Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

Last week, I returned from joining L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti for a portion of his 10-day trade mission in Asia. I was excited to participate and to see so many Chamber members join the Mayor’s delegation, which visited Tokyo, Seoul, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.

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Today, I officially begin my role as President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has a remarkable legacy over its 130-year history, and serving in this capacity, for the businesses and people of this region, is a tremendous honor. I look forward to building upon the great work of my predecessors, and to expanding the Chamber's leadership role and influence on a regional, national and global basis.

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California is facing a looming health crisis – a physician shortage that could force people to forgo needed care or push them into emergency rooms for minor ailments.  Last year, the University of California San Francisco released a report showing California is expected to face a statewide shortfall of 4,700 primary care providers as soon as 2025. By 2030, we will need another 4,100 providers to meet the demand.

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The past few months have brought some challenging developments in immigration policy -- challenges that have put additional pressure on communities working to create a safe, inclusive environment for immigrants and their families.

Los Angeles is home to 3.5 million immigrants, and the Chamber understands how immigrants are inextricably tied to this country’s social fabric and economic success. With unemployment at historic lows, and immigrants adding billions of dollars to our gross domestic product and tax revenue, we need immigration policies that pave the way toward citizenship, encourage diversity in thought and talent, and ensure businesses have the workforce needed to compete in a 21st century global economy.

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After months of signature gathering, verifications and last minute legislative negotiations, Secretary of State Alex Padilla certified the state ballot at the end of June, solidifying 12 measures for California voters to decide in November. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has analyzed a number of the measures to date, taking positions and authorizing staff to work with relevant campaigns to ensure the business community voice is communicated to voters.

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This morning, Los Angeles said goodbye to civil rights leader John W. Mack. A giant among men, whose sweeping impact will never be forgotten.

As head of the Los Angeles Urban League for three and half decades, John was a powerful, leading voice through some of our City’s most challenging times. From 1969 to 2005, he built the organization into one of the country's most successful non-profits, a mega force for hope and success for thousands of Angelenos, especially African-American youth.

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Angelenos traditionally spend the 4th of July gathered with family and friends, enjoying a summer barbeque and sharing a beer or two, celebrating the beginning of summer and our nation’s independence. This year, however, let’s also pause to remember those who don’t have homes to gather at, those for whom the holiday is just another day without a roof over their head.

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As many Californians grapple with health challenges, the state faces shortages of health care providers in several major health professions, including allied health workers who are the front line of medical care.

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We have become friends and partners over the last 12 years, and it has been my honor to work at your side in building the economy of the City and County of Los Angeles.

Many of you know I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. Farming involves planting seeds, fertilizing those seeds, keeping the weeds from strangling the crops and harvesting at just the right time.

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For nearly a decade, the L.A. Area Chamber and its allies have championed policies to increase the percentage of community college students who successfully complete a degree or certificate. Today, we celebrate a significant win in addressing student completion.

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