In March, the city of Chico revealed its new Economic Development Web site which is not only helpful but easy on the eyes.

Entering the site beautiful pictures of Chico’s most beloved places, such as Sierra Nevada Brewery, the downtown City Plaza and CSU, Chico flash on the screen with the phrase “a haven for innovation & entrepreneurship.” The Web site covers why Chico is a great place to live, work and visit.

“The new Web site is designed to take advantage of the city of Chico’s top position on the Google Search Engine to help market Chico for investment in order to strengthen the economy,” said Martha Wescoat-Andes, Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager, city of Chico.

The information on the site answers all the questions that people interested in Chico would normally ask, such as where is Chico and why should I move to Chico? It has an interactive map, gives resources for companies considering a new operation in town and talks about the affordable, small town charm Chico has to offer.

The Web site has lots of tools, such as a property database where commercial brokers can upload their vacant properties within Chico and have them seen on the site, as well as on the Team California site, which functions as the marketing arm for the state in terms of relocations. There is also a Higher Education page where CSU, Chico identifies its Colleges that are interested in applied research partnerships with businesses.

Whether you want to know what schools are in Chico, real estate and labor cost of doing business in Chico, sustainability efforts in Chico or where to head for outdoor fun, this site has it.

Wescoat-Andes is maintaining the site and working to make sure the information is always current.

“The site is very easy for the city itself to update and change as we go,” Wescoat-Andes said. “It will continue to evolve as we develop it as a tool.”

The hope for this site is that it will eventually bring more businesses to the area. Check out the Web site at www.chicoeconomicdevelopment.com.