Newsletter May 2022 Highlights
The mission of The Valley Economic Alliance is to engage and unite Valley stakeholders to raise standards of living and economic vitality across the San Fernando Valley.
We promote business retention, business attraction, workforce development, and tourism to create and retain jobs and a great quality of life in the 5-City San Fernando Valley region, including Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando.
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- Messages From The CEO & Chair
- Breaking News
- Economic Development & Small Business
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- Education & Workforce Development
- Livable & Sustainable Communities
- Leadership & Investor Spotlight
- Calendar of Events
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Letters from the CEO & Chair |
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Here at The Valley Economic Alliance, small business development remains one of the primary drivers fueling our passion for our mission.
During the first week of May, The Alliance joined the U.S. Small Business Administration in commemoration of National Small Business Week (May 2-5, 2022). This is a special time of year when we especially take note of and patronize our region’s small business owners for their unwavering tenacity, perseverance, and drive.
We invite our Alliance family to join us and “Shop Local” this whole month to invest in our local job creators who add so much flavor to our Valley neighborhoods and streets with their colorful storefronts, unique innovation, and hometown charm.
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One of the signature strengths of the San Fernando Valley is our incredible diversity of people, history, communities, and businesses. Our Valley Economic Alliance Board of Directors has made clear that fostering a vibrant sustainable Valley community includes achieving an inclusive economy that offers prosperity for all participants.
In our efforts toward that end, The Alliance has established a number of special interest groups to provide focused assistance to members of traditionally disadvantaged demographic groups. These include our thriving Onyx African American Business Hub, Adelante Latinx Business Hub, and Ellevate Women’s Business Hub.
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Alliance Leadership & Investor Spotlights |
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Board of Directors Spotlights |
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On May 5, the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley hosted the 8th Annual Inspirational Women’s Luncheon at the Hilton Woodland Hills. The organization partnered with presenting sponsors Wells Fargo and SoCal Corporate Growth Partners to acknowledge this year’s roster of 2022 Inspirational Women Honorees for exemplifying excellence in their respective fields and remarkable leadership in their valued positions. Members of The Alliance’s Board of Directors were in attendance to congratulate the awardees, which included Diana Duenas, Stacy Gerlich, Kathy Huck, Carol Loweree, and Sheri Polak. Additional sponsorship support for the occasion was provided by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, along with the Gelb Group, Horace Heidt Estates & Country Club, and the Tierra Del Sol Foundation. |
ABOVE: Jacqui Matsumoto, The Valley Economic Alliance Director of Investor Relations
and UCC Board Member with Evelyn Escobar, HSBC Bank
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ABOVE: Alliance Board Member Miri Rossitto, Cowe Communications, the event’s
Mistress of Ceremonies, is pictured here with Los Angeles City Councilmember
John Lee of Council District 12
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Congratulations to Dr. Houssam Toutanji, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at California State University Northridge for being awarded the prestigious John J. Guarrera Engineering Educator of the Year Award for 2020. Dr. Toutanji was also recently elected to serve as a Commissioner for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
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The City of San Fernando has earned a slew of bragging rights after San Fernando Brewing Company took home a Bronze medal for its Imperial Death Star, an American-style imperial stout, at the 2022 World Beer Cup competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions,” the World Beer Cup is the most prestigious beer competition in the world, attracting over 10,542 beer entries from 2,493 breweries just this year alone. San Fernando Brewing Company was established in 2015 and has been an integral part of the craft beer movement in the San Fernando Valley. Master Brewer, Brent Meadows, said "I've always had a passion for dark beers and the Star Wars saga. Bringing both of them together was a dream project. Imperial Death Star Stout is a balancing act between bitterness and boldness." A regular customer, David Bernal, said “I think it’s awesome to see our hometown brewery get recognized in a competition of this magnitude.” The Imperial Death Star Stout has been a customer favorite since its initial release in 2017.
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The Alliance is pleased to welcome EVERYWARE to our family of investors. Launched by Larry Talley and Scott Orlinsky in 2015, EVERYWARE is a leading contactless payments and customer engagement solutions company. Businesses of any size can easily send and collect payments faster, safer, and simpler, while improving customer experience from the convenience of their mobile devices; no app to download, no login or passwords to remember. There is no other highly secure, mobile communication and payment platform on the market that combines these tools to meet the demand for merchants and consumers. Everyware is paving the way with innovation and revolutionary ideas. Recently, they announced a collaboration with Visa, the world leader in digital payments, and also an Alliance supporter, to offer Network Token Management Services to payment processors, payment engagement platforms, and software companies with the ability to go to market faster, monetize their payments and deliver a better product to their customers. Everyware is leveraging Token ID - a Visa Solution - to build, manage, and control its tokenization capabilities. For more information, visit Everyware.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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As the busiest seaport in North America, The Port of Los Angeles has ranked number one in containerized trade for two consecutive decades. The Port’s sustainable supply chain is maintained through reliable technology and regulated cargo flow across international trading. The Port’s value is attributed to its location as a global gateway for goods and services, which stimulates the local economy and job development for a seaborne workforce.
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Point of View Communications is an award-winning, full-service integrated marketing, advertising and public relations agency founded to support the needs of business and organizations. The Alliance is pleased to have enjoyed CEO Teresa Todd’s expertise on our Valley of the Stars Gala public relations team. Working at the crossroads of business, media and technology, POV delivers innovative, strategy-driven marketing solutions that gets results. Designed with the convenience and continuity of a one-house approach, POV engages a collaborative team of industry professionals to meet each client’s needs. From strategy and planning, to design and execution, POV seamlessly integrates communication activities across all platforms, effectively expressing a client’s point of view to meet their business objectives. This year, POV acquired Estin Promos for corporate/client gifting programs and promotional product needs.
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Invest in The Alliance
Enrich your philanthropic profile by donating to The Alliance through your corporate giving program. To learn more about how you and your company can contribute to our annual programs, please contact Jacqui Matsumoto, Director of Investor Relations, at jmatsumoto@economicalliance.org or (818) 379-7000.
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Give Where You Live Campaign |
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Make sure your charitable giving stays local and benefits Valley residents and neighborhoods. We encourage you to make a tax-deductible contribution to our economic development programs. The Give Where You Live campaign enables you to collaborate with our team to bring pivotal San Fernando Valley issues and concerns to the forefront - affordable workforce housing, competitive jobs, and workforce training. Your donation earns you the designation as a “Valley Influencer,” or key decision maker on the frontlines of the policies and mandates shaping our neighborhoods each day. Join us! |
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Economic Development & Small Business |
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Economic Development Committee Recap |
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Mary Hamzoian, Economic Development Manager for the City of Burbank, discussed the City’s business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship, real estate development, and tourism strategies.
On May 5, The Alliance’s Economic Development Committee featured Mary Hamzoian, Economic Development Manager for the City of Burbank, as she spotlighted critical real estate development ventures slated to transform the landscape of the City. Known for its famed production studios– including Warner Bros. Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and Nickelodeon Studios– she emphasized programs and resources designed to help business owners increase their revenue and generate additional funding sources.
For new business owners, Hamzoian shared that Burbank offers its fair share of benefits for its 1.4 million population within 20 minutes of its borders, such as exemption from income tax and gross sales receipt tax. Additionally, the City has established a business concierge service and one of the nation’s most powerful high-speed fiber optic networks, not to mention competitive energy rebates and incentive programs. Along with large business attraction and retention, Burbank’s economic development leaders hope to solidify a solid foundation for tech entrepreneurs to take advantage of home-grown resources, such as Burbank Tech Talks, Startup.Burbank Pitch Fest, and Spark! Digital Media Lab.
Co-sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, this meeting offered a compelling and persuasive case for locating in Burbank. To learn more about the City’s major developments, visit their Economic Development site here. And you can access a replay of the program and presentation slides here.
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The small business community in Burbank is a thriving collective that continues to keep up with its flourishing commercial zoning opportunities. We were fortunate to have Mary Hamzoian from the City of Burbank join us for an insightful presentation on economic development opportunities. Though the City has established a sound reputation for its famous studios and international corporations, what is happening with its entrepreneurs? The Alliance has included a short list of businesses that visitors should check out when visiting the City, which is replete with cultural celebrations and an influx of new residents. For instance, the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival took place this past weekend and featured over 100 local artisans and vendors offering independently curated goods and services for an eager crowd. |
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Business Assistance Program |
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We honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the Valley’s small businesses and their integral role in building our local economy. The Valley Economic Alliance is pleased to fuel the success of the Valley’s small businesses all year long, such as Kristi Fischer Creative and Unique Image, Inc. |
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Kristi Fischer Creative is an innovative social media and community management company based in Chatsworth, CA. Operating in a highly demanded space with the mass transition to online commerce, the agency owner was looking for assistance expanding her business.
The Alliance introduced her to two grant programs that were right for her and a zero-interest loan program for working capital, as well as instructions for obtaining relevant business certifications, a referral to a website optimization/SEO expert, and a referral to an experienced professional who has successfully scaled a company in the same area as her own. Looking ahead, the owner hopes to use the provided resources as a foundation for scaling her company and hiring more employees.
Unique Image, Inc. Is a brand marketing and print media solutions agency based in Northridge, CA. The owner, who is also the founder of a San Fernando Valley nonprofit working to build stronger, healthier communities through social investment, reached out to The Alliance for assistance with capacity building and expanding her prospective client reach.
After an in-depth needs assessment with Alliance business advisor Brett Dickstein, she was given detailed steps for searching for and buying commercial property, recommendations on navigating its financing, and was introduced to an ideal loan program for the endeavor as well as a loan package checklist among other resources for marketing and hiring employees. With this wealth of information, she has what she needs to move forward on her goals now and in the future.
See how The Alliance can help your business grow. Learn more at TheValley.net/Assistance and enroll in our Business Assistance Program here.
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Thanks to the City of Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley residents with lower incomes are eligible to receive discounted internet and broadband service through the Affordable Connectivity Program of Southern California. Whether the service is used to participate in work meetings, attend telehealth appointments, or simply keep in touch with family members, all of us can relate to the need to connect to the outside world through a sustainable internet connection at a reasonable rate. All of us need to remain connected to the outside world through the internet, whether it’s for work meetings, telehealth appointments, or keeping in touch with family members. Through EveryoneOn and the California Emerging Technology Fund, residents can also access new computers and a comprehensive education. Learn more at the City of Los Angeles’ website below.
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Burbank Tech Talks: VC & Female Founder Perspectives on Building a More Inclusive Tech Ecosystem |
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The City of Burbank champions the entrepreneurial spirit and supports programs that nurture and inform the next generation of business talent, including empowering Female Founders. Recently, the City was privileged to have a great panel join as a part of their award winning Burbank Tech Talk series. The event included insights and inspiration from two Inc 100 Top Female Founders honorees, Rebecca Egger (Co-Founder & CEO of Little Otter) and Cynthia Plotch (Co-founder of Stix), and Ashley Ramirez (Vice President Halogen Ventures) a VC focused on startups founded by women. It was a great conversation, and you can catch the event recording here.
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Diverse Business Affinity Groups |
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If you or someone you know may benefit from culturally-relevant programming to access capital, procurement contracts, marketing or other support, then learn more about how to get involved in our affinity groups: |
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Are you seeking access to capital or procurement assistance? Are you in need of exporting information or seeking guidance with financial projections for your business? Please enroll in our FREE Business Assistance Program here.
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Education & Workforce Development |
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Mark Wilbur, President and CEO of EverythingHR and Employers Group, outlined the origins of the company and its benefits to the Valley’s workforce.
On May 11, The Alliance convened respected experts from industry and education to empower the future of our workforce and discuss new talent development strategies. The Committee is co-chaired by The Alliance Board member Los Angeles Valley College president Dr. Barry Gribbons and Equis Staffing President Donna Farrugia. Dr. Gribbons outlined strategic goals for the Committee for the next two years and expressed the significance of the Workforce of the Future Industry Leadership Directory.
Mark Wilbur, president and CEO of EverythingHR and Employers Group, served as the meeting’s guest speaker and evaluated the effects of recruitment and retention programs in light of our current economic crisis. During his presentation, he illustrated the ways in which consistent internal communication practices keep people engaged, even if they are working in a remote capacity. Creating a company culture of loyalty differentiates companies of value in the cluttered labor environment, along with adopting a proactive reputation management plan. Leaders should remember to remain forthcoming with their team members and inclusive of varying perspectives.
In addition, Ms. Farrugia provided an overview of tax incentives and benefits earmarked for local workers. A replay of the program and presentation slides can be accessed here.
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“Workforce for the Future” Industry Leadership Directory Registration Form |
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The Alliance is requesting expertise from thought leaders in the industry who are willing to partner with local colleges and universities to communicate which skills, specialities, and services you would like for future graduates to possess in our San Fernando Valley workforce. Find out how you can play a role in shaping the minds of our young people– our designated leaders-in-training– at the link here.
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The LA Business Council is seeking a Director of Economic Development. Learn more here.
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Applications for the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Summer Night Lights (SNL) are open and there are vacancies in the West Valley area. For both the Youth Squad and the Lead Youth Squad positions, applicants must be between 17 and 24 years old and come from the local community. The pay rate starts at $15 an hour.
The application deadline for these positions has been extended to Saturday, May 20th.
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Angeleno Corps offers 10 months of work experience, professional development, and a $1000 monthly stipend for young adults aged 18-24 living in Los Angeles.
From September 2022 to June 2021, Corp Members will complete work experience in Education & Child Care, Tech, Immigration, Health, and more.
To learn more, click here.
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The Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Youth Development Department (YDD), LAUSD, and other partners are hosting a Hiring Fair for L.A. Summer Enrichment Programs, this week on Saturday, May 21 from 10 AM - 2 PM at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Downtown LA. There will be nearly 20 employers who are looking to hire hundreds of people to fill their open summer positions. To reserve your spot visit, JobFairSummerofJoy.eventbrite.com.
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Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and Alliance President & CEO Sonya Kay Blake address students at the Van Nuys Airport’s Aviation Career Day.
On Friday, April 29, The Valley Economic Alliance joined Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez as co-sponsor of “The Sky’s the Limit” Aviation Career Day for nearly 150 virtual panelists, guests, and potential flight students. Popular vocalist and personality John Lombardo served as emcee while Dr. Paul Foster from Federal Aviation Administration, presented a motivational speech. Additional presenters included Flora Margheritis, Director of Airport Operations for Van Nuys Airport, and Justin Erbacchi, Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) which includes both Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport. Students were invited to enter virtual breakout rooms with Van Nuys Airport Divisions, the Federal Aviation Agency, airport tenants, flight schools, and other aviation practitioners, including Board member Captain Robert Rodine, of the Polaris Group. These breakout room hosts presented the most competitive careers in aviation depending on their interests in a career as a pilot, air traffic controller, or emergency services professional, among others.
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Flora Margheritis, Director of Airport Operations for Van Nuys Airport, shared the storied history of the destination, which was founded in 1923. |
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Livable and Sustainable Communities |
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Livable & Sustainable Communities Committee |
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The Livable & Sustainable Communities Committee hosted its Sustainability Forum on April 21 with a robust discussion of environmental sustainability and the benefits to businesses of implementing environmentally sustainable practices. Committee Chair Marianne Haver Hill, President of Community Foundation of the Valleys, joined Alliance President & CEO Sonya Kay Blake to introduce two dynamic speakers forecasting livability factors for the future of our region. Presenters included Scott Beckerman, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Sustainability for Comerica Bank, who explained a systemic shift from footprint to handprint and his bank’s growing support of green business, which has offered over $1.8 billion in green commitments and loans. Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles, was also present to tackle climate change by suggesting practices of mitigation and adaptation of resilient communities. He also addressed renewable energies, water conservation, pollution reduction, and utility rebates available to all residents. The event, which uncovered the benefits of green cleaning, green building, and substantial water testing, was sponsored by Comerica Bank, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Port of Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.
Interested in attending our next Committee Meeting and playing a more active role in promoting a positive quality of life in the San Fernando Valley? Register here for upcoming meetings.
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Join us to support the development of affordable and workforce housing in the San Fernando Valley region. Visit TheValley.net/Housing and pledge your support for housing. |
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Environmental Sustainability in the Valley
On May 10, City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will transition to Phase 3 of its critical water preservation plan, limiting LADWP customers to utilizing water outdoors for two days. This change– which will take place on June 1– indicates a portion of an extensive campaign to educate Valley residents about the emergency nature of the drought, and what residents can do to prevent a more dire water shortage. Learn more about the Mayor’s initiatives to combat the drought below.
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Transportation
I-405 Sepulveda Pass ExpressLanes Project
In an effort to keep the community informed through the environmental review process, Metro will distribute a series of quarterly project e-newsletters. These will feature project updates, public participation opportunities and other pertinent agency-wide announcements. A Scoping Summary Report summarizing project outreach and public awareness efforts is now available, with details on scoping findings resulting from public questions and comments.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this session featuring Dr. Ashley Zucker will focus on discussing various aspects related to mental health. Dr. Zucker is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Regional Lead for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Chief of Psychiatry for Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County. Topics will include the impact of the pandemic on adults and youth, increased demand for help with mental health, addressing mental health stigmas, increased clinical access, and how communities can build mental health resilience. Questions about the event or for Dr. Zucker to address during her remarks can be emailed in advance to Jacob Motta at jacob.w.motta@kp.org.
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Thursday, May 26, 2022
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Gain insights from successful exporters, learn about export financing and trade counseling services and discover trade information resources.
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The Valley Economic Alliance Mask Give-Away
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Clients in our Business Assistance Program are eligible to receive free face masks while supplies last. Registration is required.
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Summer Job Fair!
Saturday, June 11, 2022
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Employers and job seekers are encouraged to participate!
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Tuesday, June 14, 2022
10:00 PM - 11:30 AM
Take your business to the next level with key take-away ideas on marketing, human resources and financing to build your business.
Register now and level up with our partner Loop! If you have a business location, a Loop Player easily connects to your tv and allows you to share sports, fashion, music, movie, and more content for free to entertain and delight your customers. Register now and sign up to receive your free Loop Player.
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