In tough economic times, the difference between success and failure can be marked by the perseverance of those who take initiative and, armed with determination, gather supporters and mobilize in a specific direction. In the Santa Clarita Valley, business leadership comes from local government, trade groups, business organizations and the business owners themselves. The San Fernando Valley Business Journal asked representatives of these driving sectors to assess the business climate and leadership effectiveness in the Santa Clarita Valley. Susan Reynolds Senior partner at NewMarket Careers in Santa Clarita, a job search and career strategy firm What is the biggest challenge for the business leadership of the Santa Clarita Valley? In the difficult economic times it’s so tempting for businesses and people to pull back with their expenditure of money, so I think the challenge for the business leadership is we keep having to remind people that they have to get out there, and that their business will survive if they continue to build their brand and build awareness. You can’t pull back and tuck your head into your shell and expect to survive. What is the biggest asset for businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley? For those who choose to participate, we have a very tight knit business community that is very willing to do business with each other. The biggest drawback? The economy, there is not enough to go around right now, we have too much talented labor on the market and as a result the price for good labor is falling, and people can’t pay their bills. How do you evaluate the business leadership of the City? I think they’re doing a good job. The only thing that I would love to see is an absolute, genuine care that we are collaborative with Castaic and Stevenson Ranch; that we do not think in an insular fashion. We must think Santa Clarita Valley and that means the entire Valley. Sometimes there is too insular a view. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership from business organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley? I don’t belong to a single business organization where I have not completely recouped my investment .The relationships that I’ve built over time now consistently pay back for me, and I would not have those relationships if it were not for those organizations. Overall they are doing a good job, but if I were to give a pep talk I would say they absolutely better be thinking every day ‘what are we doing to help our members’. What should be the goal of the Santa Clarita Valley leadership for the next 10 years? It should be very much to continue to solicit industry, to work in a consolidated organized manner to solicit industry to this Valley. We need mid level to upper level jobs. It’s a great community to live in and we need to have the jobs so that everyone doesn’t have to fight their way down the 405. Bill Kennedy Chairman of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce What is the biggest challenge for the business leadership of the Santa Clarita Valley? Obviously the state of the economy. Our challenge from a business leadership perspective right now is to ensure that we are putting in place those types of projects and activities to continue to insulate us somewhat from the overall downward economic trend. What is the biggest asset for businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley? The collection of very creative energetic people to work the issues. I’ve never known a community that had so much great talent located in one area, and I think that’s partly the reason why the Valley has not been so adversely affected during this economic turndown. We’ve also got strong local leadership, and it goes all the way from our city government and council, right down to the general businesses, into the trade organizations that are representing those businesses. The biggest drawback? The biggest drawback in the Valley, if there is any at all, is the attitude, perhaps of some people, especially those that are influenced by bad press reports and what not, and are getting concerned about the future. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership from business organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley? Very highly. Like I said we have a large number of very creative active people who know how to get things done, and who know how to sense what is happening in the marketplace and then respond to it with innovative programs. How do you evaluate the business leadership of the City? I think the city has shown itself to be very sensitive to business needs and to be tuned in to what is changing in this environment. Most recently the city announced a 21-point economic development plan, which is now being fully flushed out, and I just think it’s a great indicator of the type of forward looking thinking and leadership we have in this city when it comes to business. Ken Pulskamp City Manager What is the biggest challenge for the business leadership of the Santa Clarita Valley? One of the biggest challenges for our business community is the state budget crisis which threatens us all. The ramifications of the state budget which include the high cost of doing business in California, have caused businesses to flee our state. What is the biggest asset for businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley? One of local businesses’ biggest asset is our local government, the City of Santa Clarita. The City’s Enterprise Zone, a state-designated zone for city-based businesses saves businesses thousands of dollars annually. The biggest drawback? One of the biggest drawbacks is the state budget which is a huge drain on us all of us. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership from business organizations? The effectiveness of leadership from our business community is evident in our local economy and the fact that despite the economic recession, Santa Clarita is faring better than other municipalities throughout the State. Our local business community is experienced, savvy and understands the importance of working together to better our entire community. How do you evaluate the business leadership of the City? The City’s leadership over the last two decades (since cityhood) has been incredible. It starts at incorporation with our ability to keep 100% of locally-generated tax dollars right here in our Valley, and continues with leadership and vision throughout the years. Major milestones include the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake where our City was able to fully recover within one year, and continues with the newly adopted 21 Point Business Plan for Progress, a $5.1 million investment in our business community. What should be the goal of the Santa Clarita Valley leadership for the next 10 years? The goals should include diversification for our business community, focusing on the future and where we want to be in 5 to 10 years, investment in infrastructure to carry us through the 21st Century and more partnering to name a few. Kathy Norris CEO/President of VIA What is the biggest asset for businesses in SCV? SCV’s biggest asset is the cooperation and partnership of our business community – each company is invested in the success of business as a whole in the SCV. We work together and rely on each other to make this a strong, vibrant business community. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of the leadership from business organizations? I think our business organizations are tremendously effective. The collective voice of thousands of local businesses is one that commands attention. As well, VIA spends a great deal of time working with our members to be sure we’re directly addressing their needs. Through our continuing partnerships with other organization such as VICA, CMTA, CITC, LAEDC, College of the Canyons, the City of Santa Clarita, the SCV Chamber of Commerce.
