Newsletter June 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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- Letters From The CEO & Chair
- Breaking News
- In Memoriam
- Alliance Leadership & Investor Spotlights
- Economic Development & Small Business
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- Education & Workforce Development
- Livable & Sustainable Communities
- Calendar of Events
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Letters from the CEO & Chair |
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Summer ushers in a season of opportunity at The Alliance. The recent IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles has inspired us to find additional ways to capture global opportunities for Valley businesses and to strengthen bonds among our five partner cities with their international sister cities to build our business ecosystem.
Promising possibilities also await our San Fernando Valley teenagers, graduating seniors, and young adults as we enter into a summertime season of opportunity. While
many Valley families are in the midst of commencement ceremonies, some are preparing for college while others may be getting ready for a summer job. This summer, The Alliance will continue to convene industry and educational institutions, leading the way for us to strategize ways to build this workforce of the future.
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Forty-five years ago this week, I graduated from Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys (now Valley Glen). In that same year, 1977, the Canadian Parliament adopted a nationwide ban on automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns and rifles. It is illegal in Canada for anyone except the police and military to possess one.
The Grant High School motto is “What we are to be we are now becoming.” What are we, and our children and grandchildren, to be? This past weekend, while we watched the funerals of the children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas, there were 13 more mass shootings in our country. Not including a shooting as school let out right outside Grant High School.
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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Harvey Berg, a long-time Alliance board member and investor, on May 20, 2022. We are thankful for his outstanding service and leadership and he will be greatly missed.
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Harvey Berg
June 9, 1943 - May 20, 2022
"Harvey was kind, thoughtful, and sincere leader for the Alliance. He was engaging with his mentor CEO Bruce Ackerman. It was an easy follow through after Bruce passed due to cancer; Harvey knew the ropes. The spirit of resilience and good humor would see Harvey take on the reins of the Alliance. He has gone home now and guided by his faith & the light of those that he loved and lost. May the 20th of May mark the reunion of the two old souls to cheer on our organization from above. God bless you, Harvey."
-David Honda
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"Harvey was an amazing man, an astute businessman, and wise leader with a warm and generous heart. I remember him stepping in to assist our CEO Bruce Ackerman while Bruce battled cancer until he passed away, at which time Harvey became interim CEO until the Alliance hired Ron Wood. During this time Harvey was very engaged with both the Alliance Management Committee and the Joint Initiatives Chairman’s Committee. As Chair of the latter Committee, I worked closely with Harvey and valued his counsel. Harvey was a mentor as well as a friend, and I consulted him many times over the years, including during my chairmanship of the Alliance. He was a Vice Chair of the Alliance for many years."
-Randy Witt
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Alliance Leadership & Investor Spotlights |
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Board of Directors Spotlights
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In light of honoring the scholarly achievements of the youth, The Valley Economic Alliance convened for its monthly Board of Directors Meeting on May 26, which was culminated by the Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards commending the best and brightest public high school students for their years of hard work. In light of the recent national tragedies that ended the lives of countless innocent adults and children due to gun violence, Board Chair Fred Gaines urged attendees to ask their respective Congress members to take action against the prevalence of such occurrences. |
ABOVE: Alliance Board Chair, Fred Gaines |
Sonya Kay Blake, President and CEO of The Alliance, outlined the organization’s most recent achievements, such as reaching 100% Board giving for its All In Campaign and 20 sponsorship and investor referrals through its Each One Reach One campaign, totaling $33,050.
Attendees were also pleased to welcome new Board Member Jessica Cruz, director of communications for Southland Regional Association of Realtors, to The Alliance.
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Founded in 1992 by Severyn and Martha Aszkenazy, Aszkenazy Development is a thriving development, design, construction,
leasing, and property management company based in the city of San Fernando, California. Their focus is creating high-quality projects with true design authenticity, close attention to detail, generating economic sustainability and revitalizing mature communities while reinforcing the community’s cultural roots. To date, Aszkenazy Development has developed and continues to manage over 750,000 square feet of commercial and multi-family properties.
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Founded in 1997, Beezley Management provides leading owner's representation, construction management and project advisory services, hand-selecting the professionals assigned to each project based on individual client goals and needs. Beezley projects have included the Los Angeles Clippers’ training facility and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum earthquake renovation project. In 2021,CBRE Group Inc. acquired Beezley Management; principal and founder Jonathan Levy joined CBRE’s project management senior leadership team.
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For 90 years, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) has been known as the friendliest, most convenient airport for flying to or from Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley. Commercial airlines, cargo planes, general aviation, and military aircraft all operate out of BUR, and it’s the closest L.A.-area airport to most of the region’s popular tourist destinations. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is owned and operated by the Burbank-GlendalePasadena Airport Authority, a joint powers agency created in 1977 between the Cities of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.
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JorgensenHR is a boutique human resources consulting firm supporting small to mid-size businesses with our “BestProducts” to include onsite support and virtual support with Outsourced HR, HR Assessments, Affirmative Action Plans, Training, Employee Harassment Hotline, and Workplace Investigations. Barry Cohn, Renee Cohn and Lloyd Ettinger continue the mission of JorgensenHR, to “Provide the BestHR Solutions to Management.” Understanding that each client requires a unique solution to create a better result for the owners, management, as well as employees. JorgensenHR delivers win-win solutions to businesses in a variety of industries and continues to develop and implement those unique solutions.
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Invest in The Alliance
We’re in the midst of National Homeownership Month, which presents an opportune time to reinvest in our neighborhoods and regenerate optimal livability factors in our five partner cities. Our entire team at The Alliance remains steadfast in raising the funds necessary in advancing our educational community programming schedule through our corporate giving programs. If you or your company are interested in donating to our annual roster of workshops, webinars, and events, please contact Jacqui Matsumoto, Director of Investor Relations, at jmatsumoto@economicalliance.org or (818) 379-7000.
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Give Where You Live
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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Pathway to Profit Series
On May 17, The Valley Economic Alliance convened for another installment of its popular Pathway to Profit Series with a focused community discussion entitled “Sales Strategies for Growth.” The Alliance team was joined by three accomplished sales experts, who presented revenue-generating strategies that have been proven to translate into substantial revenue increases for diverse companies throughout the region. Panelists for this virtual webinar– which was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal– included Mellissa Tong, founder of DuckPunk Productions, Inc.; Michael Gordon, president of Sandler Training; Edwin Duarte, AVP and senior business sales consultant for Wells Fargo Merchant Services; and representatives from the Tech Coast Angels.
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Michael Gordon,
President of Sandler Training
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Mellissa Tong, founder of
DuckPunk Productions, Inc
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Edwin Duarte, AVP and senior business sales consultant for
Wells Fargo Merchant Services
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Strategies discussed during the Series included gaining profits from authentic storytelling, creating an emotional connection with prospects, making offers more compelling by clarifying sales messages, and utilizing tech tools for sales growth. Panelists also examined the benefits of joining a local Chamber of Commerce in the search for new clients, along with relying on the power of language to convert prospects into leads, and leads into customers.
San Fernando Valley Residents seeking information on the next Pathway to Profit webinar, or Business Assistance Program, should check the official events calendar listed here.
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The City of San Fernando is requesting proposals from highly qualified consulting firms to prepare the City’s Downtown Master Plan with a focus on completing a Downtown Vision. This visioning process gives residents, business owners, property owners, local organizations, and other stakeholders the opportunity to express ideas about the future of San Fernando Downtown, and help set goals and priorities for economic development. The visioning effort will focus on identifying the community’s desired level of Downtown economic vibrancy, what type and intensity of development is required to achieve that, and the related consequences/impacts. As part of the visioning effort, an economic and fiscal evaluation will be conducted to determine an Economic Vitality Strategy appropriate for Downtown San Fernando into the future. A copy of the RFP may be obtained from the City’s website at: www.sfcity.org/rfps-rfqs-nibs-nois
If interested, please email your proposal to Kanika Kith at kkith@sfcity.org and title the subject line of the email as “City of San Fernando RFP – Downtown Master Plan.” Proposals are due on Monday, July 11, 2022.
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Nothing beats a hot summer night more than a warm day of free or affordable San Fernando Valley fun for the entire family. Numerous fairs, festivals, lectures, activities, and more are plentiful during the season, and we encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the fun memories that can be created by attending one of the occasions hosted in all five of our partner cities. |
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Business Assistance Program |
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We’re counting on the fiscal gains from local businesses to regenerate our San Fernando Valley economy and self-motivated entrepreneurs to employ a qualified workforce, ultimately enriching the culture of our region. We take great pride in assisting dedicated business owners, such as Unique Image and Kristi Fisher Creative, as they optimize the success of their operations.
Take a moment to evaluate the ways in which The Alliance can lead you in elevating your business goals to new heights. Find out more at TheValley.net/Assistance and enroll in our Business Assistance Program here.
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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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Glendale Unveils Economic Development Plan |
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The City of Glendale, recognized as the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, has
adopted a three-year economic development strategic plan that will provide a roadmap to enhance economic opportunities throughout the City. The Plan, which was developed with the help of key business stakeholders, builds on the city’s strengths, and leverages partnerships and local assets to address business challenges and potential opportunities. Four areas were identified as the greatest priorities:
- Brand Identity: Strengthen brand identity and enhance awareness of Glendale on a local, national, and global scale.
- Business Culture: Develop a business-friendly ecosystem that supports business attraction, retention and expansion efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and resilient economy.
- Innovation Ecosystem: Grow the local innovation and tech industry sector to attract and retain talent and support the growth and success of entrepreneurs.
- Entertainment & Lifestyle: Grow the arts, culture, and entertainment sector to position Glendale as a destination city.
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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 at the link here.
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Education & Workforce Development |
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“Workforce for the Future” Industry Leadership Directory Registration Form
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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Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards |
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ABOVE: President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
and Alliance Board Member Vice Chair Bill Allen
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The Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards ceremony took place immediately following the Board Meeting, which included opening remarks from Diana Sanchez, director of public and community relations for Van Nuys Airport (the event’s co-sponsor) and reigning Fernando Awards recipient. Bill Allen, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and son of Steve Allen, outlined the significance of the power of education being used to catalyze the workforce pipeline. This event was also co-sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. |
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Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Principal Susie Parker |
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Granada Hills Academic Decathlon
Head Coach, Tyler Lee
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Grover Cleveland High School Humanities Magnet Principal
Cindy Duong
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Reseda Charter High School Police Academy Magnet Principal
Melanie Welsh
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Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary School Principal
Christine Chun
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Northridge Middle School Medical Health Magnet Principal
Richard Ramos
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Livable and Sustainable Communities |
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Livable & Sustainable Communities Committee |
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ABOVE: Mark Polhemus (Place-Based Business and
Economic Development Specialist for CA GO-Biz
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On Thursday, May 19, The Alliance held its monthly meeting with a conversational focus on housing and revitalization. During the discussion evaluating land use, opportunity zones, and rezoning incentives for idle retails sites throughout the San Fernando Valley, Sonya Kay Blake, CEO of The Alliance was joined by California State Senator Anthony Portantino (25th Senate District) and Mark Polhemus (Place-Based Business and Economic Development Specialist for CA GO-Biz) in advising an activation plan leading to prosperous decisions for the region. During his presentation, Polhemus pointed out the top trends in opportunity zones, which include projects for residential ($19.13 billion) and commercial ($15.73 billion) innovations remaining the top investment types, followed by projects promoting hospitality and tourism ($3.48 billion). Senator Portantino expressed the disincentive for the government to earmark funds to build homes due to the tax revenue structure, but spoke in favor of communities having input on Senate bills assessing how dollars are spent on the creation of sustainable workforce resources, such as affordable housing. |
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National Homeownership Month is intended to underscore the benefits of committing to one of the most significant financial obligations in an individual’s life. Though becoming a homebuyer is still touted as a fiscally responsible, yet ambitious decision in our recovering economy, housing emergencies still pose challenging setbacks in the lives of countless San Fernando Valley residents. Within the City of Los Angeles, all protections against eviction procedures for lack of rent payments related to COVID-19 circumstances have been extended to June 24, 2023. Individuals requiring access to the City’s Affordable and Accessible Housing Registry are encouraged to obtain details from the following link here.
Join forces with us by endorsing our Housing Creates Communities campaign here. By submitting your name to our cause, we collectively elevate our voices during the fight for your rights as citizens deserving of a safe, financially manageable home in your region of first choice.
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Environmental Sustainability in the Valley |
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ABOVE: Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles
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In accordance with the Green New Deal for the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti successfully reduced the region’s gas emissions from greenhouses by 36%. The Green New Deal, which outlines climate emergency goals established by Mayor Garcetti nearly three years ago, was initially put in place to bolster the middle class and significantly reduce the city’s primary emission sources, such as waste, electricity, transportation and water.
Leaders in the City of Burbank have been in communication with an environmental advocacy group called Save Our Skies LA, which has pleaded with the court system to put an end to dangerous flight paths around the Burbank and Van Nuys airports, which can be detrimental to the health of its residents in the vicinity of these locations.
Elected officials representing the City of Calabasas are urged to volunteer their time to maintain the region’s clean surroundings. Recommended organizations, such as Heal the Bay are designed to connect residents interested in cleaning up the creek and oceans nearby. The restoration and sustainability of open space can also be upheld through collectives such as the Mountains Restoration Trust.
The City of Glendale has made strides to restore the environment through the efforts of the Glendale Environmental Coalition, which has proposed the formation of a Virtual Power Plant. Through the Plant, high-powered batteries and local solar panels can coexist to reserve extra clean energy which can be utilized by Glendale’s master power grid during emergencies, or instances requiring additional energy within the City. Not only does this clean energy strategy provide a solution to gas pollution, but residents could also receive a backup battery when needed, enabling individuals to receive credit for their monthly utility bill.
The City of San Fernando’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office continues to manage governmental programs preventing the prevalence of pollution, purifying the area’s air quality, and regulating solid waste, especially following natural disasters and weather emergencies affecting the majority of residents.
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Recently, The Federal Transit Administration has committed to providing $909 million to assist with the construction of the San Fernando Valley’s first light rail line in the last 70 years. Approximately $100 million of the allocated funds will be used to finance the potential East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Line, which will be earmarked during the current fiscal year. The entire project will be funded for a two year period to expedite the process and enable Los Angeles commuters to utilize another viable, convenient option for traveling to and from work on a quicker schedule. |
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Juneteenth Community Celebration
Saturday, June 19, 2022
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Black In The Valley serves as a resource hub for Black businesses, cultural events and general information for the Black community in the San Fernando Valley.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation:
Small Business Strong
Thursday, June 23, 2022
10:00 AM
The Small Business Strong series is designed to provide your business with practical tips and techniques to survive the current health and economic crisis. In this new year, we will continue with our mission in advancing opportunities and solutions by providing small business owners access to expert consultants in digital technology, financial assistance, marketing strategies, pivoting strategies, reopening guides + MORE! Together, we will move towards economic recovery and resiliency; expanding a Thriving Region For All!
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The City of San Fernando: Youth Financial Literacy Workshops
Series begins:
Thursday, June 23, 2022
10:00 AM
The City of San Fernando and The Dragon Kim Foundation is collaborating on five workshops for high school students and young adults this Summer. The free workshops provide all the necessary materials and equipment to teach you how to better prepare for your future.
If that isn’t enough to motivate you, prizes will be given at each workshop for those that attend!
Please call (818) 898-1290 if you have any questions or email Juan Salas at jsalas@sfcity.org
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Four Founders, Four Startup Journeys
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
4:00 PM
A virtual Glendale Tech on Tap event on June 29, 2022 at 4:00pm PST. Where we'll hear from four KidsX Class of 2021 companies. The founders will speak about their journeys and lessons learned, where they are now and future plans for their companies.
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Economic Development Committee Meeting - Spotlight on the City of Calabasas
Thursday, July 7, 20223
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Economic Development Committee for the San Fernando Valley.
Speakers:
Kindon Meik, Calabasas City Manager
David Solomon, Calabasas Tech Center
- SFV Spotlight on Calabasas
- Overview of the Calabasas real estate landscape
- Commercial space available at the Calabasas Technology Center
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Pathway to Profit Series
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Learn from our expert speakers about these sales strategies:
- Network effectively and leverage the power of local chambers of commerce.
- Increase customer conversion, collect payments faster, and improve customer service with text messaging.
- Improve brand reputation and drive sales with positive Yelp reviews.
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Diverse Business Huddle
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Closing the wealth gap
- Office hours to help you grow
The Valley Economic Alliance has created special audience diversity groups, designed to close the information, capital, and network gap for business owners of color and women business owners located in the San Fernando Valley region, including Los Angeles, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, and San Fernando.
All are welcome to attend.
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Livable & Sustainable Communities Committee – Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Wealth Equity Conference
Thursday, July 21, 2022
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The Valley Economic Alliance is dedicated to equitable and sustainable development of our region.
Learn tools and strategies to improve your health and finances such as getting a higher paying job, managing credit, buying a first home, starting a business, and more.
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Sustainability and Innovation: Startups Tackling Global Issues
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
3:00 PM
A virtual Tech on Tap event on July 27, 2022 at 3:00pm PST as we explore opportunities in tech for advancing a sustainable world. Learn about the growing need for innovators and startups to tackle global sustainability issues and the local resources available to founders in this field.
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