EXPLORING EXPORTS. Export-Import Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg discussed the current role and future plans of Ex-Im Bank in relation to President Barack Obama's National Export Initiative at a special briefing Friday at the Chamber. The key to successful exporting, he said, is creating strong and efficient trade routes to connect the economies of the world. "We're trying to find more innovative ways to open markets for U.S. companies," Hochberg said. "The Chamber is an alliance. Frankly, we can't do our work without partners like the Chamber." Above, Hochberg addresses the audience. View photo gallery.

California Connections launches this week in San Francisco Bay Area
"The business of leadership comes from building relationships with people," said former Mayor of San Francisco and Speaker of the Assembly Willie Brown at a dinner with participants of Southern California Leadership Network's California Connections program Wednesday. Brown discussed the challenges of strict term limits and political musical chairs, saying that "there's no opportunity to solve any of the issues at hand because you can't influence them, because you've already got a due date when you expire. Now it's come to playing politics." Participants also heard from San Francisco Chief of Police George Gascón and will continue to study land use, health care innovation and Southern California's water supply over the three-day program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Follow on Twitter @SCLN. From left, Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben talks with Brown. Contact Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or kcottrell@lachamber.com.

Chamber hears from L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel on doing business in L.A.
L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel discussed her office's recent follow-up audit of the Department of City Planning's case processing activities on Wednesday at a joint Land Use, Construction & Housing and Jobs & Business Growth Committees meeting. Greuel is urging the City to implement the 12 to 2 proposal that was introduced to streamline the permitting process more than two years ago. "It's important to change the feeling people have about doing business in the City," Greuel said. "Let's look at long-term fixes, we should not try to just get through this year." Greuel said that her office is trying to ensure that audits are scheduled for public hearing in the appropriate committee and that they don't just disappear. Contact Beverly Kenworthy, 213.580.7531 or bkenworthy@lachamber.com.

Chamber members can learn how to sharpen their edge on competition
The Chamber will be kicking off The Connection Point Series 2010, "Tactics for Tough Times" on Thursday, May 13. The five-part series, facilitated by Mimi Donaldson, MimiSpeaks! Inc., will give participants the opportunity to define a personal action plan for success, motivate difficult people, protect and manage time, master the skill of marketing when networking and manage opportunities. Sign up for just one program or for the entire series. Register now or contact Bridget Netter, 323.957.0576 or bnetter@lchamber.com.

Microsoft and Chamber to host Smart + Simple Strategies for Small Business Microsoft is on a tour across the country to partner with organizations on an interactive seminar that will help businesses increase productivity and boost their bottom line. Experience a variety of valuable small business sessions and networking opportunities on Tuesday, May 25 at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown. Be among the first to find out about new technology that goes everywhere you do, and has the tools you need to overcome the challenges that you face every day. Register now. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.