San Antonio is positioned well to take advantage of a strengthening economy in 2010, a panel of community leaders assembled by Mayor Julián Castro concluded Wednesday.

More than 100 business, labor, nonprofit and academic professionals delivered their findings following a nearly three-hour summit at City Council Chambers.

Mayor Castro, one of five mayors to participate in the recent White House Jobs and Economic Growth Forum, assembled the high-level gathering at the request of the Obama Administration, which is looking to identify the best ideas and approaches to stimulate job growth.

“It is no secret that the federal government is looking to make significant investments in communities across America to get this country working again,” Mayor Castro said. “I am extremely pleased that today’s summit in San Antonio was more than just talk. This type of productive session involving a cross section of the community will help us speak with one voice to get the proper attention in Washington,” Mayor Castro added.

The summit included 12 breakout sessions involving individuals representing local Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium-size businesses, labor leaders, as well as academics and leaders from nonprofit organizations. “San Antonio has done a good job preparing for, and coming out of, the recession,” said Steve Nivin, director and chief economist of the SABÉR Institute. “This job summit enhances that preparation and helps us to take advantage when the economy starts turning around.”

Participants in the summit were asked to consider a variety of questions posed by the White House. The feedback and answers to those questions will be provided to the administration in the coming days.

“It was meaningful to have a voice at the table at the White House on Dec. 3,” Mayor Castro said. “San Antonio has emerged as a very strong Sunbelt city and we have an opportunity to impact the national economic discussion.”