Ins and outs of import-export
Even in a lackluster economy, one Ventura County expert says now’s the time for small tri-county businesses to consider jumping into the international import-export trade. “U.S. exports are up 18 percent,” said Ray Bowman, who with his wife, Leana, runs Oxnard-based Bowman Business Services. “There are huge opportunities.” Bowman, who has 20 years of experience Read More →
RiverPark maneuvers to minimize impact from residential slowdown
Since the mortgage crisis spawned the downturn in the residential market, regional experts have said the Central Coast communities are largely sheltered from – though not immune to – national economic trends. Indeed, the Tri-Counties have been affected accordingly by the housing slowdown. Some cities have shown relatively minor price reductions and sales slumps while Read More →
More events, special sections, staff changes on tap
Fall is a busy season at The Pacific Coast Business Times. This year is no exception as we gear up for two upcoming events, six stand-alone special reports and, of course, our year-ending Top 25 Book of Lists. That’s why I am excited to announce some staff promotions and other upgrades that will improve the Read More →
Energy Institute looking for more juice
Sitting in his office, Dan Colbert doesn’t have furniture yet, but he has a vision for the young Institute for Energy Efficiency at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In July, Colbert made his public debut as the executive director of the institute, which was itself announced in February. While the university bureaucracy works to Read More →
Making a comeback
Web 1.0 era gaming and graphics firm MetaTools is back on the South Coast. The man at the helm, John Wilczak, is the same, but he has remade the company, salvaging the name after it became free again. And the mission is new: Conquer Apple’s iPhone with a new iteration of MetaSquares, the puzzle game Read More →
Speak softly and carry a big stick: Little Lompoc is busier than ever
Described as a “small, Midwestern town on the California coast,” by its economic development director, Kate Griffith, the city of Lompoc has been undergoing efforts to build on its signature Californian characteristics and strengthen its economic vitality, all while maintaining its quaint, small-town appeal. As California has long been a leader in sustainability and Read More →
Nonprofits becoming more nimble, results oriented
Philanthropy is changing. With entrepreneurs like Eli Broad, Ted Turner and Venoco’s Tim Marquez calling the shots, nonprofits are becoming more nimble and results oriented But there is a catch – in the new environment for philanthropy, star power matters, and there’s a tendency for issues of the day like global warming to grab big Read More →
