Content about Santa Clarita Valley

In the spirit of collaboration and partnership, several of Santa Clarita’s leading business organizations will host the SCV Leadership Awards on Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Hyatt Regency Valencia from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In any economic state, and even more so in an unhinged economy, new global competitors and challenges abound ranging from the uncertain successes of emerging markets, to the instability of the skills gap and quality of the workforce pool. The upswing in emerging markets has placed significant pressure on traditional industries to enhance competitive competencies; a strong workforce at the foundation.

The Valley Industry Association’s signature event moves to a new location on Thursday, March 1. This marks the first time the event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 24500 Town Center Drive in Valencia.

“Interest has been at an all-time high since we announced Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, an American icon and NBA legend, is scheduled to keynote the luncheon address,” said VIA CEO/President Kathy Norris.

VIA’s 2012 Business2Business committee will announce an opportunity exclusively for businesses that commit as industry show sponsors within the next few weeks. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, keynote speaker for the March 1 event, has donated a Lakers jersey and signed basketball to the organization. The committee will host an exclusive drawing for the items from the pool of event sponsors at the next VIA business luncheon on Jan. 17 at the Valencia Country Club.

The Valley Industry Association began 2011 like most years, with a focus on its strategic vision, a robust planning calendar and an engaged Board of Directors and staff ready to fulfill the organization’s mission. What made this year different than most was that VIA had an occasion to celebrate – its 30th year connecting and building Santa Clarita Valley business and industry.

As the year comes to a close, VIA takes a look back over three decades if historical milestones and influential people responsible for the success of the organization.

Jason Crawford, marketing and economic development manager with the city of Santa Clarita, describes the city’s Think Santa Clarita branding campaign.

Campaign Concept:

Think Santa Clarita was a two-fold branding campaign to reap economic benefits for the residents and city of Santa Clarita

The number of nights hotel rooms were occupied in the Santa Clarita Valley jumped 9.1 percent, marking the largest percentage increase in occupancy among Los Angeles markets when comparing January through August 2011.

The region also experienced a 7.1 percent increase in occupancy for the month of August 2011, the second largest increase for the month in comparison to other L.A. markets. 

I was late this month in submitting my article for the SCV Business Journal. This was due to the fact that I was on vacation in Wyoming seeking a few days of uninterrupted relaxation. I have four young children so anyone knows uninterrupted relaxation is an oxymoron when it comes to vacation.

WHAT: Meet fellow Chamber members, learn how to use your membership to its maximum potential and how to best promote your business through everything the Chamber has to offer. This informational meeting introduces new members to Chamber programs, committees, networking opportunities, special events, and explains the benefits and value of Chamber membership.
WHERE: SCV Chamber of Commerce office, 27451 Tourney Road, #160, Santa Clarita
WHEN: 8 a.m.
CONTACT: (661) 702-6977

If you’re a business looking to attract local customers, whether business-to-business or business-to-consumer, this year’s SCV Community Expo is your opportunity to stand face-to-face with Santa Clarita Valley business owners and residents. Just imagine: thousands of potential customers crossing your threshold over the course of one weekend.

WHAT: SBDC MasterMinds in the Santa Clarita Valley is a small business and entrepreneurial training and business development group facilitated by the Small Business Development Center.  Members meet twice a month and focus on supporting one another through open discussion and collaboration to increase chances of success and magnitude of success. All local business-minded individuals are invited to attend. The cost is $35 per quarter but the first visit is free.

WHERE: SCV Chamber of Commerce, 27451 Tourney Road, Suite #160, Santa Clarita

WHAT: Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly “Get-Acquainted Breakfast” to introduce new prospective members to Chamber programs and benefits. A continental breakfast will be served.

WHERE: SCV Chamber of Commerce office, 27451 Tourney Road, Suite #160, Santa Clarita

WHEN: 8 a.m.

CONTACT: Laura Kirchhoff at lkirchhoff@scvchamber.com