CHAMBER RECEIVES PRESIDENT'S "E STAR" AWARD AT WHITE HOUSE
Today at an awards ceremony at the White House, the Chamber received the President's "E Star" Award for Export Service in recognition of our continued achievement in making significant contributions to the increase of U.S. exports. "This Administration is committed to leveling the playing field for American businesses and workers to help U.S. companies build things here and sell them around the world," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, above at the ceremony today. "It is organizations like the L.A. Area Chamber that are helping to grow our economy and put more Americans back to work." Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.
Above from left, Secretary Bryson, Chamber Vice President of Global Initiatives Carlos J. Valderrama and Congressmember Janice Hahn. Photo by: RDavid Original Photography


Businesses meet with Mayor on waste haul franchise proposal
This week, the Chamber organized a meeting with executives from businesses across a wide swath of industries, including hospitals, studios, logistics and property owners with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to discuss the waste haul franchise proposal the City is considering. Executives discussed their relationships with their waste haulers and the challenges and expense they would face under an exclusive franchise system. The Chamber will continue to work with the mayor and L.A. City Council on a program that addresses environmental concerns while representing the financial interest of business owners and allowing small haulers who meet a set of standard to remain in business. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber voices concerns over Clean Up Green Up proposal
In the L.A. City Council Planning & Land Use Management Committee meeting this week, the Chamber expressed concern and posed a number of questions regarding the Clean Up Green Up initiative. This motion would create a "green zone" pilot program in the communities of Pacoima, Boyle Heights and Wilmington, and implement new regulations on new and expanding businesses. The Chamber urged the Council to work closely with businesses to ensure the initiative is vetted in a transparent manner and contains economically sound practices and policies that do not hinder business growth in the City. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

L.A. City Council approves responsible banking ordinance
The L.A. City Council unanimously approved the responsible banking ordinance this week, which requires banks that have contracts with the City to provide information on foreclosures, bank branches, how many people they employ in low-income communities and the amount of small business and homes loans provided. Since the motion was introduced last year, the Chamber successfully advocated for the removal of a grading system and new regulation that would have been costly and duplicative for banks and the City. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber member to receive honor at World Trade Week luncheon Patty Senecal, Western States Petroleum Association, will receive the 2012 International Achievement Award on Thursday, May 24 at the International Business Association's World Trade Week 2012 luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Register now or read more. Click here to submit your member good news.