Senator Henry Stern Launches First Jobs Tour of the San Fernando Valley
SACRAMENTO – Last Friday State Senator Henry Stern, along with Senator Bob Hertzberg, and members of the Valley Economic Alliance, visited several local businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley to seek input about innovative ways to bring jobs to and elevate the economic vitality of the region.
The tour included stops at Aerojet, in Canoga Park; toy maker MGA Entertainment’s new campus in Chatsworth; Cal State University Northridge; Brent’s Deli in Northridge; and Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc., in North Hollywood.
“Tours like this allow us to genuinely connect with Californians who work hard to support their families, to see and feel the quality of products they make right in our own backyards, to chat with employees about their passion and the pride they take in their craft, and to learn about the real challenges facing our economic leaders in the San Fernando Valley,” Senator Stern said about the experience, “These conversations will lead to creative and innovative solutions for sustaining job growth and improving the quality of life in our communities.”
“My goal as a senator is to improve the quality of life for all Valley residents,” Sen. Hertzberg said. “I enjoyed seeing first hand several of the Valley’s most dynamic businesses at work and learning more about CSUN and how it benefits the region. We must continue to provide strong support for CSUN and Valley businesses to ensure a bright future for Valley residents.”
Discussion topics ranged from increasing job opportunities to improving business retention and strengthening workforce development, as well as fostering livable and sustainable communities in the San Fernando Valley.
Unemployment in the Los Angeles area is at 4.5 percent, nearly half a percent lower than the national unemployment rate, according to an Economic Summary released by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics in April. Although over-the-year changes in employment for major industries such as manufacturing, trade, transportation, and utilities, are down.
“As a board member for the Economic Alliance we understand the value when people work together to create prosperity and improve the quality of life for all the people that live, work, learn, and play in our Valley,” said Rob Sherman, General Manager at Republic Services and representative from the Valley Economic Alliance.
Friday’s tour marked the beginning of many such events and forums Senator Stern plans to hold to hear from the community, local businesses, and stakeholders about jobs and economic issues in the district.
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