Nipped in the bud – Artificial flower business closes after 58 years
Everything is withering in this economy. Even fake flowers. Aldik Artificial Flower Co., based in Moorpark, has been the country’s leading wholesaler of artificial blossoms for more than half a century. But after seeing steady growth over the past few decades, the company was forced to dissolve in February after a massive decline in sales Read More →
Chrysler struggles in E. Ventura County
As reports surface that Chrysler may cut a quarter of its franchises across the nation, nervous Ventura County auto dealerships are struggling to stand out in an industry that has been crushed by higher fuel prices, the economy and shifting customer tastes. [Editor’s note: Read a related story about Chrysler dealerships in the Tri-Counties here.] Read More →
Apple Store opening could prop up Santa Barbara
Finally. The highly anticipated Apple Store on Santa Barbara’s State Street will be unveiled at 10 a.m. on May 9, the company announced. [Editor’s Note: After press time, Apple changed its plans. Read the related story here.] [Editor’s Note: After press time, Apple changed its plans. Read the related story here.] Apple has remained mum Read More →
Travel agencies hit turbulence – Internet, recession force firms to reevaluate business plans
If any industry is facing a double-whammy right now, it would be the one hit by the recession and squeezed by Internet competition: the travel agency industry. Yet travel agents across the tri-county area seem cautiously optimistic about their prospects for the future, even in the face of a sharp nationwide decline in leisure and Read More →
Film gives creative director a second life
Nineteen employees at Weiser Creative are savoring the success of Tom Nance, a former employee who wrote and co-produced “Sherman’s Way,” a film that’s getting national press and picking up awards at film festivals. However, the savoring is bittersweet. Nance, the longtime creative director at Weiser, died in a motorcycle accident last September, just as Read More →
Bold plan for First California – Acquisition gives bank foothold in Inland Empire
When First California Bank snatched failed 1st Centennial Bank off the auction block, it added six more branches to its extensive list of locations and expanded the bank’s already prominent Southern California presence. In late January, Westlake Village-based First California made a strategic move, spending $100 million to acquire the insured deposits of 1st Centennial Read More →
Emerging Paso Robles wineries prove they
Paso Robles is a natural spot for dynamic zinfandels — it features both intense summer heat as well as an evening ocean breeze that cools down the grapes. The unique micro-climate has brought a rush of entrepreneurs to the region in the past decade, each looking to bottle incredible wine in a burgeoning California region. Read More →
