SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS. Access to capital is key to getting small businesses back on their feet, said Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Chair, House Small Business Committee, at the Chamber on Friday. "Small business is big business in America," Velázquez said. "There is no Democratic or Republican way around it." This special briefing was presented in partnership with Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, NAWBO-LA and the Valley Industry & Commerce Association.

L.A. City Council approves much smaller LADWP rate increase sought by Chamber
The L.A. City Council approved a 4.5 percent electricity rate hike on Wednesday, which is expected to go into effect on July 1. The Chamber advocated strongly against the original proposal to raise rates by up to 28 percent on businesses and residents. This smaller increase is necessary to preserve the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power's (LADWP) bond rating. The vote came one day after the Chamber's Energy, Water & Environment Committee met with L.A. City Councilmember Jan Perry and Chief Deputy Mayor Jay Carson regarding the rate increase and general operations at LADWP. The Chamber will continue to work with city officials to ensure that the business community is included in all future discussions about any proposed rate increases as well as the overall strategy for renewable energy at the department. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558 or [email protected].

Chamber testifies in strong support of Mayor’s 30/10 transportation proposal
The Chamber testified at a Metro subcommittee meeting Thursday in support of accelerating the construction of 12 major transit projects approved by voters in 2008 (Measure R). A loan from the federal government would allow the projects to get started right away and would be paid back and guaranteed by the steady flow of Measure R revenue. The proposal would create up to 30,000 new jobs by the end of 2012 and 240,000 new jobs by 2020 while reducing traffic congestion in the region. The Chamber advocated strongly for 30/10 last month in Washington, D.C. and now federal officials view the plan as a template for similar infrastructure investments nationwide. 30/10 now has the support of three Metro subcommittees and will go before the full Board of Directors next Thursday. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558 or [email protected].

Leadership L.A. focuses on arts and culture in Los Angeles
The Leadership L.A. Class of 2010 met Friday to discuss arts and culture in Los Angeles. The creative industries are a major economic engine in Los Angeles, bringing in $121 billion in 2008, said Jack Kyser, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Fellows met with arts leaders, including Charmaine Jefferson, executive director of California African American Museum, who spoke about the importance of collaboration between arts organizations in the community. "If we are about the arts, culture and preservation of the African American history it just can’t be on the walls," Jefferson said. "We have to support those who rally in the same effort and work together for the greater cause." Read more about the day on Twitter by following @SCLN. Contact Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or [email protected].

Westlake/MacArthur Park Transit Oriented Development breaks ground The first phase of the latest project of Metro’s Joint Development Program recently broke ground. MacArthur Park Metro Apartments is a $45 million joint venture between Metro, McCormack Baron Salazar, Los Angeles Housing Partnership and Polis Builders to bring mixed-use development with 172 affordable housing units and more than 30,000 square feet of retail. Read more. AT&T launches public awareness campaign on texting and driving AT&T recently launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the risks of texting and driving and remind all wireless consumers, especially youth, that text messages can – and should – wait until after driving. AT&T is working to get the word out to all drivers that there is a smart way to text. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.