14 Dec North Valley Community Connection: The Valley Economic Alliance – Working For Business
Following the devastating impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, key Valley business and civic leaders formed a unique partnership to help direct the rebuilding of the economy and the community. Today, The Alliance is an important strategic collaborative made up of public and private businesses, government, educational and community organizations. TVEA’s mission is to elevate the economic vitality and stability of our five-city region, including Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles and San Fernando, that consists of more than 150,000 businesses and over 1.8 million residents covering more than 350 square miles.
With a Board of Directors that includes corporate leaders, college presidents, and officials from the Valley’s major municipalities, TVEA is effectively positioning the regional economy to compete in the increasingly global marketplace. Kenn Phillips, President and CEO of TVEA, oversees the Alliance’s operations and programs supporting the organization’s mission. He works directly with city partners, strategic partners and investors to help propel and improve the economic vitality and quality of education, and helps position the region as a center for strategic business resources.
TVEA helps businesses succeed, grow and prosper. Through their business assistance program, The Alliance provides free of charge consultations to hundreds of San Fernando Valley businesses each year, securing financing, tax credit, business referrals and a variety of creative solutions for the challenges faced by local businesses. Solutions include lowering costs of doing business, attracting new customers, financing, enterprise zone tax credits and incentives, workforce training and hiring services to name a few.
The Alliance hosts seminars and workshops year-round to advance knowledge and skills, as well as networking opportunities to introduce, foster and build connections and relationships. The Alliance’s signature events include The Valley Business Expo, Steve Allen Excellence in Education Awards, The Valley of the Stars Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, and Career Fair/Health and Disability Expo. HealthX, a ted talk type event, and Valley Hackathon will take place on Friday, September 25, 2015 and will focus on the future of health, including demonstrations and presentations on new health technology. The Honor a Hero-Hire a Vet Job and Resource Fair is set for Thursday, October 22, 2015 at the Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills, where hundreds of veterans will have the opportunity to interview with employers hiring on site.
For further information about TVEA, visit thevalley.net or call 818-379-7000.
Source: North Valley Community Connection, July 2015 (Page 15)