"We're here to help!"
 Having a little help to compete in our global economy can make a big difference in the success of a company. According to Brian Gabler, Director of Economic Development/ Simi Valley Assistant City Manager (and WDB member) and John Fraser, Senior Management Analyst/Economic Coordinator for Camarillo, the cities in Ventura County are ready to help. Whether challenged by state regulations or supply chain issues, worker's comp, production or staffing, businesses have easy access to no-cost and low-cost solutions ----right here in Ventura County. For information, go to VenturaCountyGrowsBusiness.com or call the WDB, the EDC-VC, or your city's economic development manager. To hear more, listen to the April 20th Workforce Wednesday radio interview with Brian Gabler and John Fraser. |
We often think of big companies doing big business with big government. In reality, government contracts come in all sizes. According to Captain Douglas King, Chief Staff Officer for Naval Base Ventura County (and WDB member), and Kristin Decas, CEO for the Port of Hueneme, businesses large and small are working on government-funded projects. For example, businesses relating to construction, engineering and food service are employed by both the port and the base. For information about business opportunities with Naval Base Ventura County, contact Lieutenant Lee Howard at (805) 982-3742. For the Port of Hueneme, call (805) 488-3677. You also may go online to 
As a leading supplier to the government of small unmanned aircraft systems, AeroVironment is required to comply with rigorous export regulations. To help the company run more efficiently, more than 60 employees participated in EDC-VC's Small Business Development Center lean trainings to learn new skills, improve gaps in processes, streamline processes and reduce cycle times. In addition, a series of export compliance training programs was developed. As a result, AeroVironment is seeing higher production volumes over shorter periods, reduced lead time for product sell-off and consistent achievement of repair turnaround time commitments for customer equipment. For more information about AeroVironment, go to 
Thank you for the nominations! At this month's WDB Annual Meeting, we will recognize six Ventura County leaders who are helping to grow a strong local workforce. Whether providing youth internships and work opportunities, collaborating on programs to meet workforce needs, or supporting business expansion, job creation or job retention, these 2016 WDB Award winners are making a real difference. Please join us for the presentation of awards at the WDB meeting on June 16th at 8AM, at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo.
