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March 5, 2012
Pension Reform Movement Gains Steam at Capitol

The call for pension reform is getting much louder in Sacramento. The chaos that the economic downturn has created for the stock market translates into less money …

The call for pension reform is getting much louder in Sacramento. The chaos that the economic downturn has created for the stock market translates into less money in the coffers of public pension systems. Governments large and small risk insolvency without systemic reform. The status quo is unaffordable and unsustainable.

February 2, 2012
California Ballot Could See Onslaught of Initiatives

California’s direct initiative process is often included on the list of practices that receive blame for the state’s massive budget deficit and overall decline.

California’s direct initiative process is often included on the list of practices that receive blame for the state’s massive budget deficit and overall decline.

February 2, 2012
The Changing State of Redevelopment in California and What it Means to Santa Clarita

Redevelopment, as defined by the California Redevelopment Association, is “a process authorized under California law that enables local governments to revitalize deteriorated and blighted areas in their jurisdictions.”

Redevelopment, as defined by the California Redevelopment Association, is “a process authorized under California law that enables local governments to revitalize deteriorated and blighted areas in their jurisdictions.”

January 3, 2012
Local Education, Networking Are 'So Valuable' to Budding Entrepreneurs

As a result of the tanking economy, some who were laid off decided to take the opportunity to pursue their ideas for products, services and small businesses.

As a result of the tanking economy, some who were laid off decided to take the opportunity to pursue their ideas for products, services and small businesses.

For many, these ventures would be their first foray into the business and management world.

“These people are in the ideas stage without the experience of an entrepreneur,” said Connie Sparks, a business consultant who also runs workshops within the Small Business Development Center, based at College of the Canyons.

November 9, 2011
Sal Aranda: Lending to solid buyers would boost housing

Some economists and politicians call for bold, sweeping action, yet the Santa Clarita Valley housing market would get a big boost by simply increasing lending to already creditworthy homebuyers.

Throw in more loan modifications and faster decision-making on short sales, and we just might begin reducing the number of foreclosed homes, thus stabilizing home prices and bolstering the economy along the way.

October 6, 2011
Local company leads the charge

Quallion LLC is expanding use of its lithium-ion batteries from biomedical applications to aerospace and defense.

Quallion LLC is expanding use of its lithium-ion batteries from biomedical applications to aerospace and defense.

After years of looking for a reliable power source, entrepreneur Alfred E. Mann co-founded Quallion with Dr. Hisashi Tsukamoto to develop a rechargeable lithium battery for medical devices in the biomedical industry.

September 28, 2011
Q&A with Roberto Barragan

 

Roberto Barragan has been with the Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) for 17 years, 12 of them as the organization’s president.

 

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.

September 28, 2011
Workplace Wellness: A Grassroots Approach

Employers in the United States are desperate to find ways to reduce health care costs.

Employers in the United States are desperate to find ways to reduce health care costs.

September 1, 2011
VIA Elections Underway

The nominating committee for VIA’s 2012 board of directors met in August to create a preliminary slate of nominees for the upcoming board election.

The nominating committee for VIA’s 2012 board of directors met in August to create a preliminary slate of nominees for the upcoming board election. VIA’s bylaws require a committee comprised of three board members and three at-large members of the organization.

August 31, 2011
Call for Nominations

The Valley Industry Association’s Board of Directors is comprised of 15 members with staggered election years.

The Valley Industry Association’s Board of Directors is comprised of 15 members with staggered election years. Each year, one-third of the organization’s directors are up for election.

When identifying potential board members, the nominating committee measures candidates’ qualifications in terms of established criteria. The committee looks for diversity among industries and the type of position candidates hold in their organizations.

June 13, 2011
Do as I say ... Not As I Do!

When you were kids, how many of you heard the saying, “Do as I say not as I do” from your parents?

When you were kids, how many of you heard the saying, “Do as I say not as I do” from your parents? You expect it from parents, older siblings and other family members … but we definitely shouldn’t expect it from our elected officials.

May 26, 2011
Women-Owned Business Certification

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 209, which became Article 1, Section 31 of the state’s constitution.

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 209, which became Article 1, Section 31 of the state’s constitution. Prop. 209 declares that the state, including its political subdivisions, “shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.”