Top Candidate Emerges For Economic Development Authority Director

By Bill Johnson Published Mar 10, 2009 10:10 am Updated Mar 10, 2009 01:05 pm

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority will vote on Wednesday whether to hire Larry Cope to serve as its first Economic Development Director.

Cope has spent the past three years serving as the President and CEO of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation of Gilroy, CA. He has also served as Executive Director of the Junction City-Geary County Economic Development Commission and Director of the Jefferson County Economic Development Commission.

A letter from CAO Craig Pedro and City Administrator Greg Applegate has been sent to the EDA Board members indicating that Cope is the top candidate following an extensive interview process involving City and County staff.

A total of 53 candidates applied for the position, according to information from the County. If Cope is approved, he will start April 6th and be paid a yearly salary of $93,595.

The Economic Development Authority meeting will begin at noon Wednesday at Sonora City Hall.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com