WVCBA's quarterly networking breakfast was held on Wednesday, April 16, at Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) in Camarillo with more than 60 attendees. The guest speaker was Vanessa Valerio from Women's Economic Ventures (WEV), a nonprofit that has empowered women for over 30 years by providing small business and financial education resources. Thank you to AlmaVia of Camarillo for catering a delicious breakfast! The next Networking Breakfast will be held in July in Oxnard. 

WVCBA celebrated the grand opening of the Tattoo Removal Clinic at Goodwill Industries of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties on April 17, 2025. The free tattoo removal program specifically targets Ventura County residents with tattoos on visible areas, such as the face, hands, and arms. These tattoos are often associated with gang activity or human trafficking, and can hinder employment and personal well-being. Read coverage from the Ventura County Star: "Tattoo Removal Clinic in Oxnard aims to give locals a fresh start."  

​WVCBA is delighted to welcome 1122 Avenue Digital Solutions as a member! ​Through smart systems, AI assistants, and Virtual Assistant support, CEO Lori Lauron Wisdom helps entrepreneurs build businesses that work for them — so they can make more and live the life of freedom they deserve. She shares more about her small business.

What products or services do you provide?
Voice AI Assistant & Chat AI Assistant as 24/7 answering service and appointment setter; Human Outsourced Virtual Assistants (Lawyer legal executive assistant or paralegal virtual assistant, Realtor transaction coordinator assistant, Social Media Marketing virtual assistant, CPA tax prep virtual assistant, Bookkeeping virtual assistant, Lead generation appointment setter virtual assistant); Business process automation; Software and Mobile app development; API integration

How and when did the business get started?
I started my business in November 2022 because I wanted to reclaim my time and freedom. After spending over 20 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and juggling two jobs as a single mom, I realized I had traded too many precious moments for security — moments I’ll never get back. Now, as a grandmother, I’ve made it my mission to not only reclaim my time and freedom, but also help other business owners do the same. Through smart systems, AI assistants, and Virtual Assistant support, I help entrepreneurs build businesses that work for them — so they can make more and live the life of freedom they deserve.

What is the company's mission?
My mission is to empower entrepreneurs to reclaim their time and live with more freedom — while creating meaningful opportunities for virtual assistants in the Philippines to build purpose-driven lives and earn enough to support their families.   

It’s about building a bridge between growth-minded business owners and talented VAs, so both can thrive, together.

What’s one thing you're known for over competitors? 
I’m known for helping business owners get out of the weeds by combining smart automation, AI assistants, and skilled virtual assistants — all while keeping it human, affordable, and aligned with their values.    While others sell software or staffing, I deliver freedom through strategy, systems, and support that actually fit real life — offering cost-effective solutions that help business owners thrive without burning out or breaking the bank.

Why did you choose Ventura County for the business location?
I chose the area because this is where I live, and I deeply believe in supporting my home community. There’s so much talent, heart, and potential right here — and I want to be part of helping local businesses grow, thrive, and create lasting impact from within our own backyard.

Do you have any new or upcoming projects?  
Yes! I have several exciting projects currently underway: The Business Connection & Collaboration Nexus is an ongoing monthly speed networking mixer held on the third Thursday of each month, rotating between the east and west sides of Ventura County. This event encourages business owners and professionals to leverage in-person networking to build real connections and foster meaningful collaborations within the local business community.   

I’m also developing an upcoming free workshop (available both in-person and online) focused on helping business owners leverage organic social media marketing to expand their reach beyond in-person networking. The workshop will highlight no-cost to low-cost strategies to generate more leads without relying heavily on paid ads — empowering entrepreneurs to grow smarter and more sustainably.   
 
I’m part of the launch team for LocalVIP, a soon-to-launch community-based marketing platform designed to help local businesses gain free marketing exposure and reach more customers. Consumers will have access to exclusive deals from participating businesses, and a portion of each sale will be automatically donated to local schools or charities — creating a win-win-win for businesses, consumers, and the community.

How can the business community help?
The business community — including organizations like the West Ventura County Business Alliance — can help by fostering connection, collaboration, and visibility for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and local service providers.    We thrive when we show up for one another, share resources, and embrace collaboration over competition. Whether it’s through attending or promoting local events like the Business Connection & Collaboration Nexus, referring fellow business owners, or supporting community-driven platforms like LocalVIP, every small action creates a ripple effect. 
  
The WVCBA can play a powerful role by amplifying initiatives that focus on no-cost to low-cost growth strategies, offering cross-collaboration opportunities, and spotlighting businesses and projects that prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and shared success.   

Together, we can build a business ecosystem rooted in growth, generosity, and genuine support — where every entrepreneur has the tools and community they need to thrive.   

What else do you want readers to know?
In these challenging economic times, it's more important than ever for local businesses to find cost-effective ways to grow and remain competitive. That’s why I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs strike the right balance between leveraging AI, automation, and outsourced human resources to keep overhead expenses low.    

This approach is not about replacing jobs, but about being intentional with how tasks are managed. In-house employees remain essential — especially for responsibilities that require a personal touch, deep expertise, or cannot be automated through AI or delegated to virtual assistants.    

The goal is to optimize operations, reduce overwhelm, and free up time and energy — so businesses cannot just survive, but truly thrive.

CONTACT
1122 Avenue Digital Solutions
Lori Lauron Wisdom, CEO                                                                                             
[email protected] 
(888) 495-1767  
www.1122ads.com

​WVCBA is delighted to welcome Puretec Industrial Water as a member! Puretec provides high-purity water solutions for industrial businesses, including deionized water service, water softening, reverse osmosis, mobile trailers, and many other high-purity water solutions. Marketing Director Elisia Choi shares more about the business.

​Oxnard, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, is celebrating the grand opening of the Tattoo Removal Clinic at Goodwill Industries of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties. It is located at their corporate office at 1401 North Rice Avenue in Oxnard.
 
The free tattoo removal program specifically targets Ventura County residents with tattoos on visible areas, such as the face, hands, and arms. These tattoos are often associated with gang activity or human trafficking, and can hinder employment and personal well-being.
 
“The Tattoo Removal Clinic at Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties is transforming lives across Ventura County by offering free tattoo removal services to residents,” says Ati Zaimova, Community Services Coordinator for Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. “By removing these barriers, the clinic empowers individuals to reclaim their lives, pursue new opportunities, and improve their overall well-being.”
 
WVCBA will host the official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 17, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Confirmed guests include City of Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, and Ventura County Board of Supervisors Kelly Long and Vianey Lopez. Additional local dignitaries and community members are expected to attend alongside WVCBA members. It is free to attend, and complimentary beverages and light snacks will be provided.
 
Services at the Tattoo Removal Clinic are provided by appointment only. With priority given to referrals from partnering agencies including Probation, the District Attorney’s office, Ventura Training Center, and others, the program demonstrates its commitment to fostering community collaboration and inclusivity. 
 
“The profound impact of this clinic inspires continued growth, as the program aims to empower even more individuals to rebuild their lives and pursue meaningful opportunities, fostering positive change across the community,” says Zaimova.

​WVCBA is delighted to welcome Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys as a member! Omega Law Group is a personal injury law firm with 20 locations throughout California, including Oxnard. Marketing Manager Aaron Flohr shares more about the business.

How and when did the Omega Law Group get started?
Brothers Edwin and Robin Saghian began their law careers working out of a small business litigation firm in the heart of Beverly Hills under the tutelage of seasoned attorneys. Over the next several years, the brothers honed their skills and gained respect among their peers and in the community for zealous advocacy and shrewd negotiation. In 2012 the Edwin and Robin incorporated to become Saghian Law Firm, PC and narrowed their focus on personal injury and employment law cases.   

Gabriella Naysan founded her firm in 2012 after graduating from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. From the beginning she dedicated her practice solely to assisting personal injury victims. Though she began as a solo practitioner, within two years her firm expanded and her husband Shahab Mossavar-Rahmani left his job with the Public Defender’s office to join the practice. In 2014 Beverly Wilshire Injury Lawyers was formed. Since, the firm has grown to over 20 locations throughout California, including Oxnard, as Omega Law Group.     

What is the company's motto?
No Recovery, No Fee.   

What’s one thing you're known for over your competitors?
Putting Our Clients First. Always.      

Why did you choose Oxnard for one of your locations?
The convenience of our office’s location in Oxnard is essential for both our clients and staff.   

How can the business community help?
If any community member or business needs personal injury representation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call us at (805) 721-3651.
 
CONTACT
Aaron Flohr, Marketing Manager
310-526-8383 ext. 164  |  [email protected]        
www.omegalaw.com

​On March 21, Oxnard Leadership Program's 2025 cohort gathered for their third session, Transportation & Commerce Day, to better understand how each play a vital role in the city's economic growth. They met with leaders from the Ventura County Department of Airports, Gold Coast Transit District, Ventura County Transportation Commission, and The Collection at Riverpark. "It was fascinating seeing how each of the three institutions fit into the community, balancing relationships and constraints (government, financial, etc)," said one cohort member.

WVCBA is delighted to welcome ReadyWork Inc. as a member! ReadyWork is a staffing agency dedicated to bridging the gap between job seekers and companies in need of the right talent for their vacant positions. They have six locations in the U.S., including one in Oxnard. Business Development Manager Kathya Fuentes shares more about their mission.

On Thursday, March 20, Shake Shack officially opened its doors in Oxnard with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by WVCBA. The event was attended by Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, representatives from the offices of California Assemblymember Steve Bennett and County Supervisor Kelly Long, WVCBA Board Chair Dave Wellik and CEO Andy Conli. To celebrate, the restaurant gave out free totes to the first 100 customers and donated $1 from every sandwich sold to Food Share of Ventura County. Located at The Landing next to The Collection, hungry customers can opt to dine in, take out, or use the drive thru. This is the second Shake Shack location in Ventura County. 

WVCBA is delighted to welcome United Parents as a member! United Parents is on a mission to provide resources to empower, strengthen and support parents and other caregivers who have youth and/or children with mental health, behavioral, and/or emotional disorders. "We understand and empathize with our clients because we've been there!" says Executive Director Melissa Hannah. Learn more about this Camarillo-headquartered nonprofit organization.

WVCBA is delighted to welcome Guild Mortgage Company as a member! "Applying for a mortgage loan is a process and I enjoy walking every homebuyer through the process and journey," says Mortgage Loan Originator Kathy Gray (NMLS #238911). Unless she's traveling, Kathy lives and works in Ventura County, and is also licensed in Utah. She's also a 2017 graduate of the Oxnard Leadership Program.

Nearly 200 people convened for the 2025 Women's Business Conference last Friday, March 7, on the eve of International Women's Day. Hosted in partnership with CSU Channel Islands and held at the university's beautiful Camarillo campus, eight speakers were invited to inspire attendees to break through barriers to business, career, financial, and personal success. "We are proud that this conference is the only one of its kind in Ventura County, and that it unites people across generations and backgrounds to empower women in our business community," says WVCBA CEO Andy Conli.

For its second session, the 2025 Oxnard Leadership Program met with public safety officials to better understand the ongoing efforts to protect our communities. Public Safety Day also highlights the ​collaboration between agencies to keep residents and the community safe. The group visited Oxnard Police Department, Oxnard SWAT headquarters, a county jail, and the District Attorney's office. The entire day was coordinated by WVCBA Board Member Tom Cady, retired Oxnard Assistant Chief of Police and Owner of TKC Enterprises, a security services consulting firm.

​WVCBA is delighted to welcome Bernzott Capital Advisors as a member! ​Founded in 1994 in Ventura County, Bernzott Capital Advisors is a value-oriented, boutique investment advisory firm. CEO Mark Scott shares more about this local business.

WVCBA is delighted to welcome Seasons Catering as a member! Seasons Catering is a full-service catering company providing custom menu creation, professional staff, food preparation, and seamless coordination for social, corporate and non-profit events, private home gatherings and other special occasions. Kim Ritchey, Catering & Event Sales Representative, shares more about the business.

With a focus on local government, the 2025 Oxnard Leadership Program held its first session on January 24. "Government Day" sets the stage for many of the topics the cohort will explore over the remaining nine months like transportation, public safety, the Channel Islands Harbor, agriculture, and more. This year's cohort has participants representing an array of businesses, agencies and nonprofits in the county, and is once again generously sponsored by the Gene Haas Foundation. ​

WVCBA is delighted to welcome Wagon Wheel Beverages as a member! The retail convenience store is part of the Wagon Wheel development in north Oxnard near Highway 101 and sells grocery items, alcohol, to-go items, lottery, and more.  Owner Yousef Asaad shares more about his small business. 

A big welcome to the ninth class of the Oxnard Leadership Program! The Class of 2025 connected for the first time at a welcome reception on January 15 held at Copper Blues Cantina at The Collection. With 17 participants representing an array of businesses, agencies and nonprofits in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, this is the largest cohort since the program started in 2016. Since 2022, the Oxnard Leadership Program has been generously supported by the Gene Haas Foundation.