Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
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Advocacy in Action
- Governor's Climate Proposal - OPPOSE
- Strip Authority from Fast Food Franchisees - OPPOSE
- Expand Affordable Housing Development - SUPPORT
- End Retail Crime Theft - SUPPORT
- Small Business ADA Improvements - SUPPORT
- Expedite Clean Transit Projects - SUPPORT
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"I focused my first Make LA Work plan on expanding gender equity and opportunity because I believe in the power of women-owned businesses." | |
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Rick Caruso
LA Mayoral Candidate on his Make LA Work Plan
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Support VICA: Take Action! | |
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Governor Gavin Newsom's Costly Climate Proposal - OPPOSE
Governor Newsom has indicated that he believes the California Air Resources Board's 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan does not go far enough; he is now pursuing legislation in these last few weeks of session that is more aligned with his own political agenda than the interests of Californian residents.
Assembly Bill 2133 (Quirk) is the first bill of the Governor's climate package - which snuck in just 8 days before the end of the legislative session - which would arbitrarily change the State's Greenhouse Gas reduction targets from 40% to 55% by 2030.
Due to the current lack of low carbon energy infrastructure throughout California, this bill would lead to high rates of job loss and high implementation costs, further increasing costs for Californian's is the wrong approach to take to tackle climate change.
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State Legislature Will Vote on Bill that Would Strip Authority from Fast Food Franchisees - OPPOSE
Our State officials are expected to vote on Assembly Bill 257(Holden), which eliminates fast food franchisees' authority as small business owners, destroying the existing franchise model.
Fast food restaurant franchises are a proven pathway to business ownership for thousands of Californians. This bill would place independent owners at an unfair disadvantage compared to other restaurants, simply because of their affiliation with national brands.
AB 257 is rife with misconceptions regarding franchises that are not supported by data, making improper assumptions about operational responsibility and abuses within the franchise model. Proponents of the bill lack the necessary evidence to back up these jarring claims, yet they make up the entire premise of the bill.
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State Bill to Expand Affordable Housing Development - SUPPORT
State Senators will be voting on AB 2011(Wicks), which would allow for ministerial approval for affordable housing development in commercial - zone regions, expanding affordable housing production in underutilized commercial lands where housing is most needed.
AB 2011 would provide secure benefits to contractor and subcontractors on these projects while addressing housing demands and reduce red tape in zoning.
Contact Your Elected Officials:
OPPOSE AB 2133
OPPOSE AB 257
SUPPORT AB 2011
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Your Voice is Needed:
Urge Governor to Sign VICA Supported Bills
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Tell Governor Newsom to End Retail Crime
AB 1613, which is on the Governor's desk for signing, would expand the Attorney General's reach to prosecute theft offenses and associated offenses with organized retail crime.
AB 1613 would give a District Attorney's office the authority over cases that cross county lines and would support law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools to address sophisticated retail theft that hurt businesses, workers, and their customers.
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Support Small Business Improvements
AB 2164, if signed, would provide funds small businesses to make their business accessible to those with disabilities.
Owners will be able to improve their stores, resulting in fewer ADA lawsuits, and allowing businesses to focus on their customers.
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Support Clean Transit Projects
SB 922 is on the Governors desk, where if signed, would accelerate bike, pedestrian, light rail, and rapid bus projects.
SB 922 will ensure California invests in equitable transportation projects, builds sustainable transportation and address the climate concerns while ensuring infrastructure and the economy don't come at the expense of our environment.
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One Week Left for Nominations:
Harmon Ballin Community Service Award
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VICA's Harmon Ballin Community Service Award annually honors an active VICA member who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through their long-term community service activities. A nominee is someone who:
- Has been an active member of VICA and is actively engaged in the organization.
- Has significant and long-term involvement in philanthropic, community, or public service organizations or a significant record in this area.
- Is a role model and community leader.
All nominee forms must be submitted via email to Cathy@vica.com by Friday, September 2, 2022.
About Harmon Ballin
Harmon Ballin was a great leader and a long-standing member of VICA. He is remembered for his calm manner, leadership style and the respect he carried throughout the Valley. Ballin was involved in many nonprofits and programs, and his energy was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. When he suddenly passed away during the pinnacle of his career and civic leadership, it was a sad time for the Valley for we had lost one of the true leaders of our community. Instead of mourning Harmon Ballin, VICA celebrates and honors his legacy by bestowing this award on other dedicated civic leaders.
Some past honorees include: Ross Hopkins, Stu Solomon, Sandy Paris, Walt Mosher, Fred Gaines, Jim Garrison, Kevin Tamaki, Greg Lippe, Brad Rosenheim, Francine Oschin, Pegi Matsuda, Ross Pendergraft, Jane Skeeter, Lee Alpert, Darnell Tyler and Mark Davis.
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Last Chance: Do You Want to Be a VICA Board Member? | |
VICA's 2023 Board of Directors nomination and selection process is underway and we want your nominations!
Board members must be able to attend regular board meetings and be prepared to vote on a wide variety of public policy issues. Board members must also attend regular committee meetings and VICA events. Additional responsibilities may include calling or writing lawmakers, attending press conferences, testifying, authoring editorials, interacting with top opinion leaders, and more.
VICA is also accepting applications if you are interested in chairing a committee.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating on the VICA Board in 2023 or Chairing a committee, please don't hesitate to click on the nomination form below and submit via email at Jessica@vica.com no later than Friday, September 2, 2022.
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LA City Attorney Mike Feuer swears in the 2022 VICA Board of Directors. | |
Click on the image above to apply! | | |
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VICA After Dark: LAFD Chief Kristen Crowley
Wednesday, August 31 | 5:30 PM
FIVE on the Hill at Hilton Universal City
Chief Crowley leads a diverse department – about 3,400 sworn and more than 350 civilians – in protecting four million people in Los Angeles – the Nation’s second largest City. From the ocean to the mountains, the Valley to the Port of LA, the LAFD responds to over 1,300 emergency calls a day. She is the 19th Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Sun Hill Properties/Hilton Universal City, Medtrans, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
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VICA After Dark: LAWA CEO Justin Erbacci
Thursday, September 29 | 5:30 PM
Van Nuys Airports
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Justin Erbacci serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) - managing over 3500 adminsitrative, technical, and law-enforcement employees for the nation's second largest city and business hub in Los Angeles.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors,
Van Nuys Airports, Bechtel Corp., Clay Lacy Aviation, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
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Business Forecast Conference: Attack of the Inflation Monster
Friday, October 21 | 7:00 AM
Hilton Universal
Our Annual Business Forecast Conference continues to attract nationally recognized experts on our region's dynamic economy. This forecast will help our business leaders plan for the challenges facing us in 2023.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, SoCalGas and Wells Fargo.
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VICA After Dark: Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Thursday, October 27 | 5:30 PM
Anheuser-Busch
Supervisor Kathryn Barger serves the residents of the 5th District — Los Angeles County’s largest — spanning over 2,785 square miles, which includes 20 cities and 83 unincorporated communities in the Antelope, San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, and Santa Clarita Valleys.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Amazon, Comcast, NBCUniversal, SoCalGas, SRAR, and Wells Fargo.
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 1
8:30 - 10:00 AM
VICA Office
Sponsored by History for Hire
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Ambassador Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 7
9:00 - 10:30 AM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Verdugo Hills Council, Boy Scouts of America
RSVP
Transportation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 13
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Healthcare Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 8
12:00 - 1:30 PM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Hospital Association of Southern California
RSVP
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 21
12:00- 2:00 PM
VICA Office
Sponsored by Dolphin Group
RSVP
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Biden Forgives Student Debt
On Wednesday, President Biden announced that his administration will forgive up to $10,000 for federal student loan borrowers making less than $125,000 and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. The payment freeze on federal student loans until December 31st, and will cap repayment on loans to 5% of a person's monthly income. Officials have said that more than 43 million student loan borrowers will benefit from the relief, with 20 million having their debt completely canceled. This follows through on Biden's campaign promise to forgive at least $10,000 per person.
California to Ban New Gasoline Cars
California put into effect Thursday. its sweeping plan to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.The rule was issued by the California Air Resources Board, that requires 100% of new cars sold to be free of fossil fuel emissions by 2035. Interim targets required that 35% of new passenger vehicles to be sold in the state by 2026 are to be zero-emission vehicles, with that number climbing up to 68% by 2030. The Rule is expected to influence new policies in Washington and other states.
Federal Funding to Combat Drought
U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced that the department would provide $310 million to California, to combat a "megadrought" currently being experienced throughout the Western United States. The funds will support 20 projects that seek to address the annual water capacity within the state. As California experiences increased droughts, cities and counties have had to implement strict water restrictions on residents and businesses. If successful, the California projects could improve water retention throughout the year.
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Unions Against Hospital-Worker Deal
The California Hospital Association and the labor union SEIU-UHW have pursued a deal to establish a $25 minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers. This legislative proposal comes after four city councils - Los Angeles, Downey, Monterey Park, and Long Beach - voted to raise workers' minimum wages. Although unions have pursued increased pay for staff for decades, this compromise would delay hospital safety standards that were set to go into effect in 2030. Various safety standards requirements would including having functioning electricity, water, and mobile shafts for personnel during an event like an earthquake.
US-Iran Discussion to Affect Gas Price
Californians have seen record-high gas prices, reaching a national high of $7.00/gallon. With decreased demand and increased supplies, gas prices have fallen to $5.48/gallon, and are expected to further decrease through 2022 and 2023 should the US rejoin the Nuclear Deal which would open up Iran's oil markets, globally. Between the war in Ukraine and US-Iranian JCPOA discussions, world events have shown that actions that occur halfway across the world, can have a 'real' impact on domestic living standards.
"Joker 2" Film to Receive CA Tax Credit
The California Film Commission announced $93.7 million in credit support for upcoming Warner Bros and other film productions, including Joker: Folie a Deux and Netflix's "Rebel Moon: Part 2". California grants $330 million a year in tax credits, with Governor Newsom supporting CFC program extensions through 2030, and increasing credits to $420 million in 2022 and 2023. Although California has been the entertainment capital of the world, recent years have seen increased competition from out-of-state movie studios, including Georgia.
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Are you interested in a Membership Spotlight?
Answer the below questions, send responses and a professional photo,
and we'll ensure your in the line up for 2022!
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MUST BE A CURRENT VICA MEMBER TO BE FEATURED!
Please keep each question response to 2-4 sentences maximum.
- Please share a bit about your background and a fun fact that people would love to learn, ie: scrapbooking is your favorite hobby, you were in a band, you have traveled around the world…
- What has been your organization’s largest accomplishment or efforts made over the past year?
- Please share how VICA has supported your business strategy or expanded your footprint with the business community?
Send responses and headshot to Jessica Yasukochi
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Member Messages
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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 cathy@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
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