Reported By: Rob Hughes (Rhughes@kswt.com)

El Centro/Imperial CA October 14- Thousands of jobs and millions of dollars are coming to the Imperial Valley. Experts say two multi-million dollars projects will help pull the valley out of the recession.

Two large vacant fields lie in Imperial Valley. Right now they're just earth and soil; but soon they'll be bustling commercial centers.

"These are pretty exciting times in the Imperial Valley with new commercial and industrial growth, with our international trade and logistics, and renewable energy; this is the time when the Imperial County is creating jobs and creating prosperity," said Tim Kelley, President and CEO of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation.

An open field at the intersections of Highways 86 and 111 near Heber will be transformed into the "Imperial Center," featuring a concert hall, convention center, movie theater, hotel, gas station, and more. Kelley helped raise millions in federal grants and private investments for this project. "What we're dealing with now is a market that has taken a downturn, while at the same time we're bringing these projects forward; these are projects that will turn the economy around, and move things forward," said Kelley.

Geary Coats with Pacific Anchor Development is spearheading a second project, the "Town Center II" project, at Highway 86 and Crookshank in El Centro. What is now a vast open field will soon be converted into a University of Phoenix campus, restaurants, and stores.

"It's been a great partnership program between us, the City, the Imperial Chamber of Commerce; the growth that has occurred through their actions, through Tim's (Kelley) actions, through all of this; it takes all of us, no one person could do it, so I appreciate that," said Coats.

Robert Rubio, President of the Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce is excited for the valley's bright future.

"Keep 'em coming more and more, because we need more, the more the better, it's not just this, there's other things we have in the oven cooking, and hopefully they'll burst," said Rubio.

Groundbreaking for both projects will begin in January.