L.A. Business This Week

On Friday, the Chamber hosted State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to unveil his Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0. Blueprint 2.0 details next steps in five critical areas: California standards, teaching and leading excellence, student success, continuous improvement and accountability systems, and systems change and supports. David Rattray, executive vice president, Education and Workforce Development for the Chamber, served as co-chair of the 29 member planning team for Blueprint 2.0.  READ MORE.

BOTTOM LINE: The Chamber is leading in efforts to ensure a quality education for California students.

Cal State L.A. will open a new downtown Los Angeles campus in 2016, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional development and certificate programs. The new campus will be located at West 8th Street and South Grand Avenue at the edge of the Financial District and in the midst of a residential development boom. READ MORE.

BOTTOM LINE: This Chamber member's new campus will provide educational opportunities in a growing part of the city.

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With Chamber support and action, MetroLink has been awarded $41,181,000 for nine, new locomotives. This award allows MetroLink the opportunity to transition to Tier 4 locomotives that are more fuel efficient, have higher horsepower and reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by over 80 percent.  READ THE LETTER OF THANKS FROM METROLINK.

BOTTOM LINE: With the Chamber's assistance, Metrolink will improve its service and improve the environment.

This week, nearly 170 countries traveled to Los Angeles for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. As the Special Olympics wind down, the Chamber wants to thank the many members who served as corporate sponsors, Fans in the Stands, provided donations and made the Games a tremendous event for the Los Angeles area. L.A. was a proud host, and we thank you for joining us and sharing in that pride.

BOTTOM LINE: Thank you!

California Connections' recruitment window is open! This issues-based, experiential learning fellowship for men and women from across the state sponsors five, two-and-a-half day seminars with regional and statewide leaders in job creation, water, immigration, and infrastructure. Last week, the Chamber graduated the CalCon class of 2015. Congratulations to all of our Fellows, and we look forward to welcoming a new class in 2016!   READ MORE.

BOTTOM LINE: You have the opportunity to be a part of making a state-wide learning experience that will put you in touch with our entire state.

Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions expects to hire more than 1,400 new employees over the next several months to meet the demands of stores across Southern California. The company is seeking to fill full and part-time positions. The grocery stores are supporters of LA Youth at Work and encourage those 16 and older to apply online and then attend the upcoming job fairs. LA Youth at Work connects business leaders to young adults to provide entry level work experience. For the Albertsons', Vons' and Pavilions' job applications, please click here or here. For the listing of their upcoming job fairs, please click here.

BOTTOM LINE: Your company can be a part of experiences for young adults providing great work.

The Chamber, in cooperation with the German American Business Association of California (GABA), hosted a private roundtable with Peter Beyer, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party. Beyer is an advocate of a strong transatlantic relationship with the U.S. and Canada, and serves as parliamentary special rapporteur on transatlantic relations for the Foreign Affairs Committee. Beyer discussed transatlantic issues, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, as well as the current situation of Greece’s economic impact on the European Union. FIND THE NEXT GLOBAL COUNCIL MEETING.

BOTTOM LINE: Transatlantic issues impact the Los Angeles area, and the Chamber is representing L.A. businesses in these discussions.