California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

The Tour of California started this weekend.  The Tour (8 stages), began in Sacramento
on Saturday, February 14th with the Prologue or time trials.  Crowds were estimated from
75,000 to 100,000. 

This year marks the return of world renowned bicyclist – Lance Armstrong and two time
Tour winner Levi Leipheimer.  They are also joined by the 2008 Tour de France winner and 17
individual stage winners of the Tour de France.

The event runs from February 14-22.  The stages of the race include:

Stage One - Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage Two – Sausalito to Santa Cruz
Stage Three – San Jose to Modesto
Stage Four – Merced to Clovis
Stage Five – Visalia to Paso Robles
Stage Six – Solvang
State Seven – Santa Clarita to Pasadena
Stage Eight – Rancho Bernardo to Escondido

While there is no complete statewide analysis from the economic impact of the Tour
has been completed,race officials have identified that the Tour has a $100 million
economic impact on the host communities.  However, many are beginning to do their
own analysis and reviews to determine the local impacts specifically now that this is
the fourth year for the event and its popularity is growing.

For all of the details on the race, see www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.