Local Business Briefs

Manos PR enters Calabasas

Manos Public Relations Inc. has set up new offices in the Calabasas Media Center, 4766 Park Granada Blvd., Ste. 105.

The company is a PR and marketing firm specializing in health, beauty, fashion and special events.

President and founder Melinda Manos was previously a talent manager who plans to utilitze her Hollywood relationships to access celebrities, red carpet and media opportunities.

Recent clients include Allen Edwards Salon and Spa, The Palm Springs International Film Festival, Not Your Daughter's Jeans and The Pituitary Network Association.

For more information, visit www.manospr.com.

Chamber mixer recognizes Neftin

The Agoura/Oak Park/ Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Wed., Aug. 27 for the new Neftin WestlakeMazda store at 3550 Auto Mall Drive in Thousand Oaks.

Owner Howie Neftin, long recognized for his involement in the community, will be in attendance and will give away raffle prizes, including dinners at top area restaurants.

To attend the reception, call Alex Soteras at the Chamber, (818) 889-3150.

A boost for the West Valley

The Valley Economic Development Center has announced the creation of the West San Fernando Valley Business Revitalization Program. The goal of the program is to provide small businesses in the Canoga Park, Reseda and Winnetka areas with financing, consulting and training to help the West Valley employment outlook.

For funding, U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (DSherman Oaks) secured a $282,000 federal grant, and Citibank provided a $25,000 community grant.

"Small businesses in the West Valley, through this new program, will gain muchneeded technical and financial assistance to help add wellpaying jobs and further contribute to our local economy," Sherman said. It's hoped that at least 50 jobs will be created in the next two years.