123RD ANNUAL INAUGURAL DINNER
More than 1,500 business and civic leaders welcomed 2012 Board Chair Karen Hathaway, LAACO Ltd./Los Angeles Athletic Club, at the Chamber's 123rd Annual Inaugural Dinner at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE last Thursday. Many elected officials were in attendance, including Gov. Jerry Brown and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Above, 2011 Board Chair Joseph Czyzyk, Mercury Air Group, Inc., passes the gavel to Hathaway. View photo gallery and media coverage of the event. Photo by ImageActive

Chamber testifies in support of LADWP water rate adjustments
On Wednesday, the Chamber testified in support of an ordinance that would allow for a one-time increase to the Water Quality Factor Cap. With government mandate deadlines approaching, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) needs to enter into contracts for a number of storage improvement projects to our reservoirs or face fines. Maintaining our infrastructure is key to a vibrant, competitive city for business and residents. This one- time increase will allow LADWP to keep drinking water safe for customers, while meeting all state and federal laws. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber helps more than a thousand high schoolers access financial aid for college
The Chamber and UNITE-LA coordinated more than 35 workshops and helped more than a thousand high school seniors and their parents learn about financial aid opportunities Saturday during the 10th annual Cash for College Financial Aid Workshops. In addition to "Super Saturday" workshops, a total of more than 125 will take place leading up to the March 2 filing deadline, all in an effort to help boost financial aid completion rates in the region. " My husband and I didn’t go to college. We’re not familiar with these forms,” said Rosa Alcantar, who came with her son to ask questions about tax requirements. "We're glad this is here." If you would like to volunteer, contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.7566.

Chamber-supported America Fast Forward language in House transportation bill
Rep. John Mica, chair of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, recently released his $260 billion, four and a half-year transportation reauthorization bill, the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act. The draft bill includes America Fast Forward language to expand the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program, which would accelerate 12 transit projects approved by Measure R, create jobs, decrease congestion and improve air quality. The legislation also includes provisions for the Chamber-supported Breaking Down Barriers program to speed up the delivery of transportation projects. Join the Chamber to advocate for infrastructure during our ACCESS Washington, D.C. trip. Register now or contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

UltraGlas, Inc. receives its first patent Chatsworth-based specialty architectural glass manufacturer, UltraGlas, Inc. recently had its patent covering its UltraGlas-E product line issued by the U.S. Patent Office. It was created with 100 percent recycled architectural scrap glass diverted from landfill and is used as architectural building components. Read more. Click here to submit your member good news.