Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Updates from City Hall | Business News | Local Economic Trends | Education & Training
National Small Business Week is Here!
Happy National Small Business Week to all of our valued small businesses here in the City! Thank you for being an important part of what makes Thousand Oaks such a unique and special place. From the goods and services you offer, jobs you provide, and range of contributions to the community through engagement, volunteering and philanthropic giving. Whether you’ve been a part of our community for decades or recently opened your doors for business, we appreciate you! 
Fun fact: Small businesses make up an overwhelming majority of our local business community. County-level data shows more than 75% of business establishments across Ventura County are made up of fewer than 10 employees, and more than 95% have fewer than 50 employees. Learn more at U.S. Census - Community Business Patterns.
The Drought and a Call to Conserve
Stricter water restrictions are on their way to Thousand Oaks. Our City is nearly 100% dependent on water from the State Water Project.
 
If enough water is not conserved, or if supply conditions worsen, outdoor watering could be eliminated altogether later this year. Let's work together to conserve.
 
The Calleguas Municipal Water District gave an update to City Council this past week on the current water shortage. Watch it here.
2022 Street Resurfacing Underway
Paving is underway to preserve and extend the life of our roads and streets, which are one of the community's most essential and critical assets. Project details and timeline information can be found here.
Highlighted Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week 2022 Resources
The SBA is hosting a virtual summit this week and highlighting some great resources for small businesses in every sector and stage of development. Check it all out here.
SCORE's Small Business Resilience Hub
SCORE's Small Business Resilience Hub offers a wide range of free resources to help small businesses with preparation and recovery relating to everything from sudden market changes, economic downturns, supply disruptions, to natural disasters. Get prepared here!
Want to learn more about our local business community partners in Thousand Oaks? See our Support & Resources webpage here.
NEW BUSINESSES
Blue Violet Flowers
Blue Violet Flowers has opened at 860 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. (External Link)
Charles River Accelerator and Development Lab
Charles River Accelerator and Development Lab opened a new facility at 1300 Rancho Conejo Blvd, serving the biotech companies in the area.
Ember Technologies
Ember Technologies, a design-led temperature control brand technology platform designing drinkware and dishware that can be thermally controlled, expanded and relocated their operations to One Baxter Way. (External link)
Latigo Biotherapeutics
Latigo Biotherapeutics, developing novel, non-opioid therapies for chronic pain completed their lab space and opened at 1300 Rancho Conejo Blvd. (External link)
New York Life
New York Life opened new office located at 2625 Townsgate Road. (External link)
Postal Annex
Postal Annex has opened at 868 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. (External link)
Rhineland Deli
Rhineland Deli relocate their restaurant from Select Plaza to Oak Leaf Square, located at 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. (External link)
Shag Shop
Shag Shop, a barber shop, opened at 850 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. (External link)
Skyline Animal Hospital
Skyline Animal Hospital opened a new facility located at 74 N. Skyline Drive. (External link)
The Yoga Ritual
The Yoga Ritual opened at the North Ranch Mall, located at 3835 E. Thousand oaks Blvd. (External link)
See the City's latest monthly Development Activity and Permits Issued reports here.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES & JOBS BY INDUSTRY
City of Thousand Oaks
According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks March 2022 unemployment rate is 2.9% (down from a revised 3.1% in February 2022).

The City has a total of 63,600 in the labor force with 61,700 who are employed.  
Ventura County
The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s preliminary March 2022 unemployment rate at 3.5% (down from a revised 4.1% in February 2022). 

A total of 1,600 non-farm jobs were added in March 2022. However, a total of 400 jobs were lost; amounting to a net gain of 1,200. Job gains consisted of: 700 in Education and Health Services; 600 in Leisure and Hospitality; 100 in Manufacturing; 100 Financial Activities; and 100 in Other Services. Job losses consisted of: 400 in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
The chart above illustrates year-over-year jobs by industry sector across the Ventura County region. March 2022 data is a preliminary estimate. It shows estimated gains in most industries compared to February 2021. (The Financial Activities and Trade/Transportation/Utilities sectors are down slightly. Manufacturing, and Mining and Logging remain equal year-over-year.)
AUTO SALES
A total of 1,062 new vehicles were sold in March 2022; up 2.3% from February 2022, and down 36.3% Year-Over-Year.

In addition, 786 pre-owned vehicles were sold in March; down 17.1% Year-Over-Year.
Economic Development Collaborative
See the latest schedule of upcoming no-cost education and training opportunities for June here.
SCORE - Ventura County
In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on accounting, business formation, digital and social media marketing, and more. See here.
Women's Economic Ventures
Check out the great business training, advisory services, loan opportunities and more over at WEV. More here.
SCORE - Ventura County
In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on accounting, business formation, digital and social media marketing, and more. See here.
CA Employment Development Department
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has a webpage with resources specifically for employers. See resources focused on Hiring and training, Work Sharing, and more here.
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