California Business Minute™

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Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

When one thinks of Fresno, they think agriculture. But Fresno's economy has
diversified into health care, education and other service sectors, but its role as
an agricultural center still remains and dominates.

Fresno has become the state's sixth largest city surpassing Sacramento and with
the recent growth has come diversity to the city's economy, largely in health care
and other services.

The county's job base rose 11% from 2001-2007, with only a slowdown during the
nationally weak 2003. Despite job losses in construction and financial activities in
2007, total employment rose 1.2%. Through May 2008, growth in education and
leisure, retail and government employment offset losses in financial activities and
construction.

The city's downtown area has undergone significant development through both public
and private projects, including market-rate housing, a regional medical center, federal
courthouse and multi-purpose stadium with more on the way.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.