Up until recently, Long Beach officials have been curiously quiet in regards to Tesla Motors, which still has not announced a location for its Model S production plant.

But on Monday, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske unveiled a YouTube video (since taken down) touting Long Beach's enterprise zone and accompanying tax credits.

Today, the Press-Telegram reports that Randy Gordon, president of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, has released a letter urging Tesla to choose Long Beach. Here's a portion of that statement, as published by the PT:

"Now, with all due respect to the fine city of Downey, there really is no comparison here. Their city government has made a strong push to attract Tesla. But, Boeing as well as a Long Beach team of city staff led by Mayor Bob Foster and City Manager Pat West have worked tirelessly to communicate and negotiate with the carmaker since rumors of a partnership began. Also, Long Beach City Councilmember Gerrie Schipske (the vacant Boeing facility is located in her district) reminds her constituents time and time again, our city offers so much more than just a place to build cars.

"Specifically, we offer our rich manufacturing history in the aircraft and automobile industries; we offer a dedicated, experienced workforce that is highly skilled and well educated; we offer the resources of two local colleges that continue to produce California's best and brightest. These are the foundations that built Long Beach and will carry it into the future - with the help of Tesla, innovators in their industry and leaders of a new automobile revolution.

"The effect that Tesla would have on Long Beach is immeasurable. While creating 1,000 to 1,200 jobs and generating substantial revenue, the clean-and-green company would only further Long Beach's reputation as one of the most environmentally-conscious cities in America. In return, Tesla Motors would receive lucrative enterprise zone tax credits for hiring local employees that are simply not available anywhere else. Additionally, freeway access and nearly endless stream of a local, talented workforce will ensure a strong and vibrant economic future for a company of the future.

"This deal is not about what the City will receive, or what Tesla will receive. Instead, is a deal that is about the things that the two can accomplish together. And, it is the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's belief that Long Beach and Tesla Motors can accomplish so much more with each other than they ever can separately, forming an alliance of environmentally-friendly innovation and leadership to guide others in the same direction. Eventually, changing the industry. Then, maybe companies across America.

"This relationship has the potential to change the way we look at our own society. This is a chance to build better cars, to build a better local economy, and to build a better nation, together. We cannot and must not allow that opportunity to slip away...

...and that's Strictly Business."

Downey city offials have been tight-lipped about talks with Tesla. Mayor Mario Guerra, in an e-mail, said only, "We have had several meetings with [Tesla] and their top officers recently and that is all I can say at this time."