CHAMBER-SUPPORTED PLAN APPROVED
This week, the L.A. City Council approved the Chamber-supported Hollywood Community Plan, 13-0. After eight years of collaboration between the City Planning Department and community stakeholders, the approved plan is a blueprint that will guide the future growth and development of this historically important regional center. The plan directs development away from residential neighborhoods and near major arterials and mass transit. It preserves single family neighborhoods and historic resources, and provides for open space, theater districts, new housing and locations for film industry businesses that call Hollywood home. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558. Picture courtesy of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.


Chamber-supported education bills move toward the finish line
On Wednesday, three key pieces of legislation passed out of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. The first two are critical community college bills: Chamber-sponsored SB 1062 (Liu), which would provide the Chancellor’s office more flexibility to establish a strong state leadership team and SB 1456 (Lowenthal), which seeks to dramatically improve completion rates among California Community Colleges students. SB 1070 (Steinberg) also passed unanimously, and would support Linked Learning programs and better prepare students to be successful in college and their future careers. Contact Chelsey Rask, 213.580.7572.

Experts provide funding overview for emerging technology entrepreneurs
A panel of financing experts joined the Emerging Commerce Council Wednesday for an in-depth conversation about the current funding environment and financial options for emerging technology companies. "There are three questions entrepreneurs need to be able to answer before they seek financing," said Natalie Orta, Economic Development Division supervisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration, above. "'How much money do you need?' 'How are you going to use it?' And, 'how are you going to pay it back?'" Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Leadership L.A. focuses on creative economy
"At the start of 2015, the Panama Canal will enlarge, which will allow larger ships to reach the U.S. East Coast. This will ultimately affect the overall trade route,” said Port of Los Angeles Assistant Director Mike Keenan, right, discussing the possible threats facing the City's competitive landscape at Friday's session of Leadership L.A. Fellows heard from panelists who emphasized the impact of media, hospitality and trade in Los Angeles. They also visited the Grammy Museum, Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California and The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM. Contact Hadia Kabir, 213.580.7524.

Los Angeles City College and Goldman Sachs partner to help businesses grow Los Angeles City College and Goldman Sachs & Co. is recruiting for the 10,000 Small Businesses program. 10,000 Small Businesses is a $500 million, five-year initiative to unlock the economic growth and job-creation potential of 10,000 small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services. Through the support of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, business owners selected to participate in the program will receive a full scholarship covering tuition and program materials. Applications for the September 2012 class are due by Monday, July 16. Attend an information session at the Chamber on Tuesday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m. Register now. Upcoming Chamber member ribbon cutting •Staples - Gardena Tuesday, June 26, 11 a.m. 701 West Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena Learn more. Click here to submit your member good news.