Newsletter October 2021 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 SFV, and San Fernando.
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- Breaking News
- Small Business
- Employment
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- Making An Impact
- Investor Spotlight
- Calendar of Events
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A diverse array of housing options that appeal to a variety of income levels and lifestyles is vital to maintaining a robust local workforce and growing economy. Among other reasons, this is because employers often try to reduce turnover and employee stress from long commutes by locating where their employees can find affordable housing close to work. Also, employers can more easily recruit new employees if affordable housing is readily available nearby.
Wide availability of workforce housing has additional benefits. The development of housing creates good paying construction jobs. It can reduce traffic congestion, vehicle emissions, and the stress of commuting when people can live close to work. And it keeps our public service providers and essential works in our neighborhoods where we need them.
State law requires cities to update their housing plans (called Housing Elements) to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) every eight years or risk becoming ineligible for local funding opportunities. This year, Housing Elements were due by October 15, 2021. All told, our five member cities need to build 483,145 housing units by 2029. City leaders are working hard to meet the need, but sometimes opposition to new development can slow down the process, make it too costly, or stop it altogether.
That’s where we all can help.
The Alliance supports the development of workforce housing for its importance to our economic vitality and quality of life. Next week, we launch our Housing Creates Communities campaign to promote the development of housing in the Valley thanks to partnership and support from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, Union Bank, and The Zoo 360 Marketing Agency. We invite your participation.
There are four ways you can help:
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Visit TheValley.net/Housing and register your support for housing;
- Support housing on social media;
- Voice your support to your elected officials; and
- Attend city planning hearings.
You can also learn more at the Homelessness & Housing Multi-sector Conference presented by the Community Foundation of the Valleys on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
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Redistricting: Take Action Now in the Shaping of Our Communities |
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On Friday, October 22, and by a vote of 15-6, the Los Angeles City Redistricting Commission adopted K2.5 (Final), the map it is recommending to City Council. The Los Angeles City Charter requires the redrawing of City Council boundaries every ten years after the U.S. Census to ensure that they remain substantially equal in population. This process is designed to help ensure that communities have fair access to their political representatives. To see the criteria used for redistricting are listed on the Redistricting Commission website. The Commission’s recommendation now goes before City Council for consideration for redistricting to be completed by December 31, 2021.
The map recommended by the Commission includes five City Council districts completely within the Valley and Mulholland as the south border of the Valley, except within a sixth seat which is 60% in the Valley. These are principles that are consistent with the “Principles on Redistricting” proposed by the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA). Comments about where district lines are drawn can be directed to your City Council representative.
Also of interest are the State maps under consideration, since they severely segment Valley communities and threaten to erode the way we have come to define our region. For example, Panorama City is placed in a district with Mid-Wilshire, Studio City with Downtown, and parts of Woodland Hills with Oxnard. You may view the draft State maps here:
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Over 1,700 Valley businesses have benefited from The Alliance's Business Assistance Program.
Assistance is available with:
Business Planning, Financial Forecasting, Market Research, Access to Capital
Permit Compliance, Tax Credits & Rebates, Business Development, Recruiting Employees, Relocating & Expanding, among other topics.
Click on the button below to begin the intake process.
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The San Fernando Valley region is a great place to plant your business and grow. We have:
- A large and diverse economy
- A variety of industry concentrations like aerospace, entertainment, technology, healthcare, and insurance, and more
- A large labor force with strong educational institutions
- Attractive commercial real estate options
With the Alliance in your corner, you can enjoy the right support network to access opportunities that will help you increase revenues, decrease expenses, and access labor, capital, and real estate.
Recent thought leaders and subject matter experts who have presented at our meetings include Brad Rosenheim and LA County Assessor Prang. Visit our Event Calendar and join us for upcoming virtual speaker programs.
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Brad Rosenheim, President and CEO of Rosenheim & Associates, Inc. presented the Warner Center 2035 Plan, a vibrant, growing Mixed-Use Community that will provide a place for people to work, live, play and shop.
As a Regional Center, Warner Center 365 represents a thoughtful approach to planned growth that balances the need for housing, jobs and services for the broader community as well as a unique designation as a mobility innovation hub.
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Jeffrey Prang, the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor, gave an informative presentation about local housing prices, submarket data for retail, office, industrial space and reviewed the new laws and regulations effect on property owners.
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Workforce Development
“Workforce of the Future” Industry Leadership Roundtable
On October 14, leaders from government, educational institutions, and employers participated in a Workforce of the Future Roundtable connecting our local employers to educators to discuss the skills and qualifications graduates need now and in the future to be successful in the workforce. Presentations from Juan Millian, State of California EDD Labor Market Information Consultant and Frederico Saucedo, Dean-Career Education & Workforce Development, Glendale Community College featured statistics on job vacancies, industry employment by sector, and educational resources that provide access to career pathways.
Employers who are interested in partnering with educational institutions in the development curriculum, guest speaking in classrooms, and providing internships, among other opportunities are invited to contact Jacqui Matsumoto, Director of Investor Relations, at [email protected] to learn more.
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Saybrook University was founded over 40 years ago by some of the greatest minds of the 20th century in progressive Western psychology and continues to inspire a new generation of innovative thinkers and practitioners.
Job Vacancies
- Admissions Counselor
- Vice President, Academic Affairs
- Full-Time & Adjunct Faculty Openings
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Los Angeles Valley College and Partners in Care Foundation are working together to provide free Community Health Worker training workshops. The winter workshop starts January 4, 2022 and ends February 6, 2022.
The workshops are all online with 48 hours of individual learning modules that each take approximately one hour to complete. Classes are self-directed, allowing individuals to work at their own pace.
Space is limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to register for the free workshops right away at www.picf.org/CHW
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The Valley Works Job Board is available for job seekers to connect with various industry employers. This free on-line job board provides the following:
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Employer Cards – Click on any of the Employer Cards to go to the Employer Pages to view jobs available.
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Supplemental Employers Pavilion – In this section, you can access the “Jobs” pages of our partners.
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Video Library – View expert videos on writing your resume and cover letter, interviewing well, and optimizing your LinkedIn profile among other topics.
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If you or someone you know is committed to our mission and willing to share time, talent and treasure toward its fulfillment, nominations will be accepted until Friday, October 29, 2021 |
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Throughout Women’s Small Business Month, Bank of America will be highlighting stories of successful entrepreneurs and how their small business specialists and longstanding partners support them.
Bank of America is committed to continuing connecting women small business owners with the advice, guidance, mentoring and other resources needed to help move their businesses forward with confidence
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Nairy Sajonian
Business Banking Group
Vice President - Relationship Manager III Comerica Bank.
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With over 13 years of experience providing businesses with financial solutions and services, Nairy focuses on businesses
with revenue size 5MM to 50MM and mainly works with manufacturers, distributors wholesalers, professional and engineering firms, helping them to purchase or refinance owner occupied real estate, lines of credit, equipment financing, mergers and acquisitions. In addition, she has a specialty in the Food and Beverage industry.
Nairy is an Alliance board member currently serving on our Valley of the Stars Gala committee and will be a panelist on our upcoming Ellevate Women's Entrepreneurship Session "Make Your Money Grow" on November 10th.
Comerica sponsors our Next Level Growth Webinars, Valley Capital, Ellevate Affinity Group and Executive in Residence program.
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Glendale Provides Over $2.2M in Grants to Local Businesses
As the Small Business Recovery Grant Program winds down in Glendale, over 445 local small businesses received more than $2,225,000 in grants to assist them with their recovery efforts.
Glendale Tech Week Shines a Light on Founders Both Local and Abroad
Now in its fifth year, the Glendale Tech Week annual Pitchfest competition was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, where nine finalists competed for a $150,000 grand prize package. The Pitchfest grand prize winner was announced that evening during the Closing Awards Party, along with the winners of five awards recognizing a variety of standout companies and individuals.
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Will you consider The Alliance in your year-end giving this year?
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Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking some energetic, creative, and reliable volunteers to assist us in advancing our mission to help businesses endure through the COVID-19 crisis and stimulate Valley-wide recovery and prosperity.
Volunteer positions are available in graphic design, website design, social media management, and event management. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete our Volunteer Form to get started.
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Royal Business Bank (RBB) is a minority depository institution with branches in Southern California, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois. Since our inception in 2008, we offer a comprehensive and innovative suite of banking services for individuals and businesses.
At RBB, we combine the service benefits of a national bank with a personal banking touch that only a community bank can offer. We serve our community by offering Commercial and Industrial loans, residential mortgages and small business loans. Our staff has years of dedicated service, living and working in our local communities. Sharing a common culture with our customers helps us understand their needs, tailor our offerings, and provide more personalized service. With over 50 community partners, RBB prioritizes creating a positive impact among low- to moderate- income individuals and families. We believe that our strong local community ties, our extensive industry knowledge and our fast response time is a competitive advantage in our markets.
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Invest in The Alliance
Make your impact by funding our job retention and attraction programs while receiving valuable recognition and benefits. Contact Jacqui Matsumoto at [email protected] or click below for more information.
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HOUSING POLICY FORUM
A Rundown of Federal & State Legislation
Monday, November 1, 2021
12:00 - 2:00 PM
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SCAG Housing Policy Forum |
A virtual forum with policymakers and thought leaders to learn about state and federal housing legislation and funding opportunities.
Get the inside view on federal housing legislation during a special panel conversation with policy leaders as they discuss where we are now, what it means, and what is to come.
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Ellevate Women's Business Hub
Presents the Blossom Women's Entrepreneurship Monthly Series
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
November 3, 2021
Blossom Into Leadership
Successful business ownership begins with and depends on masterful leadership skills and execution. Join us as we learn from owners of leading Valley companies what distinguishes them as successful leaders and employers.
November 10, 2021
Make Your Money Grow
Women continue to obtain less lender and equity financing than their male counterparts. Learn how to distinguish your company financially, capture adequate funding, and chart your financial future.
November 17, 2021
Win Socially Responsible Contracts
Learn how major corporate and government contracts can be an effective business development strategy for your company as well as a way to advance your social responsibility goals.
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Saybrook University and ISH Virtual Open House
Thursday, November 4, 2021
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm PDT
Join the Department of Mind-Body Medicine for a Virtual Open House.
Learn more about Saybrook University's
- Partnership with the Institute for Spirituality and Health
- Unique history, and social justice mission
- Progressive approach to education.
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Livable and Sustainable Communities Committee
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker:
Matthew Glesne is a Senior City Planner for the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.
Presentation
2021-2029 Housing Element
The Plan House LA
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Monthly Business Huddle
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
How to Get Featured on a Podcast
Speaker:
Saul Meija, President of the Panorama City Chamber and On-Air Personality with BusinessThisWeek.us
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Homelessness & Housing Multi-sector Conference
Friday, December 3, 2021
8:00 Am - 2:00 PM
Keynote Speakers:
Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer, City of Los Angeles
“New Housing Paradigms for Los Angeles”
Kerry Morrison, Founder, Heart Forward LA
“The Unhoused Mentally Ill: A Model for System Change”
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