Zone. Businesses already located in City of Industry or that are new to City of Industry can apply for a Foreign- Trade Zone designation. It’s quick under a streamlined process. For more information on City of Industry’s Foreign-Trade Zone program, email Scott Neal at scottneal61@gmail.com or call him at 714-644-0800.
Large and small companies alike use Foreign-Trade Zones; 70 percent of Foreign-Trade Zone users are small businesses. Such companies include importers, manufacturers, distributors, assemblers of products, and exporters of imported merchandise and/or products containing imported merchandise. The types of companies that use Foreign-Trade Zones include: Warehousing and Distribution Motor Vehicle Assembly General Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals Machinery/ Equipment Oil Refinery/ Petrochemical Electronics Food Processing
Sources: City of Industry and the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones.
FIVE WAYS THE U.S. FTZ PROGRAM HELPS BUILD A STRONGER U.S. ECONOMY
Created by Congress in 1934 to encourage investment and promote U.S.-based manufacturing and distribution, exports and American jobs, Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) are designated areas physically in the United States, but considered to be outside U.S. Customs territory, where goods can be stored, assembled, manipulated, modified, relabeled, repackaged and re-exported, free of U. S. Custom duties. FTZs are in every state and Puerto Rico.
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CREATING AMERICAN JOBS 550,000 U.S. WORKERS IN A FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE EMPLOYING MORE THAN
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INVESTING IN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES ADDS BILLIONS OF INVESTMENT DOLLARS INTO LOCAL ECONOMIES
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E stablished in 1989, Harmoni International is an importer of garlic and other spices including ginger, paprika and black garlic. The company is headquartered and maintains two large warehouses in City of Industry. About a year ago, Harmoni learned that the company could join the Foreign-Trade Zone in City of Industry and started the application, which was approved. “It was easy for us in the city,” said Harmoni General Manager Jesse Deng. Harmoni’s customers include factories,
Foreign-Trade Zone and that the business community using these zones will grow more influential as a group with regard to influencing government policies surrounding imports and exports. “It’s a good thing,” Deng said of the Foreign-Trade Zone. “I would like this group to be bigger. Maybe that could help with some of the regulation part. The (Trump) administration would hear our voice. I hope our voice would be louder.”
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FTZs benefit U.S. communities by attracting new businesses, increasing local employment, expanding the tax base, and enhancing infrastructure. Example: Through it’s FTZ production facility, BMW Manufacturing Co., Spartanburg SC (FTZ #38) turned a struggling textile town into an automotive manufacturing and exporting powerhouse.
INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF U.S. BASED COMPANIES
Example: Airbus Americas, Inc. Mobile AL (FTZ #82) aircraft manufacturing operations have grown since 2015 to support more than 15,000 Alabama jobs.
By providing mechanisms to optimize supply chains and minimize a product’s landed cost, FTZs improve U.S.- based companies’ cost competitiveness, allowing them to offer more affordable and innovative products. Example: FTZ duty savings on its inputs allows FTZ duty savings on its inputs allows Piramal Critical Care, Inc., Bethlehem PA (FTZ #272) a U.S. based anesthesia products manufacturer, to compete with duty- free foreign products in U.S. and global markets
restaurants, retail outlets, and supermarkets. Deng said Harmoni customers have benefitted by being able to defer duties, because their products are stored in the designated Foreign- Trade Zone Harmoni warehouse in the City of Industry before being delivered. Some customers are storing their imported products in Harmoni’s warehouse to wait and see if tariffs will decrease, Deng said. This has helped them save money and improved their cash flow, she said. “They can be more flexible. It’s helping to attract new customers,” Deng said. She hopes other companies will join the
PROMOTING U.S. EXPORTS
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STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE
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HELPS U.S. BASED COMPANIES BE MORE COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE Example 1: Thanks to the FTZ program’s cost savings and competitive benefits, Kubota North American Corporation, Atlanta, GA (FTZ #26) now exports 35% of its American-made sub- compact tractors, utility vehicles, and lawn mowers to Europe and Australia. Example 2: The cost-competitive advantage from the FTZ program allows Kawasaki Motors Mfg. Corp. U.S.A., Lincoln, NE (FTZ #59) to export 20% of its U.S. production of JetSkis and Mule and Teryx lightweight utility and sport vehicle to the EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE L.A. TIMES
To operate in an FTZ, companies must adhere to strict security requirements, comply with stringent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, and strictly observe a variety of U.S. laws and regulations. They have close and transparent working relationships with CBP officials, who consider FTZs a model of compliance and a “CTPAT security best practice.”
SOURCES: 85th ANNUAL FOREIGN-TRADE ZONES BOARD REPORT TO THE U.S. CONGRESS; U.S. BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 2022 EXPORT DATA; 2020 FTZ ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY, NAFTZ; U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION DATAWEB
Published by NAFTZ March 2025
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City of Industry: Strategic Location Driving Regional and National Growth T he well-known phrase “location, location, location” is often tied to residential real estate, but it is equally critical to business success. For companies in the City of Industry, location is one of their strongest competitive advantages. “They are strategically located with the nation’s largest gateway — the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles —as
system of systems. It is not a linear process,” Inman explained. The City of Industry is home to more than 3,100 companies providing over 70,000 jobs across diverse industries, with more than 1,400 logistics and warehousing firms employing over 24,000 people. “If you look at the scale of the industrial market in the City of Industry, it is significant. Businesses here thrive because of the supporting ecosystems and synergistic industries that work together.” Beyond its prime location, the City of Industry
distinguishes itself through strong civic leadership and a business-first mindset. Inman noted that City leaders actively engage with local businesses, advocate on their behalf, and maintain a forward-
looking approach. “The City of Industry has an exceptional location, but what truly sets it apart is its commitment to its roots. This is a city that has never lost sight of its name and purpose. Leaders here approach challenges with a can-do attitude, working collaboratively at the regional level and in Washington, D.C., to advance solutions that serve the greater good.” The Industry Business Council (IBC) plays a vital role in this effort by supporting businesses at every stage — from startups to established enterprises — through workforce training, recruitment, and networking. In recognition of these efforts, the IBC was awarded BizFed’s 2023 Bizzi Award for Business Nonprofit of the Year. “We are dedicated to meeting the distinct needs of our businesses and fostering a supportive community that drives economic growth for the broader region,” said IBC Executive Director Joanne McClaskey. BizFed has consistently recognized the City of Industry as one of the Top 3 most business-friendly cities in Los Angeles County. The city’s growth trajectory remains strong, with 189 new businesses added last year alone. “A lot of cities don’t fully understand the goods movement sector the way the City of Industry does,” Inman emphasized. “They recognize it as the lifeblood of our economy — the system that keeps everything moving.”
Fran Inman
The newly formed Puente Hills Auto Center is here to serve our community with everything you need for the road ahead. From a massive selection of new and pre- owned vehicles across multiple brands, to expert service, maintenance, and parts you can rely on, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality automotive care close to home. Whether you’re shopping, servicing, or just exploring your options, Puente Hills Auto Center brings together trusted dealerships and friendly professionals—all committed to making your experience easy, convenient, and tailored to the needs of our local community.
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well as railroads and an extensive freeway network. All the major pieces of the puzzle come into the City of Industry,” said Fran Inman, Senior Vice President at Majestic Realty, based in Industry. Recognized nationally for her leadership in goods movement and transportation, Inman is the immediate past president of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) and has served on the California Transportation Commission and the National Freight Advisory Commission. Centrally positioned in Los Angeles County — the economic hub of Southern California — the City of Industry benefits from direct access to one of the nation’s largest consumer markets. The trade and logistics sector, which drives much of the region’s economic activity, plays an essential role in both regional and national commerce. The Los Angeles Port Complex alone handles 40 percent of the nation’s inbound containers. According to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), trade and logistics directly employ more than 900,000 individuals and support over 2 million jobs across the region. “When you look at goods movement, it’s an entire ecosystem — a
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25 miles from Downtown LA and Orange County “Top Of The Hill” Golf & Mountain Views Spectacular Wedding, Social and Business Event Venues Getaway Celebrations, Indoor & Lakeside Patio Dining
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