That's why the town's economic vitality program is featured in the 2003 Best Small-Business Practices, a publication issued by the two organizations. A total of 28 programs designed by cities nationwide are included in the publication to serve as models for other municipalities.

Inclusion of the town's economic vitality program in the publication is proof that Los Gatos remains competitive in providing desired businesses and services, said Mayor Sandy Decker.

"It says we're exemplary. We simply don't rest on the fact that this is a small, quaint town," she said. "We have done something unique."

The goal of the economic vitality program is to maintain, expand and attract desired businesses. By offering the businesses in town, residents won't have to drive elsewhere to do their shopping, more jobs will be available to town residents and local sales tax dollars will go back to the community.

As part of the business retention and expansion efforts, town staff and officials take part in visiting the businesses, offering business commendations, conducting surveys and working with the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.

What stood out about Los Gatos' application was the tremendous value it placed on small businesses, said Jeffrey Bean, managing director of Partner America.

"Los Gatos comments about the fact that it wants to have businesses in its town and not have to travel outside," he said.

The journal, published once every two years, was presented at the 71st annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in June. Other cities represented in the publication include West Hollywood, Miami, Boston, Las Vegas and San Antonio.

To obtain a copy of the publication, visit http://www.partneramerica.com or call 877.778.6726.