AROUND THE VALLEYS

Wells Fargo & Co. opened its first LEED Gold-certified retail banking branch in the San Fernando Valley on March 29. The store, located at 12900 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, is only Wells’ second LEED banking store in the state. Marla Vasquez, regional president for Wells Fargo’s San Fernando Valley Community Bank, led business and public officials along with the media on a tour of the facility on opening day. “It’s part of Wells Fargo’s commitment to be environmentally responsible,” Vasquez said. The “green” features of the new branch include a system that adjusts lighting according to available daylight. This helps to reduce energy usage by 20 percent. The building’s insulation is made from recyclable cotton, primarily denim. Other recyclable materials include the carpet, window treatments and counter surfaces. Water saving plumbing fixtures and devices are also being used. This helps to cut water usage by 40 percent, according to Vasquez. The $1.2 million building was constructed on the site of a former gas station. – Jason Schaff SAN FERNANDO VALLEY North Hollywood Marketing: Graphic Orb has become a unit of global marketing and branding firm Worldwide EXP, and changed its name to GO|exp. The new relationship gives GO|exp access to production facilities around the world for seamless distribution for the company’s clients. GO|exp represents businesses in the entertainment, automotive and pharmaceutical industries. GO|exp CEO Ken Gray adds the title of chief operating officer of Worldwide EXP. Jan Ohye has been promoted to senior vice president, general manager of GO|exp. Burbank Audience: AMC Theatres introduced its Enhanced Theatre Experience at the AMC Burbank 16. The ETX features larger screens and improved sound systems and a digital projection producing images at a higher resolution than HD and there are nearly twice as many audio channels compared to typical auditoriums. “With the upgraded screen and sound system, in addition to the premium viewing experience digital cinema offers, we believe our guests at Burbank 16 will walk away with a new perception of how movies should be delivered,” said John McDonald, executive vice president, U.S. operations. Reseda Promote: Khad Media has been hired for public relations assistance and media outreach for wheel manufacturer HRE Performance Wheels, based in San Diego. Kahn will work with HRE management on strategic planning initiatives, and the development and implementation of dynamic social media marketing campaigns to elevate brand visibility, increase sales, and promote the company’s top products. HRE designs, engineers and manufactures forged 3-piece and 1-piece forged aluminum alloy wheels for racing, performance and luxury cars and SUVs . “The entire company is focused on designing, engineering and manufacturing the finest wheels available anywhere in the world, and that focus and drive shows in their product line, said Kahn Media President Dan Kahn. “We are looking forward to connecting with HRE fans and spreading the word about their incredible product line through traditional and social media – it’s going to be fun.” CONEJO VALLEY Westlake Village Honor: Kevin/Ross Public Relations received a “Best in Business” award from the Small Business Commerce Association. The recipients are recognized by the association for demonstrating what makes small businesses a vital part of the U.S. economy. “We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious award in recognition of what we have accomplished over the past 12 years,” says Kevin/Ross Founder and President Ross Goldberg. “Our real thanks go to the more than 50 organizations with whom we’ve worked over that time and whose trust and confidence in us has made this all possible.” Award winners are chosen from nominees from across the country and located in 2,500 cities. SANTA CLARITA VALLEY Santa Clarita Autos: The service department at Valencia Acura was named among the nation’s best in customer satisfaction for the month of February. The rating is based on customer surveys reporting on how the dealership’s service team excelled in every aspect of the client experience. Criteria included knowledge, promptness, cleanliness, thoroughness, expertise, quality of work and value of service received. “We have always been committed to providing our customers with the best overall car ownership experience – and we know our service department is exceptional.” said Cheri Fleming, co-owner of Valencia Acura, “We’ve been number one in our district and zone many times – but being number one in the nation is especially gratifying. There are some great dealerships out there.” Medicine: The Newhall Health Center had a grand opening on April 8. The health center, operated by Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc., includes five exam rooms, two dental operatories and an office for counseling sessions. Contributing sponsors of the center include the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation; Ahmanson Foundation; CaliforniaWellness Foundation, and the City of Santa Clarita. “This is a huge step forward for us, being able to serve a greater amount of residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, by expanding in the greater Newhall area,” said Cheryl Laymon, executive director of Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc. “We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the individuals and organizations who have helped us to make this dream a reality.” ANTELOPE VALLEY Palmdale Shuttle: The City of Palmdale, NASA and the AERO Institute will commemorate the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia on April 20 at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. The celebration will pay tribute to the men and women who worked on the Space Shuttle program and will feature guest speakers, displays and giveaways for children. “We’re inviting everyone who had a hand in making this amazing project a reality to stop by and join in on the celebration,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “There has never before nor will there ever be another aircraft like the Shuttle, and since it was built right here in Palmdale by hundreds of Antelope Valley residents, it is only fitting that we should come together on the anniversary of its first completed mission to reflect and celebrate its greatness.” Columbia completed its first orbital mission on April 14, 1981, landing at Edwards Air Force Base. VENTURA COUNTY Camarillo Campus: California State University Channel Island opened its new student union on March 18. The union is located in the former library and will be a center of campus life as a place for students to meet, study, have coffee, or relax between classes. The design, construction and operation of the union is funded through a referendum passed by students in 2006. The facility is overseen by the Associated Students Inc., an elected and appointed body of students, faculty, staff, administrators and a community representative.