With the economy still in flux, the state budget still up in the air and businesses forced to become more and more creative to succeed, a gathering headlined by good news is overdue. The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is aiming to fill that void at its quarterly luncheon on Thursday, February 3 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.

The focus of the luncheon will be a panel discussion themed “SCV Chambers Business Perspective for 2011” and will feature speakers sharing opportunities and positive business activities in our community. Participants will be encouraged to get out of the mind-set of the past two years and discuss the favorable conditions that exist in our city for the advancement of commerce.

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The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. and is open to all. Cost is $35 with reservation; $40 at the door. Speakers scheduled to participate include:

Moderator Bill Kennedy, a Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Clarita and a founding Board Member of the SCV Economic Development Corporation, will focus on what’s positive about business in Santa Clarita.

Jonas Peterson will discuss the formation of the EDC (and their move to the University Center at College of the Canyons) and share the results of the recent target industry analysis, upcoming marketing and branding plan and with Jason Crawford, discuss the impact of the expansion of the Enterprise Zone.

Jason Crawford will discuss positive attributes of tourism, filming, the City’s marketing effort to increase visibility (perhaps even show the two filmed “Business Minute Spotlights” the City has produced).  Jason and Jonas could discuss the impacts of the Enterprise Zone and Jason could also discuss some successes the program has witnessed thus far (number of businesses involved, tax savings, etc).

Damian Jones will review his recent legislative efforts on behalf of the Chamber and enlighten the attendees on the industry cluster groups he is organizing to enhance their visibility in Sacramento and Washington

Dena Maloney will discuss COC’s success at programs that support the business community, from the SBDC, the Chancellor’s Business Council, the work force training programs COC has (and is) developing, and perhaps emerging programs and training efforts for the workforce of the coming year.

Business people from the community will also share their perspectives on efforts to succeed in our community; restaurateur Greg Amsler has agreed to discuss how Salt Creek Grille has changed their business model and not only survived the past two years, but has found new market niches to expand business opportunities.  Trish Grinnell will discuss how, in spite of the past economic woes, she has dramatically expanded her business in Santa Clarita.  Opportunity is where you look for it.

While the Chamber acknowledges that there are businesses closing their doors every day, it is important to focus on the hundreds who are surviving and, while perhaps not enjoying double-digit increases of sales and/or profits,  are striving every day to remain productive and positive.

There will also be information tables distributing information on the City’s Enterprise Zone, the WorkSource Center , COC’s Employee Training Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the luncheon.

Interested attendees can call the Chamber at 661-702-6977 to make reservations.