Smile Southern California, you're the center of the universe
Subtitle: the economy and people of a global region
By: James Flanigan ; with a foreword by Richard Riordan.
Publisher: Stanford General Books
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Stanford, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 192
ISBN-13: 9780804756259
Subjects: Business enterprises -- California, Southern; Globalization -- California, Southern; California, Southern -- Economic conditions; California, Southern -- Commerce
Description: "Thirty-five years ago, a billboard announced to the world: 'Smile Los Angeles! You're the Center of the Universe.' Hyperbolic at the time, today, this exaggeration comes close to reality. While Southern California is not at the literal center of the universe, it is nevertheless an eye-popping illustration of our globalizing world." "In this book, James Flanigan provocatively distills his experiences with and knowledge of the region, arguing that Southern California is an economic model for the United States and the world. With clarity and precision, Flanigan examines numerous pillars of the region's growth, including dynamic entrepreneurship; the rapid growth of international trade; the harnessing and development of new technologies; and the evolution of the entertainment industry." "Throughout the book, Flanigan weaves in numerous interviews that bring to life the economic forces that he describes. Most valuable are the stories that he shares of businesspeople who demonstrate where our economy stands and where it is heading. Smile Southern California offers an insider's view on Southern California, valuable insights for readers with an eye on the economy, and an exciting story full of real people and triumphs!"--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Global trade, local industry; title: Ballistic missiles to cellular phones : the shift in Southern California's industrial foundation; title: The entrepreneurial economy, new capital, new immigrants; title: Latin American immigrants spur the economy; title: Bridges to China; title: Universities : engines of the new economy; title: Entertainment industry in the global media age; title: Time to look ahead.