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T H E E VO LV I N G E D U C AT I O N L A N D S C A P E
E C O N O M Y, J O B S & C O M M U N I T Y ON THE REBOUND
Santa Monica relishes its robust and diverse local economy. Established companies and unique startups are attracted here for our energetic workforce, resilient business environment, available venture capital and overall quality of life. The unexpected events of 2020 change none of that. In fact, the enthusiasm and creative stamina that is Santa Monica’s mainstay remains intact.
Santa Monica’s Deputy City Manager and Director of Policy Anuj Gupta acknowledges the scope of recent events.
“Our community at large and I think, in particular, our business community has faced an unprecedented challenge through the (new coronavirus) pandemic and closures,” Gupta says, “Certainly, the events of May 31st added a whole new dimension of challenges particularly for those impacted businesses, and I think also for the community overall. But I think it’s also an opportunity for us to demonstrate together the resilience and the strength of Santa Monica.” Gupta says the attitude and drive for Established companies and unique startups are recovery kicked in immediately. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis we have seen really a new level of attracted here for our partnership and of collaboration; of our energetic workforce, resilient business partners stepping up and all of us working together in new ways and with all the logistical challenges the new coronavirus environment, available entails. We quickly established as a city venture capital and overall quality of life. an economic recovery task force to get them the guidance they need.” Gupta says it’s been a joint effort with
YOUR CHAMBER IS HERE FOR YOU
As our city, county and state reopen, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce is here to assist in helping you make the best out of these unprecedented times. Recommended protocols and procedures relating to COVID-19 are dynamic so it remains crucial to stay informed. Please visit the Chamber website to find local resources and webinars to assist you. Links to city and state-specific details can also be found via the Chamber website. Above all, stay calm, stay informed and stay healthy. Remember, we are all in this together.
E C O N O M Y, J O B S & C O M M U N I T Y ON THE REBOUND
people from the business community, the Business Improvement District, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and others.
Brian Mac Mahon, founder of Expert Dojo, the fastest growing startup in Southern California, says that energy is indicative of Santa Monicans who know to look for the opportunities.
“We are going to have phenomenal people that are going to come through this during the next two or three years,” Mac Mahon explains. “This is a period where there’s going to be a whole new group of people who are going to come out stronger. And if people approach it from that perspective and they spend every single day and wake up every morning and they say, ‘Okay. Where are my opportunities today to benefit from the situation we’re in right now?’ Whether it’s the demonstrations & they start a boarding up business, or if it’s COVID-19 and they decide to sell masks and hand sanitizer, what matters is they react
“We are very cognizant of the fact that as we reopen, we’ll only be able to stay open and continue progressing forward if we see the (infection) numbers remain steady and see good practices among community members and business owners.” Santa Monica’s Deputy City Manager and Director of Policy Anuj Gupta
to circumstances and benefit as opposed to sitting there thinking ‘Woe is me’.”
Established community pillars are also adapting their business models to
find growth in what had been ambiguity. Cedars-Sinai Medical Network Vice President of Strategic Integration Mary Clare Lingel says even during the statewide lockdown, the medical industry is finding ways to encourage employment innovation.
“In some cases, new work was created around setting up video visits for patients and training clinicians for virtual visits,” Lingel says. “Other staff have pivoted to do diligent outreach to our most at-risk patients, such as seniors and those with chronic health conditions, to help them stay safe and healthy.”
Lingel says these changes are just a few of the ripple effects initiated by the COVID19 shutdown.
“This experience has given us the opportunity to dramatically evolve how we provide care while really putting the patient at the center,” she continues. “We’ve had to reimagine the ways in which patients can access care with the goal of making those experiences seamless for each person. Moving forward, we’re looking at ways to streamline the patient journey from their car into the exam room, which might include a virtual waiting room.”
Back at City Hall, Gupta says the local government is working closely with and following Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols for how to implement and govern decisions on reopening different sectors of the economy. He says it is a balance.
“We are very cognizant of the fact that as we reopen, we’ll only be able to stay open and continue progressing forward if we see the (infection) numbers remain steady and see good practices among community members and business owners. If we see compliance with all of the guidelines that are in place to ensure safe reopening and to ensure businesses are complying with social distancing; that we have face coverings for the employee side, as well as patrons; and all the things that need to happen to ensure reopening doesn’t result in a spike.
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laurel Rosen is embracing these challenges.
“The word that keeps coming up is ‘pivot’,” Rosen says. “Everyone needs to figure out how to pivot, including the Chamber of Commerce. We will not be doing business as usual. And if you are, you’ll be left in the dust.
“As much of a tragedy as this is and was,
the only thing we can do is move forward and see it’s like a phoenix rising out of the flames. What will rise? How will people join together to make a better Santa Monica? A better business model for themselves? A clearer understanding of working in today’s world.”
DESTINATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING
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JOSHUA BRADBURN, CFP ™ , CWS ™
One Capital Management, LLC A fter completing undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Criminal Science from Indiana’s Ball State University, J Joshua Bradburn, CFP™, CWS™, packed up his Midwestern work ethic and launched a wholly new career with Charles Schwab. Throughout fifteen years of rigorous study and dedication, Josh grew his client base to a value exceeding $1Billion while pioneering new offices in high profile territories from Florida to California. No small feat during tumultuous seasons of recession and recovery.
Now Managing Director of One Capital Management, LLC,’s Santa Monica office, Josh applies financial literacy and digital marketing savvy to what he calls the “long game” of wealth strategy and development. Josh’s belief in community drives him to participate in Santa Monica’s Chamber of Commerce as well as on the Boards of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Rotary Club and the YMCA.
All while learning the new ropes of parenthood. It can never be said that Josh is afraid of a challenge.
