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AMERICA FAST FORWARD KICKS OFF CALL FOR NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS
"America Fast Foward," known locally as the 30/10 Initiative, kicked off Wednesday on Capitol Hill. "We can create jobs, reduce pollution and ease traffic congestion across the nation. This is the kind of initiative that I believe the House and Senate can work together on," said Sen. Barbara Boxer. Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben joined legislators and business leaders including from left to right: Mayor Scott Smith of Mesa, Arizona; Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Richard Trumka, president and CEO of the AFL-CIO; and Sen. Boxer, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Rep. John Mica, chair of the House Transportation Committee, attended the news conference but is not pictured. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Chamber of Commerce) View the press conference.
Chamber-supported project receives approval from L.A. City Council
 On Tuesday the Chamber testified at the final hearing on the Wilshire Grand project, which was heard and approved by the L.A. City Council. This project will be the first new skyscraper built downtown in 20 years. This project brings more than a billion dollars in investment into our local economy and creates thousands of construction jobs and permanent employment for current hotel workers. The City Council unanimously approved plans to replace the Wilshire Grand hotel with a 45-story luxury hotel with residences and a 65-story office tower. The Chamber strongly supported the Thomas Properties Group, Inc. and Korean Air project, which is designed by AC Martin Partners.
Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531.
Southern California Leadership Network hosts discussions on California reform
 The Southern California Leadership Network, in partnership with California Forward and Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, recently hosted a series of dialogues aimed at engaging a wider group of stakeholders in California reform. Nearly 100 attendees total came together in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Van Nuys and Long Beach to discuss options for California government reform, including giving local governments more control. California Forward will take suggestions from attendees with the intention of crafting ballot initiatives or legislation around ideas brought forth. Visit California Forward to get involved and include more suggestions. Above, Chamber Board Member Robert Hertzberg, Mayer Brown LLP speaks with attendees in Van Nuys. Contact Kamilah Martin, 213.580.7549.
Chamber small businesses meet with experts on regulatory reform
 With more than 3.5 million small businesses in California, it's important for small business groups to form an alliance and speak with one voice, said Marty Keller, director of the Office of Small Business Advocate, California Governor's Office of Planning and Research, at the Chamber's Small Business Council, sponsored by Wells Fargo, Thursday. "Fear drives you to be creative. A great small business will look at this as an opportunity," Keller said. John Kabateck, California Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business; and Chamber Board Member Karen Hathaway, Los Angeles Athletic Club, also spoke about regulatory reform for small businesses. "We need folks in Sacramento to look at the plethora of regulations and streamline so that small businesses can do what we do best," Hathaway, above, said. Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595.
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As part of its plan to hire more than 1,000 new small business bankers across the nation, Bank of America recently announced that it has already hired 110 small business bankers in the Greater Los Angeles area. An additional 70 small business bankers will be hired through the remainder of the year across Southern California. Los Angeles was among the first three markets to begin hiring, along with Dallas and the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area. 
