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The Business Perspective

Redefining California's business model

Maria S. Salinas on August 14, 2019 at 12:00:00 pm
Posted in The Business Perspective

Our state lawmakers returned from summer recess this week and are back at work on a variety of legislative matters. Always vigilant on legislation that impacts the business community, the Chamber tracks these matters and works with our state representatives to lend our voice. One such matter is AB 5, proposed to codify the Dynamex decision impacting business/individual relationships into law.

Reflections on a Bold Year

Maria S. Salinas on August 2, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Time has flown by. This weeks marks one year since I officially began my role as President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. As I approached this day, I have reflected on the past year, the work we’ve accomplished together and the course we’ve been able to set for the future.

Employers, Know Your Rights

Maria S. Salinas on July 19, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

As business leaders in Los Angeles and Southern California, we are fortunate to live and work in a global city that exemplifies the world’s diversity and offers ...

Solve the Immigration Crisis Now

Maria S. Salinas on June 28, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

We have all seen and been horrified by the terrible images of the conditions of the migrant detention centers at the border. Similarly, recent announcement about pending immigration raids only serve to destabilize our communities, families and business. We can and must do more to improve our immigration system.

Measure EE - Vote No on June 4

Maria S. Salinas on May 31, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

On Tuesday, voters in Los Angeles will head to the polls to vote in a special election. Measure EE – a $500 million dollar per year parcel tax for Los Angeles Unified School District – will be the only item on the ballot (unless you're in CD12).

Building our Relationships in Sacramento

Maria S. Salinas on May 29, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

When it comes to advocating on behalf of the Los Angeles business community, some of the strongest tools we have are our relationships with elected officials and policy makers. Last week, as we traveled with more than 80 Chamber members to Sacramento for our annual ACCESS Sacramento advocacy trip, building relationships with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new administration was our top priority.

Vote No on Measure EE

Maria S. Salinas on May 17, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

On June 4, Los Angeles voters will decide the fate of Los Angeles Unified School District’s Measure EE, a $500 million per year property tax. Measure EE would tax structures on properties annually at a rate of 16 cents a square foot for 12 years on top of the 12 cents currently paid by property owners.

Thinking Globally in L.A.

Maria S. Salinas on May 2, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Today’s global marketplace is evolving faster than ever before, and success requires the ability to connect, compete and respond to market demands on an international scale. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce convened the global community yesterday at our World Trade Week Kick-off Breakfast, with global leaders sharing insights to success. If we plan to stay competitive globally, we need to foster a supportive platform that helps businesses and our workforce build that capacity.

A Bold Statewide Advocacy Agenda

Maria S. Salinas on April 25, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Advocating on public policy that impacts our business community can take on many forms; evaluating legislation, providing guidance on ballot measures and conducting face to face meeting with policy makers. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s ACCESS series is designed to get our members and partners in front of lawmakers. This year, we look to expand our footprint in the policy arena in Sacramento. We are pleased with our new Governor and his new administration’s outreach to the L.A. Area Chamber. Our goal is to engage and represent the view of the L.A. business community.

Responding to the Mayor's State of the City Address

Maria S. Salinas on April 18, 2019 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Last night, in his annual State of the City address, Mayor Eric Garcetti shared his reflections on and visions for the City of Los Angeles, and we were pleased to hear that we share so many priorities – from education and homelessness, to transportation, infrastructure, job creation and equity and inclusion.