14 Dec The Valley Economic Alliance Newsletter May 2016 Highlights
4th Annual Career Fair And Health Expo
Over 800 attendees took advantage of job opportunities and health and wellness services offered at the 4th Annual Career Fair and Health Expo on Wednesday, April 13th, hosted by The Valley Economic Alliance and Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). Health services included blood pressure testing, BMI, glucose testing, HIV and HepC testing, and fitness activities.
A special welcome by Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Dr. Erika Endrijonas, President of LAVC, and Kenn Phillips, President of The Valley Economic Alliance kicked off the event. Sponsors included Barlow Respiratory Hospital, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Van Nuys Los Angeles World Airports, Costco, Daily News, Way Better Snacks and Enjoy Life.
The Valley Of The Stars Gala Dinner And Awards Ceremony
The Valley Economic Alliance’s premier Valley of the Stars Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony is weeks away!
Join us at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, May 21st to recognize the 2016 Stars of the Valley.
Registration – 6pm
Cocktails – 6pm
Awards Ceremony – 7:30pm
Dinner Under the Stars – 8:30pm
Attire: Safari Chic
Tickets, table reservations, sponsorship opportunities, and program book advertising are available.
Please visit https://thevalley.net/events/gala/ to register or call 818-379-7000.
Business Incubator Program
Kelly Redmond
Impact Enterprises
The Valley Economic Alliance’s second incubee in their business incubator program is Kelly Redmond, founder of Impact Enterprises. The vision of Impact Enterprises is to promote and contribute to positive social change, diversity, and inclusion globally. Impact Enterprises is a social enterprise that seeks to change the world through leadership, strategy, connectivity, service, advocacy and activism and consists of two entities: Impact Media and Entertainment & Impact Consulting and Strategic Solutions.
Impact Media and Entertainment Coalition is the nonprofit organization that mobilizes resources to use media and entertainment as a platform for social change revolutionizing race relations. Impact Consulting and Strategic Solutions is a consulting practice targeting corporations, non-profit organizations and businesses in Los Angeles and across the country to help them to better serve and reach diverse audiences, and to complement their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Kelly has had an extensive career in leadership roles in the fields of diversity management, political and grassroots organizing, community relations, cause marketing, brand marketing, public relations, and external affairs over the past 25 years. Previously, Kelly worked for the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity in Health Management, Gannett, The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, S.C. Johnson, Abbott, Hewitt Associates and Kraft.
Visit www.impact-enterprises.org for more information.
Sky’s The Limit – Aviation Career Day
The 11th Annual Sky’s the Limit – Aviation Career Day on Friday, April 1st welcomed over 1,200 local high school students and 45 aviation industry experts to VITA member, Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Hosted by VNY, MP Aero, The Valley Economic Alliance and Los Angeles City Councilmember Nury Martinez, students were provided a behind-the-scenes airport tour, took part in interactive exhibits and viewed aircraft displays including an EA-18 Growler, Condor Squadron’s AT-6, Los Angeles Fire Department Air Rescue Unit, and Van Nuys Airport major tenants including Clay Lacy, Signature Flight Support, Western Jet and the North Valley Occupational Center.
Congressman Tony Cardenas, LAUSD boardmember Scott Schmerelson and VITA boardmember and airport board commissioner, Jeffery Daar, welcomed students and gave remarks and encouragement. “In order for the U.S. to continue being a global leader, we must connect our communities to resources and opportunities in key industries such as the aviation and aerospace field. By encouraging our young generations to seek a career in such fields, we are, in turn, building a framework of innovative professionals that will drive our country forward to a better future,” said Congressman Cardenas.
In The News
San Fernando Valley Group Wants More Out Of $120 Billion Transit Sales Tax
San Fernando Valley leaders have renewed their call for a “fair share” of new bus and rail lines proposed for a $120-billion transit sales tax measure, saying they must be built sooner than planned and include access to Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN) and Burbank airport.
A San Fernando Valley Commuters and Riders Coalition asked Metro officials last week to boost “Valley-wide benefits” listed in a sweeping regional public transportation plan aimed for the November ballot. They were outlined in a letter signed by 18 civic, business and elected leaders addressed to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.
“We may have been born in the Valley, but we weren’t born yesterday,” said state Senator Robert M. Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, who helped found the coalition.
“The bottom line is, given the number of people in this coalition – we expect Metro to take our concerns seriously. We’re going to continue to advocate loudly for better public transit in the San Fernando Valley, particularly for the students who attend CSUN.
Last month, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority released a spending plan draft for a 1-cent sales tax to help ease traffic congestion throughout the region.
The proposed half-cent Measure R extension and half-cent so-called Measure R2 tax, under public review through May 20, would require two-thirds approval by voters. A similar tax proposal known as Measure J narrowly failed in 2012.
Among the Valley projects proposed by its Council of Governments would be an $8.4 billion tunnel through Sepulveda Pass; a $1.6 billion rail line up Van Nuys Boulevard; a $4.5 million rail upgrade to the Orange Line busway and a $283 million dedicated busway from North Hollywood to Pasadena.
“It’s important to look at the big picture – and the Valley is doing quite well in the big picture,” said David Yale, an executive planner for the MTA. “It’s getting a fair shake.”
Source: Los Angeles Daily News
Business Assistance Team Assists Black Market Gelato
The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) continues to connect businesses to the resources and leadership of the San Fernando Valley. TVEA’s Business Assistance Team recently met with Zbynek (Spin) Mlynarik, owner of Black Market Gelato.
Spin is from Austria and was a Professional top 200 Tennis Player. Since his retirement he started his high quality gelato company in North Hollywood. He currently employs 8 people and his gelato can be found at high-end restaurants, hotels and stores.
Every business leader has challenges and many do not know where to turn. TVEA’s business assistance consultants, Ken Broderick and Michael Hadley helped Spin gain financing for commercial machinery, provided resources for his challenging distribution channels, cross training staff, new menu design and developing a marketing strategy.
TVEA’s team also helped prioritize Spin’s challenges and immediately provided resources to help his business grow.
During the past few weeks, Cal State Univerity, Northridge Professor and Director of Viscom, Dave Moon, created a professional portfolio of gelato photos that are timeless and have many applications.
Chris Marocchi, CMTC Regional Manager and Randy McKinley addressed his manufacturing processes and distribution issues.
Spin thanks TVEA for the many resources and knowledge that helped his business become more competitive and efficient.
To schedule a complimentary business assistance assessment, please email MHadley@economicalliance.org or KBroderick@economicalliance.org.