cerritoscityhall Cerritos was honored as Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County for cities with populations under 60,000 people Wednesday night during a ceremony at the  Beverly Hilton Hotel, receiving an Eddy Award from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).

Alhambra won the Eddy among cities with populations over 60,000, a category in which Downey and Carson were also finalists.

Inaugurated in 1996, the Eddy Awards gala has become the most important economic development award program in the state of California. In 2006, the LAEDC created the “business-friendly” award category to recognize cities within LA County that are proactively promoting business-friendly programs and services.

“We’re delighted to present our fifth annual award to these very deserving cities,” said Bill Allen, LAEDC president and CEO, in a prepared statement. “The cities of Cerritos and Alhambra best represent what can be achieved when our city governments work side-by-side with the business community to create business-friendly environments where quality jobs can grow.

“Each year, this competition reveals that more and more cities are being proactive in their efforts to retain and attract quality jobs and businesses in their communities. The ability and commitment of our local governments to attract and retain good jobs is absolutely essential if our region is to regain its economic vitality and sustain our quality of life in the future.”