Category Archives: Business

Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County installed new board members

Former mayor Heitmann installed as EDC-VC  vice chair.
Former mayor Heitmann installed as EDC-VC  vice chair.

Haas Automation Inc. senior-level manager Peter Zierhut was installed as 2016 chair of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County’s board of directors at the organization’s 19th Annual Meeting on Jan. 21. He is joined on the executive board by city of Ventura Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann as vice chair and secretary/treasurer Roseann Mikos, Ph.D., a member of the Moorpark City Council.

Zierhut joined the board of the EDC-VC in 2012. He is responsible for oversight of Haas Automation’s motorsports programs, including sponsorships in NASCAR and Formula 1 racing.

Heitmann was first elected to the Ventura City Council in 2011. She was appointed mayor in December 2013, and served as deputy mayor prior to that. Heitmann served as the executive director of the Ventura Music Festival from 2006-2012.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 384-1800 ext. 24, or [email protected]. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

 

Local entrepreneurs to host free community event

For those with a love for both yoga and coffee, three local entrepreneurs are hosting the perfect event. On Saturday, February 27, at 1pm WEV Self-Employment Training graduates Michelle Nouraei, Marilyn Hefferen, and Ashley Tindall will combine their passions to provide the community with a leisurely morning of yoga and coffee.

The event will kick off with a relaxing yoga class taught by Hefferen, an instructor at Yoga Rhythms. After the session, attendees can enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee made from Tindall’s organic roasted beans while shopping the latest trends in yoga apparel from Nouraei’s online yoga clothing store, Funk Zone Fashions.

The event takes place at 1593 Santa Ynez Street, Ventura. Free admission, RSVP encouraged in case of location change.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Ashley Tindall at (303) 815-6265 or [email protected].

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. While WEV targets its services toward women, it serves men as well, and provides many services in English and Spanish.

 

WEV provides business training

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) provides business training to women and who want to start or expand an existing business. WEV is holding free, 1-hour informational sessions for their English course in Ventura County. Orientation will cover class details and help you determine readiness for the next Self-Employment Training (SET) course beginning in February. (SET courses are offered in English and Spanish in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.)

Orientations are offered throughout the year and are required to enroll. Location will be given at RSVP. Thursday Feb. 4 ,  6-7 p.m. in Ventura

WEV’s Women’s Business Center offers a comprehensive 14 week, 56-hour Self-Employment Training (SET) program for women and men who want to start or grow a business. Programs are offered in both English and Spanish in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and provide week-by-week training on topics including finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, and record keeping. After the 14 week course, WEV SET graduates emerge with a completed business plan and the most important tools and resources they need to start a new business or grow their current business.

 

WEV is a nationally recognized, local non-profit that provides business training, small business loans, and many other resources. Since 1991, WEV has served over 12,000 clients, made over $3.5 million in microloans, and helped start or sustain an estimated 3,000 businesses supporting more than 4,000 local jobs.

 

Orientation location is subject to change. To find out more information or to register for the orientation, call 456-2342 or visit the website at http://wevonline.org/orientations. For more information about Spanish programs contact 456-2319.

Ventura Chamber installs new board

2016 Executive Committee members James Perero, Steven Brown, Jeff Hata, Charnell Smith, Greg Van Ness, and Greg Gillespie. (Not pictured: Sam Benner and Matthew Graczyk)

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Board Installation on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at The Pierpont Inn.  The event was attended by business members, City officials and dignitaries including Ventura City Council Member Cheryl Heitmann; Brad Hudson, Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s Office; Angelica Cisneros, Assembly member Das Williams’ Office; Michael MacDonald, Senator Hannah‐Beth Jackson’s Office; and Steve Offerman, Supervisor Steve Bennett’s Office.

Outgoing Board Chair, Saurabh Bajaj presented an overview and highlights of the Chamber’s many programs and accomplishments over the past year, thanking the Chamber members, Board, and staff for their support and contributions.

During the year, the Chamber increased its value in the business community through focus on partnerships with a variety of organizations and enhanced the visibility of the Chamber in the business community through increased attendance at Chamber and community functions. The Chamber became more proactive in advocacy for business and grew its focus on economic development.  Education partnerships continued to be a source of pride with the Chamber’s Teacher of the Month and Principal for a Day programs, and through Leadership Ventura.

Bajaj also highlighted some key numbers which included the organization’s success in recruiting 120 new members, attracting nearly 2000 attendees to its major functions, and offering more than 170 opportunities for business networking and connections.

During Bajaj’s term, the Chamber also experienced a leadership transition with the hiring of the new President and CEO, Stephanie Caldwell, who began her tenure in late April.

James Perero, incoming Board Chair, presented his vision and the Chamber’s theme for 2016 – “Advocating for Business; Helping Ventura Thrive.” Perero outlined the four key focal points of the Chamber as he addressed the goals for the coming year. Perero’s plan includes working with the City of Ventura to improve the development process;  increasing diversity and engaging with businesses in all areas of the city geographically, ethnically and by industry sector;  recruiting hyper‐growth entrepreneurs to start, grow and expand here in Ventura;  and finally engaging with on the homeless issue. Outgoing Chamber Senior Director, Randy Hinton, installed the new Chamber Board Directors. Among the newly installed Directors were James Perero, Sam Benner, Steven Brown, Matthew Graczyk, Greg Gillespie, Jeff Hata, Charnell Smith, Greg Van Ness and Saurabh Bajaj.

Some Ventura Chamber businesses were also recognized for being long‐time members, including Ventura Trophy Company, member for 50 years, and 25‐year members Anchor Printing & Graphics, Assistance League of Ventura County, Gold Coast Recycling, Kiwanis Club of Ventura, Nicoll Insurance and Financial Services, and Whisenhunt Communications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women’s Economic Ventures Free Self-Employment Training orientation in Ventura County

Have you wanted to run your own business, but don’t know where to start? Or do you already own a business and want to expand? Learn how to make those dreams a reality with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). WEV provides business training to women and who want to start or expand an existing business.

WEV is holding a free, 1-hour informational sessions for their English course in Ventura County. Orientation will cover class details and help you determine readiness for the next Self-Employment Training (SET) course beginning in February. (SET courses are offered in English and Spanish in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.)

Orientations are offered throughout the year and you are required to enroll. Location will be given at RSVP. Tuesday, February 2.  12-1 pm

WEV’s Women’s Business Center offers a comprehensive 14 week, 56-hour Self-Employment Training (SET) program for women and men who want to start or grow a business. Programs are offered in both English and Spanish in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and provide week-by-week training on topics including finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, and record keeping. After the 14 week course, WEV SET graduates emerge with a completed business plan and the most important tools and resources they need to start a new business or grow their current business.

Orientation location is subject to change. To find out more information or to register for the orientation, call  456-2342 or visit the website at http://wevonline.org/orientations. For more information about Spanish programs contact 456-2319.

 

Mustang welcomes Megan Macias

business Mustang MktgMustang Marketing continues to expand its creative team with the addition of a new copywriter, Megan Macias. Macias’ role at Mustang includes drafting copy for advertisements, brochures, websites and beyond, as well as developing social media content, editing and proofreading, and assisting with crafting pitches and press releases for media outreach.

“Megan’s creative mindset and work ethic compliment our culture and strengthen our capabilities as a full-service agency,” said Mustang’s director of communications, Jenny Guy. “Her writing talent has already proven to be a tremendous asset to our clients and internal team.”

NAWBO Ventura County announces BRAVO 2016 Winners

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Ventura County Chapter is pleased to announce the 2016 winners of the 17th Annual Bravo Awards. The awards were presented at a gala luncheon at the beautiful Serra Center in Camarillo. Mimi Donaldson, internationally renowned speaker and speech coach, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

2016 Awardees:

  1. Woman Business Owner of the Year – Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com, Westlake Village
  1. Lifetime Achievement Award – Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, State District 19
  1. Innovator of the Year – Andrea Gallagher, Senior Advisor and President of Senior Concerns, Thousand Oaks
  1. Visionary of the Year – Maryann Ridini Spencer, President of Ridini Entertainment Corporation, Thousand Oaks
  1. NAWBO-Adriana Perez
    Adriana Perez is Ventura BRAVO 2016 awardee.

    Rising Star of the Year – Adriana Perez, Owner of Skincare by Adriana. Adriana Perez, is the Founder and CEO of Skincare by Adriana located in Ventura. She is an advanced, certified NovaLash eyelash extensionist and a California Licensed Esthetician. In just two short years, Adriana has grown her business from a rented booth in a beauty salon, to owning her own professional esthetics studio. Adriana is a Women’s Economic Venture (WEV) graduate. After completing the WEV Self-Employment Training program, she used her business plan to better organize her goals and the logistics of her business. She has given life to her vision of helping women look and feel confident and beautiful.

  1. Community Advocate of the Year – Lisa Rule, Publisher, Acorn Newspaper, Agoura Hills
  1. Education Advocate of the Year – Dianne McKay, Vice President of Mustang Marketing, Thousand Oaks
  1. Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Allie Anderson, Owner of Allie Anderson Designs and Co-Owner of Presh Events, Ventura County
  1. NAWBO Ventura County Member of the Year – Maura Raffensperger, Owner, YourChiefSimplicityOfficer.com, Oxnard
  1. Corporate Leader of the Year – Pacific Coast Business Times, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

 

 

 

Women’s Economic Ventures welcomes entrepreneurs to the WEV Family

WEV’s Ventura County Self-Employment Training graduates proudly display their certificates during ceremony.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 86 women and men who have successfully completed WEV’s Self-Employment Training program during a ceremony held at Montecito County Club.  Twenty-seven of the graduates are from Ventura County and three from Los Angeles County.

After 14 months of training on topics including finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, record keeping, and how to write a business plan, these graduates emerged with the necessary tools and support needed to expand or start their own business.

Graduates range from first-time business owners to those who have turned to WEV to help expand their existing businesses. Some businesses and business concepts include a natural skin care line, a craft store and a vintage pinball arcade.

During the ceremony, each graduate shared their new business venture through an “elevator pitch” that they have crafted and perfected through the course. The ceremony concluded with a reception and “business expo” where graduates showcased their businesses and shared their products with family and friends.

“After 14 weeks of commitment and hard work, these graduates emerge with the tools needed to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, from brand new ventures to strategic growth of an established business, “said Marsha Bailey, CEO/Founder of WEV.  “We are honored to welcome them to the WEV family and look forwarding to seeing where their accomplishments take them.”

WEV’s 14-week Self-Employment Training course provides guidance on how to start, operate or expand a business. The program provides week-by-week training on topics including finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, record keeping, and how to write a business plan.

The next Self-Employment Training (SET) course begins in February in Ventura County.  Orientation required to enroll. The next orientations will take place:

  • Wednesday, January 7 from 6-7 p.m. in Oxnard
  • Thursday, January 14 from 6-7 p.m. in Ventura
  • Thursday, January 21 from 12 -1 p.m. in Oxnard

Location will be given at time of RSVP and is subject to change. For more information or to register for the free orientation, call 456-2355 or visit the website at http://wevonline.org/orientations.

WEV has a new Development Coordinator

Adrienne has a background in marketing and public relations.
Adrienne has a background in marketing and public relations.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is pleased to announce Adrienne (Addy) Cleverly as new Development Coordinator.

Cleverly brings to WEV a background in marketing and public relations for an array of organizations, including small businesses and international nonprofits. As Development Coordinator, Cleverly will focus on donor relations and community engagement in Ventura County.

Cleverly earned her Bachelor’s in Communication magna cum laude, and a minor in Business Management from Cal State University, Channel Islands.  With a desire to address chronic poverty closer to its roots, Cleverly completed a Certificate in Social Business and Microfinance at the California Institute for Social Business at CSU Channel Islands. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running and doing yoga.

WEV is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. Since 1991, WEV has been providing a continuum of comprehensive services – training, consulting and loans – to help entrepreneurs start grow and thrive in business. For more information, visit http://www.wevonline.org.

NOW Ventura offers new dining experience

business now ventura
Patrons enjoying the cool, upscale and sophisticated NOW Ventura restaurant.

By Gail Field

This brand new venue, NOW Ventura, opened Dec 2, is the brainchild of a trio of entrepreneurs.  The trio consists of Executive Chef Dean Angelo, who hails from New Jersey and has long experience as a restaurateur at multiple venues in the east coast including restaurants Milan, Bizarros, Chaps, and Michaelangelo’s.

Michael Anthony is the master mixologist from Los Angeles and more recently managing Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant “Pump” in West Hollywood where he worked together with partner Rani John to launch the celebrities’ newest and highly anticipated hot spot.  Anthony’s goal with NOW is to create a lounge environment where customers can relax and enjoy a variety of wines and specialty drinks.  Anthony and Angelo worked together for nearly twenty years on a variety of dining projects.

Rani John manages the marketing and operations of NOW and brings to the team his experience in Las Vegas promotions along with the opening of Pump in West Hollywood.  “I’ve always wanted to open a project like this,” says John.  “It’s great to do this with Mike and Dean who really know how to create great cuisine.”

Why Ventura? “This city was listed as the number one place to live in the U.S. and the three of us liked what we saw here—ocean, beautiful weather and friendly people,” says John.  “We’re all settling here with our families. We love this place and want to provide something special for the city.”

The goal of the new managers in designing the setting is to create a place that is cool, upscale and sophisticated, punctuated with music of many genres.  The trio completely refurbished the interior and exterior of the building, bringing a sense of modern sophistication in the design.  Angelo wants “to live in the now because the past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift and that’s why they call it present…. NOW.”

NOW Ventura offers great dining, featuring seafood and northern Italian dishes along with a hip atmosphere and a variety of musical selections.  The restaurant currently opens at 4 p.m. with Happy Hour and continues through until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (closed Mondays), and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.  NOW Ventura is available for catering at the customer’s site as well, with the same great dishes.

Plans for the future include lunch during the week as well as a weekend brunch and live music.  John says, “If you want a cool, classy place to spend your evening, this is it!”

The restaurant is located at 185 E. Santa Clara St., Phone  667-2200, http://www.nowventura.com.