HEALTH CARE COUNCIL TO RECOMMEND POSITION ON PROPOSITION 29
Hear both sides of Proposition 29, the California Cancer Research Act, at the Chamber's Health Care Council meeting tomorrow, Friday, April 6, 9-10:30 a.m. The proposition will go before voters on June 5. If approved, it will add a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes. Speaking in favor of the proposition are Jim Lott, Hospital Association of Southern California, and Dr. Franklin Pratt, American Heart Association, Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Speaking against the proposition are Frances Oney, Meridian Pacific, Inc., and Dr. Marcy Zwelling. After hearing from both sides the Council will recommend a position to the Board of Directors. Register now or contact Shannon Cooper, 213.580.7565.

Solar feed-in tariff pilot program moves forward
This week, the L.A. City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to authorize delegation of authority to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power for a solar feed-in tariff program. With this approval, DWP can begin partnering with program participants to purchase energy generated through solar rooftop installations. This Chamber-supported 10MW program will lay the groundwork for a larger program to meet State mandates and 2020 renewable portfolio standard goals. Workshops for the program will take place the week of April 16. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber supports single-use bag ban compromise
On Wednesday, the Chamber testified at the L.A. City Council Energy & Environment Committee in support of the City administrative officer's recommendation to ban plastic bags, but have paper bags available for a fee. The Bureau of Sanitation has recommended a ban on both paper and plastic, but the Chamber believes that charging a small fee for paper will meet environmental goals, while recognizing economic realities for businesses and feasibility for consumers. The Committee voted to send the issue to the full Council with a recommendation to ban plastic bags and phase out paper bags over a 12 month period. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber small businesses receive insight on strengthening business relationships
"Building trust takes times," said Jodi Walker, Success Alliances, at the Chamber's Small Business Council meeting Wednesday at the Chamber. Small business members received tips on how to build their relationships in order to enhance their businesses. Walker, at left, and Alfred Lara, Focal Point Coaching Excellence, focused on the importance of connecting with people to build lasting relationships. "Build your relationship equity bucket. You have to invest in and farm relationships," Lara said. Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595.

American Airlines continues to invest in Los Angeles American Airlines has shown its commitment to the Los Angeles area in a number of ways. Last year, American flew more than 9.5 million passengers through LAX and contributed more than $9 billion to the California economy. American now operates more than 150 flights a day at LAX, with nonstop service to 41 destinations in the United States and abroad. It is also upgrading its Los Angeles International Airport facilities, including a $20 million investment in its American Eagle terminal. Learn more. Upcoming Chamber member ribbon cutting Excalibur Medieval Restaurant Thursday, April 12 6-9 p.m. Learn more Come out and support your fellow Chamber member at a grand opening. Interested in having a ribbon cutting? Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.