Thirty-five years ago, a billboard announced to the world: "Smile Los
Angeles! You're the Center of the Universe." Hyperbolic at the time,
today, this exaggeration comes close to reality. While Southern
California is not at the literal center of the universe, it is
nevertheless an eye-popping illustration of our globalizing world.
Over the course of forty years of reporting, author James Flanigan has
written about Southern California for such publications as Forbes and
the New York Times. In this book, Flanigan provocatively distills his
experiences with and knowledge of the region, arguing that Southern
California is an economic model for the United States and the world.
With clarity and precision, Flanigan examines numerous pillars of the
region's growth, including dynamic entrepreneurship; the rapid growth of
international trade; the harnessing and development of new technologies;
and the evolution of the entertainment industry. He assesses the
achievements of the region's people, businesses, and institutions. The
text highlights the influx of immigrants to Southern California, and
discusses these people's role in building local businesses and bringing
capital to the region. Flanigan concludes the book by looking past the
boundaries of today and into to the economic opportunities and
challenges of tomorrow--for Southern California and America.
Throughout the book, Flanigan weaves in numerous interviews that bring
to life the economic forces that he describes. Most valuable are the
stories that he shares of businesspeople--well and less known--who
demonstrate where our economy stands and where it is heading.
Smile Southern California! delivers more than a "pat on the back" for
the inhabitants of Los Angeles and its environs; it offers an insider's
view on Southern California, valuable insights for readers with an eye
on the economy, and an exciting story full of real people and triumphs
to boot!
