Valley Forum: What Drives the Valley Economy? It’s hard to put your finger on what exactly drives the San Fernando Valley economy. It is large corporations and small family-owned stores, towering office buildings and mini-strip malls, entertainment conglomerates and one-person companies. However, everybody has his or her own opinion of what’s most important. So, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal asks: What is the most important industry or business sector in the San Fernando Valley economy? Bill Ross Senior Account Executive LA Tel Van Nuys Entertainment and technology industries are two very important sectors. There are many businesses involved in production and post-production in this community. Although telecommunications has taken a hit, there are still heavy software companies in the Valley, and good opportunities are still out there. Alan Unger Certified Financial Planner Financial Counsel Inc. Calabasas In the Woodland Hills area, there are many large insurance companies like Health Net and Blue Cross. This shows that the financial services industry is integral, from the standpoint of dollars and employment opportunities. Further east, the entertainment industry shows its importance. But overall, small businesses are still what make the Valley economy work, since there’s so many of them. What would make it easier is if we had a decent public transportation system to encourage more industries to place their roots in the San Fernando Valley. Cody Cluff President Entertainment Industry Development Corp. Hollywood The San Fernando Valley continues to serve as an incubator for the emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the motion picture industry; many talented businesses call the Valley home. The convergence of technology and filmed entertainment is already changing how we produce and distribute movies. Jack Feldman President/CEO First Commerce Bank Encino The most important business sector in the San Fernando Valley economy is in personal services. This includes the doctors, lawyers and CPAs. There are so many of them that occupy the various office buildings in the community, and because there are so many of them, this draws business to the Valley, which enables all other businesses to thrive.