In the Inland Empire, we’ve long recognized that economic development requires a balanced approach: one that creates jobs, provides pathways to economic stability, and builds sustainable communities. The logistics industry is one of our region’s most powerful job creators, delivering opportuniti es beyond just direct employment that transform lives and neighborhoods. For thousands of our residents, positions at the warehouses of medical supply manufacturer Medline Industries and major retailers like Walmart, Target, Skechers, and Amazon offer not just employment, but a realistic path to financial stability and career advancement. Research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce confirms the transformative impact of distribution centers. Their analysis shows a new facility with 4,000 employees in San Bernardino creates 3,336 additional jobs throughout the community, increases annual earnings by $652 million, and generates $51 million in local tax revenue. These numbers represent real opportunities for families across the region. The sector has grown more dramatically than any other in San Bernardino County, rising from 12% of all jobs in 2005 to 20% in 2023 to become the county’s largest employer. And the sector continues expanding, from traditional distribution centers to hybrid operations like Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling’s planned expansion of its Rancho Cucamonga distribution center into a manufacturing and distribution facility. Across the sector, whether at established facilities or new operations, positions like fulfillment associates, safety specialists, and technicians typically offer competitive hourly wages and benefits packages – good jobs that don’t require advanced degrees and are strengthening and expanding our middle class. This is particularly important in an area where only 25.2% of prime-age workers have at least a Bachelor’s degree, which is well below the national average of about 37%. While comprehensive sector-wide data about the economic impact of these types of facilities remains limited, we can look at Amazon, which employs nearly 3% of the county’s workforce, as a case study. Beyond direct job creation, new research from Oxford Economics shows how communities with Amazon facilities see increased business formation, lower unemployment, higher average weekly wages, and improved labor force participation. In San Bernardino specifically, the percentage of residents in the lowest income group has decreased by 0.5% – meaningful progress for our neighbors who have historically had fewer economic opportunities. Amazon has also demonstrated a commitment to workforce advancement, providing eligible employees with prepaid tuition at hundreds of educational institutions (including California State University San Bernardino, University of Redlands and San Bernardino Valley College) so they can gain in-demand skills while employed. Meanwhile, technical apprenticeship programs in mechatronics and robotics offer substantial wage increases without requiring a four-year degree. We’ve started seeing the results of these kinds of initiatives: between 2014 and 2023, the percentage of prime-age workers with a high-school diploma or less fell by 3.6 percentage points. Amazon’s commitment to education extends into the broader community as well. In 2023, the company increased access to computer science education to more than 12,000 students across the San Bernardino City and Rialto school districts, helping ensure that students from all backgrounds can build the skills needed to thrive in our evolving economy and strengthening our region’s economic future. The Making Hope Happen Foundation recognized this commitment earlier this year, presenting Amazon with the Opportunity Award for advancing educational equity and opportunity in San Bernardino – demonstrating how logistics companies can be powerful partners in building stronger communities. The revitalization of the San Bernardino International Airport illustrates how logistics investments can turn dormant infrastructure into an economic engine. This air hub now processes thousands of shipments hourly and has attracted major companies, creating an ecosystem of logistics excellence that benefits the entire region. As we plan for the future of our region, we must embrace our status as the logistics capital of the world – we had the largest share of industrial leases in the U.S. the first half of the year – and recognize that the logistics sector represents not just jobs, but opportunities for upward mobility, educational advancement, and community resilience. The sector has helped transform our region into an economic hub with benefits that extend far beyond warehouse walls. The Inland Empire’s path to prosperity depends on partners committed to both economic growth and community well-being building stronger, more resilient communities where families can thrive. Paul Granillo is the President and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. He lives in the Inland Empire, California.  ...read more read less