PROPOSITION 14 PASSES. The Chamber joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lieutenant Gov. Abel Maldonado for a news conference Wednesday at the Chamber to celebrate the passage of Proposition 14, which will reform the primary election process for congressional, statewide and legislative races and allow voters to choose any candidate, regardless of the candidate's or voter's political party preference. This initiative is a critical step to reducing partisan gridlock and ensuring a more moderate, efficient state Legislature. Above from left, Maldonado, Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben and Gov. Schwarzenegger. View the news conference.

Chamber to assist Gov. Schwarzenegger in showcasing California in South Korea
The Chamber announced this week that it will be coordinating with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office to form a delegation charged with promoting California in South Korea during a fall trade mission to Asia. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s trade mission — which will include stops in China, Japan and Korea — will be used to promote California, bolster trade relations and encourage investment and with the exception of security costs, will come at zero cost to California taxpayers. "The Chamber is honored to be working with Gov. Schwarzenegger to expand international trade and investment opportunities for our state," said Chamber Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives Carlos J. Valderrama. Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570 or [email protected].

Receive subsidized youth employment through HIRE LA's Youth at not cost to you
The Chamber, in partnership with HIRE LA's Youth, is looking for hundreds of private-sector businesses to host a youth. This summer, your business could be one of many who will have access to hundreds of youths aged 16-24 at no cost to you. To participate, you must commit to provide a safe, secure and meaningful work site for a young person and provide on-the-job training for six weeks (July 1-Aug. 31). Learn more about the opportunity by attending the HIRE LA's Youth Employer Engagement Breakfast with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Wednesday, June 16, 8:30-10 a.m. at the Chamber. Register now or contact Maria Dolores Nieto, 213.580.7599 or [email protected].

Honor businesses that drive our economy at annual Small Business Awards
Join the Chamber and the U.S. Small Business Administration in honoring small businesses that drive our economy on Thursday, June 17, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Keynote speaker will be Richard Pink, president of Pink's Hot Dogs. Register now or contact Michelle Attebery, 213.580.7585 or [email protected].

Housing development that includes Fresh & Easy opens in South L.A. On Monday, Meta Housing’s development at Central & Adams in South L.A. opened for the first time. The development includes a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets, 80 affordable housing units, which are already all occupied, as well as additional retail space. View a video. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.