[KHTS] – Board of Equalization Member George Runner reached out to the local business community Monday with a Small Business Seminar and Resource Expo designed to help business operators navigate their taxation issues.

Business owners from throughout the Santa Clarita Valley had the opportunity to hear from experts and ask business- and tax-related questions.

“Our target audience is those in business and those going into business. Our goal is to keep them in business,” said Runner, who represents the Santa Clarita Valley and 9 million other Californians on the state board. “I believe California is over regulated and overtaxed, and there’s not a whole lot we can do because of the nature of the legislature.”

The expo featured seminars on common business challenges such as avoiding common sales and use tax problems, creating a business plan and the various aspects of social media as it applies to running a business.

“The goal today was to inform and educate up front so they (business owners) can be successful,” Runner said.

Laura Caouette who co-owns C4MX, which builds high performance dirt bikes for amatuer and professional riders, attended the expo.

“I just wanted to get more information about social media, marketing with social media and tax information,” Caouette said. “I found each of the presentations very helpful. I really liked the business record keeping presentation. It was very informative.”

In addition to Runner, opening remarks were made by Sen. Sharon Runner, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean.