LA CLEANTECH INCUBATOR LAUNCHES IN DOWNTOWN ARTS DISTRICT 
On Tuesday, the Chamber joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilmember Jose Huizar at the ribbon-cutting for the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, one of the original goals of CleanTech Los Angeles, of which the Chamber is a founding member. "The Incubator will play a key role in building innovative companies right here in Los Angeles," said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben, left. This temporary location, which has already attracted two new companies to Los Angeles, will help foster innovative start-ups, create green jobs and contribute to the region's economy. The Arts District facility is estimated to generate 1,680 jobs and $82.5 million by its fifth year. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558. (Rendering courtersy of LA Cleantech Incubator)

Chamber-supported legislation signed by Gov. Brown
The Chamber celebrated a successful legislative session this week after Gov. Jerry Brown signed Chamber-supported bills. The Chamber supported AB 1069, which will extend California's film tax credit, and helped defeat bills that would impose new requirements on developers of large outlets (SB 469) and eliminate payroll cards (SB 931), which help workers avoid predatory check-cashing services. The Chamber-sponsored education bills also signed by Gov. Brown include AB 790 (Furutani), which will establish a Linked Learning high school district pilot program, and AB 250 (Brownley), which establishes clear goals for learning in order to prepare students for success in college and careers. Chamber-sponsored AB 1304 (Block), which supports teacher development in applied learning programs, was signed in September. Gov. Brown also signed the California Dream Act, which the Chamber supported. Contact P. Anthony Thomas, 213.580.7568.

Chamber-supported Free Trade Agreements passed by Congress
The Chamber congratulated Congress Wednesday after free trade agreements were passed that will make it easier for American companies to compete in exporting to South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Under the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement (KORUS), 95 percent of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products will become duty free within three years of the date the free trade agreement (FTA) is implemented, and most remaining tariffs would be eliminated within 10 years. This will add $10-$12 billion to annual U.S. Gross Domestic Product and around $10 billion to annual merchandise exports to Korea – making this the U.S.'s most commercially significant FTA in more than 16 years. Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.

U.S. Small Business Administration seeking nominations for SBA awards
Nominations are being sought for several U.S. Small Business Administration award categories, including the 2012 Small Business Person of the Year Award. National Small Business Week will be held May 20-25, 2012. The Chamber is encouraging business owners to submit nominations. The deadline to submit is Dec. 16. Contact David Eads, 213.580.7546.

Chase celebrates opening of new banking branch in Los Angeles Chase's new Los Angeles banking branch — located at 888 West Sixth Street — adds to the more than 850 existing Chase branches in California. This is the 93rd Chase branch in Los Angeles. With its investment in opening about 100 new branches in the State, Chase has added more than 1,800 new jobs this year. Read more. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites completes significant renovations The hotel's renovation includes the rejuvenation of 1,209 guestrooms and 145 suites, public areas, the Lobby Court and Lobby Lounge, LA Prime, BonaVista Lounge, the front desk, the outdoor pool and all 110,000-square-feet of meeting, event and banquet space. The hotel is currently celebrating with a month-long celebration. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.