"COVID-19 should give us a sense of urgency on addressing homelessness, on helping the economy
, especially the businesses that are being eviscerated right now."
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- Councilmember-elect Kevin de Le
ón during VICA Newsmaker Connection.
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Councilmember-Elect Kevin de León Outlines L.A. Priorities at VICA Newsmaker Connection
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HNTB
Government Affairs Director Joshua Englander and Councilmember-elect Kevin de León.
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On Tuesday, Kevin de León, President Pro Tempore Emeritus of the State Senate and Councilmember-elect for City District 14, engaged our members in a VICA Newsmaker Connection. During the event, the Councilmember-elect outlined his priorities for when he enters into office.
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| VICA members sat at virtual tables during the Newsmaker Connection event. |
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The homelessness crisis remains a top priority. Councilmember-elect de Le
ón stated "we need to act with a sense of urgency to make sure we can put folks under a roof." Acknowledging that the issue is multifaceted, he called for the streamlining of the permitting process to allow more housing to be built for individuals experiencing homelessness. "City Hall should take these [Measure HHH] projects and put them in front of the queue," de Le
ón said.
The Councilmember-elect also emphasized the pressing need to financially support struggling businesses. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," de Le
ón said, expressing his readiness to fight for more federal support for the City of Los Angeles. He also noted that leaving businesses devastated would cause a negative ripple effect across the City.
Thank you Councilmember-elect Kevin de Le
ón for joining us at this week's Newsmaker Connection and thank you to our sponsors
HNTB
and
State Farm
.
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THURSDAY, JULY 16
4 to 5:30 PM
via Online Video Conference
Luz Rivas
California State Assemblymember - 39th District
Register now to receive meeting details.
Sponsored by
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COWE Consulting Provides Insights for Brand Development at VICA University
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At this week's VICA University Workshop we heard from
COWE Consulting on the Business of Branding. The team covered many intricate details surrounding branding and the importance of understanding everything that branding encompasses. Branding is not just your business colors and logos, but is the meaning of your business that help to create and shape the imagination within the minds of others. Miri Rossitto, Founder and CEO of
COWE Consulting, shared with participants the five building blocks of branding and tools that can be used. Nicola Staples, COO, emphasized the importance of branding and that it truly reflects the company and all that you do. In closing, the team shared some final thoughts: ensuring that companies tell their story, identify the ideal customer, research what competitors are doing, maintain an accessible brand, and be consistent.
Thank you to
COWE Consulting
for leading this valuable and informative webinar.
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VIRTUAL ADVOCACY DAY
TUESDAY, JULY 21
All Day
via Online Video Conference
VICA delegation with State Treasurer Fiona Ma during VICA's June Virtual Advocacy Day.
$50
Sacramento Advocacy Trips are reserved for VICA members.
Advocacy Day will be on a first pay, first served basis.
Only 8 spots available!
Register now to receive more details.
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New L.A. County Restaurant Fines Would Push More Businesses to Close
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On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors moved forward with a motion that would authorize county public health officials to impose fines or revoke the permits of restaurants not complying with local health orders. VICA raised concerns that this heavy-handed policy would create more financial strains on L.A. County businesses. While VICA agrees that every business re-opening needs to comply with state and local health orders and public health requirements in order to control the spread of COVID-19, imposing fines is the wrong approach for enforcement, especially as rules regulations continue to be a moving target.
Businesses are doing their best to comply with all local and state orders and are working hard to ensure all of their customers are also adhering to those orders in an effort to maintain a safe environment. Fines would only make it harder to accomplish this, raising the risk of businesses closing and contributing to the increase in unemployment.
VICA will continue to urge the Board of Supervisors to work with business owners and the business community to create a sensible and effective enforcement framework. The County should look at how we can support businesses to ensure they remain open, not look at ways to fine them and shut them down.
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THURSDAY, JULY 30
10 to 11:30 AM
via Online Video Conference
Kathryn Barger
Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Register now to receive more details.
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Oppose State Bill that Would Impact Energy Jobs and Increase Dependence on Foreign Oil
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 VICA opposes Assembly Bill 345 (Muratsuchi), which would require the California Department of Conservation to adopt stricter regulations, including a ban on oil and gas facilities operating within 2,500 feet of certain structures. AB 345 has been given a second life and is scheduled to be heard by the State Senate Committee on Natural Resources upon the return of the Legislature. This bill would directly and negatively impact California's oil and gas industries, which support thousands of good-paying, middle-class jobs across the state. AB 345's setback requirement could cost the state nearly 7,000 jobs and $286 million in state and local tax revenue. Banning in-state oil production would also increase California's dependence on foreign oil, which is not subject to the same rigorous environmental standards and regulations found in California. The importing and transporting of foreign oil would contribute to greater carbon emissions, contradicting the purpose of this bill. As the nation continues to face staggeringly high unemployment numbers, California cannot afford to withdraw its support for these jobs and the countless families that depend on them.
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Not-For-Profit Committee (7/9)
Sponsored by Pacific Federal
- Justin Grooms, CEO of Chariot Consulting, presented on how to build an inclusive and diverse work environment in an organization.
- Brandon Stephenson, Chief Strategic Officer for Cerrell Associates, explored advocacy strategies for not-for-profit organizations.
- Jennifer Price-Letscher, Programs and Special Projects Director for the Ralph Parsons Foundation, presented on opportunities and strategies for grant making and the impact of COVID-19.
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Member Messages:
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact
[email protected]
or
call (818) 817-0545.
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