125TH ANNIVERSARY INAUGURAL DINNER
Tonight we will celebrate the installation of 2013 Chair of the Board Alan Rothenberg, 1st Century Bank, at the Chamber's 125th Anniversary Inaugural Dinner at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is among the more than 40 electeds who will be in attendance. The Chamber will present its three highest awards during the event: the Civic Medal of Honor to Mickey Kantor; the Distinguished Business Leader award to Thomas Priselac, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Health System; and the Corporate Leadership award to the University of Southern California. Visit lachamber.com for post-event coverage.


Chamber's transportation council supports next step in America Fast Forward
On Tuesday, the Transportation & Goods Movement Council voted to recommend to the Board of Directors to support Metro's efforts to create a qualified transportation bond program, known as the America Fast Forward Bond program, to continue Los Angeles' efforts to accelerate our Measure R transit projects. This will be part of the Chamber's ACCESS Washington, D.C. advocacy agenda. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Ad-Hoc Committee on Business Tax Reform meets
This week the City of Los Angeles' Ad-Hoc Committee on Business Tax Reform held its first meeting to look into how to begin the reduction and eventual phase out of the gross receipts tax, which is known as one of the top barriers to doing business in Los Angeles. The Chamber, along with multiple other business organizations, testified in support of the recommendations laid out by the Business Tax Advisory Commission for a 15 year, three-stage approach. The committee will meet again the third week in February. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Proposed L.A. City Economic Development Department moves forward
On Tuesday, the L.A. City Council adopted a framework for a new city department that will help drive economic development and help businesses navigate through City Hall. The Chamber is encouraging the City to adopt best practices, and will work to ensure that the private sector has a strong voice in planning and implementation. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.

Metrolink receives funds for emission reduction locomotives The South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board voted last week to support Metrolink's procurement of up to 20 new low-emission Tier 4 locomotives, a request supported by the Chamber. Tier 4 locomotives are expected to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 80 percent compared to current Tier 0 locomotive engines. Metrolink is the first commuter rail system in the country to procure the new Tier 4 locomotives. Read more. Click here to submit your member good news.