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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

United Chambers Looks Back On 2007 as a Very Good Year

By IVY WEISS Contributing Reporter The United Chambers of Commerce saw tremendous growth in 2007. During the year, the number of member chambers grew to 22 with the return of the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber. Affiliate members grew to six as the organization broadened its outreach to include the areas of Simi Valley, Santa Clarita and Burbank and formally added the CA & U.S. Chambers as strategic partners. The United Chambers of Commerce represents over 21,000 businesses that provide over 385,000 jobs. New businesses have become corporate investors and event sponsors. The continued growth in this area allows the United Chambers to bring more value to the individual Chambers’ memberships. When a business is a part of its local chamber, it automatically gains access to all the programs of the umbrella group. Led by Chair Sean McCarthy, the United Chambers Government Affairs Committee had a landmark year. With the participation of Chamber delegates, business leaders and legislative staff representatives who attended the Government Affairs meetings and participated in advocacy on behalf of business members, much was accomplished. Special meetings included: a School Board Candidates Forum, a City Council Candidates Forum and meetings with State Senator George Runner, and Assembly members Mike Feuer and Cameron Smyth. There was a presentation about proposed pension reform with former Assemblyman Keith Richman and a meeting to discuss the ramifications of the Writers’ Guild of America strike on Valley businesses. Some of the business issues supported this year included: – The re-organization of LAUSD into smaller units – Public/private partnerships for transportation projects – Funding for I-405 HOV Lane project – Keeping the SFV Fair in the San Fernando Valley – Eminent domain reforms – To keep the SFV Federal Census District status – The expansion of the Orange Line to Chatsworth – Federal Trade agreements with Peru – Funds for anti-gang intervention programs – The expansion of Holy Cross Medical Center as a regional resource – Workers’ Comp reforms Issues that were fought against: – The spread of the Living Wage Ordinance to Hotels on the Century Corridor – Unions removing employees’ rights to secret ballots and their free choice to vote on unionization – Universal healthcare and other healthcare reforms on the backs of businesses – Workers’ compensation increases – The statute of limitations for filings against employers – Credit card/debit card mandated fees against businesses – Mandated renewable fuel standards that conflict with AB 32 rules – Penalties against employers for misclassification of independent contractors – More employer liabilities for employee leave – Charging container fees that would penalize our local ports In the past year several events were hosted during which the Chamber members in attendance were able to be informed, network and participate in honoring leaders The Annual Installation featured LAUSD Superintendent Admiral David Brewer as the keynote speaker. The Mega Mixer doubled in size, with more than 500 business leaders in attendance. A new event, a Healthcare Forum, featured Dan Weintraub from the Sacramento Bee; Kim Belshe, the Governor’s Secretary of Health & Human Services; and former Assemblyman Keith Richman. The Small Business Leaders Awards Breakfast honoring the leading businesses from each of the member Chambers was also successful with many of the smaller businesses in the Valley being recognized. One of the most important events each year is the Legislative Staff Appreciation Reception where the representatives that work so hard are thanked and honored. The outreach program for the United Chambers continues to be vital, under the leadership of J. Richard Leyner who chairs the Marketing/Fundraising efforts. Meetings with board chairs and executives from member chambers were held to reinforce the benefits of their membership in United Chambers. Meetings have also been held with different chambers to assist the organizations with their own marketing efforts. As is done each year, the United Chambers worked with VEDC and other organizations to provide opportunities to business members for financing, strategic planning and employee hiring. Along with the San Fernando Chamber, a business delegation from Mexico was hosted. From advocacy to special events, the United Chambers of Commerce have truly been “The Voice of Valley Business,” influencing elected leaders and supporting commerce throughout the San Fernando Valley, and be Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce Begins International Program The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber is presenting its first international business program called “Destination: China.” The main event is an April tour of the fastest growing economy in the world. “The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce is the first business organization in the Valley to offer a trip to China on such a large scale,” said Chamber President and CEO Nancy Hoffman Vanyeck. “We look forward to filling all 150 spaces.” Program participants will travel to China for eight days between from April 1 and April 10. The tour is designed to allow the visitors from the Valley an opportunity to see the sights of China while also making significant contacts in the Chinese business community. The trip will include several sightseeing stops, hands-on experience of authentic Chinese life, and business contact opportunities with select Chinese businesses. An orientation meeting will be held on December 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Chaminade Middle School (19800 Devonshire St., Chatsworth). Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings in 2007 to introduce Valley residents to the program. “People can witness firsthand the fastest growing economy in the world,” said Vanyeck. “For anyone interested in doing business,or vacationing,in China, this is a valuable introduction at a reasonable price.” The trip cost is $1,599 and includes roundtrip airfare; all accommodations in 4- and 5-star hotels; three meals a day; deluxe bus tours; and English-speaking guides. For more information, please call the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber at (818) 989-0300 or visit their website at www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com.

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