Page 2 - 2023 AV EDGE RTR

President’s Message

Thank you so much for being an invaluable
member of AV EDGE.
The report this year is a compilation of the
incredible work of our wholehearted and
devoted staff, the accomplishments of our
diverse members and agencies and the Board of Directors
highlights of our region during a year where Executive Committee
many are still feeling the effects of challenges
of the past few of years. Kathy Mac
It is with great pleasure that we provide you Laren-Gomez
with this publication that has been revitalized President
and features an interesting highlight on
the history and current status of film in the Martin Tompkins Suzy Ghazarossian
Antelope Valley. Film has a huge place in most people’s hearts, and we wanted Vice President Secretary
to share with others the role our community plays — and will continue to play —
in capturing that imagination. Artzrun Minasyan Mark Bozigian
I encourage you to read on and learn about all the Antelope Valley has to offer Treasurer Director at Large
you.
Monica Grado
Chenin Dow
As an organization, one of our main goals is to be a source of information to Director at Large City of Lancaster
support communities and businesses.
We work constantly to accomplish those goals and cultivate the countless Luis Garibay Bret Banks
opportunities the AV has to offer business and industry locally, regionally and City of Palmdale Past President
globally.
I would like to personally thank each and every AV EDGE member — as well as
our partners — for cooperating with us on this vital work. With your ongoing
support, we will continue to find ways to address and solve any challenge we
face as a region. In that way we can all ensure thoughtful, diverse economic
growth and development for the whole Antelope Valley. DIRECTORS
Enjoy, John Currado Carrie Rawlings
Kathy MacLaren-Gomez
President Rob Duchow Regina Rossall
Troy Gabbard Bill Taylor
executive director’s
message Mary Beth Garrison Donna Termeer
Mark Hemstreet George Whitesides
There were many economic changes in
our national economy affecting household Harvey Holloway Laura Lynne Wyatt
budgets and business investments this past
year. Despite this turbulence, the Antelope Lisa Moulton
Valley business and development climate
reached many milestones and continues to be
well-positioned for job growth and economic
development.
This report demonstrates that all our
communities across the Los Angeles County AV Edge Staff
and Kern County portions of the Antelope
Valley have significant opportunities and Drew Mercy Erick Gamez
growth-oriented leadership. Executive Director Project Manager
Manufacturing, film, distribution, aerospace and green energy — have all seen
growth in the Antelope Valley over the past year and we still have room for Janice Smith Sue Soffa
growth and space and infrastructure to accommodate future needs. Operations Manager Administrative Assistant
This year, we’re highlighting some of the exciting and lucrative film work done
in our community. We’ve served as location for many film and television
productions since the early days of Hollywood. As the industry is challenged
by lack of soundstage availability, we’re doing our part to keep production in
southern California by working with investors to build more.
The Antelope Valley is home to a wide range of businesses and industries. We Thank you to everyone who
have a diverse and talented labor force, affordable quality of life and some of made this report possible!
the most business-friendly local governments anywhere.
Our AV EDGE team works to provides members and investors with information, Design & Print: Marketing:
strategic planning and partnerships to help grow their businesses and see their South Street Digital, Inc. LookUp
organizations thrive and succeed. Communications
Please contact us to learn more about membership by visiting AVEDGECA.ORG Editor:
or by calling us at 661-441-2957. Claudia Elliott
Drew Mercy
Executive Director