Local specialists work to fill void

Home buyers haven't had a monetary incentive or received a tax credit to buy a home since the federal and state government tax-credit programs expired last year.

A workforce without walls

Local companies are taking advantage of the rapid advances in technology, changing the way their employees work and go to work - and they're saving money doing so.

Ken Keller: Birth, growth and sustained business success

It starts as an idea, a passing thought that comes back around. A discussion ensues, usually in one brain but sometimes between two or more. What is being talked about is an idea for a new business.

Locals store expands work, play

By Jana Adkins Signal Business Editor HobbyTron, a retailer of remote-control toys and airsoft guns, is having fun in its new home. Relocating its headquarters to the Valencia Industrial Center last year, the company more than doubled the amount of square footage it previously occupied at its San Fernando location. And last month, the company opened a retail store in addition to its warehouse operations for online sales. HobbyTron reports it has been able to ...

Helping each other grow

In the spirit of "it takes a village," a loosely formed group of four local business people got together last year to help local residents build the careers they were seeking.

Newhall Land gets new V.P.

Newhall Land announced Thursday that James "Jim" C. Bizzelle will join its management team as senior vice president of community development.

Builders bet on home market

After home construction nearly came to a halt in the past few years, local builders are once again headed back to work sites.

Bizzelle joins Newhall Land management team

Newhall Land Development Inc. announced today that James "Jim" C. Bizzelle will join its management team as senior vice president of community development. His responsibilities will include forward planning and entitlement issues for both Valencia and the planned community west of Valencia, Newhall Ranch. He replaces Steve Zimmer, who retired earlier this year. Formerly with Pardee Homes Los Angeles and Ventura counties division, Bizzelle served as vice president of community development. He also brings more ...

‘Cloud’ offers businesses a cushion

One of the smartest things a small-business owner can do is take the time to back up company data and files before some kind of emergency, or worse yet, disaster, strikes.

CORRECTED: Loans to help businesses expand

Editor's note: CORRECTS first name of Calvin Hedman. A local Certified Development Company, SoCal CDC, has received certification approval from the Small Business Administration, enabling it to connect small business owners and banks to provide SBA 504 commercial real estate loans to small businesses. Founded in 2010 by Silverio Robledo and Paola Macchiavello, the SoCal CDC is a not-for-profit organization focused on stimulating economic development by helping to meet the financing needs of small ...

Strategist: Easy primaries equal wins

Political candidates who don't face primary opposition are much more likely to win election than those who do, a longtime strategist said Tuesday, because they're able to move toward the center of the political spectrum. Addressing a luncheon of Valley Industry Association members Tuesday, Dan Schnur said the single greatest indicator of failure in an election campaign is a primary challenge. "Every president who has faced one has lost the election," said the director of ...

Home building turns to multifamily

The residential construction landscape has shifted from single-family homes to multifamily projects, builders and officials with trade associations say.

Appraisers regulated out of commission

A shift of regulations intended to prevent lending companies from influencing - or worse, inflating - home values during the appraisal process nearly put an entire industry of people out of work during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, according to industry experts.

Center’s doors swing open

A unique golf-training program, Scratch Golf Accelerated, opened its doors this week in Santa Clarita for players of all skill levels.

Gourmet and family-fresh

A family's passion for creative cooking turned into a mother-daughter business enterprise, The Poached Pair.

VIA keynote speaker touts ‘lean’ and mean

The keynote speaker at the Valley Industry Association's luncheon on Tuesday said he was first introduced to the concept of lean manufacturing when his family had to make a decision between buying steel for their family operated business or putting food on the dinner table.

Local Boston Scientific working on back pain

Boston Scientific received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval last week for its second generation Precision Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator System, which controls pain.

More companies vying for spots at career fair

In a sign that the economic tides are shifting, more companies are signing up for the College of the Canyons spring job fair than the college has seen since 2008, said a spokesman for the college.

Retailer permits are approved for Patios

Permits have been issued for a fashion accessories retailer to occupy a portion of the space where The Westfield Group had petitioned the city of Santa Clarita to locate a Walmart Neighborhood Market, said an official with the city.

Second BevMo store to open in the Santa Clarita Valley

The second Santa Clarita Valley BevMo store opens in Canyon Country April 26, said Josh Phaneuf, with BevMo.

Santa Clarita Valley office vacancies rise slightly

Santa Clarita's first-quarter office vacancy rate rose slightly as one business moved out of the area and another, smaller firm moved in.

Family-run 7-Eleven closing after 27 years

What 7-Eleven, Inc. giveth, 7-Eleven, Inc. taketh.

Homeowners in need often become victims

If a company is asking for money upfront to perform a loan modification service, that's a red flag, said a local Realtor.

Bouquet getting repaved

Bouquet Canyon Road is getting a makeover.

Stores host block party to attract business

Sometimes it just takes a village of business owners to kick off a round of economic activity.

Median household income fell 7.3 percent in recession

Enterprise Zone audit reveals no major flaws

An exhaustive five-day audit of Santa Clarita's Enterprise Zone resulted in the program being given a green light with regards to running of the program and credits granted.

Kaiser Permanente expanding its practice

Kaiser Permanente first opened its doors to Santa Clarita residents in 1994. But in October 2012, the integrated managed care medical group purchased a second building in Valencia.

Education has been key to its growth, local escrow company says

Independently owned and operated since 1998 by Jim and Anita Lombardi of Santa Clarita, Federal Escrow Inc. has been offering every type of escrow imaginable.

Small business center launches restaurant startup program

The Small Business Development Center, hosted by College of the Canyons, offers a wide array of services, many at no cost to new and existing business owners.