SCVEDC Blog

More Lights, Camera, Action in Santa Clarita

The City of Santa Clarita saw an increase in on-location filming in Fiscal Year 2017-2018 (July 2017 to June 2018), with the Film Office recording 560 film permits and 1377 film days, which generated an estimated $33.1 million in economic impact to the local community. This represents a 2.8 percent increase in permits, an 8.9 percent increase in film days and a 9.8 percent increase to the estimated economic impact when compared to Fiscal Year 2016-2017.

2018’s Top 3 Trends in 3D Printing

Just a few short years ago, the topic of 3D printing seemed confined to engineers and scientists. Today, it’s becoming a household term as one breakthrough after another makes headlines and brings the technology one step closer to widespread availability and new applications.

Made in SCV – Paving the Way for American Manufacturing

When you think "Advanced Manufacturing," Santa Clarita Valley probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But with nearly 30 million ft of industrial and commercial property in use, and another 2 million under construction since 2015, it's clear the industry has found a home in our great valley. And who could blame them?

Logix FCU Recognized as Best In-State Credit Untion

In an article published by Forbes and Statista, a market research firm, Logix Federal Credit Union was ranked number one on their list of Best In-State Credit Unions. They even outranked the top-rated bank in California. When you look at the numbers, it’s easy to see why; Logix has grown its membership by more than 70,000 people since 2011 and has nearly $5.7 billion in assets. Logix plans to relocate to a new state-of-the-art headquarters in the Santa Clarita Valley next year.

SCVEDC is Your One-Stop Resource

We’re halfway through 2018 already! Business Assistance services continues build and we’re meeting more and more of the companies in our valley, supporting jobs growth and helping our local economy flourish. In fact, we’ve already held 60 meetings with local companies and completed close to 100 assistance requests.

There’s no denying that our current society is dominated by technology. Go anywhere – the gym, the grocery store, even the park – and you’ll see countless people looking down at the screens in their hands. Even restaurants cater to the addiction, with many sporting free Wi-Fi and televisions in prominent places for their patrons to encourage them to stay longer and consume more.

The State of eSports in LA (and Why You Need to Pay Attention)

Each year, video game players across the globe compete in tournaments for prize money that tops the salaries of many professional football players.

This Time, It's Personal – 5 Digital Trends Shaping 2018

If Alexa is reading this blog post to you, you already know 2018 has seen a big shift in how businesses and consumers interact with the internet.

Vista Canyon’s First Mixed Use Structure Debuts for Broker Community

On Thursday, June 7, 2018, JSB Development showcased the first of Vista Canyon’s mixed use retail/office structures in an introduction to the SCV commercial brokerage community.

Minimum Wage Forum August 1, 2018

As of July 1, mandated minimum wages in the Santa Clarita Valley will be up to $2.25 per hour higher for businesses west of the 5 Fwy (County of LA) than for those east of the 5 (City of Santa Clarita). 

Magic Kingdom – Filming "A Wrinkle in Time" in SCV

If you're one of the 10 million people who bought a ticket to see "A Wrinkle in Time" earlier this year, you probably gaped in awe at some of the fantastic and colorful settings.

Yes, some of them were computer generated – that's par for the course on a big-budget blockbuster these days – but some scenes were shot on location (courtesy of Santa Clarita Studios) right here in Santa Clarita Valley!

BizFed Poll Ranks Santa Clarita as LA County's Most Business Friendly Location

The annual BizFed poll represents a snapshot of key issues of concern in the Los Angeles County business community. The BizFed Pulse Poll was first taken in 2008, and has for a decade asked BizFed Member associations about issues they deem most critical to the ongoing operation and growth of their business. This year, the BizFed poll received 710 responses from business leaders in more than two dozen industries throughout Los Angeles County.

Must-See TV and Movies – New and Returning Shows Filmed in Santa Clarita

Not to gush, but are you caught up on Westworld? Possibly HBO's greatest achievement since Game of Thrones, season two of the western-cum-sci-fi epic is airing RIGHT NOW.

We bring this up not because SCVEDC is getting into the business of critiquing productions, but because some of the show's breathtaking cinematography was done right here in Santa Clarita.

It's Not a Small World After All – How to Find the Right Location to Film

You've got a killer script, a crackerjack director, and Mr. George Clooney is interested in starring in the production.

But where, oh where are you going to film your movie?

You Oughta Be in Pictures – Top 3 Factors to Consider When Selecting the Ideal Film Location

Some places feel like they’re made for film.

Picture the idyllic rolling fields of New Zealand – AKA The Shire from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Or the seemingly endless, barren deserts of Tunisia, transformed by George Lucas into the planet Tatooine in Star Wars. Or Central Park, a location playing itself in any number of films from Elf to When Harry Met Sally.

Kind of a Big Deal – 2017 Transaction of the Year

Last week we talked about power brokers and the major impact they have on the communities they work with.

Today we honored our area's power brokers where we revealed the transaction that had the biggest, most positive impact on commercial real estate in our region in 2017 – our “Transaction of the Year”.

Making Big Deals Happen – The Top 5 Qualities of a Power Broker

In the world of commercial real estate, there are those who broker, and those who broker.

Here at SCVEDC, we’re invested not just in growing our community, but how it grows. What types businesses are setting up shop in our area, and what kind of jobs are they bringing? We love to fight for the good jobs, the high-paying kind that provide major opportunity right in our own backyard.

Supercharged Santa Clarita Valley

Tesla owners rejoice! Dale Donohoe of Intertex Properties is pleased to announce that a new Tesla Supercharger station is set to open by the end of the week. Located in the Bridgeport Marketplace parking lot, this charging station is the first of its kind in the Santa Clarita Valley with 24 charging stations.

CalArts Joins Forces with SCV Business Community for a Digital Expo That's Going to be Better Than Ever

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a world-class art institute in Santa Clarita, is teaming up with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC), the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal (SCVBJ), and Pitch Globally Media at their upcoming Digital Arts Expo with a series of events to be hosted on campus during the annual Expo on Thursday, May 3, 2018. These events are part of CalArts’ continued effort to extend their reach into the local community and bring community members and business leaders to campus to showcase the phenomenal talent that is nurtured there.

Wake Up and Smell the Tax Revenue (3 Reasons Why Economic Development Matters)

How often do you think about your community’s economic development? Never, you say? Or maybe just when that alluring new business opens up shop?

We get it. It’s the job of economic development organizations to think about this all the time so you don’t have to!

But how your community’s economy develops is worth your attention every now and again. As we’ve mentioned before, growth is easy – smart growth, however, takes forward thinking and collaboration.

Nasmyth TMF Celebrates Grand Opening

Nasmyth Group, a world leader and global supplier of precision engineering solutions in the aerospace industry based in the United Kingdom, held their grand opening of a new facility in the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) on March 22. This facility will significantly expand their footprint and ability to deliver metal surface treatments to aerospace and defense clients in SCV and the United States.

The Stress Isn’t Worth It! 10 Benefits of Living Close to Work

Think about how long your workday is. If you’re counting the hours from the minute you sit down at your desk, you’re doing it wrong.

Your workday really starts the second you leave your home, and lasts until you’re back through your front door. Yes, you may only spend eight or nine hours in the office, but once you factor in the commute, what’s the grand total?

Career Kickstarter: 5 Advantages of Taking an Internship

Last week we talked about the myriad ways companies can benefit from taking on an intern or two.

Today we’d like to flip the script and address all the young people out there – those of you who know what “on fleek” means and can name one or more of the current or former One Direction members. 😊

SCVEDC Hosts Annual Economic Outlook Forecast

March 8, 2018 – Tournament Players Club Valencia (Valencia View Room)

The skies were sunny and so was the economic outlook for our region at the annual Economic Outlook Forecast Conference held on Thursday, March 8.

The speaker lineup that addressed the full house included:

• Futurist and innovation speaker Robert Tucker of Innovation Resource Consulting Group
• Los Angeles County Supervisor, Kathryn Barger
• Economist Dr. Mark Vitner of Wells Fargo
• Scott Williams, Executive Producer of NCIS
• COC Chancellor, Dr. Dianne Van Hook
• Economist Dr. Mark Schniepp of the California Economic Forecast
• SCVEDC President & CEO Holly Schroeder

This year’s conference had a record number of sponsors AND attendees! Held at a new temporary event venue (called the Valencia View Room) on the grounds of the Tournament Players Club, event participants were treated not only to the latest economic data for the Santa Clarita Valley but also spectacular views of the entire valley.

The Millennial Edge: 5 Advantages of Offering an Internship

If you’ve never personally taken an internship, know that the great ones always involve more than just fetching coffee and sorting mail.

A great internship is a true partnership. The young person gets valuable, real-world experience (and, sometimes, a nominal paycheck), and in exchange the business gets an asset that, with a little investment, gives a return that’s near impossible to achieve with regular employees.

Working in Santa Clarita: Big Names, Big Jobs

When it’s time to take your career to the next level, there’s a misconception that you’ve got to start by packing your bags.

After all, if you want to make it big in business, you’ve got to move to a big, hustle-and-bustle city like New York City or Chicago or Los Angeles, right? Or else live nearby and waste hours of your life commuting back and forth to work.

Santa Clarita Studios Scores ABC Show & Debuts New Production Offices

On Friday, February 22 Santa Clarita Studios debuted their new production offices to industry peers, business leaders and public officials. Designed for executives, production and post production teams, these 68 state-of-the-art office spaces are supported by 9 kitchenettes and 3 multi-purpose rooms. Santa Clarita Studios is also home to 17 sound stages and other services to assist productions of all sizes and budgets.

Aerospace and Bioscience Coalitions Enjoy 3D Printing Technology Overview at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing

On February 22, SCVEDC organized a visit for our aerospace and bioscience coalition members to Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a leader in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing services. More than 30 attendees enjoyed an overview of nine technologies used in 3D printing for conceptualization, rapid prototyping, and even final parts production, as well as a tour of the facility to see a range of 3D printing technologies and materials in action. 

We are excited to announce our newest speaker for this year's Economic Outlook Conference! Scott Williams (pictured far left) is a producer and writer best known for his work on Santa Clarita Valley-basedNCIS, which has been on the air and filming in the SCV since 2003. In addition, he has worked on Miami Medical (2010) and Third Watch (1999).

The Ripple Effect: New Development = Job Creation

Pretend for a moment you want to build a new house. What do you need?

Raw materials, certainly. Foundation, wood, brick, glass, etc. You’ll need labor, too. Someone has to design the place, transport your raw materials, and assemble them into something that won’t tip over when the big bad wolf comes around.