Tom Fudge: We're coming to you from the grounds of the California Mid-Winter Fair in the Imperial Valley.
This year, the fair is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Of course, just last year Imperial County marked its own centennial. Back in 1907, the eastern portion of what used to be San Diego County was divided at the western edge of the Lower Colorado River Valley, and Imperial County came into being.
Farming has been the staple industry of the Valley throughout its life. 90% of America's winter vegetables are grown in the Imperial Valley. But farming has become more difficult as the supply of farm labor has become scarcer and more expensive. Meanwhile, local officials are looking forward to a day when alternative energy, tourism, and manufacturing will become a bigger part of what makes the Valley tick.
Guest
- Tim Kelley, president and CEO of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation .
