November is a time to give thanks and a time for reflection as we approach the year’s end. I find myself reflecting on, among other things, my appreciation for our local economy.
Here are Seven Reasons I am Thankful:
- More Jobs - Jobs in the Santa Clarita Valley are at their highest levels ever! We have fully recovered from the recession and job numbers are at new heights, soaring to over 90,000. Unemployment levels are down and Santa Clarita consistently achieves one of the lowest unemployment levels in California. With new industrial projects nearing completion, they will provide facilities for even more jobs.
- More Opportunity - Companies continue to choose the Santa Clarita Valley. As our relocation map illustrates, companies relocate to the SCV because of the great opportunities here! These include significant employers such as Logix Federal Credit Union, which broke ground on its new HQ in October. Additionally, smaller companies such as Airbolt, CDS Doors, and Image 2000 are drawn to our valley. Our local companies are choosing to expand here too – with companies like Adept Fasteners and Scorpion Internet Marketing each constructing new buildings.
- More Education - Our workforce is strong – and getting stronger. The SCV rightfully boasts of its educated workforce, with nearly three quarters of its residents having some post-secondary education. The SCV has great educational facilities such as The Master’s University, California Institute of the Arts, and College of the Canyons. Each of these institutions offers opportunities for continuing education, helping people learn new skills to advance their careers. Last month, COC launched new apprenticeship programs to train workers in manufacturing jobs and the logistics industry.
- More Diversity - The SCV is home to a variety of industry clusters. Aerospace and Defense companies: jobs in this cluster are growing – counter to the statewide trend. Bioscience companies: many of which are located in the Mann Biomedical Park. Filming Industry: contributes $30M in economic impact to Santa Clarita and with the major production of A Wrinkle in Time, that will grow. Soon, Santa Clarita will become even more well-known with the Netflix release of a new show called The Santa Clarita Diet. Our IT cluster is growing – as evidenced in a recent profile in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. These diverse yet complimentary industries make our economy strong and resilient.
- More Infrastructure – Key community infrastructure is improving. Mobility continues to be a concern for everyone in Southern California, including the SCV. Passage of Measure M ensures the funding for construction of new lanes on I-5 beginning 2019. Additionally, Santa Clarita continues to expand the intelligent transportation infrastructure across the city. In October, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital broke ground on a significant expansion project to better serve our growing community. Henry Mayo is regularly recognized for its achievements in health care. Internet access advanced as well, with service expansions announced by nearly all providers in the area.
- More Business Friendly – Santa Clarita is being recognized as a leader! The City of Santa Clarita is now a two-time winner of the Eddy Award for the Most Business Friendly City in LA County. The City has won, or been a finalist, every year it has been eligible for the award. SCVEDC is also recognized as a leader in economic development, winning two awards from the California Association for Local Economic Development and another award from the International Economic Development Council. Santa Clarita is a great location for business!
- More growth – There is more economic growth ahead! The Santa Clarita Valley is still growing, and those investments, new residents and new jobs will create a strong economy for years to come. New business parks will provide space for companies, which will provide thousands more jobs. The Newhall Ranch, which recently announced its landmark Net Zero Newhall development, will create 60,000 jobs without any increase in greenhouse gas emissions. I believe this kind of growth provides unparalleled opportunities for our community to expand our economy, house our citizens in safe and attractive neighborhoods and protect and improve our already high quality of life.
The Santa Clarita Valley is a special place in which to work and live. We are a thriving community with a strong economy and an even brighter future. For all the businesses, residents, workers and leaders of the SCV, I am truly thankful!