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BOOSTING EXPORTS. Chamber members and local manufacturing companies met with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk, above, on Friday for a discussion on the domestic challenges and barriers faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) entering the global marketplace. The USTR recently launched an initiative to boost exports by SMEs in the United States to grow jobs. "American companies of all sizes must export their goods and services to get our economy growing again," said Ambassador Kirk. The Chamber is proud to work closely with the USTR to support exports by SMEs. Contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569 or jgonzalez@lachamber.com.
Chamber advocates for fixing broken business tax practices
 The L.A. City Council is moving closer to creating a new Internet-based business tax category and a review of the city's broken business tax auditing process. Hundreds of Internet-based businesses may face a 500 percent tax increase due to confusion over how to classify them under the city's tax code. The Chamber supports creating the new category at the lowest-possible tax rate to give these firms the financial certainty they need to stay in Los Angeles. The Chamber also urged Council to review the Department of Finance’s tax auditing process, which unfairly targets certain businesses. The Chamber presented the city with an economic study quantifying the impact of these policies on L.A.’s ability to attract and retain internet companies. Final action is expected next month. The Chamber will continue to partner with the mayor’s office and Council President Eric Garcetti to push for quick action. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or sgarrison@lachamber.com.
Chamber members encouraged to apply for redistricting committee
 The 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission, which will be tasked with redrawing state Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization districts after the 2010 census is complete, is currently seeking applications. The Commission was created by the 2008 ballot initiative Proposition 11, co-sponsored by the Chamber. Apply now or contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or sgarrison@lachamber.com.
Southern California Leadership Network recruiting for Leadership L.A. 2010
 SCLN is now accepting applications for Leadership L.A. 2010, a nine-month leadership development program in partnership with the Chamber for business, government and nonprofit leaders seeking to add or enhance their community leadership roles, and to study the people and issues shaping L.A. City and County today. Fellows will experience an in-depth look at issues like education, health care, arts and culture, and public safety, while meeting with local leaders and forming meaningful relationships with their fellow participants. Chamber members receive a 10 percent credit on tuition. Read more or download an application. Deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 1. Contact April Tam, 213.580.7524 or atam@lachamber.com.
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Congress this week approved the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act that included $2.5 billion to purchase 10 new Boeing C-17 Globemaster III planes. With the C-17 program intact, the plant will continue to run until mid-2012 and will save about 5,000 jobs. 
