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REMEMBERING RUSTY HAMMER. Former President & CEO Russell J. "Rusty" Hammer passed away Monday, Jan. 28 in San Jose. Rusty, who was 54, had battled leukemia since 2003. The Chamber will miss Rusty, who was a tireless advocate for making Los Angeles a better place to work and live. Above, Rusty during his five-year tenure at the Chamber. (View photo gallery of
Rusty's time at the Chamber).
Memorial service for Rusty Hammer to be held Friday in Campbell, Calif.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1 at the Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell, Calif. 95008. Flowers can be sent to Pamela Hammer, 1185 Camino Pablo, San Jose, Calif. 95125. Memorial donations can be made to the Wellness Community Center of Silicon Valley at www.svwellness.org.
National Transportation Safety Board Member visits Chamber on Feb. 5
Steven R. Chealander, board member of the National Transportation Safety Board, will provide the latest NTSB information regarding runway incursions and safety issues at the Los Angeles International Airport at the Chamber's Aviation Commitee on Tuesday, 12-1:30 p.m. This is an important opportunity to discuss LAX safety with a leader of an agency that typically only weighs in on these issues following an accident. Please note that the meeting date has changed from the previously scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 6 date. Register now or contact Vice President of Public Policy Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or [email protected].
Leadership Southern California focuses on civic engagement
The Leadership Southern California Class of 2008 discussed issues and trends shaping the future of the Inland Empire on Friday. “Many challenges for the region in 2008 will stem from the slowing of new home construction and sales,” said Economist John Husing. San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris spoke on leading innovation and change in the Inland Empire, including improving public safety through his initiative, Operation Phoenix. “We are beginning to talk about what it means to be a community,” he said. Contact V.P. Leadership Programs Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or [email protected].
Chamber hosts briefing for Netherlands delegation on building
Dutch engineers and builders were briefed on growth in the L.A. region by Cecilia Estolano, CEO for the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of L.A., and Lance Williams, executive director for the U.S. Green Building Council Chapter in L.A. on Friday at the Chamber. They discussed regional efforts in building green and opportunities for commercial and real estate building. Contact International Trade Manager Vanessa Pereda, 213.580.7538 or [email protected].
Chamber engages L.A. City Council President Garcetti on permit proposal
L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti presented his vision for streamlining Los Angeles' development process at the Chamber's Land Use, Construction & Housing Committee meeting Wednesday. Currently, businesses with development projects must navigate 12 separate city department bureaucracies— a confusing and costly endeavor for many businesses. Garcetti’s proposal would reduce that number to two city departments—Planning and Building & Safety. The 12 to 2 proposal is still under development. Contact Public Policy Manager Vanessa Rodriguez, 213.580.7531 or [email protected].
Chamber discusses waste to energy conversion plants
The Chamber's Energy, Water & Environment Committee discussed waste to energy conversion plants as a possible key to solving the region's waste disposal problems last Thursday. L.A. City Councilmember Greig Smith discussed city plans to site two facilities, the first of which would handle 1,000 tons per day, approximately one-third of the city's total waste. Coby Skye discussed the expectation to site four facilities in L.A. County as demonstration projects. Contact Senior Public Policy Manager Alex Pugh, 213.580.7558 or [email protected].
Chamber hears from professor on need for well educated workforce
There is a link between the future of the retiring baby boomers and the economic success of the state's younger immigrant population, said University of Southern California Professor Dowell Myers at the Chamber's Education and Workforce Development Committee last Thursday. The committee also heard from Judy Burton, CEO for the Alliance for College Ready Schools, about the promising results of the charter school community. Contact V.P. of Education & Workforce Development David Rattray, 213.482.3987 or [email protected].
Chamber re-envisions federal transportation investment
Needed investment in the federal highway trust fund through the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU was the topic of discussion at the Chamber's Transportation & Goods Movement Committee meeting last Thursday. Tom Skancke, a commissioner on the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, described the need to rethink the way the United States invests in transportation infrastructure. The commission has proposed streamlining federal transportation programs, using private investment in public infrastructure and raising the gas tax among many options. Contact Senior Public Policy Manager Alex Pugh, 213.580.7558 or [email protected].
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EVENT
HIGHLIGHT_____
Northern Trust Open, Feb. 11-17
The Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 82nd Northern Trust Open at the historic Riviera Country Club from Monday, Feb. 11 - Sunday, Feb. 17. For more information, visit www.northerntrustopen.com. Purchase discount tickets now. Enter promo code NT8.
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"Strengthening the Voice of Business"
OVERHEARD_______________
“I arrived with high hopes knowing that this was a unique opportunity to lead the most important business organization in America’s second largest city. I relished the challenge and gave it my full energy.”
—Rusty Hammer, former Chamber President & CEO, in a letter he wrote to Chamber members on June 29, 2006, on his time at the Chamber.
MEDIA HITS______________
Media outlets reported on the passing of former Chamber President & CEO Rusty Hammer: “Russell Hammer, 54; head of L.A. business group,” Los Angeles Times, Jan. 30; “Former Chamber President, Hammer, Dies," Los Angeles Business Journal, Jan. 29; “Former chamber exec Hammer dies at 54,” Sacramento Business Journal, Jan. 29; “Rusty Hammer, business leader was 54,” L.A. Observed, Jan. 29.
Media outlets reported on the new formation of the Los Angeles County Business Federation, which the Chamber is a founding member of: “L.A. businesses form new federation.” Los Angeles Times, Jan. 29; “Welcome, BizFed," L.A. Daily News, Jan. 28; “Federation Forms to Offset Labor’s Power,” Los Angeles Business Journal, Jan. 25; “New federation of businesses in LA.” La Opinión, Jan. 30.
“Reformers ask council to back off,” Los Angeles Times, Jan. 30; “LAPD listens to mayor's offer on privacy for officers.” L.A. Daily News, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Jan. 30. Chamber president & CEO Gary Toebben supports a policy that would require police officers to disclose personal financial information, aimed at helping supervisors identify cops who are taking bribes or involved in other illegal activities.
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