Two-Way Street

John Bowles, the first chairman of the United Chambers of Commerce [UCC] in 1976, advocated “a principle that worked very well a bicentennial ago when the 13 colonies formed the United States of America to function for all in the larger matters of interest, but let the colonies continue as units serving more local interests.”

The UCC has evolved since 1976, but the basic tenant remains.

The UCC is NOT a chamber and does not compete with ANY Chamber or any of our strategic partners.  We all have our niche in the Valley.  The UCC is a resource to member chambers for advocacy to legislative agencies, for their boards and for communication throughout the Valley for business. 

Forums to evaluate candidates for elected office in the San Fernando Valley, seminars to educate and enlighten chamber board members & execs and committees which create regional policy are a few of the methods employed to serve member chambers of the United Chambers of Commerce. 

More so than any other committee, the Governmental Affairs Committee [GAC] is the vehicle for UCC to REFLECT its member chambers.  The monthly meeting [3^rd Monday at noon in the BFG Board Room of 5121 Van Nuys Blvd.] is the opportunity for delegates to bring opinions from their chambers to shape policy on a myriad of issues.  The decisions made at those meetings are recorded, forwarded to the legislators, council people, press, and our member chambers.  Finally, issues of interest to our member chambers are both tracked and advocated by the UCC GAC via continuing letter writing/fax/phone call lobbying campaigns.  One issue presently under review is the break-up of the LAUSD.  The Senate and Assembly bills now being considered were represented by sponsors Senator Runner and Asemblyman Richman, who presented their positions at our March meeting.  Though these bills have both been killed in their respective committees, the UCC will continue to advocate for the breakup of the LAUSD as outlined in Runner and Richman’s proposal. 

A major change to the by-laws in 2005 invited new delegates to the Board.  One representative from each member chamber attends and votes at the Board of Directors Meeting [4^th Monday of the month at 7:30am in the BFG Boardroom of 5121 Van Nuys Blvd].  Either the CEO [or whatever the designated title for senior staff] or the President of the member chamber is the preferred envoy.  Some staff and elected officers have become very active following this change and the UCCs goal is to have 100% involvement of chambers represented. 

Once a month the execs meet for lunch.  There are no volunteer leaders invited to their meetings.  They share the triumphs and tribulations of staffing a chamber.  These meetings have proven to be extremely beneficial for execs new and seasoned.  New ideas and programs are shared and discussed, as well as suggestions to help deal with difficult issues common to all organizations.

Les Himes has revived the President’s Breakfast.  The first one was held in April for the NW quadrant and the other quadrants will follow.  These meetings will give the opportunity for the President/Chair and President/Chair-elects from the member chambers to chat with his/her fellow officers and to give the next person in charge a chance to view first hand the process that he/she will guide.  Les is in the process of putting together Breakfasts for the other quadrants.  If you're interested in helping with your area, please call Les at (818) 625-1983.

Our Small Business Breakfast is coming up on June 9.  This is a great opportunity for our chambers to nominate a small business for recognition.  We are expecting a great turnout this year- you won't want to miss it!  Click here for more information on reservations and nominations. 
 

Communication needs to be a two-way street.  UCC will continue to communicate with our member chambers and we call on each of the member chambers to speak to us.

-PC