Prompt. Professional. Prepared.
It Matters Who Leads!
Local Economy
Strong Local Economy
With 12 years of hands-on experience in economic development and working with the business community, I feel strongly that city needs to build on their partnerships with the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Visit Morgan Hill, and the Morgan Hill Downtown Association to guarantee there is an environment where businesses can succeed.
We need to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that come our way. While not every business opportunity is a perfect fit for our community, we are better served to be in a position to decide what’s best as opposed to missing opportunities due to poor decisions and a lack of planning.
I spend time with local business owners to discuss their plans for growth and expansion. I also talk with those who are interested in locating their businesses in Morgan Hill. I connect interested parties to city staff to determine if there is a fit, available space, and opportunity for these potential new businesses.
Below are a few of my efforts to help our local economy and businesses.
Guac Walk
Three months ago, I visited Morgan Hill’s 15 Mexican restaurants along with Region Market and talked with them about the idea of creating and promoting a unique, year-round campaign effort, to drum up more business from inside and outside our community. All agreed to participate in the “Guacamole Trail,” also known as the Guac Walk.
The goal of the Guac Walk is to draw people in to experience some of the area’s best guacamole while ordering other food and drink items.
Guac Walk — Visit Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill Guacamole Trail (youtube.com)
CEO Roundtable
I work with city staff to coordinate a CEO Roundtable discussion with leaders of local businesses (large and small), developers, realtors, economic development professionals which was hosted at the corporate headquarters of The Shoe Palace here in Morgan Hill.
Candy Park Businesses
Candy Park business owners were dealing with a chronic problem of unhoused encampments behind their business park creating serious issues for business owners and their customers. Unhoused campers were starting fires to cook meals, throwing bottles over the fence into Candy Park’s parking lot, making threats to business owners, stealing property, and intimidating customers of the business park. Upon learning of this, I worked closely with the business owners, city staff, and Valley Water to address the problem and provide housing options for those willing to accept it. We were eventually able to get Valley Water to provide notice to the remaining individuals to vacate the property providing relief to the business owners and their customers.
Bay Area Panthers
When our Bay Area Panthers, the 2023 Indoor Football League champions, were being courted by other cities after their championship year, I assembled a regional team of leaders and influencers to keep the Panthers headquartered in Morgan Hill and playing at SAP Arena in San Jose. That team included San Jose Mayor, Matt Mahan; San Jose Sharks President/CEO, Jonathan Becher; San Jose Sports Authority President, John Poch; and team owner Roy Choi.
I’m proud to say we were successful in our efforts to keep the Bay Area Panthers paying in San Jose and headquartered in Morgan Hill. Players and coaches rent housing units in Morgan Hill for 6 months during the season, shop at local restaurants, stores, and retail outlets, volunteer for local non-profits, and help coach various sports team in our community.
I am honored to be endorsed by business organizations including the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, The Hispanic Chamber of Silicon Valley, South County Business Alliance, and Silicon Valley Biz PAC, as well as business owners and business leaders.
During his time at the Chamber of Commerce, Mark made a significant difference in supporting Latino-owned businesses while fostering inclusivity and a sense of community.
Maria Cid
Agent/Owner
Maria Cid Insurance Agency
Mayor Turner is the leader we need to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. His plans to support small businesses and promote educational and recreational programs reflect a deep understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations.
Armando Garcia
30-year Morgan Hill Resident and Business Owner
Mark Turner
If you wish to contribute to my campaign please take a moment and donate.
The maximum donation allowed under city ordinance is $4,900.00.
Thank you for your support!