Santa Barbara chamber opposes anti-oil effort Measure P
By Staff Report / Wednesday, August 27th, 2014 / Central Coast, South Coast, Tri-County Economy / 3 Comments
Proponents of Santa Barbara County’s Measure P, an anti-fracking measure that could also shut down conventional oil and gas production, suffered a setback on Aug. 27 when the largest South Coast chamber of commerce said it opposed the November ballot initiative. The Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce said that its board voted to “urge Read More →
50 Fastest-Growing Companies 2014 announced
By Staff Report / Monday, August 25th, 2014 / Central Coast, East Ventura County, Latest news, South Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy, West Ventura County / Comments Off on 50 Fastest-Growing Companies 2014 announced
Learn more about this year’s featured companies and the Sept. 18 awards event.
IQMS readies for big leagues with first outside investment
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, August 22nd, 2014 / Central Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on IQMS readies for big leagues with first outside investment
Paso Robles-based software firm IQMS has taken an outside investment for the first time in its 25-year history, raising an undisclosed sum from the same financiers who have backed Facebook, Expedia and Netflix. The company said Aug. 19 that Technology Crossover Ventures led the funding round with Banneker Partners participating. The terms of the deal Read More →
Competition heats up in infrared market as Flir, Seek Thermal release smartphone products
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, August 22nd, 2014 / South Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Competition heats up in infrared market as Flir, Seek Thermal release smartphone products
This holiday season, two South Coast firms will compete to sell what could be the hottest gadget gift of the year: affordable thermal cameras for smartphones. Goleta-based Seek Thermal, the company founded by longtime infrared entrepreneurs Bill Parrish and Tim Fitzgibbons that has raised $30 million, said Aug. 19 that it will offer a Read More →
Pacifica Hotels, Eastern Real Estate team up on hostel takeover
By Elijah Brumback / Friday, August 22nd, 2014 / Real Estate, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Pacifica Hotels, Eastern Real Estate team up on hostel takeover
Last week, Santa Barbara firms Pacifica Hotels and Eastern Real Estate purchased the hostel from the Parker family.

Lynda.com hires public-company exec
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, August 22nd, 2014 / South Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Lynda.com hires public-company exec
Carpinteria-based online education firm Lynda.com has hired a new executive to drive its global expansion and has opened an office in San Francisco to tap Bay Area talent.

Pour no more: Small wineries oppose Santa Barbara County tasting-room ordinance
By Marissa Wenzke / Friday, August 22nd, 2014 / Agribusiness, Central Coast, Small Business, South Coast, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Pour no more: Small wineries oppose Santa Barbara County tasting-room ordinance
Many small wineries in rural areas of Santa Barbara County such as the Santa Ynez Valley may be unable to house tasting rooms or hold special events if county officials approve changes to a winery ordinance that has been in place since 2004.







