Barberton has bite, says development director from Arizona, California

What do Fresno, California and Barberton have in common?

Ask Gil Gonzales, director of economic development for the Barberton Community Foundation.

Growing up in Fresno, the agricultural hub of the Golden State, he developed an abiding respect for what he calls the determination of blue-collar workers. He learned the importance of community and a strong work ethic from his grandparents, who raised him.

He also sees this in the working population in Barberton.

“That DNA of hard work is part of this community,” he said in a recent interview at the foundation’s headquarters on Paige Avenue.

Gonzales, who moved to Barberton in 2022, joined the community foundation in May.

Gil Gonzales has experience in economic development in California and Arizona

As Director of Economic Development, his job is to attract businesses that create jobs for the town's residents. This is at the heart of the Barberton Community Foundation's mission to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations.

Gonzales brings extensive experience in economic development.

He was an executive director for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, was vice president of economic development for the Arizona Commerce Authority, and served as a commissioner in the Office of Economic and Business Development under California Governor Jerry Brown.

Gonzales said he hopes to use the skills he's learned in economic development to bring new employers to Barberton. The state, he said, has made great strides in attracting large employers that could benefit the Magic City.

“There's a lot going on in Ohio, a lot of collaboration,” he said. “It's more focused on the outcome.”

Barberton is well positioned for economic growth, says Gonzales

These companies would need additional activities to complement their main locations, he said.

In economic development jargon, that could mean a supply hub if a company is expanding its supply network. Barberton, he said, is well positioned to attract such companies.

Gonzales said small businesses are also critical to the economic vitality of a community.

“My passion and real interest is small businesses,” he said.

In a press release announcing Gonzales' appointment, the foundation's executive director described Gonzales as the right person for the job.

“His extensive knowledge of economic development and passion for supporting small businesses make him an exceptional fit for this role,” Gordon said.

“Barberton has to believe in himself”

Gonzales believes that the people of Barberton have the courage needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

“What they need is the opportunity and the way to seize that opportunity,” he said.

He knows from experience what it takes to start a successful business and is the co-founder of Subcity, a software platform that helps small manufacturing companies obtain government tax credits, grants and financing.

Barberton, Gonzales said, has the resources and workforce to improve the city's economy and create good-paying jobs for its residents.

“From an outsider’s perspective, Barberton has to believe in himself,” he said.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

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Barberton has bite, says development director from Arizona, California

Gil Gonzales has experience in economic development in California and Arizona

Barberton is well positioned for economic growth, says Gonzales

“Barberton has to believe in himself”

Anna Harden

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Gil Gonzales has experience in economic development in California and Arizona

Barberton is well positioned for economic growth, says Gonzales

“Barberton has to believe in himself”

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