THOUSAND OAKS : Opinions Vary at Forum on Economy

Thousand Oaks business leaders--often some of the local economy’s most effusive boosters--gave mixed reviews Thursday morning as they met to assess the Conejo Valley economy.

The forum on jobs and business was sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club, the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Cal Lutheran University, site of the meeting.

Many members of the Rotary Club heaped scorn on government regulations which they said have dragged down business and prevented it from focusing all its energy on battling the flagging economy.

David Gulbranson, owner of Oakstone Glass Corp., said, “The deep pockets are empty, business is leaving.”

Robert Biery, Thousand Oaks’ finance director and the lone city employee on the 16-speaker roster, said he would like to think the criticism was not specifically directed at his employer.

“I like to think they’re talking about government generically,” he said.

Participants, however, cited examples of what they considered city over-regulation that ranged from strict zoning laws to regulations banning large helium advertising balloons attached to local rooftops.

Other business owners, however, said the economic picture is improving.

“Since September, I’ve noticed a 25% rise in business,” said Walter L. Schaedle, president of Conejo Courier and Cartage, a regional courier service. “Talking to other businesses in my field, I’ve noticed a much rosier attitude.”

Smaller companies, however, said they merely hoped business would not get worse in 1994.

Mary Claire Slais, owner of Frames By You, a small retail picture framing business on North Moorpark Road, said 1993 was a devastating year for many retail business owners she knew. “Business people, myself included here, are committed to carry on with a lighter heart, because who can worry any more than we have been?” she said.