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Whether you are just getting started and need some advice on where to begin or you are a mature business that is looking to expand or relocate, we are here to help you. San Luis Obispo is the only city in the county that has a professional economic development manager solely dedicated to helping local businesses navigate the local regulatory framework to be successful.
Claire Clark
Economic Development Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
(805) 781-7164
cclark@slocity.org
Claire Clark has been serving as the Economic Development Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo since January 2006. The City’s Economic Development Program, started in 1994, works in concert with all City Departments and is balanced by the City’s Natural Resources Program. Claire’s legal background and work with private developers supports her understanding of business needs related to City government.
As Economic Development Manager, Claire is the liaison between the business community and City government. Work in this role includes helping businesses get answers and information from City government. In addition, outreach to businesses helps the City facilitate business friendly policies and processes.
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Ermina Karim
President/CEO
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
(805) 786-2761
ermina@slochamber.org
As president/CEO, Ermina Karim oversees the Chamber staff, works closely with the 21-member Board of Directors in setting the organization's priorities, carrying out goals and ensuring the organization's fiscal responsibility. She has an in-depth understanding about the local business community and can provide businesses with relevant data and connections to help them get started.
Ermina started out at the Chamber in November 2007 as its director of governmental affairs and quickly rose up in the ranks to become vice president of governmental affairs and economic development. In that role, she served as the liaison for the local business community to the city, state and federal governments, and led the Chamber and the community in its economic development efforts.
She previously spent two years as a reporter with The Tribune covering the county’s business community. Prior to moving to the Central Coast in 2005, Ermina worked in New York City as a vice president in Equity Capital Markets at Credit Suisse, a leading global financial services firm. She also spent several years as a financial journalist for print and online publications. She earned her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.
San Luis Obispo, CA
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