EDC-VC Announces Board Expansion

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Nov. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County announces the addition of Amy Fonzo and Ron Galaviz to its board of directors. Fonzo, manager of external relations at California Resources Corporation, brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic planning and professional experience to the EDC-VC board. Galaviz, founder of Thousand Oaks construction company, Lead Builders, Inc, brings extensive first-hand experience in sustaining and growing a small business in Ventura County.

"Both Amy and Ron have proven track records for identifying challenges and opportunities for business retention and growth," said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC's president and CEO. "Their experience and ideas will provide dynamic support to our board and expand our capacity to provide innovative resources and support to small- and medium-sized businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties."

Since joining California Resources Corporation (CRC) in 2012, Fonzo has been instrumental in strengthening CRC's business and community partnerships and local government relations. Fonzo currently oversees CRC's community commitment through charitable contributions and volunteerism supporting veterans, STEM education and job training, environmental stewardship and water conservation, public health and safety and civic events. Prior to joining CRC, Fonzo spent more than five years serving as United Way's community investment vice president, and more than 10 years as senior staff and as executive director at Ventura County's Workforce Investment Board. Fonzo also serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, Chamber of Commerce Alliance, Oxnard Chamber and the Ventura County Economic Development Association, and was honored as one of Pacific Coast Business Times Top 50 Women in Business and Who's Who in Energy in 2016.

As owner of Lead Builders, Inc, Galaviz has successfully navigated his firm through the ups and downs of the construction industry since 2003, establishing a sustainable business currently employing 30 full-time workers and generating some $15 million in annual revenue. The general and electrical contracting firm has developed an extensive footprint in both private and publicly financed projects throughout California and New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. In 2011, Lead Builders earned its 8(a) certification, opening the doors to the next level, helping the minority-owned firm to compete with larger companies to secure government contracts. The firm was recently recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times, Spirit of Small Business Awards, as the Minority Owned Business of the Year.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, manufacturing outreach and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.