A View From My Chair 020625

A View From My Chair

by Mike Stafford, Chairman of the Board 2025
​January 29, 2025

Goodbye January

January 1 and January 7, 2025 will be added to the growing list of January infamy. We started 2025 with the terrorist attack in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Then just a week later the LA fires erupted. 

I received a text the other day saying “I tried my 14 day free trial of 2025 and I want to cancel my subscription.”

But it didn’t end after 14 days. More fires broke out toward the end of the month in our area and there were two plane crashes back east. The D.C. crash into the Potomac River was one of the most deadly in about 15 years and reminded D.C. locals of the time in January 1982 when an Air Florida jet crashed into Potomac after colliding with the 14th St Bridge.

The New York Times had a headline this week, It Was the Big One. Just Not the One LA Was Expecting. Oh, if we could roll back the clock a day here in LA into January 6!

Of course, January 6 reminds us of what happened four years ago in Washington, D.C. The Big One reminds us of an earthquake here in the Valley just over 30 years ago January 17. Then just six years later we worried on January 1, 2000 about the Millennium Bug and if our ATM cards would work or any computer for that matter. 

And we pick January to go stone cold sober?  

BIZ NEWS OF THE WEEK  

Tariffic News – Canada and Mexico tariffs on hold. Forbes

Cinco de Millions – It’s going to cost more to be a millionaire.  California Lottery is increasing the price of a Mega Millions ticket from $2 to $5. KTLA

The Winner of the Super Bowl Is… – Fox Broadcasting for selling 30 second ads in the $8 million dollar range. 
Sports Business Journal 

​UCC UPDATE

Government Affairs Committee – February 24 Zoom
UCC Executive Board – February 24
State of the County Luncheon – March 5 (Porter Ranch Country Club)
LAPD Captains Luncheon – April 2 (CBS Radford Studios)
Inspirational Women’s Awards Luncheon – May 8 (nominations due March 3) 

CHAMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Burbank (burbankchamber.org)
I recently joined Burbank Chamber CEO Jamie Keyser and Chair-elect Carmenita Helligar, Valley Economic Alliance and Film LA on a zoom call to discuss the Film Tax Credit legislation. Burbank puts the spotlight on Disney and their LA Fire Relief. $15 million pledged in aid relief. Over 1000 employees mobilized to donate and sort essential items.  Moments of happiness by offering free movie screenings. 

Calabasas (calabasaschamber.org)
​Community Education Forum - February 11 at 9am on Zoom. Guest speaker Alan Lazar Las Virgines Board of Education

Filipino-American (faccgla.org)
February 19 at 6pm - Join Us for Monthly Networking Nights! Theme: Diversity, Inclusion, and the Power of Entrepreneurial Mothers Event Title: Momprenuers: Celebrating Moms and Leaders in Business This February, we celebrate the strength of diversity and the resilience of entrepreneurial mothers who balance family, business, and community impact. Join us for an evening of inspiration as we highlight stories from entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and honor the incredible contributions of moms in business. Connect with diverse leaders, share experiences, and discover strategies for growth and inclusion in entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a mompreneur, a supporter, or a business leader, this event is a chance to network, collaborate, and celebrate the diverse voices shaping our future. 

Granada Hills (granadachamber.com) 

North Valley Regional (northridgechamber.org)
Education Connection meeting today at Code Ninjas Northridge, 9060 Tampa Ave.,

Northridge Northwest Valley (chatsworthchamber.com)
February 8 Ribbon Cutting at Renew Office Outlet 9811 Owensmouth Ave. #8 Chatsworth, CA  91311

Panorama City (panoramachamber.com)
February 11 - General meeting San Fernando City (facebook.com/sfcitychamber)

Sherman Oaks-Encino (shermanoaksencinochamber.org)
Today -  Disaster Preparedness Committee Feb. 6 – Health and Wellness Committee

Studio City (studiocitychamber.com)

Toluca Lake (tolucalakechamber.com)
Community Clean Up – February 22

West Valley-Warner Center (woodlandhillscc.net)
UCLA Health sponsored today’s networking breakfast at Pinstripes.

Winnetka (winnetkachamberofcommerce.com)
Feb. 10 - General Membership Meeting  ​