Newsletter March 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
- 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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Spring has certainly sprung in the San Fernando Valley with Daylight Savings Time and a season of new beginnings is in full bloom here at The Valley Economic Alliance. We are pleased to bring you some of our most invigorating news economic vitality after a stagnated winter and staunch COVID mandates.
And new beginnings are indeed what are needed. The February 24 invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the unfolding war we have all been witnessing is a tragic injustice, weighing down our hearts and reminding us that we need to be vigilant against injustice wherever it may be found. We, at The Alliance, are watching with keen interest the economic impact of rising interest rates, the uncertainty of war, inflation, and what appear to be waning days of this two-year pandemic.
And yet hope does rise.
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The Valley Economic Alliance was happy to once again be a co-sponsor of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Valley Economic Forecast presented by California Lutheran University’s Center for Economic Research & Forecasting. The good news is that the Valley is forecast to experience sustained growth for 2022-2024. And economic and job growth in the Valley will continue to outpace growth in the surrounding Metro Los Angeles area, Ventura County, and even Orange County. The ongoing work we have all done at The Alliance has no doubt prepared the Valley for this success.
But not surprisingly, the data proves what we see with our own eyes every day – that the story of the Valley economy is a tale of two cities.
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Economic Development & Small Busines |
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On February 28, The Valley Economic Alliance sponsored the Valley Business Forecast at the Hilton Woodland Hills. The program was presented by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in conjunction with California Lutheran University’s highly-regarded Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF). Dr. Matthew Fienup, executive director of CERF, presented a thorough economic outlook of economic growth in the Valley after the pandemic. In terms of job growth, revealing that the San Fernando Valley is not only outpacing the City of Los Angeles, but also the state of California and the nation. After job growth in the Valley slowed during the 2008 Recession, an increase in workforce growth took place over the next ten years, creating a more stable economic outlook for the region. Although the drastic effects of the pandemic caused the availability of jobs to plummet in 2020, the prediction is that opportunities that were once unavailable for workers two years ago will become sustainable options for many residents with a 5.2% job increase by 2023. The forecast report is available for purchase at the link below.
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Economic Development Committee Recap |
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John Parker, Parker Brown General Contractors, Committee Chair |
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The Valley held its virtual Economic Development Committee Meeting on March 3 centering on the discussion topic, “Fostering Economic Growth and Prosperity for Businesses in the San Fernando Valley”. Committee Chair John Parker of Parker Brown General Contractors provided insights on local real estate development and economic forecast information. It was observed that:
- The lack of affordable housing continues to pose a considerable challenge in the region;
- High inflation and transportation expenses have emerged as additional challenges;
- The lack of industrial space is of concern, limiting business attraction in the high-paying industries such as bioscience. Meanwhile, there is excess supply in the office market as many companies have adopted hybrid (in-person and telecommuting) work models and are downsizing their office space as leases are expiring.
Opportunity sites for growth continue to be available in all five cities and will be featured at future meetings throughout the year, such as the spotlight on the City of Burbank at the next meeting on April 14. In addition, a regional conference is under development to convene the region’s thought leaders to address the evolving needs of our businesses and residents.
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Andrew Krone, Marble Bridge Funding Group and Noe Castillo, CDC Small Business Finance
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On March 15, The Alliance presented another session in its “Pathway to Profit” virtual educational series with a discussion of alternative and receivables financing solutions. Joined by Andrew Krone, senior vice president of Marble Bridge Funding Group and Noe Castillo, loan officer for CDC Small Business Financing, Alliance business advisor Brett Dickstein facilitated an informative conversation, highlights including:
- Businesses that are growing rapidly and that are paid by invoicing clients can get help turning their receivables into working capital.
- Alternative lenders are more flexible on credit scores, but businesses still need to be prepared to make their case for how much money they’d like to borrow and know the anticipated use of funds.
- Although many companies obtained debt to weather the pandemic downturn and many sources of credit have tightened up, help is still available for companies with strong growth plans.
A variety of financing is available for businesses with proven business models. Email us at help@economicalliance.org to enroll in our Business Assistance Program and meet our financing partners.
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Enjoy our natural beauty this spring. Learn more about the many parks, hiking trails, and other national recreational areas of our five-city region. |
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Business Assistance Program |
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The Alliance is at the forefront of assisting the Valley’s small businesses. These are some highlights of what we accomplished in 2021:
- 22 Educational webinars with 1,719 registrations
- 405,890 social media impressions
- 82% small businesses served, 52% of which were microbusinesses
- 28% African American owned, 25% Latino/Latina owned
- 51% Low-income business owners served
- Facilitated the deployment of $1,319,900 of capital
- 141 jobs saved
Contact us today to see how we can help you:
- Apply for loans and grants
- Market to attract new customers
- Find subsidized employees, and more
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The Alliance is enlisting input to ascertain which topics might be most of interest to you related to land use issues that most impact regional development. |
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Please select the TOP 3 issues of most concern to you pertaining to our regional development:
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This being Women's History Month, there's no better time to take stock of where you've been and where you want to go in the year ahead. Get the support you need to start and grow your business today. Join our Women's Business Hub Facebook Group and find out about grants and resources for women-owned businesses. |
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Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business |
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The Alliance is partnering with The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program to offer this FREE-tuition 3.5 month program for qualified small business owners who want to grow their businesses and create jobs in Valley communities. You may be eligible if you are the owner or co-owner of a small business that has been in operations for at least a full year, has gross revenues of at least $75,000 in the last fiscal year, and has at least 2 employees, including the owner(s). The deadline to apply is May 15, 2022. |
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From Glendale to Calabasas, the San Fernando Valley region is growing in its emergence as a global tech hub. See below for some of the opportunities for Valley businesses to tap into our tech ecosystem. |
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A partnership between UCLA Health, BioscienceLA and UCLA Biodesign, the TechQuity Accelerator is now accepting applications from mission-driven founders developing inclusive technologies that support health equity. Valley businesses recommended by The Alliance are welcome to apply. The deadline is March 31, 2022.
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Through a partnership with the Steven Dorfman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CalLutheran University, Valley businesses are able to use co-working space at Hub101, attend tech events, and receive regular updates on relevant resources and activities. |
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The City of Glendale is home to Hero House, a tech incubator that connects local founders with space, capital, and resources to startup and scale.
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Increasing residential access to affordable broadband across the San Fernando Valley region is essential to eliminating the disparities between residents with and without technological resources. Through a partnership with Human-I-T, The Alliance is connecting underserved individuals and nonprofit organizations to digital workshops and internet training and offering an Emergency Broadband Benefit program, linking distressed business owners and schools with gently used laptops, desktops, and other tech devices required to remain competitive in today’s digital economy. |
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Education & Workforce Development |
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Workforce of the Future Directory
The Alliance is calling on industry leaders to engage with local educational institutions to communicate the skills and qualifications your company would like to see from graduates now and in the future. If you are a hiring decision-maker at a large Valley employer, then click below to register to partner with local colleges and universities.
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Finding Qualified Employees
Los Angeles County has a system of employment centers equipped to connect job seekers and employers, with funding available in some cases to fund employee costs. The Alliance also partners with centers that train workers with disabilities to participate fully in the workforce.
Contact local workforce development partners below and let them know your needs:
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Special Ability Employment Providers |
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Job Seekers
CNBC recently reported that people with bachelor’s degrees generally earn 75% more over their lifetimes than if they had just a high school diploma. Yet, 28% of associate degree holders still earn more than half of the bachelor holders in the workforce. What can we learn from this? More education often translates to higher earnings, but becoming highly skilled in certain high-demand occupations can be another path to high wages. Job seekers who are strategic about their career trajectories can ensure their maximum earning power.
The Alliance’s network of education providers can help you navigate your options, upskill to increase your earning power, and find the best plan for you.
Learn more from our universities and colleges below:
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Livable & Sustainable Communities |
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To learn more about how rising interest rates may impact the housing market, watch this video from Bigger Pockets. |
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Livable & Sustainable Communities Committee |
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On March 17, The Alliance convened its monthly Livable and Sustainable Communities Committee, Chaired by Community Foundation of the Valleys President Marianne Haver Hill. Al Grazioli, Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) director of real estate and facilities asset development, presented on the District’s approach to developing workforce housing and its strategies for developing new housing for employees in the future. Among the topics discussed were:
- The importance and urgency of employees living near work. Teachers and staff living far from the schools where they teach creates significant hardship for them, which has recently been exacerbated by high gas prices increasing the cost of transportation;
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Employers can help ease the housing crisis by developing employee housing. LAUSD has completed three employee housing projects, one each in 2015, 2016, and 2018, totaling 185 units;
- Developing employer housing has its challenges. Three factors that support the successful development of workforce housing projects include scenarios where it is possible to find: 1) low cost of land, 2) low cost of construction, and 3) low cost of financing.
To help promote a more sustainable, more economically sound region, The Alliance encourages our employers, particularly Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), to consider developing employee housing. A just-released study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation outlines in detail a path forward for LEAs. Employers are welcomed to contact us at info@economicalliance.org to discuss how we can help.
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Housing Creates Communities |
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Show our elected officials that you support the development of workforce housing. Click on the link below and click “I Support Housing” to register your support. |
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Water Conservation
This January and February were dry months for California, in fact the driest in 100 years. Less rainfall than expected has resulted in lower water supplies than anticipated and calls for conservation measures. On March 13, Governor Newsom increased state funding for our drought emergency. The Alliance urges our community, both businesses and residents alike, to be especially conscientious about saving water. Learn more by clicking the links below.
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The Alliance will present a Sustainability Forum on April 21 at 10 AM to explore topics such as energy and water conservation strategies, pollution reduction, and renewable energies. |
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Alliance Leadership & Investor Spotlights |
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Board of Directors Spotlights |
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Thank you Jim Garrison for your devotion and commitment as a Board Member for the past 11 years. The Alliance is truly grateful for your leadership as a steward of our organization.
Jim founded PacFed in Glendale back in 1977 and was acquired by Zenith American in 2017. He has worked in the health insurance industry for over 40 years.
One of the nation’s largest employee benefit administrators, Zenith American provides health & retirement administration solutions to approximately 2-million families from over 45 Zenith- locations across the US.
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On March 22, our partner organization, the United Chambers of Commerce (UCC), held a lively and informative Mayoral Candidate Forum at the Porter Valley Country Club. Pictured above are Congresswoman Karen Bass, Alliance First Vice Chair and UCC Chair Armida Colmenares-Stafford, UCC Government Relations Chair Richard Fisk, Councilman John Lee, Councilman Joe Buscaino, City Attorney Mike Feuer, and businessman and Alliance founder Mel Wilson. The UCC Board of Directors was also installed, including Alliance Director of Investor Relations Jacqui Matsumoto.
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Glendale Community College is a dynamic institution with more than 25,000 students, enrolled in college-credit at the Verdugo Campus, continuing education at the Garfield Campus, community services classes held throughout the community, and the Professional Development Center (PDC) located in Montrose.
All students achieve their informed educational goals through outstanding instructional and student services, a comprehensive community college curriculum, and educational opportunities found in few community colleges.
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Los Angeles Mission College has served the educational needs of neighbors in the San Fernando Valley throughout a 30-year history, with community support and involvement as their most valued resources.
Located in Sylmar, the college has strong, historical ties to the neighboring communities of San Fernando, Pacoima, Mission Hills, North Hills, Panorama City and Granada Hills.
In recent years, their enrollment base has expanded to include many of the communities throughout the greater San Fernando Valley, as well as Canyon Country and Santa Clarita.
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Miller Kaplan originated in Los Angeles, California as two separate firms in 1941 – later merging together to become one of the nation’s top 100 accounting firms offering audit, tax, business management, industry metrics, information security, licensing and royalties, and consulting services.
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Union Bank is a full-service bank with a rich history of investing in our clients, communities, and colleagues providing a wide range of personal and business banking products as well as wealth management services. populations.
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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 jmatsumoto@economicalliance.org or click below for more information.
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Tickets are going fast! Join us for the star-studded and entertaining Valley of the Stars Gala, our 24th Annual Awards Celebration, at the Castaway Burbank on April 8, 2022 at 5:30 PM. |
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Give Where You Live Campaign |
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The Valley Economic Alliance is fostering economic recovery for the Valley. By supporting small businesses, job seekers, housing development, and community revitalization, we are leading the way to realize a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable San Fernando Valley region. Join us with a financial contribution today.
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4th Annual Startup Burbank Pitchfest
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Burbank Pitch Festival, live in-person in Burbank, startup pitch event features entrepreneurs taking the stage to fastpitch their startups in front of a panel of judges, and to receive feedback and mentoring live on stage in front of a live audience. Special keynote speaker (to be announced) as well.
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RAMP Information Session
Generate New Contract Opportunities for Your Small Business!
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The City of Los Angeles is proud to introduce RAMP to the Southern California Business Community.
RAMP (Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement) provides a one-stop hub for small businesses to more easily and efficiently find and pursue business opportunities across Southern California.
Learn how your business can benefit from this new initiative!
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Ascend Information Session
Thursday, March 31, 2022
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Ascend LA is a network of non-profit lenders, education providers, and B2B market makers that provide construction and professional service entrepreneurs with the resource you need to accelerate business growth.
Learn more about the Ascend LA 2022 program, its components, application requirements, and the ideal Ascend LA candidates.
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24th Annual Valley of the Stars Awards Gala
Friday, April 8, 2022
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Castaway Burbank
Our charming Master of Ceremonies Jerry O’Connell, Co-Host of The Talk, will guide us through a fun-filled, elegant evening where we will honor:
- Eric Dickerson as our Sports & Entertainment Honoree
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt as our Jane and Bert Boeckmann Business Leadership Honoree
- Ken Craft of Hope of the Valley as our Humanitarian Honoree
- Christy Vega as our Trial Blazer Honoree
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Diverse Business Huddle
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- 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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Next Level Growth Series: Valley Builds & Moves: Public Projects You Can Bid on to Shape the SFV
Thursday, April 14, 2022
10:00-10:45 AM
Presenter: Michelle Quirante, Account Manager, Contractor Development and Bonding Program City of L.A. and Metro
- Public infrastructure projects being planned for the Valley
- How to obtain contractor assistance to bid on projects
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Economic Development Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 14, 2022
10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Immediately following our next level growth webinar.
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Economic Development Committee for the San Fernando Valley.
Spotlight on the City of Burbank
Speaker: Mary Hamzoian, Economic Development Director, City of Burbank
- Major real estate development projects in the works
- Programs and resources to help businesses grow
Shannon Hoppes, Chief Procurement Officer, City of Los Angeles
Launch of RAMP
- Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement
- Position your company to do business with government agencies and major corporations in the region
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Join us for the monthly meeting Livable and Sustainable Communities for the San Fernando Valley
Thursday, April 21, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Alliance will present a Sustainability Forum on to explore topics such as energy and water conservation strategies, pollution reduction, and renewable energies.
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SAVE THE DATE
The Sky's The Limit Aviation Career Day
Friday, April 29, 2022
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More than 1,000 Students will be introduced to all of the Aviation career possibilities available to them at the annual The Sky's the Limit Aviation Career Day presented by Los Angeles World Airports in partnership with The Valley Economic Alliance.
Opening Remarks
Council President Nury Martinez, Councilwoman, 6th District
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