CHAMBER CHANGING LIVES THROUGH CASH FOR COLLEGE
For Sofia Rivas, a freshman at California State University Dominguez Hills, the 6th annual Cash for College Scholarship Awards Reception last week was a reminder of the campaign’s impact on thousands of young Angelenos, including herself. "As the first in my family to go to college, Cash for College was a lifeline," Rivas said. "I'm planning to go back to my old high school and help students through the process." Rivas was on hand as the Chamber, event sponsor State Farm and Cash for College partners capped off another successful campaign and presented more than 250 local youths, above, with a total of $225,000 in scholarships. Contact Alma Salazar, 213.580.7566. View photo gallery.

Chamber encourages businesses to participate in Hiring Our Heroes job fair
It's not too late to participate in one of the nation's premier veterans' job fairs, Hiring our Heroes, at Sony Studios in Culver City on Sunday, July 10, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free employer registration has been extended. Participating employers should have job opportunities available and will be expected to report hiring metrics to the U.S. Chamber after the hiring fair. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be making a special appearance at the job fair. Join us on July 10 to support our nation's veterans. It will be a day to remember the veterans who find jobs and for the businesses who participate. View FAQs on the event or register your company today. Contact Maria Dolores Nieto, 213.580.7599.

Chamber encourages businesses to prepare for a quake
If a 7.8 earthquake struck near Los Angeles, the estimated economic loss would be $213 billion, according to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The earthquake would affect an estimated 522,000 jobs in health care, 504,000 in retail, 480,000 in manufacturing and 409,000 in educational services, according to the study. "In Los Angeles, we are particularly vulnerable and the potential economic impact is substantial," said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben at a press conference on Tuesday at the Chamber. "Unfortunately, we cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can mitigate the damages by preparing for them." Contact Mandy Denaux, 213.580.7532.

Chamber meets with LA INC. executive on promoting Los Angeles
More than 25 million visitors come to Los Angeles each year, making it one of the top destinations in the country. But marketing Los Angeles is no easy task because we're a city of regions, said Mark Liberman, president & CEO, LA INC., The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau. At a meeting of the Economy & Infrastructure Council on Wednesday, Liberman said that we need to do more advertising in markets we aren’t in today, especially on the east coast and internationally. Liberman also discussed L.A. City Council's recent approval of L.A.'s Tourism Marketing District, which is expected to generate an estimated $11 million in new marketing funds annually. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531.

Project next to Pantages Theatre has new developer The Blvd 6200 project, a residential and retail development, was recently acquired by DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners. The development will have more than 1,000 apartments and 160,000 square feet of retail space on 7.3 acres near Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Chamber Board Member Frank Stephan, head of West Coast operations for Clarett West Development will oversee the endeavor. Read more. Terranea Resort Executive honored by American Hotel & Lodging Association Terri Haack, executive vice president/managing director at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes has been named the winner of the General Manager of the Year, Large Property Award. The hotel opened in June 2009, during an extremely tough economic climate. Haack inspired her 850 employees to focus on the guests while the hotel's owners brought on new investors, which occurred 15 months later. In order to stay connected to her employees, she placed a computer in the staff dining room that links directly to her home computer and personally answers every query. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.