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STATE BUDGET AT THE FOREFRONT. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Chamber Board members Monday to discuss the significance of not having a state budget in place and its impact on jobs and the economy, nearly a month into the budget stalemate. "The only way we're going to get people back to work is to help businesses hire more people," he said. "I despise adding regulations and making it tough to do business in California." The Governor and Legislature are still grappling with closing the $19-billion deficit projected for the State's general fund. Above, from left: Board member Karen Hathaway, Los Angeles Athletic Club; Immediate Past Chair Fran Inman, Majestic Realty Co.; First Vice Chair Joseph Czyzyk, Mercury Air Group, Inc.; and Schwarzenegger.
Term limits initiative qualifies for 2012 ballot initiative
 Voters will have the opportunity to vote for a term limits reform initiative that does not benefit current or former legislators on Feb. 7, 2012. Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced Wednesday that the initiative submitted enough signatures to qualify it for the ballot. The initiative filed by Californians for a Fresh Start reduces a legislator's time in office from 14 to 12 years. Under this reform, this time can be served entirely in the State Assembly, the State Senate, or a combination of both houses. This measure does not benefit any current or former legislator in office now or on the ballot this year. Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor/AFL-CIO Executive Secretary/Treasurer Maria Elena Durazo are the co-chairs for Californians for a Fresh Start. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or [email protected].
Chamber's 'Race to the Top' efforts are one step closer
 The Chamber's efforts to help pass legislation to reform education in California, which would make the State eligible for up to $700 million in one-time funds are one step away from paying off. Officials Tuesday announced California is one of 19 finalists of Phase 2 of the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) competition. Earlier this year, the Chamber worked with the legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to push the landmark education reform. Leveraging the L.A. Compact, the Los Angeles Unified School District was selected as one among seven districts to help lead California's second application to RTTT. Finalists of the Phase 2 grants will present their plans before a review panel in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 9, with winners announced in September. Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515 or [email protected].
Southern California Leadership Network graduates more dynamic leaders
 Nearly 40 Leadership Southern California Fellows are now fully prepared to make a difference in Southern California after graduating from LSC 2010 on Tuesday at the Music Center in Los Angeles. "Los Angeles needs more organizations like the Chamber that encourages us to think about this vast region as a whole, and what we can do as leaders to make it better," said Isaac Kos-Read, Port of Los Angeles. "We are the leaders we've have been waiting for." Throughout the nine-month program, Fellows traveled throughout the region including to the San Diego-Baja California border, Sacramento and Orange County. Fellows came away with a vision for addressing key issues such as transportation infrastructure, immigration reform and efficient use of land. Applications for LSC 2011 are still being accepted. Apply now or contact Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or [email protected].
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The Port of Los Angeles recently began the
final phase of its 13-year, $370 million Main Channel Deepening Project. Completing the final phase of the project over the next three years is critical to future trade growth and job creation at the port, especially with the expected completion of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014. 
Thomas Properties Group's City National Plaza — twin 51-story towers in the Financial District in downtown Los Angeles — recently received the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council. By replacing air conditioning units, modernizing elevator systems and sealing windows, the company has cut its energy use by $1.5 million annually. 
