JOB CREATION AT WORK. The Chamber joined L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and Shopzilla President Bill Glass for the signing of an Internet Business Tax Ordinance on Monday at the Westside Internet firm Shopzilla. "We are sending a message loud and clear that Los Angeles will fight to keep good-paying and high-growth jobs in our city," said Villaraigosa. The Chamber worked with the City to maintain a lower tax rate for the growing Internet industry and retain several Internet-based businesses and hundreds of jobs in Los Angeles. Above from left: Villaraigosa, Garcetti, Rosendahl, Glass, Shopzilla General Counsel Blythe Holden and Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. Read more.

Chamber asks for more review on a proposed electric rate hike
The L.A. City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to review the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power's proposed electric rate hikes package. The rate hikes would boost bills 9 percent to 28 percent by April 2011, depending on where customers live and how much power they consume. "We understand the importance of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power balancing its budget and paying for the higher cost of renewable energy," testified Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. "But for government to do this at the expense of more lost jobs in business is not in the best interests of our community or the citizens of Los Angeles." Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or sgarrison@lachamber.com.

Chamber hears from PBS Host Huell Howser on California's many resources
Everyone has a story to tell, said PBS Host Huell Howser at the Occidental Petroleum Power Hour Series on Tuesday at the Chamber. "In the simplest things you can have a wonderful, inspiring story," Howser said, encouraging people to go out and explore the city and state that we live in. Howser also discussed the water challenge in the state, saying that unfortunately there is still a disconnect on where water originates in California. Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595 or pclark@lachamber.com.

Chamber applauds Governor and Legislature for action on job-creating bills
The Chamber commends Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California State Legislature for their recent action on the Homebuyers Tax Credit bill (AB 183) and the sales tax exemption for clean technology manufacturing equipment (SB 71). First introduced by Gov. Schwarzenegger as a part of his jobs package, these two pieces of legislation will stimulate the State’s economy and create jobs. The homebuyers tax credit, an extension and expansion of a program enacted last year, will apply to first-time buyers who buy new or existing homes between May 1-Dec. 31, 2010 and will offer 5 percent off (up to $10,000) the purchase price. The targeted sales tax exemption for clean-tech manufacturing applies to the purchase of equipment for advanced transportation, renewable energy and other clean technology projects. Contact Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or sgarrison@lachamber.com.

Wells Fargo recognized for community involvement United Way recently recognized Wells Fargo with a Summit Award for exceptional volunteerism as a testament to actions the company and its employees took to improve lives and local communities. "Community involvement is an essential part of the Wells Fargo culture from top to bottom," said United Way Worldwide Executive Vice President Atul Tandon. "This year, Wells Fargo championed their local communities across the nation and rallied team members to become the largest employee campaign in the entire U.S." Read more. Want your good news featured here? Click here to learn more.