|
|
|
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE L.A. AREA CHAMBER
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce wishes our members and friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for your support and partnership in making a difference in the economy of the Los Angeles region. The Chamber's office will be closed starting Thursday, Nov. 22, reopening Monday, Nov. 26. Read more.
L.A. City Council places sales tax increase on ballot
 On Tuesday, the L.A. City Council voted 11-4 to place a half-cent sales tax increase on the March ballot to fund public safety and general city services. In moving forward with the sales tax, proposals for a parcel tax and increases to the documentary transfer fee and city parking tax were shelved. The sales tax initiative will need 50 percent plus one voter approval to pass. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
Chamber members receive 2013 global economic outlook
 At the last Global Initiatives Council meeting of the year, Deloitte LLP Director of Global Economics Dr. Ira Kalish presented his 2013 global economic outlook, detailing issues from the recession in Europe and the state of U.S. consumer confidence to the housing market and impending fiscal cliff. "The fact that the U.S. has not gone into recession despite the situation in Europe is actually a sign that our economy is fairly resilient and is growing," said Dr. Kalish. He also described the need for trained workers, explaining that the past 30 years have seen exponential growth in people entering college, but hardly a budge in the number of people graduating from college. "What we need to do is invest in human capital." Contact Jasmin Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.
Chamber addresses L.A.'s energy and
water concerns
 At the final Energy, Water & Environmental Sustainability Council meeting of the year, members heard from Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) General Manager Ron Nichols on DWP's Owens Lake lawsuit. Nichols explained that the DWP has already spent $1.2 billion to reduce dust pollution by 90 percent at Owens Lake, but that regulators are mandating DWP spend an additional $400 million to reduce dust they did not create. Members also heard from Southern California Edison Vice President Veronica Gutierrez who spoke about the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station (SONGS) and its potentially negative impact on energy affordability and reliability in the region. The nuclear plant, which is the single largest source of electricity in Southern California, "provides critical voltage support for the region." Gutierrez requested that the Chamber urge regulators to not politicize the regulatory processes currently underway and that the cost of not restarting SONGS be factored into their decision-making process." Contact Frank Lopez, 213.580.7573.
|
|
|
|
PVJOBS held its "Transforming Lives & Communities" luncheon Nov. 16, honoring Hensel Phelps Construction as the Contractor of the Year for its work in implementing a successful local hiring program while redeveloping the Martin Luther King Jr. Inpatient Tower in Watts. John Reamer, City of L.A. Director of the Bureau of Contract Administration, was also awarded for advocating hiring programs that benefit at-risk residents. Additionally, PVJOBS honored four program participants: a veteran, two community college students and an ex-offender, for transforming their lives.
