THOUSAND OAKS : Fast-Track Business Relocation Available

Out-of-town businesses looking to relocate in Thousand Oaks due to earthquake-related damage can receive one-stop permitting and help navigating the area’s commercial real estate market, Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce officials said Wednesday.

“This is primarily aimed at businesses needing space from the San Fernando Valley,” said Steve Rubenstein, president of the Chamber of Commerce, which will be the site of the special emergency assistance office. “Whether they’re looking for office or industrial space, we will fast-track everything.”

The chamber has teamed up with the city of Thousand Oaks and the local utility companies to offer businesses new to the area a variety of services in one office that they otherwise would have to make many calls to obtain. The services are for businesses planning temporary or permanent relocation.

Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Co. and GTE all have agreed to give service priority to relocating businesses, attempting to install services within 48 hours of the company’s request.

The chamber will provide information on the city and connect the businesses to commercial real estate brokers who can help them find facilities to lease or purchase. The city will allow one-stop permitting--usually handled at city offices--to be done at the chamber.

“Time is the greatest enemy to destruction of a business,” said Gary Heathcote, the chamber’s president, speaking of the assistance effort at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “Orders need to be fulfilled, services need to be performed, and this can only happen with great speed and organized assistance on our part.”

More information is available by calling the chamber, 499-1993.