David Gershwin, co-chair of VICA's Government Affairs Committee, runs David Gershwin Consulting, which was founded in 2010 and focuses on lobbying, public relations, and crisis communications. After serving for years as a senior advisor to elected officials at the state and local government level, including work as Chief of Staff to then-L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti, Gershwin joined the private sector to provide public affairs services to companies, organizations, and non-profits. He especially enjoys providing clients with expertise they couldn't receive elsewhere, and getting them positive results - whether it's winning a legislative victory, garnering positive media coverage, or helping them get out of a PR jam.
How is VICA valuable to you or your business?
VICA provides tremendous value to its members by being on top of legislative issues - not just by tracking them, but by being a strong voice and an effective advocate for the San Fernando Valley's business community. To me and my business, being a part of a business organization with that type of clout is invaluable. Moreover, VICA's Elected Officeholder luncheons and dinners give me and our entire membership the opportunity to hear from leaders at every level of government - and we also ensure those same leaders hear from VICA members with tough questions on business issues that are so vital to our region. Additionally, I find the VICA After Dark events to be great opportunities to meet policymakers and business leaders in a more informal setting.
Why should prospective members consider becoming more involved with the Government Affairs committee?
VICA's Government Affairs Committee is unique in that we aren't limited to a specific policy area in terms of our scope. We also represent a great cross-section of business interests. Our committee's discussions and policy positions include perspectives from large companies (including those in the health care, communications, and manufacturing sector) as well as food service providers, trade associations, non-profit leaders, and small business owners. In short: if you have a business or organization of any kind, we've got a seat for you at VICA's Government Affairs Committee.
The Government Affairs Committee's next meeting is on February 20.
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