AROUND THE VALLEYS

News and notes from around the greater San Fernando Valley area VENTURA COUNTY Camarillo Employer: California State University, Channel Islands was named one of the best universities to work for in the U.S. The ranking was the result of a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education of employees at 310 colleges and universities. Cal State Channel Islands was included in the medium institution category with between 3,000 and 9,999 students. The university was recognized for its teaching environment, compensation and benefits, tenure clarity and process, diversity, collaborative governance, and confidence in senior leadership. This was the second year the university made the list compiled by The Chronicle of Higher Education, said President Richard R. Rush. “Despite multi-year budget challenges, receiving this honor further demonstrates how our Channel Islands community values the contributions of every employee,” Rush said. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY Woodland Hills Green: International Laser Group was recognized for its environmentally conscious products or service at the World Expo sponsored by Recharger magazine. International Laser uses recycled and recyclable parts in its toner cartridges and takes other steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is proud to receive the Green Award although its commitment to the environment is not new, said COO Gary Michaels. “What is new is our aggressive empty core collection recycling program,” Michaels said. “We’re proud of our green stance, and we want our customers to take comfort in knowing that no product received will end up in a landfill.” The company’s recycling program conforms to international standards and maintains a documented Zero Landfill initiative that reuses 97 percent recycle or reused material. At the World Expo, International Laser was also recognized for best new product or service; quality leader, best customer supports; and best website. Chatsworth Storage: Data Direct Networks appointed Robert J. Natter to the board of directors of its business unit supplying information storage and management services to U.S. government and security agencies. Natter is a retired four star admiral in the U.S. Navy who served as the commander of the Navy Atlantic Fleet. Natter is a globally recognized leader in defense strategy. He sits on the board of several global companies including BAE Systems Inc., and is the president of R.J. Natter & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm. Data Direct seeks out the strongest leaders in their field and that is demonstrated by Natter joining the board, said CEO Alex Bouzari. “Bob is a true visionary who has spent a lifetime serving his country and who knows intimately the unique requirements of government and intelligence agencies,” Bouzari said. “With his guidance, DDN Federal will continue to work with government to provide cloud, big data and highly scalable information management solutions to help them manage their unstructured data environments.” CONEJO VALLEY Newbury Park Marketing: Electronic Sensor Technology Inc. received an order for seven of its vapor analyzers from Beijing Research and Development Inc. Beijing R&D has been promoting the company’s analyzers in new markets beyond the traditional ones in which they are used, such as pollution control and university research, said Electronic Sensor CEO Teong C. Lim. “This new order is the first fruit to be harvested from their effort,” Lim said. “We look forward to developing new markets in security and food safety with Beijing R&D.” Westlake Village Meetings: Cydcor recently hosted conferences in Nashville and Montreal for its outsourced sales team members. Attendees heard presentations from leaders in the business, attended invaluable training sessions, and participated in an awards ceremony. Awards were distributed to those who were achieving above and beyond sales targets and performing at high rates. “Our network of sales offices is the backbone of our business,” said Cydcor CEO Gary Polson. Without them selling door-to-door and business-to-business for our clients, we wouldn’t be successful.” More than 1,700 sales representatives and office owners attended the Nashville conference, and 300 at the Montreal event. ANTELOPE VALLEY Palmdale Suppliers: The City of Palmdale is hosting a workshop connected with the launch of a new online service for vendors supplying the city. The workshop takes place Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 38300 Sierra Highway. The service allows vendors to access online all company information, records, purchase orders, invoices and other information. “Vendor Self-Service improves efficiency for the purchasing division and City departments looking for prospective vendors to be placed on bid lists,” said Sharon Williams of the city staff. “We encourage the business community to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about what this service has to offer.” Lancaster Permits: Business owners can now renew their business license online at the city’s website. The service is part of the city’s efforts to cut down on paperwork and maximize customer convenience options. “Many people now pay their bills from the comfort of their home via the internet, reducing the time and energy they spend on a necessary task,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We’re glad to offer this convenient option to our citizens as well.” The renewal system accepts both full and partial payments. A business license, however, will not be issued until paid in full. Business owners will continue to receive their renewal notices in the mail. Information on renewing online will be included with the notices.