There has been a trend towards specialization in the business world for the last decade as businesses define their core competencies and seek to find other firms to carry out their other business tasks. That trend is reflected in the West Valley Staffing Group and their four divisions: Accountants Now, ProStar Staffing, West Valley Engineering, and West Valley Technology.

"There are four different units but we work cohesively together - we're one big team," says Barbara Lathrop, ProStar's branch manager.

The four groups fill a large variety of personnel needs. Accountants Now specializes in finance experts; ProStar Staffing handles clerical, administrative, inside and outside sales, customer service, HR, and more; West Valley Engineering is a source for engineering and biotechnology staff; and West Valley Technology provides workers for light industrial positions.

"We have temporary and executive recruiting and everything in between," says Lathrop.

The company started in Sunnyvale 33 years ago and has a staff of over 225 divided between its Pleasanton, Sunnyvale, and Austin, Texas, locations. The Hacienda office houses about 25 employees in total.

A Creative Environment

One thing that sets West Valley apart, says Lathrop, is an atmosphere that welcomes new ideas. "I once worked at a staffing company where things were set it stone - if you had a new idea it wasn't given credence. Here it's different - there's a very entrepreneurial spirit."

That spirit is strengthened by a collaborative atmosphere within the company, which helps recruiters and account managers work together to benefit the companies they serve as well as their candidates for employment.

"The most important thing is the conviction and the cohesiveness that we have in our team," she explains. "Everyone here supports each other and when you have that, you're going to much better be able to serve your client."

The company's success indicates that their clients appreciate the difference. It helps that West Valley's recruiters are aware of the unique needs and skill sets required by today's businesses.

"They know what questions to ask that are going to help them find the candidates best suited for those positions," explains Lathrop.

West Valley's candidates also benefit from this expertise.

"We try to find out as much as we can about our client companies so that we can communicate that to our candidates and make a good connection," she notes.

Growth and Expansion

The company expands this month in Hacienda, as the Accountants Now division moves into separate quarters at 5674 Stoneridge Drive, adjacent to the group's current offices at 5690 Stoneridge. As part of the move, the company will be holding a grand re-opening celebration in early May, which will feature a ribbon cutting, barbecue, and a live broadcast from KKIQ. Contact information can be found in the online tenant directory at www.hacienda.org.

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