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SMALL BUSINESS ... BIG DREAMS
More than 400 small business owners and supporters joined the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Chamber on Wednesday in celebrating the power of small businesses at the annual Small Business Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. "We entrepreneuers are mostly optimists," said keynote speaker Linda Griego, president and CEO of business management company Griego Enterprises, Inc., saying that economic downturns provide both opportunities and challenges. Contact David Eads, 213.580.7546. Above, title supporter Wells Fargo representatives with more than 12 award winners honored at the luncheon. View photo gallery. Photo by ImageActive.
Chamber Foundation receives grant from Walmart Foundation
 The Chamber Foundation this week received an $800,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation that will be used to create an additional 447 summer jobs for local youth. The Chamber is a key partner in the City’s HIRE LA’s Youth summer jobs campaign, which places young adults 16-21 in entry-level jobs. The Chamber actively recruits employers to provide jobs and get involved in Jobs Skills Workshops and Work Readiness Certification sessions where youth are prepared for entry-level work. “Companies like Walmart truly make the difference," said Chamber Senior Vice President of Education & Workforce Development David Rattray. "If they didn’t step up, less youth would have the ability to benefit from this positive summer work experience.” Contact David Rattray, 213.580.7515.
Business tax reform advances
 On Wednesday, the City of Los Angeles' Jobs and Business Development Committee voted 2-1 to approve a recommendation to begin reducing the business gross receipts tax and simplifying classification, with the goal of eventual elimination after 15 years. The Chamber testified in support of the proposal, developed by the Business Tax Advisory Committee. The first phase of the plan, which will consolidate nine classes into three and reduce top rates to .255 percent over five years, will now move forward for consideration by the full City Council. To support reform, we are compiling a list business leaders willing to provide written or oral testimony on the impact of the gross receipts tax on their business. If your company has a story to share, contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
Business leaders announce regional workforce skills gaps
 America’s Edge and local business leaders joined the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Council Friday to announce a report urging support for an education approach that addresses significant skills gaps for many job fields in California. Can California Compete? Reducing the Skills Gap and Building a Skilled Workforce through Linked Learning, stated that nearly half of California jobs are in "middle skills" occupations — requiring education beyond a high school diploma but less than a college degree. Only 38 percent of California workers have the skills to fill these positions, creating a nearly 10-percentage-point skills gap. “This report proves that California is simply not doing enough to prepare students for ongoing education and employment in a competitive, global market,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of Education & Workforce Development David Rattray, above. Contact Sonia Campos-Rivera, 213.580.7538.
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Citibank N.A. recently announced the appointment of Lisa Deloney as market president for Los Angeles, a new role within its U.S. Consumer and Commercial Banking Business. Deloney, who joined Citibank in 1986, will collaborate with Citi teams across the greater Los Angeles area as well as community stakeholders, businesses, civic organizations and government partners to ensure strong local engagement. “We are committed to the L.A. community and I am excited about the opportunity to further engage with the people and businesses, community and civic leaders in this great market,” said Deloney. 
