A Move into the Future
Long Beach is changing from an economy of the past to one focused on the future, led by the “three Ts and R”: Tourism, Trade, Technology and Retail. Few cities can boast that the following industries exist in any abundance within their borders: Tourism/Hospitality; International Trade; Aviation/Aerospace; Healthcare; Oil; and Retail along with a growing number of small businesses. The diversity of these industries in Long Beach – combined with the city’s location, easy access and climate – translates into an economic muscle which, in turn, points to a multitude of business opportunities.
Tourism/Hospitality
Long Beach has emerged as a first class visitor and convention destination complete with top quality accommodations, award-winning restaurants, unique shopping venues and “must see” attractions. Long Beach is California’s fifth largest city.
The Pike at Rainbow Harbor is an oceanside complex with new restaurants, retail shops, movie theatres and a fun-filled entertainment center, all within steps of the Long Beach Convention Center. Long Beach hotels include some of the biggest names in the industry including Hyatt, Hilton, Westin and Marriott, and the city has more than 2,500 rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center and downtown attractions. The city also offers free and frequent shuttle service in downtown between hotels, attractions and restaurants. Some of Long Beach’s main attractions are:
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is located just 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach and can be reached in less than one hour aboard Catalina Express. Whether you need a few days to relax and escape the stresses of the mainland or are looking for a quick getaway packed with adventure and fun, Catalina Island is the ideal place to visit.
Discover Catalina’s adventures at your own pace. You can snorkel in some of California’s cleanest waters, or experience the Eco Zip Line Tour. Discover the wild side of Catalina’s interior on an island motor tour. Or if it’s relaxation that you’re looking for, grab a good book, a beach chair and a beverage, and pick a peaceful spot on the beach to get away from it all. Catalina Express fast catamarans depart daily from Long Beach. For more information, please visit www.catalinaexpress.com or call 800-315-3967.
The Convention & Entertainment Center
The newly renovated Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center hosts various conventions, trade shows, meetings, concerts, theater and sporting events. The SMG-managed facility includes three Exhibit Halls, three Ballrooms, the Long Beach Arena and the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, including Terrace and Center Theaters – home to the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and the International City Theater.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Home to over 11,000 ocean animals representing nearly 500 species, the Aquarium of the Pacific features numerous exhibits that explore the waters of Southern California/Baja, the Northern Pacific and Tropical Pacific. The Aquarium also offers up close and personal interaction opportunities at their Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest. As a nonprofit institution, the Aquarium provides a fun and educational experience for families of all ages and is committed to the conservation of the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems. Visit www.aquariumofpacific.org
The Queen Mary
Transport yourself back in time aboard the legendary Queen Mary. Once the grandest ocean liner in the world, she is now a full-service hotel, historical landmark, attraction and entertainment venue. With 85,000 square feet of meeting space, a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping options, the Queen Mary has something for everybody. Currently aboard is Diana: Legacy of a Princess, a priceless collection of authentic evening gowns and cherished memorabilia associated with Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and the Royal Family. The Queen Mary hosts two annual events including CHILL and Dark Harbor. For information, call 800-437-2934 or visit www.QueenMary.com
Carnival Cruise Lines
The world’s most popular Cruise Line consisting of the newest and largest fleet in the world. Carnival offers 3-12 day cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas. Seasonal cruises offered to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Bermuda and Europe. Award winning cuisine, state-of-the-art accommodations, lavish entertainment and FUN activities for all ages.
Toyota Grand Prix
In April, many of the world’s finest drivers will take center stage as the 40th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach takes to the downtown streets surrounding the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. The race menu will be headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series starring such drivers as Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dario Franchitti, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal and 2013 race winner Takuma Sato. But that’s just a part of all the action during the weekend which will also feature sports car racing, concerts, the return of the Food Truck Experience, Mother’s exotic car show, and night time racing featuring the best of the Formula Drift machines and drivers. As always, the Lifestyle Expo in the Convention Center will be a major attraction and will also include the Kid’s Fun Zone as well as interactive games for all ages. For up to date information about the race or to purchase tickets go to www.gplb.com
Oil Industry
The City’s oil industry remains a strong contributor to the local and State’s economy. Thousands of barrels of “Long Beach crude” are pumped each day from more than 5,000 wells beneath the City. These wells feed thousands of miles of underground pipeline that transport the crude to nearby refineries in Carson, Wilmington, San Pedro and Downey for processing.
Four offshore, man-made oil islands, operated by OXY/THUMS Long Beach Company, service the nation’s fourth largest oil field – known as Wilmington Field. These unique islands have been carefully designed so as to minimize visual and environmental impacts. Oil drilling rigs on the islands are disguised as high-rise buildings that provide noise reduction as well as improved esthetics. Other oil production equipment and facilities on the islands are either placed below ground level or are masked by concrete sculptures, waterfalls and palm trees.
Small Business
Small businesses compromise the largest sector of jobs in Long Beach. The majority of these companies offer a wide variety of services, especially in business, health and social areas. A large and growing percentage of small businesses in Long Beach are minority- and women-owned.
Long Beach Airport
The Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the gateway into the City of Long Beach. It is a landmark of aviation and architectural history with its historic terminal, contrasted by the new amenities in its spacious new passenger concourse. LGB has been recognized for the 8th consecutive quarter in a row, for having the most affordable air fares in California by the Department of Transportation. A long history of reliable customer service for travelers at a reasonable cost is nothing new at LGB. This year the Airport will mark 90 years of public service to travelers in Southern California and the City of Long Beach.
Long Beach Airport has transformed itself into a resort-like area mirroring the local assets of Long Beach. The Airport is centrally located just a few minutes drive from almost everything in the city. Long Beach Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in the world with nearly 300,000 annual general aviation operations, including award-winning FBOs, flight schools, law enforcement, and search and rescue flights. Additionally, it is a center for air cargo carriers that transport more than 41,000 tons of goods each year.
LGB’s economic output has grown by 50 percent since 2003. The Long Beach Airport Area Complex is directly responsible for supporting nearly 18,000 jobs, or nine percent of all jobs in Long Beach. The value of the output directly associated with the enterprises on site at the complex is $6.2 billion. Regionally, LGB supports 43,000 jobs with $11 billion in economic output making the airport area a strong employer in the regional economy.
Health Care
Approximately 15,000 people are employed locally in the health care industry. Within the city are more than 1,700 physicians, 250 dentists and scores of other medical specialists. Long Beach has three major full-service hospitals in addition to a Veteran’s Administration Medical Center: Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (recognized as one of the leading health care facilities in the nation), St. Mary Medical Center and Long Beach Community Hospital. The city also has its own Public Health Department that employs over 350 professional staff.
Retail
The city of Long Beach offers a number of powerful attractions to companies in the retail industry. The city government, with the help of the Chamber, is committed to making Long Beach a regional retail powerhouse.
Premier Shopping Centers
• CityPlace
• Los Altos Market Center
• Marina Pacifica Mall
• Long Beach Towne Center
Long Beach Business Improvement Districts
• Belmont Shore Business Association
• Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association
• Downtown Long Beach Associates
• East Anaheim Business Association
• 4th Street (Retro Row)
• Uptown Property & Community Association