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Newsletter
October & November 2019 Highlights
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Access to Business Capital Recap
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) hosted Access to Business Capital with Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo Bank, on Saturday, November 9th, at the Hilton in Woodland Hills.
This was TVEA's first Access to Business Capital event and it was free to those who attended.
This was a "Ted-talk" style event that featured banking professionals discussing a wide array of capital sources that were available to entrepreneurs and small business owners including options from banks including SBA loans; alternative capital options such as microloans, and community development financial institutions.
The event was split into 4 one-hour long discussion panels with 12 speakers and 4 moderators.Two sessions would occur simultaneously granting attendees the option to choose two of the four topics: Financing Options for Start-up Businesses, Financing Strategies for Your Existing Business, Alternative Financing: Different Options for Obtaining Capital to Grow Your Business, and Your Resource Partners and Why They Are The Key to Your Success.
There was a loan-pavilion set up for business owners to come sit one-on-one with a loan facilitator to discuss and determine financing options for their business.
Sponsors for this event included gold sponsor Business Resource Group. Silver sponsors included California Lutheran University and Mission Community Bank. Community partners included PACE, United Chamber of Commerce, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce and more.
Picture from left: Sumantra Sengupta of Cal Lutheran University, Ryan Roques of Mission Valley Bank, Greg Salomon of Primary Funding, Sharon Evans of Business Resource Group, and Margarita Morrill of Wells Fargo.
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Mike Quiroga honored with Fernando Award
The Valley Economic Alliance's (TVEA) Board of Governor, Mike Quiroga, was honored with the Fernando Award for his exceptional volunteerism
on September 27, 2019 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
The Fernando Award Foundation Inc. created this award to recognize individuals who have made a significant positive impact in the community through volunteer work.
The Fernando Award is the most prestigious award for volunteerism in the San Fernando Valley.
Mike Quiroga was the 61st honoree to receive this award. In
his acceptance speech, he credited watching his father volunteer while growing up in Bolivia for inspiring him to give back to the community.
Mike Quiroga is actively involved
in numerous organizations serving on the board for Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind, TVEA, Mid Valley YMCA, and more. He has dedicated countless hours, resources, and money to assisting the community and his employees. He has partnered with Los Angeles Mission College and Los Angeles Valley College to offer his employees specific training programs to help further their education.
Jane Skeeter, TVEA Boardmember and Founder & CEO of Ultraglas, Inc., was among the four finalists for her amazing support in helping the community. She actively participates in organizations that support local businesses and education.
She has served for the West Valley Boys and Girls Club and was the past president of NAWBO-LA, representing the organization as an advocate for women-owned businesses.
The three other nominees included, Steve Fazio, President & CEO of Fazio Enterprises, Jeff Friedman, VP of Marketing at Dynamic Nursing Inc., and Scott Silverstein, Broker at Lee & Associates.
Bill Allen, CEO of Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and first President & CEO of TVEA was last year's recipient of the Fernando Award and had his name sketched in the Fernando monument at the Van Nuys Civic Center with past honorees.
Pictured from left to right: Steve Fazio, Jane Skeeter, Mike Quiroga, Jeff Friedman and Scott Silverstein
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Investor Spotlight
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) wants to thank Walter Njboke of United Imaging for being an active Board Member of TVEA and for referring several companies to connect and participate in TVEA.
Walter Njboke is a Sustainability Account Manager at United Imaging, a source for all office products, technology services, and contract furnishings. They offer guaranteed savings on quality office products and supplies. For all non-profits reading, United Imaging currently has a non-profit revenue referral program and you can reach out to Walter for more information at [email protected] or call him at (818)-716-1515 ext. 161.
TVEA extends our gratitude to Walter for referring Mark Ulrich of Poms & Associates. Walter, thank you for spreading the excellent works that we do for businesses and the communities of the San Fernando Valley.
Pictured from left: Walter Njboke of United Imaging and Mark Ulrich of Poms & Associates and TVEA's new Board of Governor.
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BLOOM: Where You Are Planted Recap
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield presented BLOOM: Where You Are Planted on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the West Valley Community Police Station. Bob Blumenfield had presented a one-day interactive event known as BLOOM (
Business Leadership Optimization & Opportunity Making).
At the symposium, small businesses and local entrepreneurs learned about the resources that are available to them through all levels of government. This event provided an opportunity for attendees to network with non-profits and local businesses to learn about the services they can provide to best serve their business. Ranging from round table discussions, presentations, and interactive "TED talks", attendees learned how to increase profitability and create jobs.
The Valley Economic Alliance's (TVEA) Yoryana Ahuactzi-Aguilar and Angelica Banuelos presented at the event informing attendees the variety of resources TVEA has to offer small businesses and entrepreneurs and how working with non-profits can benefit the community and their customers.
Watch the L.A. CityView 35's recap video of the event that featured TVEA's Yoryana Ahuactzi-Aguilar.
Pictured from left: Angelica Banuelos and Yoryana Ahuactzi-Aguilar, Business Assistance Specialists at TVEA . |
Congressman Tony Cárdenas Grant Workshop Highlights
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) attended the 2019 Grant Workshop hosted by Congressman Tony Cárdenas on Tuesday, November 19th at Los Angeles Valley College (Monarch Hall).
At the workshop, attendees were able to learn about the different types of grants they could apply for, strategies for effective grant writing, and more.
Non-profit members were recognized for their tremendous dedication and work to the San Fernando Valley community and were honored with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. These individuals were commended for their volunteer work and their efforts to better the community. Among the honorees, TVEA's Director of Investor Relations, Jacqui Matsumoto, and President and CEO, Kenn Phillips were honored with this award.
Picture from left: Elana Helgesen of Grant Professionals Association, Inés Familiar Miller of California Community Foundation, Bruce Gumbiner of Cathay Bank, and Michelle Vergara for Congressman Tony Cardenás.
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TVEA Boardmembers Speak at Bisnow's Event
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) attended the Bisnow's State of the Valley & Tri-Cities event that took place on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in Burbank, California.
This event focused on the Greater Los Angeles Region's continuing development boom and what that means for the area's future.
At the event, more than 250 attendees enjoyed breakfast and coffee while networking with colleagues and fellow business professionals. The main topics of discussion was "What's Next for Burbank, Glendale & Pasadena?" and "What do You Need to Know About the Valley's Development Boom?"
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Photographed by: Joseph Pimental |
The event had over ten highlighted speakers including TVEA Boardmembers John Parker, Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Parker Brown Inc., and Larry Green, Executive Vice President of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. Both speakers analyzed the Valley's development boom and what that could mean for the businesses and the community. The forum conversed about the
affordability of housing and the major developments occurring in the Valley. John Parker talked about how multi-family and hotel construction is booming throughout the housing market.
The other speakers discussed how traffic is playing a pivotal role in attracting residents and how it is the reason for all the developments happening throughout the Valley. Developers are looking for ways to build structures nearby so residents can enjoy a higher quality of life without having to travel far for work or leisure. "I think the Valley is seeing the same type of boom that Los Angeles is seeing." said Larry Green. "We have to set the tone and create mixed-use live, work and play in one environment."
Pictured from left to right: Vanessa Anderson of Truss, Jim Dillavou of Paragon Commercial Group's, Kent Handleman of Lincoln Property Co., Reza Ghobadi of Colliers International, John Parker of Parker Brown, and Larry Green of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
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In the News
Cal Lutheran President Steps Down
After leading California Lutheran University through more than a decade of growth and success, President Chris Kimball has decided to step down at the end of the academic year. Kimball declined an offer from the Board of Regents to extend his contract beyond this year and announced his decision to the campus community this afternoon.
"After 12 years as president, I think it is time for a change and for someone with a fresh perspective to lead Cal Lutheran into its very bright future. And, after nearly 20 years in university leadership positions, I look forward to the opportunity to return to teaching, as I had always planned, and to spend some time on writing projects, some long overdue," said Kimball.
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Kimball became Cal Lutheran's seventh president in 2008 after two years as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Under his leadership, the university has opened several new facilities, added many new programs, and expanded student research opportunities. Enrollment has not only increased, but become more diverse. Now a Hispanic-Serving Institution that has received millions of dollars in federal grants, the university has intensified its focus on serving underrepresented students. Cal Lutheran also launched the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, merged with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley and become the temporary home of the Los Angeles Rams during his tenure.
"Chris's diligent leadership, commitment, openness to new opportunities and persistent focus on the best way to serve students have enabled us to accomplish so much that we can be proud of over the past 12 years," said board chair and alumna Susan Lundeen-Smuck. "While we would have liked for Chris to continue on as president, we look forward to seeing him back in the classroom. He will always be a valued member of the Cal Lutheran family."
Kimball serves on the executive committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the board of directors of the American Council on Education, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, consortium. From 2014 to 2016, he chaired the Council of Independent Colleges. He has also served on the boards of many local organizations.
Prior to moving west, Kimball spent six years as provost and dean at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. He has a bachelor's degree from McGill University and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Chicago. His scholarly work is in the field of American history, specializing in the history of cities and the history of sports, and he taught a popular Honors Program class at Cal Lutheran called "U.S. History Through Baseball."
The Board of Regents will oversee the search for a new president with input from the many constituencies that make up the Cal Lutheran community.
To read more
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In the News
Hospital Forms Farmers Market For Patients
By: Andrew Foerch
The Valley's newest hub for locally farmed produce, handmade accessories and fresh baked bread is, of all places, Encino Hospital Medical Center. The hospital stood up its own farmers market last month, offering staff, patients, and their families something fun and healthy to do on Thursday mornings.
"We have patients who are here for a long time, and their loved ones are stuck here. Why not bring something for them to do" said Hilda Avanessian, director of business development and marketing at the hospital, which is owned by Prime Healthcare Services. "The community loves it and the staff look forward to it."
On Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the hospital's healing garden plays host to more than a dozen vendor booths. Attendees can find ginger-turmeric honey and whipped honey butter from Burbank's Agate Smart Honey; asada tacos from Diego's based in North Hills; croissants and sourdough loaves from Boule de Pain in Canoga Park; and sustainably farmed eggs from Eggs & Love in Los Angeles. Fruit and vegetable farmers come from as far as Riverside and Oxnard. Underwood Farms in Moorpark - whose chili peppers formerly powered cult-favorite hot sauce Sriracha - is not a permanent mainstay at the market but has set up booths there in the past few weeks.
Avanessian said the hospital doesn't choose the vendors. Instead, it partnered with Raw Inspiration, a foundation that organizes and manages around 25 farmer markets in L.A. and Ventura County, including those in Westlake Village, Calabasas, CSUN Northridge and Lancaster, to coordinate vendors and their contracts.
"Weekdays are a little tricky to get everybody here," said Avanessian, citing slower foot traffic and therefore lower sales numbers than on weekends. "But lunchtime get bombarded."
Contractually, the hospital earns a cut of the market's earnings each Thursday. But to give back to the community, it donates that cut to the Encino public schools. "Encino Hopsital makes no money from this, we're just providing a space for (local vendors)," Avanessian said.
The same farmers market pops up at the Sherman Oaks Hospital on Tuesdays, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both hospitals are owned by Prime Healthcare. Proceeds from the Sherman Oaks market are donated to the Sherman Oaks public schools.
Though the markets primarily serve each hospital's population, they are open to the public. The hospitals advertise it in Valley News Group papers, as well as with flyers and signage along Ventura Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard and posts on social networking app Nextdoor.
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In the News
CSUN President Dianne Harrison Retires
By: Amy Stulick
Dianne Harrison, president of California State University - Northridge, announced on Thursday her decision to leave her position at the college effective June 30 next year.
The decision comes on the heels of California State University Chancellor Timothy White announcing his departure last month. CSU will launch a national search in January for Harrison's successor; CSU Trustee Chairman Adam Day and White will choose a committee made up of campus and community stakeholders, who will be announced at a later date, CSU said.
An open forum will be held on campus for campus and community input.
Harrison has been in the higher education field for 44 years, and was the first woman to lead California State University - Monterey Bay, before taking on her role at Northridge. Prior to her work at CSU, Harrison held a variety of roles at Florida State University for nearly 30 years.
She has served on more than 80 boards and committees of national, state and local organizations, including the American Council on Education, American Association of State Colleges and Universities and Second Nature. Harrison plans to "continue advocating nationally for social justice, educational accessibility, sustainability and improvements in mental health care, and perhaps enjoy a bit more time with my grandkids," she said in a statement.
"My husband John and I have tremendous appreciation for the incredible support you have shown to us, and the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of CSUN since 2012, and the CSU since 2006," she added. "It has been an honor and privilege to lead our great institution for almost eight years."
"Under her leadership nearly 2,000 additional students are graduating every year and nearly 60,000 students have earned degrees," White noted in a separate statement from CSU. "The leading civic and economic development organizations from throughout greater Los Angeles have lauded CSUN's expanded positive impact on the economy and development of a 21st century workforce during her tenure."
Other noteworthy college leadership departures in the San Fernando Valley area include California Lutheran University President Chris Kimball, who announced he would step down from his role at the end of the academic year, and Sumantra Sengupta, assistant dean of the management school at Cal Lutheran, who has resigned his position effective Dec. 2.
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Out and About
Congresswoman Katie Porter was honored at the Southern California Community Hero Award on behalf of the California Reinvestment Coalition (CRC). Katie was honored for fighting on behalf of working families.
Pictured from left: Kevin Stein of CRC, Congresswoman Katie Porter, and Paulina Gonzalez-Brito of CRC.
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The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) hosted the Airbag Recall; Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the Entrepreneur Center.
At
the event, presenters discussed the dangers of driving with defective airbags and how to raise awareness to family, friends, and colleagues.
Pictured is Angelica Banuelos of TVEA being interviewed by a local news channel.
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The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) hosted the Procurement Contract Sourcing 101 on October 29, 2019.
Attendees learned how to do business with the City of LA by registering and certifying their business to begin sourcing government contracts.
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TVEA team participated in Express Employment Professional Halloween Contest. Staff dressed as dying marathon runners and won the award for scariest costume and a cupcake party. Thank you to Board member Kim Guard for hosting the contest.
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Top Leaders Farshad Asl hosted a simulcast of Live2Lead on October 11, 2019 at Houses of Light in Northridge. Every year hundreds of host sites around the globe gather attendees to watch a series of world-famous motivational speakers, as John Maxwell and other high-caliber personalities teach relevant and applicable leadership skills. Presenters in Atlanta included John Maxwell, Angela Ahrendts, Chris Hogan, Rachel Hollis and Marcus Buckingham. Luncheon speaker Jessica Dominquez, Immigration attorney addressed the local group along with a question and answer session.
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The Digital Hollywood Experience was held at the Skirball Cultural Center for a 3 day conference from November 12-14 was packed with panels about The Artistic Creators, Podcasting, STEM, Women's Summit, Cannabis and more.
Thank you Marty for the invitation to expand my horizons in the field of entertainment & technology!
Pictured from Left: Marty Perlmutter, President of Multisensory Interactive Learning Institute (MILI), Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin, Founder of Why Not Incubator, and Jacqui Matsumoto of TVEA.
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New Developments in Healthcare Delivery and Legislation was held on Tuesday, October 15th, at Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. Our investor Mr. Santiago Muñoz, Chief Strategy Officer at UCLA Health, was a highlighted speaker who discussed potential future healthcare programs and services.
Pictured from left: Santiago Mu
ñoz of UCLA Health, Natasha Madarian of ProHealth Medical Group, Claudia Dunn-Martinez of UCLA Health, Kenn Phillips of TVEA, Randy Witt of Witt Productions, Nancy Starczyk of
Realty Executives and Dietmar Grellman of California Hospital Association
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Save the Dates
Pacoima Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2019
4:00pm-9:00pm
Plaza Del Valle
SFV Business Journal 2020 Valley Economic Forecast
Presented by California Lutheran University
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
8:00am
Larsen's Steakhouse
Board of Directors Meeting (Invite Only)
Thursday, January 23, 2020
8:00am-9:30am
TVEA BFG Boardroom
Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Grand Opening
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
6:30pm-8:30pm
18133 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA, 91356
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