On Tuesday, VICA traveled to Sacramento for our second Advocacy Day trip of the year. President Stuart Waldman and VICA members met with legislators to discuss pending legislation and business policy priorities. 

The VICA delegation met with Assemblymembers Heath Flora, Vince Fong, Tim Grayson, and Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma. They also met with senior staff of Assemblymembers Jim Cooper and Adrin Nazarian. The delegation's advocacy focused on opposing bills that will raise taxes on businesses and California families; increasing investment in workforce development initiatives; and extending film credits for filming in California, among other pressing issues. 

 

Make sure your voice is heard: bring VICA your issues by emailing [email protected], and don't miss your chance to speak directly to our legislators at VICA's Sacramento Advocacy Days. The next dates are on March 20 and April 17 - see the full list of dates here. 

VICA opposes Senate Bill 946 by Senator Lara, which would prohibit cities from adopting rules or regulations related to sidewalk vending without first implementing a licensing program. Even then, regulations limiting the number of vendors or requiring the consent of neighboring businesses would be prohibited. Over the years, VICA has worked with the Los Angeles City Council to create sensible solutions for street vending that does not interfere with traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. 

 

SB 946 would impact small businesses across the state, especially in the San Fernando Valley. Without proper regulations, business owners will experience interruptions in their daily operations and will be forced to compete with sidewalk vendors who station themselves in front of their stores. Unregulated sidewalk vending jeopardizes public safety and neighborhood character. 

Cities should be allowed to implement comprehensive sidewalk vending policies that make sense for their community. This bill oversteps the state's bounds and is highly irresponsible, harming brick-and-mortar businesses. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Globe Theatre at  Universal Studios Hollywood

Don't miss this opportunity for Valley business leaders to connect with state lawmakers in an informal and fun setting, during our Annual State Officeholders Dinner. 

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS: 

(as of 2/9)

SENATORS Ben Allen Bob Hertzberg Holly Mitchell Josh Newman Henry Stern BOARD OF EQUALIZATION Fiona Ma

ASSEMBLYMEMBERS Dante Acosta Heath Flora Vince Fong   Jim Frazier Laura Friedman Mike Gipson Tim Grayson Miguel Santiago

Join more than 200 civic and business leaders for the region's premier advocacy trip to the nation's capitol. Attendees will meet with Congress and senior Administration officials on priorities important to Southern California.

Join the VICA delegation for exclusive advocacy meetings, briefings, lunch with a member of Congress, and an optional VICA dinner.

DATES: Tuesday March 13 - Thursday March 16

CONFERENCE HOTEL:  JW Marriott · Group rate available

Early Bird registration fee: $750 (before February 13)

Registration fee after February 13: $850

This week, VICA President Stuart Waldman, Vice President Jessica Yasukochi, Membership Director Helene Chemel, and Office Manager Cathy Mendoza joined hundreds of fellow business association professionals at the Annual Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) Conference in Henderson, Nev. 

The yearly conference organized by W.A.C.E. is billed as the premier professional development event for business association professionals in the Western United States. This year's theme, "Get in the Game: Make your Chamber a Winner," reflected the conference's focus on ensuring business groups continue to demonstrate value to their members, while adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of doing business.