Following a thorough search process, the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is pleased to welcome Christopher Page as our Director of Business Development.  In this role, Page will work closely with SCVEDC leadership to support company attraction, retention, and expansion projects. His work will include engaging with businesses considering the Santa Clarita Valley, supporting existing employers as they evaluate growth opportunities, coordinating with commercial real estate and development partners, and helping companies navigate local resources related to workforce, incentives, permitting, site selection, and more. 

Click or read below for the full press release:

Economic growth in 2025 did not come easily.

Across California, job creation slowed. Companies right-sized operations. Artificial intelligence reshaped workforce needs. Expansion decisions faced new scrutiny amid national uncertainty.

In our annual Economic Outlook Book last September, the California Economic Forecast projected that just 164 net new jobs would be created for the Santa Clarita Valley in 2025.

Instead, the SCV added 896 net jobs, 732 more than projected, due to the expansion and retention of several companies in the valley.

That outcome was not accidental.

The official launch of the Southern Pacific Aero-Defense Alliance, or SPADA, marked an exciting moment for Santa Clarita Valley’s aerospace and defense community. With nearly 200 attendees, the inaugural event brought together leaders from industry, education, government, and the broader community around a shared vision for the future of one of the region’s most important industry clusters.  

How long is your workday—really?

Not just the hours you spend at your desk. The whole day. The part that starts with the morning rush and ends when you finally walk back through the front door.

When you look at it that way, work often takes up far more time than we like to admit.

For many people, that added time shows up as traffic, rushed drop-offs, and the mental load of a commute that adds stress before the workday even begins—and lingers long after it’s over.

In the broader Los Angeles County area, the average one-way commute is around 31 minutes. That adds up to roughly an hour a day—more than four hours a week, and over nine full days every year—spent just getting to and from work.

That’s time you’ll never get back.

IQVIA Laboratories maintains 350 high-quality life science jobs in the SCV at their new 134,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

Strong local economies don’t happen by accident—they’re built by helping existing employers stay, grow, and reinvest. That’s especially true for companies with highly specialized operations, where facility needs, regulatory timelines, and infrastructure requirements can make or break an expansion decision.

One of the best recent examples is IQVIA Laboratories (formerly Q2 Solutions), a global drug discovery and development laboratory services organization with longstanding ties to the Santa Clarita Valley. Over the years, IQVIA Laboratories has supported high-quality employment opportunities and contributed to our local economy, and when the company faced a challenge, SCVEDC worked with partners to help ensure growth could happen right here.

When we talk about building a strong economy in the Santa Clarita Valley, we often focus on attracting new businesses or celebrating major expansions. Those moments matter. But long-term economic strength is built more quietly—through people, skills, and confidence in what comes next.

Minimum Wage Increase for Businesses within City of Santa Clarita on January 1st, 2026, and those within unincorporated LA County on July 1st, 2026.

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is in a unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June). Beginning in 2022 and continuing each year thereafter, on January 1, the LA County CEO determines the adjusted rates, which shall take effect on July 1 of that year.

Congratulations to the Top Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but also in attracting great companies to the region. It focuses on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, including the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year, we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) was honored to host the 2025 Canadian Energy Storage Roadshow, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of energy solutions. This event, made possible through collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, showcased how foreign direct investment (FDI) and international partnerships fuel economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, CA - 4:00pm - 1/22/25

During these challenging times, we want to express our deepest concern and support for the Santa Clarita Valley community confronting the ongoing Hughes wildfire. On behalf of the SCVEDC team, our thoughts are with all those affected.  At SCVEDC, we are steadfast in our commitment to the growth, resilience, and well-being of the Santa Clarita Valley community. In the face of adversity, we stand ready to assist with utility provider communications, connecting you to essential resources, or sharing vital information to ease the challenges of this crisis, our team is here to help. Together, we will navigate these difficulties and continue building a stronger, more resilient community.

Below, you’ll find a list of resources shared by our members and partners that may be helpful during this time, including Emergency Resources, Business Resources, Utility & Weather, and Transportation & Road Safety.

We will continue to monitor this situation as it develops.

Please STAY SAFE and STAY INFORMED.

THIS PAGE IS NOW OUT OF DATE.           VISIT OUR 2026 UPDATE            FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION!

Minimum Wage Increase for Businesses within City of Santa Clarita on January 1st, 2025, and those within unincorporated LA County on July 1st, 2025.

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is in a unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June). Beginning in 2022 and continuing each year thereafter, on January 1, the LA County CEO determines the adjusted rates, which shall take effect on July 1 of that year.

THIS PAGE IS NOW OUT OF DATE.           VISIT OUR 2025 UPDATE            FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION!

Minimum Wage Increases for Businesses in Unincorporated LA County and the City of Santa Clarita

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley is in an especially unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June).

The 2024 Santa Clarita Valley Economic Outlook explores a resilient and evolving local labor market characterized by growth in key industries, changing dynamics, and challenges in workforce retention. Employment and business expansion, workforce training initiatives, and business assistance and attraction remain a primary focus, supported by the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s (SCVEDC) integrated approach to attracting diverse business opportunities and job creation. Here are the highlights and insights on employment and workforce trends shaping the region from the 2024 Economic Outlook Book and the 2024 Economic Outlook conference this September:

Santa Clarita Valley, CA – The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is pleased to announce that Ondre Seltzer, who has been serving as the Interim President & CEO since earlier this year, has been unanimously selected by the Board of Directors hiring committee to take on the role permanently. The decision comes after a thorough and competitive search process, underscoring the board’s confidence in Seltzer’s vision and leadership capabilities.

“Ondre has been a key driver in our economic development efforts, and his leadership during the interim period has been exceptional,” said SCVEDC Co-Chair John Shaffery, Founding Partner at Poole Shaffery. “His ability to build meaningful partnerships and navigate complex economic challenges makes him the ideal person to lead SCVEDC into the future. He’s consistently proven himself to be a dynamic leader who understands the unique needs of Santa Clarita Valley’s businesses and its community.”

Congratulations to the Top 25 Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but attracting great companies to the region with a focus on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, and of course, from the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact. This years list features many returning faces as well as some new ones!

Discover how apprenticeships can help businesses grow and thrive.

In the vibrant business landscape of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), where innovation meets opportunity, investing in talent development isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity for sustainable growth. As local businesses strive to remain competitive in an ever-evolving market, embracing apprenticeship programs emerges as a powerful solution. But what exactly is an apprenticeship, and how can it revolutionize your workforce? Let's delve into the world of registered apprenticeships and explore how they can benefit your business in more ways than one. 

For businesses expanding or new ventures, whether domestic or international, setting roots in the Santa Clarita Valley, apprenticeships present an invaluable resource. As these businesses seek to establish themselves in a new environment, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce becomes paramount. Apprenticeships offer the perfect solution, providing a structured pathway to train individuals in line with the specific needs and requirements of the business.  

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is your one-stop resource for all your business needs

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) plays a pivotal role in fostering business growth and prosperity within the region. Our overarching goals are to support the creation of high-paying jobs for our trained workforce, stimulate economic activity that grows the regional tax base, and strategically position the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) and its businesses to better compete in the global economy. Through a multifaceted approach, the SCVEDC assists businesses with expansion within the SCV and relocation to the SCV by providing comprehensive support services tailored to their specific needs.

The SCVEDC is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of two of its team members: Dr. Jey Wagner (President & CEO) and Ondre Seltzer (VP, Workforce & Economic Development). Dr. Wagner's appointment to the Board of Directors for Team California highlights his dedication to the growth and retention of businesses in the Golden State. With a strong background in Foreign Direct Investment and working closely with international clients, Ondre Seltzer's addition to the Maple Business Council further strengthens the SCVEDC's commitment to fostering global relationships. These appointments reflect the SCVEDC's ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, showcasing the team's dedication to driving economic growth and innovation in the region.

Over the past few months, there have been some internal staffing changes for long-standing members of the SCVEDC. Our prior Director of Business Assistance for 7 years, Sue Arellano, retired back in May and was replaced by Dr. Jey Wagner. This September also saw our previous President and CEO Holly Schroeder making her own career transition after leading the SCVEDC for over 10 years. With Dr. Wagner taking over the President and CEO role for Holly, we are pleased to announce that veteran economic developer Ondré Seltzer will be taking over Wagner’s prior role as VP of Workforce and Economic Development.

Manufacturing Day is an annual national celebration to help students discover what modern manufacturing is all about, and for years in Santa Clarita private and public organizations have come together to introduce students first-hand to how manufacturing, engineering, robotics, logistics, and quality control all play a role in shaping our world.

This year's Manufacturing Day in the SCV was certainly an iconic one. It was a day filled with excitement as the College of the Canyons unveiled its brand new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) on Thursday, October 5th. The grand opening was followed by a bustling gathering the next day, where hundreds of students and community members eagerly explored the possibilities of advanced manufacturing technologies and potential career paths.

The SCVEDC is excited to announce that we were recently honored for excellence in economic development by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in two distinct categories. For both the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Initiatives and Print Brochures categories impacting populations between 200,000 - 500,000 residents, the SCVEDC was recognized for two of last year's projects: The 2022 Business Survey, and the SCV Talent Report.

Logix Federal Credit Union provides a shining example of how a cultural commitment to employee training and career development delivers stunning results: improved morale, employee retention, and promotional advancements. In a time where businesses both large and small struggle to retain and attract needed talent, Logix has found that investing in their own employees delivers bottom-line results. Though training programs cost time and money, Logix has tapped into a wealth of financial support through state-subsidized training pathways, available through resources right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, CA – After completion of a nationwide search, the Board of Directors for the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) announced today the promotion of current Vice President of Workforce & Economic Development, Dr. Jey Wagner, to the role of President & CEO, as successor to Holly Schroeder. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Schroeder will remain in her position through the organization’s premier event, Economic Outlook, on September 15, 2023. Schroeder is leaving to pursue new career opportunities at a local advanced manufacturer, DrinkPAK.

The SCVEDC would like to congratulate everyone who made this years list of most influential leaders in the region, including our own President & CEO - Holly Schroeder. Several members of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors have also been named to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Valley 200 list announced on July 31st.

“[The Valley 200 list] is 200 people we consider the most influential in our area - the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, Simi and Antelope valleys,” wrote Charles Crumpley, SFVBJ publisher and editor, in the August 1st, 2022 edition of the bi-weekly business publication. “They are the leaders we depend on, the ones whose work – whether at the office or in nonprofits or in other ways –improve our community and make our local economy sturdier. [W]e also tend to select those who are active – in professional, political and community organizations.”

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)? It’s a state income tax credit supporting the growth of high-quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year (FY).

Here's how it works: Phase I is an online application process, where businesses submit information on their 5-year growth plans including a comprehensive description of their growth project, projected new hires and wages, projected amount of investment equipment and facilities, and their requested tax credit. A cost-benefit ratio is then calculated, and companies with the most advantageous cost-benefit ratio (and additional factors) move on to Phase II for final agreement negotiation and selection. Phase ll applicants must then be approved by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee.

On Tuesday night Holly Schroeder, President & CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, released the 2022 SCVEDC Annual Report to the City Council. It featured our organization's business attraction and retention, business assistance, economic information & research, and community marketing efforts.

Click here for the presentation slides, and read below for more details!

THIS PAGE IS NOW OUT OF DATE.           VISIT OUR 2025 UPDATE            FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION!

Minimum Wage Increase for Businesses within City of Santa Clarita on January 1st, 2023.

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley is in an especially unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike.

The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June).

The SCVEDC would like to congratulate everyone who made this years list of most influential leaders in the region, including our own President & CEO - Holly Schroeder. Several members of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors have also been named to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Valley 200 list announced on August 1st.

“[The Valley 200 list] is 200 people we consider the most influential in our area - the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, Simi and Antelope valleys,” writes Charles Crumpley, SFVBJ publisher and editor, in the August 1st, 2022 edition of the bi-weekly business publication. “They are the leaders we depend on, the ones whose work – whether at the office or in nonprofits or in other ways –improve our community and make our local economy sturdier. [W]e also tend to select those who are active – in professional, political and community organizations.”

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)? It’s a state income tax credit supporting growth of high quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year.

Here's how it works: Phase I is an online application process, where businesses submit information on their 5-year growth plans including a comprehensive description of their growth project, projected new hires and wages, projected amount of investment equipment and facilities, and their requested tax credit. A cost-benefit ratio is then calculated, and companies with the most advantageous cost-benefit ratio move on to Phase II for final negotiation and selection.