Content about Geography of California

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with College of the Canyons, hosted its annual Outlook economic forecast event at the Hyatt Regency Valencia on Feb. 27. The event was sold out, with more than 300 attendees anxious to hear what keynote speakers had to say about the economic future of the Santa Clarita Valley and L.A. region as a whole.

As we examine the top law firms in northern Los Angeles County, it begs the question: What makes a great law firm?

WHAT: Essential Steps for Writing a Business Plan Part I
WHERE: University of Antelope Valley,
44055 North Sierra Highway, Lacanster, CA 93534
WHEN: 9 a.m.
CONTACT: sbdc@canyons.edu/(661) 362-5900 

Note: This is part two of a two part series on the Santa Clarita Valley’s competitive advantages when it comes to business location.

In my October article, I wrote about how the Santa Clarita Valley – which may not appear to be a “low-cost” operating environment – continues to be competitive by offering firms significant cost savings through a positive business climate, educated local labor force and a wide range of benefit programs.

The topic of foreign trade is something you’d expect to be discussed in port cities, but maybe not in Santa Clarita. According to the California Chamber of Commerce website, California exports to 226 foreign markets and international commerce accounts for approximately one-quarter of our state’s economy.

An annual college scholarship fund has been created in name of the late Helen Fox, a founding member of the Santa Clarita Valley Division of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors.

The College of Canyons Foundation, SRAR and the Bernard Osher Foundation came together this year to raise $20,000 to begin the fund in memory of Fox, who was known by friends and colleagues for her dedication to her career and community up until her death in 1987.

A panel of county and Santa Clarita Valley economic organizations took center stage at the Valley Industry Association’s monthly lunch Tuesday to outline ongoing economic efforts in the region.

Describing both efforts and successes in the region, panelists agreed Santa Clarita is poised for a stronger recovery when the economy recovers, based on the area’s business-friendly environment.

“Opportunities don’t knock,” said Dianne Van Hook, chancellor of College of the Canyons. “You create them.”

Roberto Barragan has been with the Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) for 17 years, 12 of them as the organization’s president. The VEDC, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, has grown to become the largest nonprofit business development corporation in the metropolitan Los Angeles area involved mostly in lending to small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these businesses are unable to obtain financing from traditional banks because of the extreme tightening of credit the past few years.