IN OUR STATE'S CAPITOL. The Chamber visited Sacramento Wednesday with the Valley Industry & Commerce Association to meet with lawmakers on the challenging business climate and state budget. Lawmakers included Assemblymembers Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita), Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank), Felipe Fuentes (D-San Fernando), Audra Strickland (R-Ventura), Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-San Fernando). Specific topics included opposing legislation (AB 1139) that would decimate the enterprise zone program; advocating for legislative action to fix California’s broken water system; supporting efforts to expand flexible workweeks; and urging passage of the Chamber’s education and workforce development legislation. Register now for the Chamber's annual Access Sacramento trip, June 10-11.

Chamber remembers Board Member Albert Greene
Valley Presbyterian Hospital President & CEO Albert Greene passed away April 16. Greene, who was a Chamber Board member, served as co-chair of the Health Care Committee and was an active member of the Chamber’s Health Care Task Force. "The Chamber is saddened to hear of the passing of Al, who was a strong health care advocate for the Chamber," said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. The family requests donations to either the Valley Presbyterian Hospital Foundation or Ithaca College. Contact Executive Assistant Elizabeth Ramseyer, 213.580.7596 or [email protected].

Chamber-sponsored bill AB 2648 begins implementation process
The California Department of Education (CDE) recently convened a group of more than 50 stakeholders to discuss next steps to the Chamber-sponsored legislation that was signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year. The group will develop a report to be submitted by CDE to the Governor and Legislature at the end of the year, which will discuss the feasibility of incorporating Multiple Pathway programs into high schools across the state. Contact Program Coordinator Chelsey Rask, 213.580.7572 or [email protected].

Leadership Southern California 2009 focuses on region's economy
The 2009 Fellows discussed Southern California’s competitive advantages Friday with author and business columnist James Flanigan. "Southern California has an entrepreneurial system; there is capital available here for innovation and business development," said Flanigan. A panel of industry experts spoke about opportunities that will drive economic recovery in Southern California focusing around international trade, infrastructure development, entertainment and green technology. Panelists and LSC Fellows agreed that many initiatives will need heightened leadership and planning to capitalize on these opportunities. The class also visited the Port of Los Angeles, above. Contact VP of Leadership Programs Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or [email protected].

Good News from Chamber Members WesPac Energy Group project passes out of committee WesPac Energy Group recently received approval from the L.A. City Transportation Committee for its jet fuel pipeline connecting refineries to Los Angeles International Airport. The Chamber testified in support of the project, which will help ensure reliable fuel supplies and decrease cost as well as putting hundreds of laborers to work. Read more. Green Dot Public Schools receives recognition For the first time, three of Green Dot Public Schools – Animo Inglewood Charter High School, Oscar De La Hoya Charter High School, and Animo Pat Brown Charter High School – were recently named California Distinguished Schools by State Superintendent Jack O'Connell. "It has always been our goal to open high-performing high schools in low-income areas that perform among the best in the state," said Green Dot CEO Marco Petruzzi. "This award shows that we have been able to do that." Read more. Read more news from Chamber members. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.