Chamber advocates for business on proposed LADWP vote increase issue

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	In This Issue This Week At The Chamber Read the latest happenings Member News Read good news from Chamber members Hot Issues Take action today


	Coming Up At The Chamber



	FRI \| April 2 Education & Workforce Development Committee Meeting more info \| register TUE \| April 6 Special Briefing with Rep. Xavier Becerra for a small business discussion BY INVITATION ONLY FRI \| April 9 Special Briefing with Rep. Nydia Velázquez Small Business Conversation with the House Small Business Committee Chair more info \| register TUE \| April 13 Referral Network Grow your business more info \| register TUE \| April 13 Business Ratepayer Briefing A joint Energy, Water & Environment and Transportation Committees Meeting more info \| register WED \| April 14 Small Business Owners Roundtable Money Management Tools more info \| register View all upcoming events on our Web Calendar

	Overheard



	"Global awareness, plus cultural awareness, plus language acquisition, equals more choices, and more options for these students." —Global Initiatives Council Chair Elizabeth Glynn, UCLA Extension, at a World Trade Week briefing for Los Angeles Unified School District educators and counselors last week at the Chamber.
	Media Highlights



	L.A. Council, DWP fight over electricity rate hike Los Angeles Times, April 1 Read more L.A. Area Chamber's suggestion for DWP Rate Hike LAObserved.com, March 30 Read more Mayor Offers "Compromise Plan" for DWP Rate Hikes NBC Los Angeles, March 29 Read more

SAN DIEGO AND THE CROSSBORDER REGION. The Leadership Southern California Class of 2010 took part in a two-day session last week that focused on the issues and people shaping San Diego and the crossborder area. Above, Fellows take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Otay Mesa Cargo & Passenger Ports of Entry with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for a firsthand look at how technology is changing the way both cargo and individuals are crossing the border and keeping the region safe. Read more on Twitter @SCLN.

LADWP electricity rate hike issue continues
The L.A. City Council vetoed Wednesday night an increase of 0.7 cents per kilowatt hour rate approved by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Board of Commissioners. The increase would have resulted in an immediate 5.7 percent electricity rate hike for residents and businesses. The decision means that no new rate increases can be enacted prior to July 1, 2010 since LADWP can only raise rates on the first day of a new fiscal quarter, per state law. To learn more about the Chamber's position on this issue, read a letter to Chamber members from Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or [email protected].

Chamber small businesses discuss how to improve business during tough times
Small business owners heard encouragement on what the future holds at the Small Business Council and Small Business Owners Roundtable on Wednesday. "Change your mindset," said Douglas Kolker, Summit Selling Systems, Inc. "If we continue to buy into economic reports and keep thinking, 'Woe is me,' what will be the outcome?" Panelists encouraged owners to reach out to their peers for advice and provided tips on maintaining employee morale. Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595 or [email protected].

Win tickets to Chamber events by following us on Twitter
In April the Chamber will ask a question a week over a three-week period on Twitter @LAAreaChamber. Be the first follower to retweet the question with your answer, and you could win tickets to either the World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast on Monday, May 3 or tickets to the next Occidental Power Hour, with the founders of California Pizza Kitchen on Thursday, May 6. Follow us on Twitter today to participate. Contact Monika Medina, 213.580.7516 or [email protected].


	L.A. Care Health Plan gives $500,000 grant to reopen hospital L.A. Care Health Plan will give Los Angeles County a $500,000 grant to fund a planning process for the reopening of Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital in Willowbrook. The money will be used primarily to establish a new independent, nonprofit corporation to manage and oversee the new hospital, expected to open in 2012. Read more. Chamber Board Member nominated to State Board of Education Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently appointed Chamber Board Member Alan Arkatov, Changing.edu, to the State Board of Education. Arkatov has served as president of Changing.edu since 2008. Previously he was chief strategy officer for The Rogers Group from 2005 to 2008 and national education practice chair and Southern California chief executive officer for Burson-Marsteller from 2003 to 2005. Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.


	MEMBER Spotlight





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	Hot Issues



	Voice support for education bill Chamber-sponsored AB 2211 would expand quality work-based learning programs for students by encouraging school districts and employers to create work experience programs that reinforce academic learning. Quality work-based leaning programs help students relate what they are learning in the classroom to the real world. AB 2211 will be heard in the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday, April 7. Take action today. Filming in L.A. jumps 25 percent On-location filming activity for feature films, television and commercials rose 25 percent during the first three months of 2010 compared with the same period last year, according to FilmL.A. Inc. Read more.
	MEMBER BENEFITS



	Adding value to your Chamber membership HR Tip of the Month What, if any, are the exceptions to an employee's right to inspect their personnel records? In California, an employee must be permitted to inspect the file after giving reasonable notice, during their own time, and generally no more than once per year. An employer may refuse to let the employee inspect the investigation of a possible criminal offense or letters of reference. They are entitled to a copy of anything they have signed. Copies of payroll records are an exception. Employees must be provided copies within 21 days.
	MEMBER Spotlight



	Monday, April, 12, 7:30 p.m. Broad Stage, West L.A. Join Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks for an intimate and unforgettable evening as they lead an all-star cast at the 20th Anniversary Simply Shakespeare reading. Featuring Ewan McGregor and Helen Hunt, with live music by Jackson Browne. For tickets to this exclusive event, call Judy Levy 310.201.5033.

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com

Thursday | April 1, 2010