UPCOMING EVENTS
Cyber Crime: The Invisible Threat
Presented
VALLEY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Selina Thomas Re-Elected as Chairwoman of VIA for 2025
VIA is delighted to announce Selina Thomas will take on a second term as Chairwoman of the Board of the Valley Industry Association. In her acceptance, she shared: “It is a profound honor to be re-elected Chairwoman of the Valley Industry Association for 2025. I am deeply grateful for the trust the organization has placed in me once again. Serving this remarkable organization, alongside such dedicated business leaders, has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career.”
Reflecting on VIA’s achievements over the past year, Selina highlighted some of the organization’s most impactful milestones:
• Community Engagement: VIA hosted five luncheons, six After-Five Networking Events, and three Cocktails & Conversation gatherings with elected officials, fostering invaluable connections.
• Workforce Development: The inaugural Workforce Development Conference brought together top-level keynote speakers and local panelists to discuss the “Future of Work.” Building on this momentum, the next event is scheduled for May 15, 2025.
• Educational Impact: Through five Connecting to Success sessions, VIA empowered over 2,000 students with critical professional skills to better navigate the working world.
• CEO/Leadership Forums: VIA’s CEO Forum united more than 100 business decision-makers, fostering collaboration on common business and community challenges.
Alith Saengchanh
Cybersecurity Advisor
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Detective Sergeant Peter Hish
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Cybercrime Investigations Expert
Friday, February 21, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Room 258
Members: $45 | Non Members: $55
• Policy & Advocacy: VIA held three Candidate Forums and actively engaged with City Council, Senate, and Assembly representatives to advocate for policies that support its members.
• Community Recognition: VIA was proud to host their 2024 BASH event “Color My World” celebrating our membership, and recognizing businesses and individuals of distinction.
Selina emphasized, “These accomplishments reflect the power of partnership, collaboration, and a shared vision for a thriving business community.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Selina reaffirmed her dedication to addressing key issues impacting VIA’s members, including:
• LA 28 Olympics: Amplifying procurement opportunities for local businesses to ensure the region benefits from this global event.
• Insurance Crisis in California: Advocating for equitable and sustainable insurance solutions vital to the business ecosystem.
• Artificial Intelligence Impact: Exploring AI’s evolving role across industries, balancing innovation with thoughtful consideration of its implications for the workplace and workforce.
“I am committed to fostering a dynamic environment where our members can flourish,” Selina said. “Together, we will tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and ensure VIA continues to be a powerful voice for our business community.”
As VIA enters another year under Selina’s leadership, the organization remains poised to drive meaningful conversations and actionable solutions, ensuring a brighter future for the local business community.
VIA welcomes two new board members
The Valley Industry Association (VIA) proudly welcomes Monique Arakelian and Mark Shramek as two of our newest board members.
With over two decades of experience in strategic marketing, partnership management, and community engagement, Monique brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for fostering collaboration and driving meaningful results.
Currently serving as the Marketing Manager at Valencia Town Center, Monique is dedicated to transforming the center into a vibrant, communityfocused destination. Their innovative approach has revitalized the space with dynamic events and fresh energy, aligning perfectly with VIA’s mission to support the economic vitality of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Prior to this role, she spent 18 years leading external partnerships and promotions at Universal Studios Hollywood. In this capacity, they managed corporate sponsorships, media partnerships, sports alliances, and strategic collaborations with quick-service restaurants, showcasing their ability to build impactful relationships and execute large-scale initiatives.
A Santa Clarita Valley resident for over 20 years, Monique is deeply connected to the community both personally and professionally. Having raised their family in the region, she is committed to initiatives that enhance the quality of life and foster growth throughout the valley.
As a board member, Monique looks forward to advancing VIA’s mission by supporting local businesses, promoting innovation, and driving opportunities that benefit the entire community.
Mark Shramek, Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for supporting small businesses, making him an excellent addition to our leadership team.
Mark was born and raised in Southern California and began his professional journey in technology sales. As a business owner for 11 years, operating in both California and Nevada, Mark gained firsthand experience navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. After selling his business, he discovered his passion: leveraging his insights as an employer to help other small business owners develop effective people strategies, fuel business growth, and streamline operations.
Beyond his professional expertise, Mark’s personal life is equally vibrant. He is married with two children, ages 17 and 10, and enjoys spending time with his family at their home in Lake Nacimiento. Whether boating, jet skiing, or simply being by the water, the Shrameks cherish their outdoor adventures. They also love traveling and exploring destinations across the United States.
Mark’s involvement with VIA is extensive and impactful. He actively contributes to the Advocacy Committee, the Workforce Development Committee, the CEO Forum, and the Membership Committee. His dedication to VIA’s mission and his commitment to fostering growth within our business community are evident in all he does.
Please join us in welcoming Monique and Mark to the VIA Board of Directors!
Growth Curve Lessons Learned
BY KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Earlier in my career I had the pleasure of working in a fast growing corporation that doubled its revenue to a billion dollars in just six years.
From that experience in the trenches I earned my stripes. Since business growth appears to be in style once again, let me share four key takeaways that might make your growth journey easier.
The first is that growing a business takes capital and financial savvy. Setting aside the increased payroll costs when new people are hired, spending to satisfy new clients and delivering what you are selling eat cash.
Without the ability to financial ability to invest in the future, all the plans in the world won’t help. What makes a huge difference is having solid finance people, smart management and connections to lenders who are open to hearing the story of past and future success.
At my employers, all the managers became financially literate during this time. Decisions were made with profitability, not volume, in mind. Financial reporting was enhanced where the books were closed within just a couple of days after month end.
The second is that not every employee is going to be able to handle the increased responsibilities and output required to successfully deal with growth.
In my situation, the company had been in slow motion for decades and many long
term employees, failed to recognize that their leaders were doing more than just talking about rapid growth. The process had moved beyond talking and planning to actually executing.
As we started growing, key professionals were brought in that had “been there and done that” that would change the status quo. This was not hidden from anyone.
It soon became clear who was pining for the “good old days” of 9 to 5, with long outside lunches, versus those that understood they would be eating at their desk and “driving home in the dark.”
The third was that everyone was expected to accept both new responsibilities and an increased workload.
Considerable pride was taken when calculating revenue per employee as a productivity measurement. For years, my employer was more efficient than every company on the Fortune 500 list.
Experienced managers and high potential employees
were given opportunities to take on assignments where their capabilities could be expanded. People were told to “make it happen with what you have” and they utilized creativity to achieve goals. This provided opportunities to learn and grow. Mistakes were made, some costly, and it was a confusing and disorganized place to be employed because change was constant. But everyone had a sense of belonging and more importantly, a sense of purpose.
The fourth takeaway was that the company could only have one dominant focus. In some companies, all decisions are based on financial metrics. Legal departments rule in others. Sometimes, all departments have input and the strongest one, the one with the compelling argument, wins.
My employer was driven by sales and the rest of the departments and employees were all considered “sales support.” That did not mean that sales could make prom-
ises that could not be kept; it did not mean that sales could sell below cost so that commissions could be paid to everyone while every box that was shipped was sold at a loss. It meant that the company was focused on profitable revenue growth and that selling, delivering and taking care of the client was the highest priority of every employee. If you did not accept that the company focus was on customers first, it was not a good place for you to work. You did not have to love the product, but you needed to take care of those that paid the bills better than any competitor could.
Growth is exciting and challenging. At the heart of it is having a compelling story to be sold both internally and externally, challenging the right people to do things they didn’t know they were capable of doing, not being afraid to address under-performers and to keep the “main thing” clearly in sight at all times. Is this your company?
SCV BUSINESS VOICES
A Few Thoughts on ‘Mouth Taping’
BBy Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
reathing through your mouth is linked to snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep problems. “Mouth taping,” a viral trend on TikTok and other social media channels, offers a quick fix. But it may not be safe for everyone.
Word of mouth
Mouth taping consists of placing porous tape over your lips before going to sleep. The tape keeps you from opening your mouth while sleeping, forcing you to breathe through your nostrils instead.
Advocates of mouth taping claim the practice has many benefits, such as reducing snoring, thirst at night, fatigue and bad breath. Some people also believe mouth taping helps them concentrate better during the day.
Some small studies have looked at whether mouth taping might help with sleep apnea. For example, a 2022 study published in Healthcare (Basel) found that mouth taping helped some study participants with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) breathe better and snore less. But that study included just 20 participants.
Other research has found red flags for the heaviest mouth breathers. A 2024 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck
Surgery tested how mouth closure affected 54 participants with OSA. They found mouth closure did improve airflow for 32 patients with moderate levels of mouth breathing.
But for 22% of participants — the ones who breathed through their mouths most — it significantly reduced airflow. Why? Those patients had trouble getting enough air through their nose alone, likely the underlying cause of their mouth breathing.
In addition, mouth taping may cause unpleasant side effects, including: Skin irritation, Difficulty breathing, Anxiety, Disrupted sleep.
PLAY IT SAFE
If you’re curious about mouth taping, the Sleep Foundation recommends starting with some simple steps:
Talk with your doctor first. Understanding the root cause of your mouth breathing or snoring can help you and your doctor decide if mouth taping might be safe for you to try — or if another treatment might address the
underlying problem.
Choose the right product. Avoid masking tape, duct tape or another kind of tape that isn’t intended for use on the body; it could irritate your skin. Instead, opt for skin-friendly medical or athletic tape or a product intended for mouth
taping, advises the Sleep Foundation. Try it out in the daytime. This way, you can find out if you have problems breathing through your nose. If it’s difficult for you to breathe during the day with your mouth taped, don’t tape your mouth at night.
Show’s Over, Mall Plans And More Housing
BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor
As most have already heard, the billion-dollar plans for a Shadowbox Studios facility in Placerita Canyon have fallen through, but the obvious question remains: What next?
There are a lot of reports swirling out of Santa Clarita City Hall that the studio builder might be selling to a home developer, less than a handful of years after buying the properties for approximately $39 million.
The news might be concerning to some in Placerita Canyon, who were worried about the implications of the traffic that might come from a studio. The traffic implications from hundreds, perhaps even more than 1,000 homes, could be much, much worse.
Jeff Weber, principal for the project for Shadowbox, has not answered any of my calls since The Signal broke the story in June that the project is pfffft, but there’s quite a bit of chatter coming from sources.
If true, it’s disappointing on a number of levels, not the least of which would be the blow to local filming, which employs a lot of SCV residents with high-quality jobs. Our hope remains that the official line, that the project is on hold, was accurate. But we have our doubts.
In other major development news, the Valencia mall was the subject of a number of reports in December regarding plans that are expected to be under way soon for Centennial Real Estate.
Centennial purchased the mall in Sep-
tember 2023 for $200 million, and last year, the city approved a development framework.
Since then, the mall’s future developers asked for more than $60 million for a parking structure to get started on the project, which drew a less than excited response from a Santa Clarita City Council that prides itself on fiscal conservancy.
Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda summed up the prevailing sentiment pretty well:
“When I say (the ask) ia nonstarter, you’re a major mall corporation, Centennial, and you just spent a year and almost a half telling us how great you are, and what great things you build,” he said in a phone interview. “And we’re waiting to see something happen, and all of a sudden the first thing that happens is, ‘Oh, by the way, we need, you know, millions and millions of dollars to help get this thing going.’”
Needless to say there will be lots of discussion in the coming months.
The names of the locations being planned for the mall have slowly leaked out, as have some of the details associated with Centennial’s proposal.
The first phase is expected to include a 1,500-space parking structure, 300 senior housing units, a Costco and gas station and a 70-room boutique hotel, according to sources familiar with the plans. The Costco is expected to be put in next to the Chick-fil-A.4
The big-box retailer previously eyed the mall as part of a plan pitched in January 2020, shortly before a global pan-
demic halted many developments. Costco officials have declined to comment on the reports, as has the Centennial team.
Capitol Grille and Il Fornaio are two of the restaurants that were mentioned in the discussion as well, with the latter expected to go in the vacant space across from the Cheesecake Factory.
The addition of about 450 residential units at Valencia Boulevard and Citrus Street is expected to be a part of approximately 2,000 residential units being planned for the space. J. David’s Custom Clothiers in The Shops at the Patio plans to remain a tenant under the new leadership
The city’s framework called for an expectation of a little over 2,000 units for the 111-acre property, as well as approximately 13.77 acres, or 600,000 square feet, set aside for commercial development. The city’s Town Center Specific Area Plan also calls for a “strong encouragement” for 20% of those housing units to be affordable.
“While it’s too soon to announce definitive redevelopment plans for Valencia Town Center today, those plans and discussions are well under way,” according to Michael Platt, executive vice president of mixed-use development for Centennial. “We are working side-byside with the city of Santa Clarita officials to maintain the essence of what Valencia Town Center has always been to the Santa Clarita community and to build upon that to create a transformative and modern mixed-use campus that attracts locals and visitors alike.”
The Valencia Town Center is expected to see some significant activity in 2025 based on the plans being discussed in and around Santa Clarita City Hall. Dan Watson/File Photo
Insights and Predictions
Top Healthcare Industry for 2025
BY CHRISTY MAERZ
For the SCVBJ
Anew year brings new opportunities—and new challenges—to the healthcare industry. To thrive in 2025, medical practices and healthcare organizations need to know what trends and industry shifts they should expect, or risk falling behind. Staying in the know can help practices get ahead of key issues like provider burnout, administrative burden, patient attrition, failing to meet quality requirements for VBC programs, and other common challenges in the healthcare industry.
But before we dive in, let’s quickly recap the shifts that this past year brought to the healthcare industry.
2024 saw changes made to Medicare Advantage and Part D, the continued evolution of EHR software, new use cases for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, ongoing decline in the number of healthcare workers entering the workforce, and it was also an election year.
In 2025, we can expect to see the continuation of some of these trends. It’s estimated that by next year, there will be a shortage of approximately 200-450K
RNs alone, or about a 10-20% gap.1 This labor shortage puts pressure on the industry to flex to accommodate this gap, and places focus on sustainable solutions that can help medical practices do more with fewer staff and resources. As a result, we predict 2025 to be a critical year for healthcare IT (HIT), with many organizations seeking new and innovative technology that can help combat physician burnout and the rising costs of care.
Prediction 1: The continued integration of machine learning and AI in healthcare
The expansion of predictive, interpretive, and generative AI in healthcare has the power to reduce top challenges for physicians in the coming years: combat clinician burnout, streamline routine administrative tasks, keep patients connected and informed, more accurately confirm patient diagnoses, and more. Currently, about 28% of medical groups surveyed use ambient AI technology to transcribe speech or draft notes.2 Voice-powered services and predictive text have the power to transform clinical documentation in healthcare and are already being used by physicians to free up time for patient care and other urgent tasks.
AI investment in healthcare is projected to grow significantly, from about $20 billion in 2024 to $150 billion over the next five years.3 In 2025, we can expect to see the continued expansion of features like AI-supported clinical documentation and patient communication tools, as well as new, innovative uses cases aimed at saving providers time and bolstering data analytics capabilities for healthcare facilities.
Next year, we also predict discoveries of new healthcare AI use cases coming into play, with more enterprise-scale healthcare organizations investing in: AI integration for clinical decision support, machine learning to help analyze and identify patterns in large and complex sets of raw data such as imaging scans and labs4 Beyond 2025, AI in healthcare could bring enhancements to patientprovider communication using machine learning (ML) to create personalized care plans as well as personalized patient outreach and follow-up.
The biggest blocker for the integration of AI and ML in healthcare remains the issue of data privacy and security, especially with HIPAA compliance as a factor.
HEALTHCARE
Continued from page 7
Enterprise healthcare organizations will be hard-pressed to ensure the security of Protected Health Information (PHI) and will be incentivized to utilize their own private integrations of AI to help keep patient data safe. In addition, determining the most useful applications of AI technology, as well as tuning and monitoring it to both meet quality standards and mitigate risk, could continue to pose a challenge in the healthcare space.
athenahealth’s Senior Architect of Data Science & Platform Data Eng., Heather Lane, shares her point of view:
“We’re in a moment of dramatic change in the technology of AI. In turn, that’s producing a huge innovation push in the market, including in healthcare, trying to bring practical applications of the technology to real production. As with all moments of profound change, it’s incredibly difficult to “pick the winners” – to know which ideas will pan out and which will go into the dustbin of failed innovations.
While many ideas about the uses of AI in healthcare have been suggested, my bet is on technology that eases people’s working experience. Automatic note generation is a clear current interest point, for good reason, because of its potential to dramatically improve providers’ day-to-day work. There have also been suggestions of supporting patient communication, clinical decision making, diagnosis, and documentation completion, as well as improving UI workflows
in small and large ways. There are significant risks in healthcare, so I would expect product rollouts to prioritize lower-risk cases first, setting aside the higher-risk cases until the industry has developed more experience with the technology and safety controls.”
Prediction 2: A steady rise in demand for popular specialties within the healthcare industry
With changes in patient needs, modes of care delivery, and the overall healthcare landscape, certain specialties will likely rise to the occasion to meet patients where they are. 2025 could see expansion in practices for currently popular—and rapidly growing—specialties like urgent care and behavioral health. Let’s take a closer look.
1)
Urgent care
There are currently more than 14K urgent care centers in the U.S., and the current growth rate for new centers is 7%.5 The post-COVID endemic stage continues to reveal patient need for quicker, more convenient access to care—especially when it’s difficult to see a primary care provider (PCP) or a specialist, or when care is needed beyond typical business hours.
Urgent care has been shown to fill a gap for those seeking immediate care for injuries and common health issues that don’t require an ER visit, and those managing a chronic illness who otherwise can’t wait to be seen by their PCP or can’t be seen by a specialist due to long wait times, inadequate coverage, or other reasons. It’s estimated that urgent care centers prevent around 24.5 million ER visits annually, helping reduce burden on ER providers and saving patients valuable time and money.6 Based on current patient needs, we can predict that next year will bring a steady growth in demand for urgent care providers and facilities across the U.S.
2) Behavioral health
Recent years have seen
growing political attention for mental health awareness and increased access to behavioral health treatment. What’s more, about 25%, or one quarter, of the U.S. population are predicted to utilize behavioral health services by 2027.7 Remote therapy and counseling sessions have also become more prevalent following the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing greater access to mental health care via telehealth services and virtual care.
A steadily declining stigma and an increasingly nuanced understanding of mental health conditions in the U.S. means that behavioral health practices are poised to expand in 2025 and beyond. We can expect to see a continued increase in the number of behavioral healthcare practices, as well as many existing mental health practices integrating new HIT tools and EHR software to help physicians better manage their growing patient rosters.
Prediction 3: Increased adoption of value-based care to diversify payment models
Despite recent upheaval in the Medicare marketplace caused by changes to the way Medicare awards star ratings8, we believe that all provider organizations should be prepared to take on more risk for both cost and quality in 2025.
Medicare Advantage enrollment is expected to slightly increase in 2025, to approximately 35.7 million.9 What’s more, McKinsey & Co. estimates that 90 million lives will be in value-based care (VBC) models by 2027, up 109% from 2022.10 Research also shows that 47% of physicians at healthcare organizations that incorporate a mix of payment models feel that their organization is financially secure
Based on this data, we can expect to see a growth in the adoption of valuebased care models such as fee-for-value, shared risk, and global capitation. In 2025, medical practices will likely continue to expand and adopt VBC and alternative payment models to help incorporate new forms of payment and reimbursement and improve financial security in the coming years. Strong connections between internal and external care providers are integral to success in VBC. We expect that this expansion of value-based care and alternative payment models in 2025 will drive a growing need for interoperability and connectivity between EMRs and HIT systems. Providers will need a more holistic, comprehensive view of patient data and overall health in
order to create wellness plans that drive long-lasting improvements and meet quality program requirements. As is the case for many healthcare organizations using or adopting VBC payment models, the quality of data will continue to be more critical than quantity.
Research also suggests that successful providers following a VBC model will need to focus on things like improving risk-coding accuracy and improve adherence of referrals to high-quality providers in the immediate future, while things like predicting healthcare risk status and remote patient-monitoring will be more difficult challenges to tackle in the years to come.
“For physician practices, the biggest challenge in the growth of value-based reimbursements is how to be flexible enough to participate in multiple payment models (the world isn’t going all in on one model anytime soon) without being overwhelmed by the complexity of all those models. Smaller practices will need partners to help them build the right capabilities and get a scale advan-
Let’s Make 2025
a Year of Growth, Innovation, and Unstoppable Momentum: Why Joining the Chamber Will Propel Your Business Forward
As we step into 2025, it’s clear that the future of business is evolving faster than ever. The world around us is changing— new technologies, shifting markets, and fresh challenges are reshaping industries. So, how do we not just keep up, but lead the charge into a bold, prosperous future? The answer is simple: by working together.
At the Chamber, we believe that a united business community is unstoppable. Now, more than ever, businesses need to be dynamic, agile, and deeply connected to stay relevant and succeed. And that’s exactly what the SCV Chamber is all about—empowering businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive in 2025 and beyond. This is your moment to be part of something extraordinary. By becoming a member of the Chamber and engaging with our cuttingedge Business Councils, you will gain exclusive access to a powerful network, transformative resources, and a platform to influence change. Together, we will drive the future of our community, creating an environment where businesses don’t just survive—they thrive.
A New Era of Business: Why the Chamber is Your Key to Success in 2025
The Chamber is not your typical organization. In 2025, we are dynamic, forward-thinking, and relevant. Our work is laser-focused on adapting to the fast-paced changes happening in the business world. From cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity, we are actively shaping a future where every business can reach its fullest potential. When you join the Chamber, you are stepping into a world of opportunities. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, working alongside forward-thinking entrepreneurs, local leaders, and industry experts who are driving change. You won’t just be a member—you’ll be part of a revolutionary movement that is transforming our region and creating new possibilities for growth.
Chamber News
Chamber Membership: Your Path to Success in 2025 Chamber membership isn’t just a membership—it’s a key to unlocking unlimited potential for your business. With access to exclusive resources, game-changing networking opportunities, and powerful advocacy, you’ll be equipped to not only face the challenges of 2025 but to seize every opportunity that comes your way.
Here’s just a few reasons why being part of the Chamber will set your business on the fast track to success:
Networking: Connect with a vibrant community of professionals and thought leaders. Build strategic relationships that open doors to new partnerships, clients, and growth opportunities.
Advocacy: As a Chamber member, you have a voice in the decisions that impact your industry. Whether it’s local policy or national legislation, we advocate for businesses like yours every day.
Visibility: We help put your business on the map, showcasing your company through events, marketing, and digital channels. Let us help raise your profile and reach new customers.
Exclusivity: Gain access to specialized events, tailored workshops, and exclusive discounts that give your business a competitive edge.
Unleash Your Potential with the Chamber’s Powerful Business Councils
At the heart of the Chamber is a network of specialized Business Councils designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in 2025. These councils are more than just networking groups—they are action-oriented hubs that empower you to make a real impact, connect with like-minded individuals, and unlock the resources necessary to take your business to the next level.
Make 2025 Your Year of Unstoppable Growth
This is your moment. 2025 is the year to connect, innovate, and grow like never before. The SCV Chamber is ready to help you tackle new challenges, find fresh opportunities, and shape the future of our valley’s economy. Don’t just watch from the sidelines— join us and be part of a dynamic community that is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
So, let’s make 2025 the most exciting, transformative, and successful year yet. Join the Chamber today, engage with one of our Business Councils, and become the leader you were meant to be. Together, we’ll build a future full of possibility.
Ivan Volschenk - President/CEO
We’re thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the exciting new businesses opening in our community! Each grand opening is not just a milestone for these businesses but also a chance for all of us to come together and support our local economy.
From marking special occasions to recognizing remarkable achievements, we feel honored to share in your celebrations. Our grand opening and ribbon-cutting events are FREE and open to everyone to attend! It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members, meet the passionate individuals behind these new ventures, and explore what they have to offer.
Let’s show our support and make these celebrations unforgettable! Bring your friends and family, and let’s celebrate the growth and vibrancy of our community together. We can’t wait to see you there!
Congratulations to PayMore Santa Clarita on your grand opening in December. Go visit them at 23360 Valencia Blvd #N, Valencia. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Celebrating SCV Businesses
Congratulations to Greenworks Commercial on your grand opening in December. Go visit them at www. greenworkstools.com. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Crystal Carr , Field Representative for Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo congratulates Yin Chen, CEO, of Greenworks Commercial on their grand opening .
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Whether you’re launching a brand-new business or celebrating an important anniversary, we’d love to celebrate you with a memorable ribbon cutting ceremony.
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and celebrate your hard work and success.
Email us at hello@scvchamber.com to learn more about how we can assist in organizing your ribbon cutting or grand opening.
Isabell Yaralian Berberian , Assistant Field Deputy for L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger congratulates leadership of PayMore Santa Clarita on their grand opening .
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Congratulations to Evergreen Retina on your grand opening in December. Go visit them at www.evergreenretinamd.com to find out more. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Tom Cole, Director of Economic Development for the City of Santa Clarita congratulates Dr. Julia Sein owner of Evergreen Retina on their grand opening . Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
EVENTS
Join us for our first Business After Hours Mixer of 2025 at MB2 Entertainment to kick off the new year with energy and connection. Start the year by building meaningful relationships and engaging in conversations that could take your business to new heights. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your network and make valuable connections. Mingle with business representatives from across the Santa Clarita Valley, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Exchange ideas, share insights, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
To view our full calendar and event details go to www.SCVChamber.com or scan the QR Code to the right.
Celebrating SCV Businesses
Join us for the upcoming grand opening of Hammer & Nails!
Our grand openings are the perfect way to foster community spirit and collaboration. Grand Openings are always FREE and open to the public, and we encourage everyone to come celebrate, enjoy refreshments, and support!
Leaving Behind A Legacy Of A Lifetime
BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Mfortable.
down on the kitchen table.
ost of us work … a lot. According to a recent study by Gettysburg College, the average person works approximately 90,000 hours in their lifetime. That’s a staggering amount, and one would hope to be remembered long after leaving the workforce behind.
But therein lies the challenge. While my paternal grandfather worked for just two organizations his entire career, and my father for three, the average tenure today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is just over four years.
Perhaps that’s why I shouldn’t be surprised that no one remembers Jamie or Deborah. Both worked with clients of ours — Jamie for nearly eight years with one client, and Deborah for about 12 years with another. I’ve changed their names for the purposes of this story, but the tale is all too common.
Surely, eight to 12 years should count for something, right? However, we hadn’t worked with Jamie’s former employer for about three years, primarily due to a downturn in activity during COVID.
During that period, Jamie chose to retire. Deborah’s story is nearly identical. When I recently checked in with the individuals who succeeded them in their roles, I was met with silence when I mentioned their names.
Why didn’t Jamie and Deborah leave a legacy? Why weren’t they remembered by those who followed them? I believe it boils down to two crucial factors: character and competence.
Jamie was a nice guy, but he never struck me as particularly effective in his role. He always seemed to be “behind the eight ball,” as the saying goes — never staying on top of evolving trends and methods. Looking back, it’s clear: Jamie was likable, but not very competent.
Deborah, on the other hand, was highly competent but didn’t seem to be wellliked by her colleagues. She tended to gossip, and would criticize her coworkers to me, a vendor partner — conversations that often left me feeling uncom-
Deborah appeared more focused on climbing the ladder than on fostering genuine relationships, regardless of who she had to step on along the way. My summary of Deborah: high competence, low character.
When I think back on coworkers and bosses from decades ago, I remember them for two main reasons. First, they were excellent at their jobs. Second, they were genuinely good people to work with or work for. Conversely, those I barely recall — or remember negatively — were either mediocre or incompetent or had questionable character.
We only get one life, so why not strive to make the best contribution we can—in all areas of life, but especially at work? If we spend an average of 43 years working (as the same study cited earlier suggests), that’s far too much time to be mediocre, inept, or lacking in character. Imagine carrying that burden home each evening in your empty lunchbox and setting it
One of the wonderful things about being human is that tomorrow doesn’t have to be a repeat of yesterday. We have the freedom to make different choices today, to shift our perspectives and behaviors, and to achieve better outcomes — for ourselves, our coworkers, and our clients.
Hopefully, when the time comes for you to clock out for the last time, people will raise a toast in your honor. At best, your successors will remember your contributions — both for your competence and your character — long after you’ve left.
As for Jamie and Deborah, I’m not sure if I’ll cross paths with them again. I just hope they’re making different choices in their final quarter.
Paul Butler is a Santa Clarita resident and a client partner with Newleaf Training and Development of Valencia (newleaftd.com). For questions or comments, email Butler at paul.butler@ newleaftd.com.
SCVEDC continues to Drive Economic Growth and Employment
ABY ONDRÉ SELTZER PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
s the new year begins, I am delighted to reflect on the incredible journey of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC). In 2025, we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, honoring the dedication of our leaders, partners, and community members who have been instrumental in shaping our success. Our achievements would not be possible without the unwavering support of our exceptional Board of Directors.
This milestone year marks the launch of ambitious marketing and outreach campaigns targeting local, national, and international businesses. These initiatives will showcase the many benefits of operating in the Santa Clarita Valley, reinforcing why doing business here is Still Golden. Through these efforts, SCVEDC will continue driving economic growth, supporting business expansion, and elevating our region’s profile on the national and global stages.
2024 was a year of exciting developments in the Santa Clarita Valley. At our annual Economic Outlook event, we welcomed Lori Greiner and Mark Schniepp, alongside over 400 regular attendees and 90 students from the William S. Hart High School District. Six Flags Magic Mountain embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by launching California’s largest single-site commercial solar energy project, which will offset 100% of the park’s energy consumption. Additionally, we celebrated the 2023 Power Brokers of Santa Clarita Valley at our annual Broker Breakfast, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our business community.
The past year also saw significant corporate relocations and expansions. SCVEDC played a pivotal role in supporting IQVIA’s (formerly Q2 Solutions) move to the Perkin-Elmer facility. This relocation secured 350 jobs despite fierce competition from other regions,
Home, Condo Sales Solid In The Scv
BY DAVID WALKER
For the SCV Business Journal
There’s plenty of optimism about the Santa Clarita Valley home and condominium market for the new year, according to the local experts.
The Southland Regional Association of Realtors reports that home and condo active listings posted solid gains based on the recent numbers.
Median prices are trending down from record highs, but they remain above year-ago totals
Single-family home and condominium sales remained solid during November throughout the Santa Clarita Valley while the inventory of both categories grew by double digits, the SRAR reported.
Local Realtors helped close escrow last month on 178 single-family homes, which was 38% higher than the November 2023 total. There also were 64 condominium sales, up 422% from a year ago.
Despite the seasonal slowdown, the association reported 409 active listings of single-family homes along with 177 condominium listings with home listings up 31.9% and condo listings 51.3% ahead of last year.
“Regardless the market or state of the national economy, homeowners and homebuyers always find a way to consummate sales,” said Bob Khalsa, the 2024 President of the 11,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors.
“This year has seen high interest rates on home loans fall low enough to entice some buyers back into the market only to see the rate rise again,” he said. “Now rates are in the low 6% range, which is far preferable to a year ago when
they were in the mid- to high7% range. That, combined with an expanding inventory, has house hunters out even as the holidays approach and activity typically slackens.”
The median price — meaning half were higher and half lower — of single-family homes that changed owners last month in Santa Clarita was $835,000, up 3.7% from a year ago. The condominium median price of $561,000 was
up 6.9% from November 2023.
The single-family record $910,000 median was set in March while the record high condo price of $645,000 was reported in June.
“Now that the national and local elections are settled,” said Valerie Biletsky, chief executive officer of the SRAR’s, “many buyers realize there are fewer competitors to deal with around the holidays and have the added incentive of
falling interest rates and an expanded inventory.”
SRAR’s Income-to-Loan guide found that an income of $206,345 was needed to qualify for an 80% loan of $690,000 on a Santa Clarita Valley median-priced home of $835,000. With today’s lower interest rate than a year ago, the income needed to qualify was down 5.8%. The monthly PITI — principle, interest, taxes and insurance payments — would come to $5,159.
Santa Clarita Pending escrows — an indicator of future sales — were down 21% for homes and down 5% for condominiums.
Chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920, the SRAR is the voice for real estate in San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. With nearly 11,000 members, SRAR serves as a trusted resource and partner to the real estate profession and the community at large.
Tax Saving Month on Your Primary Home with New Wrinkle
BY JEFF PRANG
Los Angeles County Assessor
This month, I want to take a moment of your time to visit about a specific property tax savings program my office offers that is just waiting to reduce your budget and now it’s easier than ever before to apply.
We do manage several programs for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and non-profits, resulting in $836 million in tax savings for property owners last year alone.
Since 1974, the state’s Constitution has tried to give homeowners financial relief against the high cost of housing through the Homeowners’ Exemption (HOX) that can automatically reduce your assessed tax burden by $7,000, if the home is your primary residence as of Jan. 1. That translates to an actual reduction of $70 to a homeowner’s tax bill. And all the homeowner has to do is fill out the application at assessor.lacounty.gov and they are good to go. The deadline is Feb. 15 to get the entire savings but if you miss the deadline, please file anyway and you will get it prorated this year and the full amount the following years.
In fact, now our new e-File service allows property owners to apply for the Homeowners’ Exemption online, eliminating the need to mail us a physical form. Furthermore, homeowners need only apply once in order to receive these savings each year. The savings continue until a change (such as a sale) is recorded.
I do understand that the $70 exemption taken off the property tax bill is entirely inadequate in providing any relief for the California homeowner. We cannot forget that the property tax bill also includes local bond debts and fee assessments, including water and school districts that have nothing to do with assessed value of the home under Proposition 13.
It’s also important to remember that when the Homeowners’ Exemption was created in 1972 and then formally enacted in 1974, the median sales price for a single-family home was about $34,000 statewide. The median sales price of a
home statewide now is about $900,000, according to the California Association of Realtors.
Yes, obviously it is long overdue for an increase to the Homeowners’ Exemption. As a hypothetical example, if the state Legislature increased the current homeowners’ exemption from $7,000 to $25,000 for everybody and perhaps even up to $500,000 for qualified low-income homeowners, that translates into a savings of $250 for all and $5,000 for those qualifying low-income homeowners.
I encourage our state Legislature to study this issue and increase the Homeowners’ Exemption, even modestly. At a minimum, they should attach an escalator clause that will keep the Homeowners’ Exemption in line with inflation.
Having said that, and at the current savings of $70, nearly one-in-three homeowners in Los Angeles County still do not take advantage of this program, leaving $40 million unclaimed each year. Across the County, an additional 435,000 families can be saving on their tax bills.
The Homeowners’ Exemption is even more important than ever before because of Proposition 19. Prop. 19 has changed the rules that apply to transfers between parents and children or in some
cases, even grandparents to grandchildren. Prop. 19 abolishes transfers of any property not being used as a primary residence. It also eliminates the current parent-to-child and grandparent-tograndchild exemption in cases where the child or grandchild does not use the inherited property as their principal residence, such as using a property as a rental house or a second home.
However, and this is most important: The child receiving the home has one year from the date of transfer to acquire the Homeowners’ Exemption, if the parent did not have it at the time of the transfer. If the home does not have the Homeowners’ Exemption, the children will not receive the tax benefit, and they could be stuck with a huge property tax increase.
For more information on Prop. 19 or other tax savings programs, visit assessor.lacounty.gov or call 213/974-3211.
For more information about the Assessor’s Office and its tax-saving programs, visit assessor.lacounty.gov. Prang leads the largest local public property assessment agency in the nation. His office of about 1,400 appraisers and support staff work to create an accurate and timely property Assessment Roll.
HEALTHCARE
Continued from page 9
tage. Larger groups will need to better understand the total cost of that complexity and partner with organizations that can help them across the breadth of contract types that they have.”
Prediction 4: Increased demand for digital tools like patient portals
Patient need for digital healthcare tools, patient portals, and self-serve features is strong. Over 75% of patients surveyed think that digital tools improve their experience with the healthcare system.13 These are strong signals that patients find value in the ability to quickly message their provider or selfschedule their next appointment. What’s more, patient digital engagement benefits
both the patient and the provider, helping with stronger communication, more comprehensive patient care, increased patient payments, and reduced administrative work.
But not all digital tools will get the same share of the limelight in 2025. Compared to a meteoric rise during the pandemic, we predict that telehealth utilization will continue to expand next year, but mostly within certain specialties such as women’s health and behavioral health where digital engagement remains high.
Recent data shows that providers with higher rates of patient digital engagement have a corresponding increase in patient pay yield (PPY), faster encounter closure, and shorter charge entry lags.14 This means that healthcare
COMFORT KEEPERS IN-HOME CARE
organizations that effectively engage patients via digital tools and patient portals can have increased financial performance compared to those who don’t. This incentivizes medical practices to invest in expanding access to digital patient tools and more robust patient self-serve technology in 2025 to help them to reap the rewards in the years ahead.
Finally, with patient engagement metrics and patientprovider communication playing such a critical role in success within value-based care programs, we can expect to see a growing demand for innovative, convenient, and user-friendly patient digital tools in 2025 and beyond.
As your healthcare organization looks ahead to the new year, these trends and insights can be a tool to help you cut through the noise and get actionable advice to stay ahead of industry changes. Practices that lean into incorporating new VBC payment models, new HIT software and tools, and new modes of patient-
provider communication in 2025 could yield some incredible results—and these databacked predictions serve to help your organization grow, thrive, and continue delivering the best quality of care. Navigating the healthcare landscape is never easy, but your organization can lean on the experts to help you succeed.
VOICES
Continued from page 15
demonstrating SCV’s ability to attract and retain major employers. Nycote Laboratories chose Santa Clarita as the location for their new headquarters, further solidifying our position as a hub for innovation and growth. Vallarta Supermarkets cut the ribbon on their new corporate headquarters this June, a relocation bringing approximately 220 jobs here from Sylmar. To cap off the year, the SCVEDC received a Strategic Engagement Award from the LAEDC at the 29th Annual
T he L is T : M edica L O ffices
Facey Medical Group —
Eddy Awards, acknowledging our commitment to fostering economic development and creating a thriving business environment. The City of Santa Clarita was named a finalist as one of the most businessfriendly cities in LA County, and was the only city within the county that ranked in the lowest-cost tier in KosmontRose Institute’s annual Cost of Doing Business Survey
As we embark on 2025, we’re excited to build on our successes and position Santa Clarita as a premier destination for businesses and residents alike. With a focus on high-growth sectors, we’re
expanding our business attraction efforts and workforce initiatives, to drive sustainable growth. We look forward to deepening engagement with local businesses, strengthening partnerships, and welcoming new companies to our thriving community. Please contact us for assistance or visit our Broker Portal for quick access to Santa Clarita Valley data and resources.
The SCVEDC team wishes you joy, peace, and prosperity as we step into 2025. May this year bring exceptional accomplishments for us all.
14550 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, 91387 • (661) 250-5200 www.providence.org/locations/facey/facey-medical-group
Hill 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, 91350 • (661) 513-2100 www.providence.org/locations/facey/facey-medical-group
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 200-2000 • www.henrymayo.com
Providence Holy Cross Health Center 26357 McBean Parkway, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (661) 288-5900 • www.providence.org Providence Holy Cross Imaging Center, Urgent Care Center, Cancer Physician Office, Providence Rehabilitation Services
Samuel Dixon Canyon Country Health Center 27225 Camp Plenty Road, Suite 4, Canyon Country, 91351 • (661) 424-1220 • www.sdfhc.org
Samuel Dixon Newhall Health Center 23772 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, 91321 • (661) 291-1777 • www.sdfhc.org
Samuel Dixon Valencia Behavioral Health 25115 Avenue Stanford, #A103, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 468-7405 • www.sdfhc.org
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 1 27107 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 2 26877 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
UCLA Health Santa Clarita Primary & Specialty Care 25775 McBean Parkway, Suites 115A, 202 & 215, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 753-5464 • www.uclahealth.org
UCLA Health Tourney Road Primary & Specialty Care 27235 Tourney Road, Suite 2500, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 253-5851 • www.uclahealth.org
Diabetes Prevention Program, Cancer Detection and Prevention, Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management
Diabetes Prevention Program, Cancer Detection and Prevention, Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management
Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling
Dermatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology
•
•
•
•
