Corporations Southern California

Venture capital investment in Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties took a big jump in the last quarter of 1995, nearly doubling the amount from the final three months of 1994. Here's the trend, with amounts in millions of dollars: 3rd qtr. 1994: $52.1 4th qtr. 1994: $62.2 1st qtr. 1995: $43.4 2nd qtr. 1995: $86.2 3rd qtr. 1995: $84.6 4th qtr. 1995: $123.

Venture capital investment in Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties took a big jump in the last quarter of 1995, nearly doubling the amount from the final three months of 1994. Here's the trend, with amounts in millions of dollars: 3rd qtr. 1994: $52.1 4th qtr. 1994: $62.2 1st qtr. 1995: $43.4 2nd qtr. 1995: $86.2 3rd qtr. 1995: $84.6 4th qtr. 1995: $123.

As major corporations pay more to relocate executives, they are finding executives less willing to move to Southern California, a new survey said. Seventy-three percent of the human resources directors surveyed at more than 100 Southern California corporations in Russell Reynolds Associates' annual executive recruiting study said it is "somewhat" or "very" difficult to relocate executives here. In 1989, 71% said it was somewhat or very difficult. John S.

As major corporations pay more to relocate executives, they are finding executives less willing to move to Southern California, a new survey said. Seventy-three percent of the human resources directors surveyed at more than 100 Southern California corporations in Russell Reynolds Associates' annual executive recruiting study said it is "somewhat" or "very" difficult to relocate executives here. In 1989, 71% said it was somewhat or very difficult. John S.

"Recruiters Who Fill Low-Skill Jobs Go Begging" (Nov. 2) reported on corporations struggling to recruit employees. The solution to this problem could be California's untapped labor pool of individuals with disabilities. Currently, only 52% of individuals with disabilities are employed. A job paying from $8.75 to $11 per hour is much better than no job at all. The continuing high unemployment rate of persons with disabilities and the business community's need for qualified employees provide an ideal opportunity for employers.

Thousand Oaks will host an environmental awareness symposium for Ventura County business owners from 8 a.m. to noon Friday in the library on East Janss Road. Participants will learn how to apply for state grants or low-interest loans from a $10-million fund that rewards businesses for using recycled materials. They will also hear from local corporations, including Southern California Edison, that successfully reduced waste and increased the use of recycled goods.

An Anaheim engineering and consulting firm has been selected by the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission as one of five companies that will evaluate bids for building and operating a 300-m.p.h. rail system between Las Vegas and Anaheim. Willdan Associates has been selected, along with corporations from Southern California, Nevada, Colorado and Canada. Proposals to privately build and operate the train system are expected from Bechtel International of San Francisco, Morrison-Knudsen Co.

Software Maintenance Specialists said Monday that it has agreed to provide computer processing services for the Sizzler International Inc. restaurant chain. SMS is a Santa Ana company that specializes in outsourcing, in which a corporation subcontracts its computer system to be managed by an outside party. The outside party uses its expertise to save the corporation money, said Michael Winder, chief executive of SMS.

A survey of 82 leading foundations and corporations in Southern California shows they gave more than $230 million to nonprofit organizations in 1985. The survey, the first such overview by the Southern California Assn. for Philanthropy, also said 82 of its 91 members who responded reported they have assets of $4.8 billion earmarked for benefiting charity.

Sometimes it takes a supersalesman to sell a supercomputer. While the UC San Diego Supercomputer Center is relying on a team of supercomputer professionals to attract corporate support, another university with a National Science Foundation-funded supercomputer center has enlisted Hal, the scheming supercomputer in Arthur C. Clarke's "2001, a Space Odyssey." "Hal . . .

Sheila Gonzalez is resigning after 14 years as executive officer of Ventura County Superior Court to become the state's first regional courts administrative director. The new job will give Gonzalez, 57, sweeping administrative responsibilities in 10 counties extending from Central to Southern California.