Expert Hired by City to Attract New Firms

The former executive director of the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce has been hired by the city to help attract and retain business firms.

Larry Cooper, who recently resigned from his post as head of the chamber, will receive $5,000 monthly for six months to work with the city’s Economic Development Department. Officials hope to attract large industrial and retail companies to Garden Grove.

The City Council approved the contract Monday.

“He has lots of expertise and contacts, and that’s why we’re hiring him,” City Manager George Tindall said. “He has been very successful in the chamber, and he has different expertise than the staff. He can talk to business on a different level than we can.”