Please use our site to assist your Chamber, Organization or Business with your own advocacy. 



Below you will find links to your legislators  and  issues that United Chambers has taken positions on.  The links will take you to your legislators emails and office information.  Please give us a call if we can assist you in any way at 818.981.4491 or email to: exassist@UnitedChambers.org.
 

Find your Legislator! City of Los Angeles    California State Senators    California State Assembly    Congress

Also visit www.CalChamber.com for sample letters on issues that you can use by just adding your name or changing some of the language to suit your Chamber, Organization or Business.
 

ACTION UPDATES 2010

CURRENT POSITION PAPERS FOR 2010

Parking Meter Rates

Neighborhood Councils

California Job Initiative

Government Affairs Committee Positions Taken 3/15/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Notes 4/1/10

Hoover Power Legislation H.R. 4349 (Napolitano)

Hoover Power Legislation S.2891 (Reid)

Peripheral Canal - Oppose AB 1594 (Huber)

Cal Chamber Conference Call Notes 4/15/10

Government Affairs Committee Resolutions Taken On 4/19/2010

Cal Chamber Legislative Conference Call Agenda 4/22/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Notes 4/29/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 5/6/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 5/13/2010

Press Release 5/21/2010 Chamber Support For Proposition 17

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 5/27/10

Business Wire: Impact of Healthcare Reform Legislation on the Community

Healthcare Reform Act and Form 1099 Reporting Requirement Changes

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 6/3/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 6/17/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 6/24/10

7/2/10 Release: United Chambers of Commerce Takes Positions

7/23/10 United Chambers of Commerce Position Paper

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 7/29/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 8/5/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 8/12/10

Cal Chamber Conference Call Recap 8/26/10

Our 2009 Action and Activities Included:

United Chambers Leadership Meets with Los Angeles County Supervisor Antonovich
Members of United Chambers met with Supervisor Antonovich to discuss how the state budget cuts would affect the county. The Supervisor also shared his views on how our state could work better and members discussed the current water crisis facing California and our region.
 
 
Los Angeles Mayor Meets with United Chambers Members
UC Members joined with VICA Members for a meeting with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to discuss LAUSD education issues. The Mayor reported that 9 out of 10 of his partnership schools improved this past year with a 30% increase in parent participation. But more needs to be done. Yetserday, LAUSD Board Members voted to open up bidding to run the 50 new schools to be built over the next three years to give a healthy competition to our school district. They also voted to include the 200 underperforming schools. Operations of these schools would be open to parent/teacher collaborations, partnerships, I Divisions and Charters. Along with these changes would come better accountability.
 
 
United Chambers Participates in Conference Call with Governor's Secretary of Education
UC staff participated in a conference call with the Governor's Secretary of Education - Dr. Glen Thomas and Undersecretary Kathryn Radtkey-Gaither regarding RACE TO THE TOP education funding. The Governor has called on lawmakers to call a special session to look at school accountability measures to satisfy the Obama Administration requirements to compete for 4.35 billion in federal discretionary funds for education reform.

 As it stands now, California can not compete for this one time infusion of federal dollars without changing state law that currently prohibits California Teachers from being evaluated based on student test scores. Changes to a growth assessment model would set a standard evaluation & performance model and would allow for better accountability, and would allow California to compete for these funds. United Chambers supports these efforts.
 
 
- AB 1405 (De León; D-Los Angeles) OPPOSED Would grant the Air Resources Board broad authority to implement unlimited fees & taxes with little or no oversight.

- AB 527 (Fuentes; D-Los Angeles) OPPOSED Payroll Records/gives an unfair advantage to employees in unpaid wage disputes before the Labor Commissioner by creating a presumption that all records are false where the Labor Commissioner finds that one was falsified.  

- AB 793 (Jones; D-Sacramento) OPPOSED Imposes unfair and costly litigation burden on California employers by unreasonably expanding employer liability in workplace lawsuits far beyond the federal Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.

- SB 242 (Yee; D-San Francisco/San Mateo) OPPOSED Could result in new shakedown lawsuits against businesses by making it a strict liability violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, subject to minimum damages of $4,000, if a business limits the use of a customer's language, even if unintentionally.

- SB 789 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento) OPPOSED  Undermines the process that now guarantees, through secret-ballot elections, a fair vote and the expression of agricultural employees' true sentiments on the selection of a collective bargaining representative. This act will hurt California's businesses by driving up costs, making employers less competitive in a global market.

- S.560 (Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) OPPOSED HR. 1409 Representative George Miller (D-Martinez) 'Card Check' Selection of Unions-Eliminates the right of workers to hold secret ballot elections and increases costs for employers already struggling to make payroll in this economic downturn. Allows the federal government to gain more control over private companies through government arbitrators deciding the terms of labor-management agreements.

- Supporting AB 333 (Fuentes) Job creating, Land Use Bill

- Hosting, for over 40 UC members, “Hard Hat Tour” of the new Performing Arts Theatre at Cal State Northridge

- Supporting Boeing’s C-17 project

- Hosting with Assemblyman Smyth’s office, the Valley Elected Rep’s monthly meeting

- Opposing Federal Card Check Bill

- Honoring 15 Small Businesses with our Keynote Speakers, Supervisors Antonovich and Yaroslavsky at our Annual Small Business Awards Breakfast

- Advocating for businesses to keep their signage

- Participating on the Valley Regional Conference (Neighborhood Councils) Panel on the importance of building relationships and networking

- Hosting Annual Sacramento Trip – Meetings with:  Herb K. Schultz - Senior Advisor - Office of the Governor – topics Healthcare & Budget; Mac Taylor - Legislative Analyst – topic Budget; Julia Brownley –Assemblymember 41st District – topic Education; Cliff Wagner, COS, Assemblymember Dan Logue- VC Jobs, Econ Dev & Econ Recovery – topics Budget & Economic Recovery;  Cameron Smyth –Assemblymember 38^th Dist.- Republican Caucus Chair – topics Sacramento Environment & Legislation, Mike Chrisman - Secretary for Natural Resources – topics Water & Energy

- Governor’s Conference Call with United Chambers Board of Directors on May Election Propositions

- Hosting Mayor's Budget Townhall meeting, first stop on the Mayor’s budget tour

- Hosting the So. CA Chamber of Commerce Executive’s Board Meeting (SCACCE)

- Holding the first So. California Constitutional Convention to begin the discussions on solving our State’s issues

- Honoring Businesses and Business Leaders at our Annual Recognition Dinner with

  Keynote Speaker Assemblymember Cameron Smyth

- Hosting and intimate leadership meeting with Assembly Speaker Karen Bass

- Opposing Measure B

- Hearing update on Burbank Airport Proposed Curfew

- Holding Annual Business Mega Mixer at Pickwick Gardens along with Business Expo hosted by The Valley Economic Alliance

- Advocating on behalf of businesses being hurt by an increase in parking meter fees by the City of Los Angeles

- Supporting Burbank Airport as a Transit Center

- Supporting permanent housing for Veterans

- Supporting education and the relocation of Our Community School

- President & CEO, Debi Schultze elected Chair-Elect for the Los Angeles County Business Federation

- Leadership meeting with Assemblymember Cameron Smyth

- Leadership meeting with Assemblymember Brownley’s Office

- Supports Energy Industry with the support of the Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Line

- President & CEO, Debi Schultze Elected to the Board of the Southern California Association of Chamber Executives (SCACCE)

**************************************************************************************************

Endorsements and Positions  ~ November 4, 2008 Election

 2^nd District County Supervisor – Support – Councilman Bernard Parks 

 August 25, 2008

~ United Chambers Encouraged By Governor’s Budget Compromise
"United Chambers of Commerce is on record supporting the Governor's Budget Stabilization Act proposal as previously put forward.  United Chambers has adopted no formal position regarding the new portion of the Governor's proposal which recommends a temporary sales-tax increase; and in general the business community remains skeptical of tax increases as a vehicle to solve the State's overspending problem.  However, we do applaud the Governor on bringing forth new budget compromise proposals as part of a dialogue finally to resolve the budget impasse.  While there are items in this compromise that none of us might like, it is imperative that our legislators seriously sit down and solve this crisis as real people and businesses are the ones who are suffering,” stated Stephen T. Holzer, Chairman, United Chambers of Commerce ~ San Fernando Valley & Region .

 ~ United Chambers Opposes AB 437 (Jones) Statute of Limitations- Employer Pay Decisions
United Chambers fought this bill last year and it has now come up again in the legislature.  The bill has been amended as to be so vague that it now can apply to any statute of limitations, not just labor and employment.  Once again, United Chambers will fight against this bad bill for business to ensure its defeat.

~ United Chambers Calls on State to Lift the Ban on Offshore Drilling
Citing the real problems our state faces with the increase in oil prices and that we have to rely on other sources instead of our own, United Chambers Government Affairs Committee voted to call on the state to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling following all state and federal regulations.  Discussions also centered around the fact that there are spots along our coast that have oil resources, we are one of the few states that do not have oil excise fees and that the state could be making money from possible leases.

~ United Chambers Invited to Border Governors Conference
As a guest of the Governor’s, President and CEO, Debi Schultze attended the 26th Border Governors Conference which includes the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas and the Mexico states of Baja, Sonora, Chihuahua, Cahuila and Nuevo Leon. The conference had different panel sessions on issues that all states could relate to.  The basis of the conference is to see how all the states can partner with each other to solve issues they all face and to share knowledge.  Schultze, along with United Chambers’ Board member Joe Mosca representing The Gas Co., attended sessions on water and energy, and technology.  Mosca reported from the water and energy session, that “ the technology for alternative energy resources is there but there needs to be incentives to have business and people want to participate and invest.”

 ~ United Chambers Applauds the Governor for Making the Budget His Number One Priority
United Chambers of Commerce Chairman, Stephen T. Holzer issued this statement on the Governor’s decision to not sign any bills until the budget is passed, “We applaud the Governor for making the budget his number one priority and hope that the Legislators will do the same and solve the budget crisis immediately!”

 ~ David Crane, Special Advisor to the Governor for Jobs and Economic Growth Speaks to United Chambers’ Members on the Budget Stabilization Act
Speaking to a crowd of just under ninety people, David Crane, Special Advisor to the Governor for Jobs and Economic Growth explained the state’s budget process.  He also talked about the on-going budget negotiations with the legislature and detailed the Budget Stabilization Act.  He discussed the Governor’s proposal for modernizing the state lottery and setting aside a rainy day fund.  Crane answered many questions and all who attended were impressed with his vast knowledge and insight.  Bruce Ackerman, President and CEO for the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley who has worked with David on many occasions introduced him to the Valley crowd.

July 25, 2008

~ United Chambers Rallys Business Leaders to Support Bernard Parks for Co. Supervisor
Board Chairman Stephen Holzer is encouraging the business leaders and Chambers to get their members to support and send money to Bernard Parks campaign for County supervisor.  This is a very important campaign as this seat will be the swing vote on business issues for many years to come and businesses need to show their strength. For more information visit www.ParksforSupervisor.com

~ United Chambers Weighs In On Proposed 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Increase for Transportation 
Matt Raymond, Representative for the MTA informed the Board of Directors on the need for the proposed tax, what projects would be included and the issues currently being debated. AB 2321 (Feuer) the enabling bill for the initiative was also discussed. The MTA will be meeting on July 24, 2008 to decide if they will put this on the ballot for November.  It would take a 2/3 vote of the people to pass the new tax.  There was much discussion on the list of the projects to be funded and the fair distribution of projects throughout the County, regional projects vs local, and if this passes would anyone be able to take and use this money for anything other than transportation funding. Valley projects are included in the proposed list of projects. No formal action was taken, just feedback to the MTA Representatives for their meeting on the 24th.  

~ United Chambers Opposes Prop 7 (Renewable Energy) And Joins Coalition
Proponents are proposing this proposition to increase the percent of renewable power that utilities must purchase. It would require all California utilities to generate at least half of their power from alternative energy sources by 2025.  This is above the 33 percent that the Governor wants to see by 2020.  Opponents say it is poorly drafted and would not achieve its goals and may in fact, hurt renewable energy development in California, raise electric bills and lead to another energy crisis. It would also put a 3% cap on consumer’s bills and it was mentioned that this is what got California into an energy crisis before. Opponents are quite unique, Democrats, Republicans, labor, taxpayer groups, business, environmental, consumers, energy providers and utilities. Members discussed the unintended consequences of the initiative and the fact that something this important should not go to the ballot but would be better vetted through committees and public hearings. United Chambers voted to Oppose Prop 7 and join the coalition, Californians Against Another Costly Energy Scheme.

~ United Chambers Joins Partnership (CPAT) To Provide Healthcare Access for Treatment
In an effort to provide information and education on healthcare access, prevention and innovations in medicine, United Chambers has joined The California Partnership for Access to Treatment. They are a diverse network of healthcare and business organizations and others throughout CA.  Several of our Chamber members have already joined the coalition. United Chambers will be joining them as a Co-Host for an event in October 2008 on how to control healthcare costs.

~ United Chambers Opposes AB 2716 (Ma) Mandated Paid Sick Leave
This bill essentially seeks to require every employer in California to provide employee paid sick leave.  This would be for any employee who works seven or more days in any calendar year, beginning on the 90^th day after the start of employment. The NFIB has concluded this legislation could cost employers as much as 4.6 billion in the first five years of implementation and could result in the loss of 370,000 jobs during the same period.  United Chambers had sent a letter opposing this bill last month to the Assembly. This bill has passed the Assembly and made it to the Senate and looks like it may pass there. Board Chairman Holzer encourages all Chambers and business leaders to send letters opposing AB 2716 (Ma) to the Senate and a letter to the Governor, should the bill pass, to veto it.

June 23, 2008

~ United Chambers Joins AB 32 Implementation Coalition
Joining with over 150 other business organizations, United Chambers joined the AB 32 Implementation Coalition to make sure businesses voices are heard and that the AB 32 requirements are achieved while still maintaining competitiveness between business and protecting the interests of consumers and workers.  The goals of the regulations are to reduce statewide green house gas emissions by 80% by 2050.  United Chambers will look to protect businesses interests while participating in the implementation process.

~ United Chambers Weighs In On SB1646/HR 2548/1499
SB 1646 (Padilla), a Bill that would reauthorize a $1.00 fee that has been in existence for 20 years for transportation improvements was discussed at a recent United Chambers Government Affairs Committee.  Discussions centered around the fee and what it had accomplished, if anything over the years.  No action was taken by the committee as a motion to oppose could not get a second.

HR 2548/1499 (Boxer/Feinstein), House Resolutions that deal with ships using our Ports and a lower Sulphur fuel were discussed in United Chambers Government Affairs Committee.  Discussions centered around whether or not this applied to California Ports only or all Ports and whether or not this could make California Ports less competitive.  There was no action taken as a motion to support failed.

 ~ United Chambers Opposes IRV- Instant Runoff Voting
A local measure trying to garner support for Instant Runoff Voting failed to get the endorsement of United Chambers.  The New America Foundation says voters are fatigued with so many elections in one year. Because of low voter turnout we have costly elections. The IRV would only apply to City, LA City College Boards and LAUSD elections. It would help reduce the costly elections that take place when no one receives 50% plus one and there needs to be a runoff. Proponents say it would reduce election costs and help pay for the new voting equipment needed.

Opponent, Councilman Greig Smith believes we will always have low voter turnout if we only have one race or no big issues on the ballot.  He believes he may not have been elected if he had not had the second election opportunity where he was able to raise more money and have more time to debate the other candidates and issues. He believes this is a measure that would go against pro-business and independent candidates.  He said we should wait to see how other cities fair that have instituted this Instant Runoff Voting so we know if it is fair to all and works.

United Chambers Government Affairs Committee discussed the confusion this new system may cause voters and the fact that no one knows how it would all play out.

 ~ United Chambers Honors Small Businesses
On June 6, 2008, United Chambers of Commerce honored sixteen small businesses and the Chambers or Organizations that nominated them as the 2008 Small Businesses of the Year.  The winners were celebrated by close to two hundred of their peers at the recent breakfast.

United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley & Region is proud to have honored these fine business leaders and businesses, and the Chambers/Orgs they belong to for the contributions they make not only to improve the business climate in their area but also to improve their communities.

We encourage everyone to frequent the winners and we congratulate all of them!

~ Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber ~

Bill Bustamante, Wayne Burkamph, Gary Gorian, Dean Kunicki, Tony Strickland

GreenWave Energy Solutions, LLC

 ~ Arleta Chamber ~

Cyndee Riding, Kids Corner Preschool/Around The Corner Child Care

~ Calabasas Chamber ~

Aaron Mischel, Pixel Planet

~ Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber ~

Joeleen Medina, A Sweet Design

~ Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber ~

Bryan McQueeney, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship

~ Encino Chamber ~

Susan DuBrin, West Valley Medical Partners, LLC

~ Granada Hills Chamber ~

Judy L. Hersh, Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor

~ Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber ~

Dave Newman, Dave Newman Advertising

~ San Fernando Chamber ~

Haroon Temueri, International House of Pancakes - IHOP

~ SFV Filipino American Chamber ~

Maridy Masicat, The Travel Style

~ Sherman Oaks Chamber ~

Raffi Donoyan, Frontline Recon Services, Inc.

~ Studio City Chamber ~

Melody Dosch, Artisan Cheese Gallery

~ Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber ~

Nick and Anne Krall, Primerica Financial Services

~ Valley Economic Development Center ~

Monique Brown, B.E.S.T. Child Care Providers

~ Winnetka Chamber ~

Sandy Halter, Minuteman Press of Northridge

~ Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber ~

John Nakama, 1-800-GOT-JUNK

United Chambers’ President Nominated for “Women In Business Award”
For the second year in a row and going on her second year as the President & CEO for United Chambers of Commerce, Debi Schultze was honored as a nominee for the Women In Business Awards hosted by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.  She was nominated by the Economic Alliance of SFV again this year.  Last year she was also nominated by Jason Schaff, Editor of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.  “I am so honored to be listed among all of these extraordinary women,” said Schultze.  “And to be nominated by the Economic Alliance, well it just doesn’t get any better!” she said.

 ~ United Chambers Goes To Sacramento
Sixteen representatives from United Chambers of Commerce and representing eleven different Chambers attended the CalChamber Legislative Summit in Sacramento.  Participants were updated on CalChamber priorities, the budget, election realities and heard from George Stephanopoulos on the Presidential campaigns.  They also were addressed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who spoke about the budget.  United Chambers set their own meetings with Ralph Simone- CLWA Lobbyist, Mike Genest- Director of Finance, Elizabeth Hill- Legislative Analyst, Chris Mowrer- Deputy Secretary-Legislation, Resources Agency, Jack O’Connell- State Superintendent of Public Instruction, David Crane- Special Advisor to the Governor, Jobs & Economic Growth, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, Jim Bougart- Deputy Secretary- Transportation & Infrastructure, John Hummer- Deputy Secretary- Goods Movement, Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, and Gary Winuk- Chief Deputy of Homeland Security. Thank you to Assemblyman Cameron Smyth’s office for arranging a Committee room in the Capitol for some of our meetings and thank you to Verizon and the CA Republican Headquarters for letting us use their Conference rooms.  Thanks also to The Gas Company and PGE for trying to work out facilities for us. Our members came away with a depressed feeling that major issues are not being addressed and the need for better communication and cooperation is very apparent. 

May 2, 2008

~ United Chambers’ Board of Directors Endorse Bernard Parks for County Supervisor
In an unprecedented move, United Chambers’ Board of Directors voted to endorse Bernard Parks for Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 2, this week.  It is the first time, since opening their doors in 1977 that United Chambers has endorsed a candidate for office.  “The Board of Directors felt strongly about endorsing Bernard Parks in this race,” stated Stephen T. Holzer, Board Chairman.  “He has demonstrated his ability to understand business issues and work with the business community which is very important to our members.”

“After discussing the candidate’s voting records, we felt Bernard Parks’ strengths and abilities offered more to the business community,” said Sean McCarthy, Governmental Affairs Co-Chairman. “His experience on the City Council and as Former Chief of Police gives him the tools to understand the issues facing the County Board of Supervisors.”

United Chambers of Commerce encourages you to support Mr. Parks in the election to replace Supervisor Yvonne Burke, District 2, on June 3, 2008.

 ~ United Chambers Supports Governor’s Budget Stabilization Act
United Chambers’ Board of Directors voted to support Governor Schwarzenegger’s Budget Stabilization Act.  The Budget Stabilization Act will set in place a system of checks and balances that will give our state greater fiscal stability.  “The time is now and long overdue to put our state finances in order,” stated Chairman of the Board, Stephen T. Holzer.  “Businesses throughout California face budget strains and understand the concept of reining in expenses and saving for a rainy day.  We applaud the Governor for taking action now that will provide California with stability for years to come,” stated Debi Schultze, President & CEO.

 ~ United Chambers Supports Councilman Zine’s Proposed Amendment to Special Order 40
The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley and Region has voted to support Councilman Zine’s Motion, which would bring much-needed revision to LAPD’s Special Order 40 by enacting “Jamiel’s Law.”  We applaud Councilman Zine’s courage in addressing this critical matter.  If enacted as a City policy, his Motion would assist our police officers by clarifying the meaning of Special Order 40 and would assist the community by reducing gang activity. 

We also suggested that, in addition to the proposed amendment, Special Order 40 be further revised to direct LAPD to cooperate with federal immigration officials when an undocumented alien is booked for any criminal offense. Such direction to the police would properly enhance the deportation of undocumented aliens who have illegally entered the United States.

~ United Chambers Takes No Action on Eminent Domain Props 89 & 90
Citing that neither proposition did enough, and that there was good and bad in each, United Chambers of Commerce took no action on either Prop 98 or Prop 99, the measures addressing eminent domain.

 ~ United Chambers Submits Comments on Mayor’s Budget
United Chambers submitted five pages of comments and ideas to either cut expenses or increase revenues for the Mayor’s proposed budget for the City of Los Angeles.  Comments and ideas were generated by United Chambers’ members. The City Council is currently holding hearings on the budget.

~ United Chambers Opposes City’s Point of Sale Ordinance
United Chambers’ Board members voted to oppose the City’s Point of Sale Ordinance and encouraged the City to continue the current 50/50 program it has for residents and suggested extending the program to business owners also.

 ~ United Chambers Gathers Signatures for the Safe Neighborhood Act
The statewide initiative by Senator Runner and Assemblymember Runner targets criminal street gangs, felons with guns, and drug dealers with focused penalties, and provides sustainable funding to our local police, sheriffs and prosecutors.

 April 9, 2008

~ United Chambers is on the Move…Literally
 Last week, United Chambers moved into our new office space.  We are located in the same building and have the same address but a much bigger office space that will allow for our growth and better service to our members and the business community. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. (Valley Corporate Center, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 208, Sherman Oaks, CA  91403 *  818.981.4491)

 ~ Working with the CalChamber, United Chambers has supported the following bills on behalf of business:

AB 2127 (Benoit) Flexible Work Schedules (Died in Committee- Party Line Vote- 4/9/08)
Letters were sent to all Committee Members for hearing on April 9, 2008.

SB 1539 (Calderon) Meal Period Laws (Passed Committee – 4/9/08)
Letters were sent to all Committee Members for hearing on April 9, 2008.

A Big Thank You to Senator Padilla for supporting this bill.  United Chambers received this message from the California Chamber: “Your chamber and its members made a difference!!! Your letters to Senator Padilla had an impact and he voted in favor of this legislation.  NICE JOB.  YOU ROCK!”  Cathryn Mesch, Grassroots Coordinator, CalChamber.~  

~ Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, United Chambers Supports the Colombia Free Trade Agreement and Receives Kudos
United Chambers has submitted letters of support to our Congressional Representatives and has written an Op-Ed piece for the support of Free Trade with Colombia that will have great benefits for businesses that export to Colombia.  United Chambers received the following message from the U.S. Chamber: “Kudos to you-  you were the only organization in the entire country that got an op/ed placed on this subject.  It is noted in this memo from our shop to the White House…  You guys are always at the top of the list when it comes to business advocacy for MOC and you always deliver- thanks,”  Matt Klemin, Manager, Western Regional Office, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

~ Working with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Common Cause and other organizations, United Chambers is gathering signatures for a Redistricting Initiative
United Chambers has been gathering signatures that would place a Redistricting Initiative on the November 2008 ballot that would take redistricting of Assembly and Senate seats out of the hands of the legislature. Signature petitions are still being circulated and the deadline for signatures is fast approaching so come by the office to sign one.

January 30, 2008 

~ California Insurance Commissioner Visits United Chambers
Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner was the Keynote Speaker at United Chambers’ 32^nd Annual Celebrating Business Recognition Dinner held on January 18, 2008.

Poizner is cracking down on insurance fraud and called on all business leaders to report fraud to help solve this problem.  He also informed the audience about the office of the Insurance Commissioner. Poizner’s comments to over 200 business leaders were very well received and we thank the Commissioner for coming to the Valley.

Along with Poizner, Assemblymember Cameron Smyth served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  Elected Officials attending the event included: Congressman Brad Sherman, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, LAUSD Board Member Julie Korenstein, Calabasas City Councilmember Dennis Washburn, LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore and Former Assemblyman Keith Richman.

~ Writers and Producers meet with United Chambers
Representatives from the Writers Guild and Producers Association recently met with members of United Chambers to discuss the issues surrounding the Writers Strike.  Both sides stressed that they wanted to settle the strike as soon as possible and that new talks are being scheduled with the hopes of settling soon.  Both sides also acknowledged the hardship the strike is causing small businesses.

United Chambers encourages the Writers and Producers to engage in talks that will lead to the end of this strike.  “Businesses are already being hurt from the down-turn of the economy and on top of that there is a strike that is hurting many, many businesses throughout our communities, stated Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers.  “Businesses need to get back to business and workers need to get back to work for all to thrive, it is imperative that this impasse ends, she remarked.

~ United Chambers Joins New Organization “BizFed” To Strengthen The Voice of Business County-Wide
On January 29, 2008, United Chambers joined with 43 other Chambers, Business Organizations and Trade Associations County-wide, to launch a new grassroots coalition of businesses and business leaders giving business a collective voice on the issues that mean the most to the business community.  On the steps of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, business leaders gathered to kick-off the new organization and release the recent member survey noting the three main issues businesses want addressed: commuting time, gang and crime activity and K-12 Education.

United Chambers is serving as a Founding Member and Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers is serving as a Founding Officer for the organization.  By joining BizFed, United Chambers is enhancing the value we give our members and providing them with more of the tools they need to be effective in advocating for business.  We will keep you updated on the progress of this new alliance.

~ Member of United Chambers Tours Sacramento Delta
Sean McCarthy, Chair of Government Affairs for United Chambers joined Metropolitan Water District and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce members for a tour of the Sacramento Delta to see first hand how the delta performs but also the problems surrounding the Delta. Sean reported, “that the Delta is a fragile state asset in need of immediate attention. As the source of 30% of Southern California’s water it must be repaired and protected for our region’s present and future vitality. We must protect the thousands of Delta residents whose homes are at or below sea level in what are also called “holes.” The state needs to avert a real disaster.  Unrelated conflicts between agricultural concerns and Northern California cities are a side issue and should be dealt with separately. The cost of repair is approximately $1.5 Billion.”  

~ Congratulations to United Chambers Award Winners!
Seven Businesses and Business Leaders were honored at United Chambers 32^nd Annual Celebrating Business Recognition Dinner on January 18, 2008. Awards were presented to the following:

Small Business of the Year:  Deats Design and Mooney Industries

Medium Business of the Year:  Gelb Group, A Family of Companies

Large Business of the Year:   Northeast Valley Health Corporation

Individual of the Year:   Lulu Mercado

Public Safety Official of the Year:   LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore

Tami Ginsburg Service Award:   Lee McTaggart

Chairman’s Award:   Sean McCarthy

Chairman’s Unsung Hero Award:   Joel Simon

Chairman’s True Blue Award: Lee McTaggart

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the Chambers for submitting your nominations.  The Valley is so lucky to have so many great Chambers of Commerce and so many great businesses and business leaders to chose from!

January 15, 2008 

 ~ UNITED CHAMBERS GOES TO SACRAMENTO
Debi Schultze, United Chambers President & CEO was invited to the Capital Rotunda in Sacramento for the Governor and First Lady's Reception following the State of the State Address by the Governor on January 8, 2008.  She attended the Cal Chamber's viewing of the State of the State and then traveled to the Rotunda for the private reception.  "The Governor shook our hand and thanked us for attending and all that we do. We were also able to network with other Chamber's in attendance and elected officials," stated Schultze.  Debi commented, "that the trip was very worthwhile as she was able to nurture relationships and meet new elected officials and people who can help United Chambers in our endeavors."

~ UNITED CHAMBERS TAKES ACTION ON PROP 92
United Chambers members in attendance at the January 9, 2008 General Assembly meeting, voted to support Prop 92, the Community College Initiative. According to Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers, “United Chambers members voted to support the financing of Community Colleges by providing the colleges for the first time with their own budget rather then fighting for funding with local public grammar and high schools.”

~ UNITED CHAMBERS TAKES ACTION ON PROP S
United Chambers members voted to oppose Measure S, the TUT which seeks to replace the current TUT with a new telecommunications tax. Depending on the outcome of pending litigation, the city may lose $275 Million if Measure S is defeated. However, despite the claims of the TUT proponents, the impact on essential city services is far from certain.  What is equally likely is that, if the tax passes, the city will eventually tax voice over IP and text messaging resulting in Millions of dollars in new taxes.  United Chambers believes that it is a bad idea to relax present legal prohibitions against taxing the Internet.

~ UNITED CHAMBERS STATEMENT ON THE LA RIVER PLAN
United Chambers of Commerce releases statement on the Los Angeles River Revitalization plan: It reads as follows:

United Chambers of Commerce is supportive of efforts to beautify the City of Los Angeles through civic beautification efforts like the LA River Revitalization plan. United Chambers of Commerce believes that the River project has the potential to be a great citywide asset.

While the development of the River will take several decades, United Chambers of Commerce believes there are critical issues like eminent domain, governance, policing responsibility and others that have not been adequately addressed. The City of Los Angeles and United Chambers of Commerce must continue to work to resolve these issues. The City and United Chambers should work together to change the project’s rules and regulations where necessary based on the facts and fundamental fairness.

At all times we are committed to protecting and promoting businesses within and near by the River project area. River revitalization must not come at the cost of business or local residents. Above all, public safety must be the projects’ top priority.

United Chambers of Commerce appreciated the willingness of Los Angeles City officials to explain the River Revitalization plan. However, many business leaders are still unaware that there is a River plan. The City of Los Angeles must work with the United Chambers to do more effective public outreach.

United Chambers of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to work with Los Angeles city planners and the city council to make the LA River Revitalization a project we can all be proud of.