Advocacy & Issues

Please use our site to assist your Chamber or Business with your own advocacy.

Below you will find links to your legislators and issues that United Chambers has taken positions on. The links will take you to your legislators emails and office information and you can click on a sample letter to use for your own advocacy. Feel free to use the letters as samples that you can just change your business or chamber name on, or use parts of the letter as the framework for your own letter. Please give us a call if we can assist you in any way at 818.981.4491 or email to: DebiSchultze@UnitedChambers.org.

Find your Legislator! City of Los Angeles California State Senators California State Assembly Congress

ACTION UPDATES

May 2, 2008

~ United Chambers’ Board of Directors Endorse Bernard Parks for County Supervisor

In an unprecedented move, United Chambers’ Board of Directors voted to endorse Bernard Parks for Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 2, this week. It is the first time, since opening their doors in 1977 that United Chambers has endorsed a candidate for office. “The Board of Directors felt strongly about endorsing Bernard Parks in this race,” stated Stephen T. Holzer, Board Chairman. “He has demonstrated his ability to understand business issues and work with the business community which is very important to our members.”

“After discussing the candidate’s voting records, we felt Bernard Parks’ strengths and abilities offered more to the business community,” said Sean McCarthy, Governmental Affairs Co-Chairman. “His experience on the City Council and as Former Chief of Police gives him the tools to understand the issues facing the County Board of Supervisors.”

United Chambers of Commerce encourages you to support Mr. Parks in the election to replace Supervisor Yvonne Burke, District 2, on June 3, 2008.

~ United Chambers Supports Governor’s Budget Stabilization Act

United Chambers’ Board of Directors voted to support Governor Schwarzenegger’s Budget Stabilization Act. The Budget Stabilization Act will set in place a system of checks and balances that will give our state greater fiscal stability. “The time is now and long overdue to put our state finances in order,” stated Chairman of the Board, Stephen T. Holzer. “Businesses throughout California face budget strains and understand the concept of reining in expenses and saving for a rainy day. We applaud the Governor for taking action now that will provide California with stability for years to come,” stated Debi Schultze, President & CEO.

~ United Chambers Supports Councilman Zine’s Proposed Amendment to Special Order 40

The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley and Region has voted to support Councilman Zine’s Motion, which would bring much-needed revision to LAPD’s Special Order 40 by enacting “Jamiel’s Law.” We applaud Councilman Zine’s courage in addressing this critical matter. If enacted as a City policy, his Motion would assist our police officers by clarifying the meaning of Special Order 40 and would assist the community by reducing gang activity.

We also suggested that, in addition to the proposed amendment, Special Order 40 be further revised to direct LAPD to cooperate with federal immigration officials when an undocumented alien is booked for any criminal offense. Such direction to the police would properly enhance the deportation of undocumented aliens who have illegally entered the United States.

~ United Chambers Submits Comments on Mayor’s Budget

United Chambers submitted five pages of comments and ideas to either cut expenses or increase revenues for the Mayor’s proposed budget for the City of Los Angeles. Comments and ideas were generated by United Chambers’ members. The City Council is currently holding hearings on the budget.

~ United Chambers Opposes City’s Point of Sale Ordinance

United Chambers’ Board members voted to oppose the City’s Point of Sale Ordinance and encouraged the City to continue the current 50/50 program it has for residents and suggested extending the program to business owners also.

~ United Chambers Gathers Signatures for the Safe Neighborhood Act

The statewide initiative by Senator Runner and Assemblymember Runner targets criminal street gangs, felons with guns, and drug dealers with focused penalties, and provides sustainable funding to our local police, sheriffs and prosecutors.

April 9, 2008

~ United Chambers is on the Move…Literally

Last week, United Chambers moved into our new office space. We are located in the same building and have the same address but a much bigger office space that will allow for our growth and better service to our members and the business community. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. (Valley Corporate Center, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste. 208, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 * 818.981.4491)

~ Working with the CalChamber, United Chambers has supported the following bills on behalf of business:

AB 2127 (Benoit) Flexible Work Schedules (Died in Committee- Party Line Vote- 4/9/08)
Letters were sent to all Committee Members for hearing on April 9, 2008.

SB 1539 (Calderon) Meal Period Laws (Passed Committee – 4/9/08)
Letters were sent to all Committee Members for hearing on April 9, 2008.

A Big Thank You to Senator Padilla for supporting this bill. United Chambers received this message from the California Chamber: “Your chamber and its members made a difference!!! Your letters to Senator Padilla had an impact and he voted in favor of this legislation. NICE JOB. YOU ROCK!” Cathryn Mesch, Grassroots Coordinator, CalChamber.~

~ Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, United Chambers Supports the Colombia Free Trade Agreement and Receives Kudos

United Chambers has submitted letters of support to our Congressional Representatives and has written an Op-Ed piece for the support of Free Trade with Colombia that will have great benefits for businesses that export to Colombia. United Chambers received the following message from the U.S. Chamber: “Kudos to you- you were the only organization in the entire country that got an op/ed placed on this subject. It is noted in this memo from our shop to the White House… You guys are always at the top of the list when it comes to business advocacy for MOC and you always deliver- thanks,” Matt Klemin, Manager, Western Regional Office, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

~ Working with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Common Cause and other organizations, United Chambers is gathering signatures for a Redistricting Initiative

United Chambers has been gathering signatures that would place a Redistricting Initiative on the November 2008 ballot that would take redistricting of Assembly and Senate seats out of the hands of the legislature. Signature petitions are still being circulated and the deadline for signatures is fast approaching so come by the office to sign one.

January 30, 2008

~ California Insurance Commissioner Visits United Chambers

Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner was the Keynote Speaker at United Chambers’ 32^nd Annual Celebrating Business Recognition Dinner held on January 18, 2008.

Poizner is cracking down on insurance fraud and called on all business leaders to report fraud to help solve this problem. He also informed the audience about the office of the Insurance Commissioner. Poizner’s comments to over 200 business leaders were very well received and we thank the Commissioner for coming to the Valley.

Along with Poizner, Assemblymember Cameron Smyth served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Elected Officials attending the event included: Congressman Brad Sherman, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, LAUSD Board Member Julie Korenstein, Calabasas City Councilmember Dennis Washburn, LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore and Former Assemblyman Keith Richman.

~ Writers and Producers meet with United Chambers

Representatives from the Writers Guild and Producers Association recently met with members of United Chambers to discuss the issues surrounding the Writers Strike. Both sides stressed that they wanted to settle the strike as soon as possible and that new talks are being scheduled with the hopes of settling soon. Both sides also acknowledged the hardship the strike is causing small businesses.

United Chambers encourages the Writers and Producers to engage in talks that will lead to the end of this strike. “Businesses are already being hurt from the down-turn of the economy and on top of that there is a strike that is hurting many, many businesses throughout our communities, stated Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers. “Businesses need to get back to business and workers need to get back to work for all to thrive, it is imperative that this impasse ends, she remarked.

~ United Chambers Joins New Organization “BizFed” To Strengthen The Voice of Business County-Wide

On January 29, 2008, United Chambers joined with 43 other Chambers, Business Organizations and Trade Associations County-wide, to launch a new grassroots coalition of businesses and business leaders giving business a collective voice on the issues that mean the most to the business community. On the steps of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, business leaders gathered to kick-off the new organization and release the recent member survey noting the three main issues businesses want addressed: commuting time, gang and crime activity and K-12 Education.

United Chambers is serving as a Founding Member and Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers is serving as a Founding Officer for the organization. By joining BizFed, United Chambers is enhancing the value we give our members and providing them with more of the tools they need to be effective in advocating for business. We will keep you updated on the progress of this new alliance.

~ Member of United Chambers Tours Sacramento Delta

Sean McCarthy, Chair of Government Affairs for United Chambers joined Metropolitan Water District and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce members for a tour of the Sacramento Delta to see first hand how the delta performs but also the problems surrounding the Delta. Sean reported, “that the Delta is a fragile state asset in need of immediate attention. As the source of 30% of Southern California’s water it must be repaired and protected for our region’s present and future vitality. We must protect the thousands of Delta residents whose homes are at or below sea level in what are also called “holes.” The state needs to avert a real disaster. Unrelated conflicts between agricultural concerns and Northern California cities are a side issue and should be dealt with separately. The cost of repair is approximately $1.5 Billion.”

~ Congratulations to United Chambers Award Winners!

Seven Businesses and Business Leaders were honored at United Chambers 32^nd Annual Celebrating Business Recognition Dinner on January 18, 2008. Awards were presented to the following:

Small Business of the Year: Deats Design and Mooney Industries

Medium Business of the Year: Gelb Group, A Family of Companies

Large Business of the Year: Northeast Valley Health Corporation

Individual of the Year: Lulu Mercado

Public Safety Official of the Year: LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore

Tami Ginsburg Service Award: Lee McTaggart

Chairman’s Award: Sean McCarthy

Chairman’s Unsung Hero Award: Joel Simon

Chairman’s True Blue Award: Lee McTaggart

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the Chambers for submitting your nominations. The Valley is so lucky to have so many great Chambers of Commerce and so many great businesses and business leaders to chose from!

January 15, 2008

~ UNITED CHAMBERS GOES TO SACRAMENTO

Debi Schultze, United Chambers President & CEO was invited to the Capital Rotunda in Sacramento for the Governor and First Lady's Reception following the State of the State Address by the Governor on January 8, 2008. She attended the Cal Chamber's viewing of the State of the State and then traveled to the Rotunda for the private reception. "The Governor shook our hand and thanked us for attending and all that we do. We were also able to network with other Chamber's in attendance and elected officials," stated Schultze. Debi commented, "that the trip was very worthwhile as she was able to nurture relationships and meet new elected officials and people who can help United Chambers in our endeavors."

~ UNITED CHAMBERS TAKES ACTION ON PROP 92

United Chambers members in attendance at the January 9, 2008 General Assembly meeting, voted to support Prop 92, the Community College Initiative. According to Debi Schultze, President of United Chambers, “United Chambers members voted to support the financing of Community Colleges by providing the colleges for the first time with their own budget rather then fighting for funding with local public grammar and high schools.”

~ UNITED CHAMBERS TAKES ACTION ON PROP S

United Chambers members voted to oppose Measure S, the TUT which seeks to replace the current TUT with a new telecommunications tax. Depending on the outcome of pending litigation, the city may lose $275 Million if Measure S is defeated. However, despite the claims of the TUT proponents, the impact on essential city services is far from certain. What is equally likely is that, if the tax passes, the city will eventually tax voice over IP and text messaging resulting in Millions of dollars in new taxes. United Chambers believes that it is a bad idea to relax present legal prohibitions against taxing the Internet.

~ UNITED CHAMBERS STATEMENT ON THE LA RIVER PLAN

United Chambers of Commerce releases statement on the Los Angeles River Revitalization plan: It reads as follows:

United Chambers of Commerce is supportive of efforts to beautify the City of Los Angeles through civic beautification efforts like the LA River Revitalization plan. United Chambers of Commerce believes that the River project has the potential to be a great citywide asset.

While the development of the River will take several decades, United Chambers of Commerce believes there are critical issues like eminent domain, governance, policing responsibility and others that have not been adequately addressed. The City of Los Angeles and United Chambers of Commerce must continue to work to resolve these issues. The City and United Chambers should work together to change the project’s rules and regulations where necessary based on the facts and fundamental fairness.

At all times we are committed to protecting and promoting businesses within and near by the River project area. River revitalization must not come at the cost of business or local residents. Above all, public safety must be the projects’ top priority.

United Chambers of Commerce appreciated the willingness of Los Angeles City officials to explain the River Revitalization plan. However, many business leaders are still unaware that there is a River plan. The City of Los Angeles must work with the United Chambers to do more effective public outreach.

United Chambers of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to work with Los Angeles city planners and the city council to make the LA River Revitalization a project we can all be proud of.