Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
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- VICA Hosts Annual Congressional Luncheon
- VICA Members Advocate in Sacramento
- VICA Supports Innovative Technology to Support LA Tourism
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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“The federal government cannot pass the baton, we need to fully own that we have a major role to play in building more housing." | |
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Congresswoman Katie Porter
At VICA's 2023 Congressional Luncheon
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VICA Hosts Annual Congressional Luncheon | |
Frank Girardot (BYD) and Congresswoman Katie Porter | |
Yesenia Monsour (Kaiser Permanente) and Congressman Mike Garcia | |
Victor Berrellez (US Bank) and Congressman Brad Sherman | |
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On Thursday, VICA members, business leaders, and elected officials gathered for VICA's annual Congressional Luncheon. This year, VICA was joined by Congressmembers Katie Porter, Mike Garcia, and Brad Sherman.
Darnell Tyler (Comcast NBC Universal) kicked off the event with some opening remarks before welcoming Frank Girardot (BYD) and Congressmember Katie Porter to the stage. Porter began by talking about housing and called for the federal government to do more when it comes to solving California's housing crisis. The Congressmember also discussed Congress' commitment to infrastructure and manufacturing, and stated that "we need good, high paying manufacturing jobs right here in California." She closed by sharing that the federal government has provided $110 billion for public infrastructure, including public transit projects.
Following Congressmember Katie Porter, Yesenia Monsour (Kaiser Permanente) moderated a discussion with Congressmember Mike Garcia. Garcia opened by discussing tax policy before transitioning to the growing need for improved infrastructure in California, explaining that California's existing infrastructure will not be able to handle the transition to green vehicles. Garcia closed by discussing employment rates in California, stating that "before we had people looking for jobs, now we have jobs looking for people."
Our third, and final, speaker of the afternoon was Congressmember Brad Sherman, who was joined on stage by VICA Chair Victor Berrellez (US Bank). Sherman shared his strong opposition to the growing use of cryptocurrency before discussing the growing use of social media and its contribution to more divisive politics. As he wrapped up his discussion, he thanked VICA and said that "VICA is doing very well."
VICA First Vice Chair Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T) then wrapped up the luncheon with a raffle and some closing statements.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, BYD, and Comcast NBC Universal.
|  | From Left to Right: Marie Lloyd (Amazon), Frank Girardot (BYD), Congressmembers Katie Porter, Mike Garcia, and Brad Sherman, and Darnell Tyler (Comcast NBC Universal) | |
VICA Members Attend April Sacramento Advocacy Day | |
From left to right: VICA Vice Chairs Ross Pendergraft (Leavitt Group), and Samona Caldwell (State Farm), California Assemblymember Vince Fong, Adena Tessler (Hospital Association of Southern California), VICA Treasurer James Theiring (Mission Community Hospital), and VICA President Stuart Waldman | |
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On Wednesday, VICA Members traveled to Sacramento for VICA's April Sacramento Advocacy Day to urge legislators to support business-firendly legislation.
Members met with State Senators Scott Wilk and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh as well as Assemblymembers Diane Dixon, Juan Alanis, and Vince Fong, Luz Rivas and Pilar Schiavo.
Some of VICA's high-priority legislation we advocated for included supporting a sales and use manufacturing tax credit, expanding outdoor dining programs for local restaurants, eliminating parking requirements for single-family homes, increasing California's affordable housing supply, and creating flexible work schedules. VICA also urged legislators to oppose lowering the voter threshold to approve local taxes, increasing the minimum wage for healthcare workers, and implementing universal healthcare.
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VICA Supports Innovative Technology to Support LA Tourism | |
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On Monday, VICA made public comment at Los Angeles City Hall in support of the city’s request for a proposal regarding digital wayfinding kiosks in Los Angeles.
Digital wayfinding, or interactive kiosks, are a hallmark of “smart cities” that value innovation and high-tech services. With wayfinding kiosks across the city in pedestrian traffic areas, these tools could highlight the city’s landmarks, local businesses, and small vendors.
Kiosks help promote local businesses and vendors; provide real-time, multi-modal public transit trip planning, including bus routs, metro stops, and ride-sharing options; and provide essential safety features including 911 call buttons and 311 portals to report and track incidents.
We encourage the city to advance programs like this that enhance the local experience and generate meaningful revenue to support the city and its activities.
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VICA Thanks our New and Renewing Members! | | |
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Premier Partner:
Silver Member:
Bronze Member:
Other Renewing Members:
New Members:
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VICA University: New Campaign Finance Laws
April 25 | 10:00 AM
Zoom
VICA invites you to join us for this informative 75-minute program (including a Q&A session) that will cover new campaign finance and lobbying laws with Bradley Hertz and Matthew Alvarez from The Sutton Law Firm. Click the button below to register!
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VICA After Dark: Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
May 3 | 5:30 PM
Burbank Airport Marriott
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in the fall of 2022 and assumed office on December 5, 2022. Sher previously served as a City Councilmember and the longest consecutively serving Mayor for the City of West Hollywood. Horvath’s career has been defined by tackling the hardest problems, building diverse coalitions, and delivering results for her community.
VICA thanks our host and Presenting Sponsor Burbank Airport Marriott and presenting sponsor EKA.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact yoko@vica.com as soon as possible to secure your sponsorship.
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San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame
June 8 | 5:30 PM
The Garland
Join VICA members, business leaders and officeholders as we honor members of our community during a garden reception, program, dinner and dessert.
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If you are interested in attending and want to register, email Cathy at cathy@vica.com or click the button below. | |
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email Yoko at yoko@vica.com. For more information on sponsorships, click the button below. | |
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Aviation Committee
Tuesday, April 18
Noon - 1:30
Hosted by Aerolease-Aeroplex Group
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, April 19
Noon - 2:00
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Labor & Employment Committee
Wednesday, May 3
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Hosted by Sun Hill Properties/
Hilton Universal City
RSVP
Transportation Committee
Tuesday, May 9
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Education Committee
Thursday, May 4
8:30 - 10:00 AM
Hosted by LA Valley College
RSVP
Not-for-Profit Committee
Wednesday, May 10
8:30 - 10:00 AM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Feinstein Faces Calls to Resign
Weeks after announcing she had been diagnosed with shingles, Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s extended absence from the Senate has left Democrats in a tight spot given the party’s slim majority in the chamber, spurring some high-profile calls for her resignation. Without Feinstein, who at 89 is the oldest sitting senator, the confirmation of President Biden’s judicial and administrative nominees has been complicated. Late Wednesday, Feinstein’s office released a statement acknowledging the delays at the Judiciary Committee and announcing that she has asked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer “to allow another Democratic senator to temporarily serve until I’m able to resume my committee work.”
Newsom Concludes Southern Tour
Coming off a tour of the deep south, Newsom sat down Sunday with former White House press secretary-turned MSNBC host Jen Psaki to talk about everything that he thinks is wrong with the country — and how Democrats can do something about it. For Newsom, it was a chance to re-up the efforts of his newly launched Campaign for Democracy PAC, which he spent the last week promoting in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Newsom said the campaign is about “meeting the moment."
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LA City Council Reappoints Hutt
The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to reappoint Heather Hutt as the interim replacement for former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, despite objections from critics who labeled the move undemocratic. On an 11-1 vote, Hutt was chosen to remain on the council through December 2024. Hutt was first chosen as an interim council member for the 10th District in September. The decision to extend her tenure another 20 months means the 10th, which stretches from Koreatown to the Crenshaw Corridor, will likely end up going more than three years without its voters choosing their own representative.
LA County Keeps Certain COVID Rules
While he was a Pikachu-costume-wearing, corgi-toting leftist candidate, Kenneth Mejia’s unorthodox style helped fuel his insurgent campaign for Los Angeles city controller. But less than six months after Mejia, 32, trounced a career politician to win the job, two former employees allege that he created an uncomfortable work environment where personal boundaries were often blurred both in the controller’s office and on the campaign. Mejia’s office denied the accusations and said the alleged issues were never brought up with Mejia or other senior team members before being shared on social media this week.
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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 yoko@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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