CHAMBER MEMBERS TAKE PART IN ACCESS SACRAMENTO
On Monday and Tuesday, the Chamber led 100 delegates to the State Capital for its annual ACCESS Sacramento advocacy trip. The delegation had 80 meetings with top Sacramento officials -- including 40 legislators, 30 top committee and legislative staff,  and 13 of the Governor’s top appointees and staff. Priorities included:

• modernizing the California Environmental Quality Act
• adopting the Bay Delta Conservation Plan
• implementing the Affordable Care Act
• restructuring how we finance our public education system and evaluate teacher performance

Highlights from the trip included a delegation dinner attended by 10 assemblymembers and Senators from the Los Angeles delegation, a special budget briefing by the Governor’s Chief of Staff Nancy McFadden and Go-Biz Director Kish Rajan, keynote speeches by Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, Senate Budget Chair Mark Leno, Controller John Chiang, Secretary John Laird and The Sacramento Bee Columnist Dan Walters. View our advocacy agenda. Contact Tina Hossain, 213.580.7531.


• Chamber sponsored education legislation moves forward
The Chamber is co-sponsoring two bills this year with the California Department of Education: SB 300 (Hancock), which would formally adopt the new Next Generation Science Standards, and AB 484 (Bonilla), which authorizes the next 21st century assessment system and creates a plan for an effective transition process.  Both bills passed out of their policy committees and will be heard in Appropriations next week.  Contact Chelsey Rask, 213.580.7572.

Chamber hosts 7th annual HIRE-LA's Youth Business Breakfast
Last Friday, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the Chamber called on business leaders to provide employment opportunities for young adults at the 7th annual HIRE LA’s Youth Business Breakfast. Business leaders discussed the importance of developing the future workforce of this region and the impact it will have on the continued economic prosperity of L.A. Villaraigosa, who has been a champion of youth employment for the past 14 years, was presented with the Distinguished Leader in Youth Employment Award. “HIRE LA’s mission is critical,” said the Mayor as he explained why he has chosen to lead this effort with the Chamber. “Give a kid a job and you give that kid hope.” Contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.7566.

Chamber welcomed Transnet National Ports Authority of South Africa Chief Executive
On Tuesday, the Chamber hosted Tau Morwe, chief executive of the Transnet National Ports Authority of South Africa. Morwe discussed upcoming infrastructure projects and investment opportunities in South Africa, including passenger terminals in both Cape Town and Durban ports; ship repair facility in Richards Bay Port; oil and gas terminals in Saldanha; construction of the coal terminal in Richards Bay; construction of the manganese terminal in Port Elizabeth among many other projects.  Senior executives representing AECOM, Moffatt & Nichol, McTique, JMC and the Port of Los Angeles attended the meeting. Contact Jasmin Sakai Gonzalez,213.580.7569.

Leadership Southern California dives into state politics
Leadership Southern California 2013 Fellows wrapped up their fellowship by joining the Chamber for ACCESS Sacramento. State legislators provided a snapshot of the diverse challenges facing the state. “It makes me proud that I’m representing California,” said Ricardo Lara of the 33rd Assembly District (LLA '07). “But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have complexities in our way. It allows us to step up as better leaders.” Applications are still being accepted for Leadership Southern California Class of 2014, apply today. Space is limited; early application deadline is May 20. Contact Simon Flores,213.580.7547.

Chamber honors Mayor Villaraigosa for contributions to the business community
Today, during its Board meeting, the Chamber recognized L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for his many contributions to the business community in Los Angeles. "I haven't had a better partner than the Chamber," said Villaraigosa as he accepted a gift from the Chamber. Contact Ellie Ramseyer, 231.580.7596.

Thanks to the following for their support of our 125th Anniversary campaign: Majestic Realty, Pacific Federal Insurance Corp. and Port of Los Angeles. Ground breaking ceremonies for Chamber’s seventh home, June 5, 1955. Read more. USC Special Collections