Let’s Resolve To Grow Our Economy in 2016
By Jill Lederer, President/CEO of Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
As 2015 comes to a close and we look forward to 2016 the Conejo Valley and its residents have much to be thankful for.
This year, the Conejo Valley Unified School District and Las Virgenes Unified School Districts passed measures to ensure sustainable funding for our excellent local schools for years to come. Your Chamber of Commerce was in support of these measures, as we know that strong local schools are a contributor to an effective workforce.
The City of Thousand Oaks has nearly completed the 101/23 Freeway interchange project, and parts of it are already done, working to ease some of the traffic congestion. The city also completed a major construction project on Erbes Road – one of the oldest roads in the city that was badly in need of improvement.
The City of Westlake Village opened the Shoppes in Westlake, bringing a large new retail center to the community and providing more opportunities for residents in the Conejo Valley to shop local. Westlake also opened the new YCMA Park, allowing access to more recreational opportunities for our residents.
The City of Agoura Hills opened up the Agoura Hills Recreation and Community Center. This center now provides classroom, event and meeting space for the residents of Agoura Hills and the Greater Conejo Valley.
At the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, we were proud to see our cities move these projects forward to success and want to thank all of the people who worked very hard to make them happen.
As we look forward to 2016, your Chamber of Commerce resolves to honor these successes by setting our bar ever higher. Our cities and business community deserve no less.
Even though the City of Thousand Oaks approved the Thousand Oaks Boulevard specific plan, a mixed use development project has yet to be approved by the Thousand Oaks City Council. These units are important to ensure that young professionals who are needed in our workforce can afford to live in our community, rather than commute.
The Agoura Village Specific Plan has also long been completed, and projects within its boundaries need to commence.
The City of Westlake Village is exploring developing a high-tech corridor by putting in the fiber loop needed for a high technology infrastructure. We need this infrastructure to attract companies and jobs to the area.
Traffic flow on the 101 and 23 freeways is in no way adequate to meet the needs of residents and travelers. These major freeways need to be improved.
All of these projects are huge benefits to our community and will maintain Conejo Valley’s status as a jewel in Southern California. Look forward to seeing your Chamber taking the lead on these and many issues in 2016.
Have a happy New Year and a successful 2016.
