Business Leaders

GLENDALE — With the value of the U.S. dollar falling against the net worth of foreign currencies, Tony Bright is looking to capitalize on an increasingly competitive global market. Bright, chief executive of BMA Auto Parts Inc., a family owned business in Glendale that specializes in foreign auto parts, is looking to increase the scope of his business to overseas markets. But the maze of bureaucracy and worldwide hurdles that stand in his way have limited the extent to which Bright can fully engage the export side of his business.

NBC?s plans to reintroduce scripted programming in the final hour of prime time could generate as many as 1,500 jobs and $15 million a week in spending, industry observers said. Following the worst year on record for filming in Los Angeles ? one that saw motion picture, television and commercial productions flee the state for less tax-laden pastures ? the estimate served as a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn around, said FilmLA President Paul Audley. ?That?s how fast you can make a recovery in the film industry with jobs,?

Gary Moskowitz NORTHWEST GLENDALE -- Rick McElderry put aside all thoughts of food service for one day and instead focused on education. McElderry, president of San Marino Caterers of Glendale, spent Wednesday as the principal of Balboa Elementary School in the district's ninth annual "Principal for a Day" event. The event involved 34 Glendale business and community leaders, who all served as guest principals at Glendale's elementary, middle and high schools.

DOWNTOWN GLENDALE — Business leaders and a City Council member gathered at Porto's Bakery and Café Monday to express their disapproval of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides' economic proposals. Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian; Vartkes Iskdanrian, an owner of Zankou Chicken; and Betty Porto, owner of Porto's Bakery and Café, spoke at the news conference, which Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign organized. The group discussed what they characterized as Angelides' plan to increase taxes.

BURBANK — Area business leaders Thursday converged on Woodbury University for an economic summit on trends expected to shape the 21st century, with some projecting far into the future and others focusing on success despite the spiraling economy. As Burbank and Glendale face uncertainties brought on by the state’s $24.3-billion budget deficit — $3 billion worse than the $21.3-billion estimate Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger planned for — officials are exploring ways to retain existing businesses and entice emerging industries.

Developer Rick Caruso expanded his Glendale retail empire Wednesday with the announcement that he has purchased the Nordstrom site at the Glendale Galleria and will move the high-end retailer to the Americana at Brand in 2013. Caruso also sent a letter to the chief executive of Galleria owner General Growth Properties, asking to meet about a revamp of Galleria II, the portion of the 200-plus-store mall marred by the long-empty Mervyns site at Brand Boulevard and Broadway. In the letter, Caruso said Galleria II “has suffered from significant vacancy and lack of foot traffic” and that the two parties “should work together to stop this trend.” While General Growth Properties does own the Galleria, the anchor stores typically are owned by their tenants, and that was the case with the Nordstrom property.

Buck Wargo GLENDALE ADVENTIST -- Glendale skies will be filled with bubbles today. Glendale Adventist Medical Center is inviting kindergarten classes from local schools to kick off the "Week of the Young Child" by blowing bubbles into the air. The event is at 10 a.m. in the Pediatric Therapy Center, 1502 Chevy Chase Drive. The national celebration sponsored by the National Assn. for the Education of Young Children calls for parents, teachers, business leaders and the public to recognize the early childhood years for setting a foundation for children.

Almost a dozen teams from local businesses, high schools, churches and community organizations in the Foothill communities of La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, North Glendale and Sunland-Tujunga have already formed to walk in the 7th Annual Foothills Relay for Life 24-Hour Cancer Walk, which will take place May 19-20. Those area residents and business leaders interested in forming or sponsoring a team are invited to attend the first team captains' meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at J's Maintenance Service, 3550 Foothill Blvd.