Work from Home Business Caters to Kids

April Bilderbach, owner of Create-A-Book of California, is fulfilling her passion for children and business. The stay-at-home-mom makes personalized books for children that feature names of friends, siblings, and more right in the text of the book.

Fundraising opportunities are available through Bilderbach, and she is also hoping to introduce the product to other moms that are looking to increase their income while balancing family life.

The books are 30 pages to 36 pages each, are completely personalized, in full color, and are bound in a 7" by 8 1/2" hardcover. The books includes the child's name, friends' names, hometown, child's age, a dedication page, and more.

Most books can be made a shipped the same day, or dropped off if ordered locally. Books are $13.95 and are made to last a lifetime.

Interested parties should contact Bilderbach directly by e-mailing kabilderbach@sbcglobal.net.

Glen Ivy No Longer Delayed by Rains

The long anticipated opening of the Glen Ivy Day Spa on Town Center is now within reach; the company, known worldwide for its signature mud, estimates that their third location will be open on June 1. In the meantime, Glen Ivy has opened a kiosk located inside of the Valencia Town Center for the sale of gift cards and other gift items.

Excessive rain has been the reason behind the delay. "Our gift store was flooded to a point where it may have eventually become dangerous to keep open," explains Nicolle Turcotte, Glen Ivy Day Spa of Valencia's spa manager.

When completed, the facility will offer 13 treatment rooms, two stations for manicures and pedicures, two steam rooms and a co-ed solarium. A wide range of services including massage, body treatments, and skin care services will also be offered. "The Grotto," Glen Ivy's signature body moisturizing treatment, is one of the more unique amenities; it allows guests to experience physical and emotional well-being in a social setting. In bathing attire, guests are coated with a rich moisturizing masque and then relax and visit with friends in a hydrating chamber.

Updates on the Santa Clarita Valleys newest and largest day spa will be posted at www.glenivy.com.

Kaiser Permanente Names Former-Michael Hoefflin Foundation Director to Senior Communications Position

Andy Gallardo, a Santa Clarita resident and former Six Flags spokesperson, looks forward to staying involved with the local business and non-profit community in his new role as Kaiser's senior communications specialist for the Southern California region.

Gallardo's responsibilities will include both internal and external communications, community benefit program development and media relations. Most recently, Gallardo served as executive director of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, where he developed new programs and policies, directed fundraising and grant writing, marketing and public relations.

Gallardo, 36, holds a B.S. in Political Science from Arizona State University and an M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. He currently lives in Santa Clarita with his wife, Laura, who works for Kaiser Permanente's Valley's Service Area, and their sons Blake and Brady.

Preferred Bank Now Open on Town Center

Preferred Bank, a full-service commercial banking institution, is now open and ready to do business. Preferred Bank specializes in middle market business banking, international trade finance, construction financing, as well as professional and merchant services. With assets of $1 billion, Preferred Bank handles loans ranging from $100,000 to $20 million, including working capital lines, accounts receivable and inventory financing, construction financing, letters of credit, and equipment and term loans.

Currently, Preferred Bank is looking to partner in the success of local professionals, including doctors and lawyers, who may need start-up capital to fulfill their business goals.

The Valencia branch is now open on Town Center Drive, across from the Valencia Hyatt.