Gilroy
– Bill Lindsteadt, director of Gilroy’s Economic Development
Corporation, has suffered a series of medical problems, including a
heart attack, following hospitalization last week for an
undisclosed medical emergency.
Gilroy – Bill Lindsteadt, director of Gilroy’s Economic Development Corporation, has suffered a series of medical problems, including a heart attack, following hospitalization last week for an undisclosed medical emergency.
Lindsteadt, 66, was taken to Saint Louise Regional Hospital Thursday evening where he underwent extensive tests and treatments, according to Susan Valenta, who, as director of the Chamber of Commerce, has worked next door to Lindsteadt for the last eight years.
Lindsteadt, who was in the intensive care unit since Saturday, was expected to be taken to Salinas Memorial Hospital Monday afternoon to receive specialized medical treatment, according to Valenta.
Saint Louise Regional Hospital Spokeswoman Vivian Smith described Lindsteadt as being in “fair condition” just prior to his transfer Monday.
Valenta has worked down the hall from Lindsteadt at the Chamber of Commerce’s Monterey Street office since 1996, when Lindsteadt was hired by the city to create the EDC.
He is generally credited for the city’s rapid commercial and industrial expansion east of U.S. 101.
The list of businesses he has shepherded into the city include Home Depot, Costco, Lowe’s, Target, and Wal-Mart, as well as the outlet center businesses.
Since Lindsteadt started the EDC, the city’s annual taxable retail sales have grown from $600 million to $1.1 billion, in 2003.
“Over the time he’s been in Gilroy the growth in jobs, tax base, and revenue has been astronomical,” Valenta said. “As a result, many of the quality of life services that we often take for granted have been made possible even during a time of economic downturn.”
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce named Lindsteadt Man of the Year for 2004.
In addition to his work at the EDC, Lindsteadt has volunteered extensively for his church, the Elks Lodge, and the Rotary Club.
Valenta said Lindsteadt plans to retire in Dec. 2005 and travel around the country with his wife.
