Announcing the 2014 Spirit of Small Business winners
The Pacific Coast Business Times is pleased to announce our 2014 class of Spirit of Small Business award winners. The annual special section, now in its 12th year, celebrates small-business ownership and entrepreneurship in the Tri-Counties.
Keeping Score: Nonprofit business advisers celebrate 50 years
The business-advice nonprofit Score just turned 50, but the advice it provides is ageless. The national organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the San Luis Obispo branch is celebrating 30 years. For half a century, Score has provided free or low-cost mentoring and workshops to entrepreneurs and business owners around the Read More →
GoBiz director calls on communities to invest in workforce development
California’s sometimes inward-looking cities need to make economic and business development a key part of their plans. And they will probably have more success if they can think regionally about workforce and business issues. That was the message that Kish Rajan, director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, or GoBiz, brought to Read More →
Community West Bank COO dies
Michael Phlaum, chief operating officer at Goleta-based Community West Bank, died Friday evening from complications related to a stroke, the bank said on July 21. Phlaum joined the bank in February 2012 and was promoted to COO and executive vice president in February of this year. “This is a tragic loss for me personally and Read More →
Network Hardware Resale becomes Curvature as strategy shifts
Network Hardware Resale has changed its name to Curvature. The change comes as one of Goleta’s biggest employers shifts its focus away from selling used gear and toward becoming a technology consulting firm.
Santa Maria, remixed: City looks for winning formula
A year after Santa Maria got a new theater complex and a Fallas Discount Store moved into the space formerly occupied by a Mervyn’s department store, city leaders are still scratching their heads over how best to revitalize its struggling retail core.
Rewinding the tape: After ouster, Qualstar consolidates in Simi Valley
One year after outside investors ousted Simi Valley-based Qualstar’s management and installed a new team, the company has reduced expenses and is working towards profitability.
