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Inside Business Guide
April, 2009 - Issue #54
photography by Teri Montoya

Alice Khosravy
Alice Khosravy
A&E Consulting
Services:
IT consulting

A&E Consulting assists clients with global sourcing IT strategies that are aligned with their overall corporate goals. They empower clients with implementation wisdom that allows them to avoid pitfalls that de-rail most IT outsourcing programs. Alice Khosravy has been awarded the title of Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP) by The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). She has 15 years of experience in system integration and has worked with a diverse cross-section of industries. Her real-world technical knowledge combined with her graduate studies in economics provide a solid base for assisting companies with global sourcing IT strategies that provide creative solutions, practical implementation plans and quantifiable results. Subscribe to Alice's blog at www.globalsourceyourit.com/blog.

phone: 200-3612 www.globalsourceyourit.com

Dustin Burkeybile
Dustin Burkeybile
First National Merchant Solutions
Services:
Full-service payment processor, e-commerce products, check services, state-of-the-art equipment and fraud protection

If your business accepts credit card payments in-house or online, you're probably paying too much in fees. Whether you're a small start-up or a large company, First National will provide you with the most cost-effective payment solutions available. If they don't save your business at least 10 percent on your monthly credit-card processing fees, they'll give you $500 for your trouble. They even have special rates for non-profits. SCV resident Dustin Burkeybile, the regional account executive for Santa Clarita, is known for his personable and results-driven customer service - and has the strength of a 150-year-old bank behind the services that will help your business.

phone: 313-3000

Teresa Todd
Teresa Todd
Point of View Communications
Services:
Full-service agency serving both private business and public sector clients with public relations, integrated marketing, branding, advertising, new media, strategic communications, media relations and governmental affairs

An effective marketing campaign during an economic downturn can be a rewarding investment, both short and long-term. Point of View Communications is a strategy-driven, results-oriented, multi-disciplinary agency designed to increase your company's exposure - while stretching your marketing dollars further. Designed with the convenience and continuity of a "one house" approach, owner Teresa Todd engages a collaborative team of industry professionals to meet each client's needs. Everything - from strategy and planning to design and execution - are integrated with your business objectives, while they effectively express your point of view.

phone: 257-4440 www.pointofviewcommunications.com

Dori DiFatta-Goldstein
Dori DiFatta-Goldstein
DiFatta & Associates
Services:
Bookkeeping and business management services, including accounts receivable/accounts payable; bank reconciliation; QuickBooks knowledge, training and clean up; money management and organization

A simple bookkeeping mistake can be anything but easy to fix. That's why more businesses (and smart family CFOs) are turning to professionals at DiFatta & Associates for help managing their financial records. DiFatta has over 25 years experience providing dependable, confidential and friendly service at a truly affordable price - and the time, stress, hassle and money the company can save you makes this choice a no brainer. Convenient bookkeeping services are offered onsite, offsite or by secure remote access, and they'lle also work with your CPA or tax preparer to help you save tax return preparation fees.

phone: 294-6826

Willie Pleitez and Marti Heinbaugh
Willie Pleitez and Marti Heinbaugh
Mission Valley Bank
It was the shared vision of Mission Valley Bank's investors and senior management team to create a strong business bank that was more about the client - and less about the bank. The team shares an unparalleled dedication to providing outstanding financial services and products delivered by creative bankers who love what they do. Mission Valley Bank appreciates the importance of their role in the financial success of the businesses and individuals they assist; by focusing on true "Relationship Banking" they have earned the role as a trusted financial partner - aiding in the success of their clients, bank and community.

Centre Pointe: 253-9500 Valencia: 775-4100
www.missionvalleybank.com

Kris Hough
Kris Hough
SCVBank
Services:
All banking services for personal or business, including checking, savings, online banking, bill payment, remote deposit, CDARs, etc., plus loans, including business lines of credit, equipment financing, commercial real estate,
SBA and more.

With a five-star rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., SCVBank is one of the safest banks in the United States. Their motto, "Working for You!" is evident both through their reputation for phenomenal customer service and their extensive product line. Like the community itself, SCVBank is growing - not going - and their commitment to supporting Santa Clarita's residents, businesses and nonprofits is strong. After all, SCVBank employees love their jobs - and their hometown. Visit Kris Hough and her friendly, knowledgeable staff to experience first-hand just how fun - and rewarding - community banking can be.

phone: 255-9250 www.scvbank.com

Scott R. Alexander
Scott R. Alexander
Alexander Financial Strategies, LLC
Insurance & Financial Services

Services:
Insurance, financial and investment advisory services including retirement, financial, investment, estate, life, disability and long-term care insurance planning

It doesn't matter how much money you have (or don't have); you need a professional financial advisor. Scott R. Alexander, president and CEO of Alexander Financial Strategies, has provided investment and financial advisory services to SCV residents for over 15 years, in good economies and bad. The firm specializes in providing retirement planning and investment strategies, working with AAA-rated financial firms for portfolio management offering guarantee of principle. His studies in finance and economics have allowed him to teach at the university graduate level for almost two decades. Call for information on upcoming investment and retirement planning workshops.

phone: 295-8338 www.alexander-financial.com

Michael L. Green
Michael L. Green
Michael L. Green Tax & Financial
Services:
For individual and small businesses, includes full audit representation, out-of-state returns, prior-year tax returns, real estate tax issues, marriage and divorce issues

Sure, you can do your own taxes. Let us know how cutting your own hair works out for you, too. The common rule of thumb is that it'll cost you a lot more to fix your mistakes than to pay for it to be done right in the first place. That's where SCV's favorite tax agent comes in. Michael L. Green is an enrolled agent and certified financial planner with over 25 years of experience. He has extensive skill, knowledge and expertise in real estate tax transactions, as well as marriage and divorce tax issues, too. When precision (and every dollar) counts, invest in the best. Michael L. Green Tax and Financial is the place to call for your year-round tax and financial needs.

phone: 257-4111 www.mgreentax.com

Louis J. Esbin
Louis J. Esbin
Law Offices of Louis J. Esbin
Services:
Small Business, Personal and Consumer Bankruptcy, Financial and Business Attorney

Understanding bankruptcy is hard. Choosing a bankruptcy attorney, however, isn't. Louis J. Esbin is one of only 105 certified bankruptcy specialists in the state - and the only one in the SCV. This is the lawyer who advises and councils other lawyers through the often-murky waters of bankruptcy. He's co-authored Practicing Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Consumer Protection Act 2005 (2006) and was a contributing editor to CEB - California Mortgage and Deed of Trust Practice, Fourth Edition (2009). He also teaches; his lecture on "Valuing Real Property in Bankruptcy - Lien Stripping and Loan Modification Practice" has earned him the reputation as an expert.

phone: 254-5050 www.esbinlaw.com

Michele Mann
Michele Mann
Mehta & Mann
Attorneys at Law

Services:
Practice areas include trusts, wills, probate, estate planning and business representation

There are over 200,000 lawyers in California, but only a few have combined a mastery of their legal field with compassionate attention to the real needs of their clients. Michele Mann is one of those lawyers. The business law department of Mehta & Mann is headed by Michele Mann, an accomplished attorney and highly regarded speaker for numerous organizations on issues involving business and estate planning issues. Her department provides comprehensive legal representation in areas such as estate planning, trust and probate administration and business law matters. Michele Mann has provided personalized representation for Santa Clarita's business and family needs since 1998.

phone: 284-1818 www.mehtamann.com

David Poole
David Poole
Poole & Shaffery, LLP
Attorneys at Law

Services:
Business transactions, employment law, environmental law, business owners, intellectual property, litigation, non-profit and tax-exempt organizations, products liability, real estate

The right help at the right time can mean the difference between thriving or withering in today's challenging environment. David Poole, cofounder of Poole & Shaffery, LLP, the Santa Clarita Valley's largest business and employment law firm offers his clients that help. With 28 years of experience, he provides strategic business insights and sound legal guidance. He excels in representing companies and their senior management in all business transactions. Mr. Poole has been recognized as a 2009 Super Lawyer, placing him among the top 5 percent of lawyers in Southern California.

phone: 290-2991 www.pooleshaffery.com

David Rickett and Jim Reape
David Rickett and Jim Reape
The Reape-Rickett Law Firm
Services:
Legal services for divorce, separation, paternity, mediation, restraining orders, child custody & visitation, child & spousal support and prenuptial agreements

Because family law is so complex, the more experienced family law attorneys that get involved in your case, the less likely something important is overlooked. Thus, you'll have a better shot at the best possible outcome. The Reape-Rickett Law Firm is the largest Family Law practice in the SCV. The attorneys focus only on Family Law, and over 70 local attorneys refer clients to The Reape-Rickett Law Firm. Two attorneys and one paralegal or caseworker are assigned to each client's case, and all of the attorneys collaborate on their clients cases to help achieve the best possible results.

phone: 288-1000 www.divorcedigest.com

Tina Purwin
Tina Purwin
Purwin Insurance
Services:
Personal and commercial lines of insurance including auto, home, life, health, commercial and workers compensation

Purwin Insurance Agency cares about its clients and it shows; Tina and staff are proud to know all of them by first name. Purwin Insurance adds the personal touch by striving for quality relationships with their clients, offering the highest level of service and fully exceeding their expectations. With over 17 years experience in the insurance industry and seven-day-a-week availability, you can be confident that your needs will always be met. Call or log onto their website for a free quote; you'll be impressed with both your low rate and the company's ability to balance your needs with your budget. If it's time to reduce your insurance rate and increase your customer service satisfaction, it's time to call Purwin Insurance.

phone: 255-8843 www.purwininsurance.com

Nicole Aroutiounian
Nicole Aroutiounian
Krauss Insurance Services
Services:
Specializing in motorcycle insurance and insuring all recreational vehicles

Sometimes it takes one to know one. That's why so many motorcycle enthusiasts choose Nicole Aroutiounian of Krauss Insurance Services as their preferred insurance provider. Nicole is an avid rider with years of motorcycle dealership insurance experience who sincerely enjoys helping her clients save as much money as possible on their insurance. She offers very low rates, easy payment plans, around-the-clock quality care, free no-obligation quotes available 24-7 and her signature friendly customer service. Says Nicole: "In this tough economy we need to try and help people save as much money as we can; I am here to help." Now, how refreshing is that? Before you hit the wide, open road, give Nicole a call.

phone: 295-5551 www.krauss-insurance.com

Cory Peterson
Cory Peterson
Peterson Printing
Services:
Blueprint duplicating, brochures, business cards, carbonless forms, cards, invitations, catalogs, copying & digital printing in color/black & white, labels, letterhead, envelopes, manuals, newsletters, flyers, postcards, posters, signs, banners, presentation materials

Peterson Printing, an SCV mainstay for over 15 years, has moved to a new location. Beginning March 30, you'll find the family-owned and operated printing company at 28067 Smyth Drive in Valencia. And while the address might change, the same superior customer service you've come to expect from Peterson Printing is staying just the same. Now, you can experience fast, reliable service 24 hours a day with their convenient online ordering service. Log on today or visit the Petersons in person; either way, you'll love the results.

phone: 255-2846 www.petersonprinting.com

Daniela Temple: Santa Clarita President
Daniela Temple: Santa Clarita President
Elaine Giftos Wright: Stevenson Ranch President
Elaine Giftos Wright: Stevenson Ranch President
Team Women
There is no time like the present to support organizations that celebrate members of the community. Each Team Women chapter website can help you learn more about how local business women can meet your needs. From health and wellness to real estate and beyond, local Team Women chapters have something for everyone. Team Women is about celebrating the success of each member and working together to create more prosperous businesses for all. The purpose of Team Women is for each member to provide highly-qualified referrals to other members in their chapter. Each Team Women Chapter is limited to a total of 30 women.

SCV: 313-5087 www.scvteamwomen.com
SR: 799-0607 stevensonranch.myteamwomenchapter.com
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