Local Business Briefs

Hallmark store undergoes change

The Agoura Hills Hallmark i s now Arlene's Hallmark Shop. The new owners, Arlene and Ken Mars, have been in the community for more than 35 years and look forward to continuing the Hallmark tradition of offering cards for all occasions, scrapbooking supplies, anniversary and baby items and books. Also available are Ty's Beanie Babies and Willow Tree products. Beginning in 2007, the store will sell an assortment of party supplies for birthdays and other occasions. Arlene's Hallmark is in the Regency Center at 5741 Kanan Road.

No minor accomplishment

Doug Minor, a mortgage adviser with United Pacific Mortgage of Westlake Village, has passed the qualifying exams to earn the Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist designation granted by the CMPS Institute of Ann Arbor, Mich. CMPS professionals can offer clients strategies that encompass mortgages, debt, home equity and real estate investment.

"My focus is to help my mortgage clients build and protect wealth by better managing their home equity and personal cash flow," Minor said.

The CMPS Institute is a joint effort by leaders in the mortgage and financial planning industries to raise professional standards among mortgage professionals and integrate sound financial planning advice into the mortgage process.

New name for local art store

The Agoura Hills art studio, Young at Art, has changed its name to Art Is Our Passion and is hosting an exhibition of five local established artists beginning Nov. 11.

The artists, Beth Ferrara, Christopher Moonlight, Robbie D. Sayers, John Storojev and Timothy Williams work in a variety of mediums.

The public is invited to the free opening reception at 7 p.m. at 5859 Kanan Road in the Agoura Hills City Mall.

Large Westlake lease reported

CapitalSource, Inc., one of the leading commercial finance firms in the United States, leased 10,600 square feet of office space at Westlake Business Park North in Westlake Village.

According to Westcord Commercial Real Estate Services, the sevenyear lease will cost $2.48 million.

Marc Riches, Westcord spokesperson, said CapitalSource plansto move into its new Russell Ranch Road headquarters next February tenant improvements.

Westlake Business Park North is a 198,560-square-foot office campus comprising three, twostory buildings and is owned by Teacher's Insurance and Annuity Association of America.