THE WAR AT HOME. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller III (above center) spoke at the Chamber today about the FBI's efforts to use intelligence, local partnerships, and federal indictments to combat the recent upswing in gang violence. Mueller called L.A. "ground zero" for the nation's gang activity but noted the four task forces in place here have cut homicides and gang activity in targeted neighborhoods. Pictured above from left: 2007 Board Chair David Fleming, Latham & Watkins; Mueller; and LAPD Chief Bill Bratton. (View photo gallery)

Chamber applauds Gov.'s plans for goods movement and health care
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Goods Movement Action Plan is an important part in helping fix the state's goods movement infrastructure — from congestion to expansion needs, said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. Since the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach handle nearly one-third of all inbound and outbound U.S. trade, we must do all we can to ensure that our goods movement infrastructure is one of the best in the world. The Chamber also welcomes the governor's health care proposal and its goal to spread the cost between businesses, individuals, insurance companies, health care providers and taxpayers. President & CEO Gary Toebben called the proposal a good starting point for debate. For more information, contact Director of Public Policy Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or sgarrison@lachamber.org.

Chamber briefed on status of U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
L.A. Harbor Commissioner Kaylynn L. Kim briefed the Chamber's International Trade and Investment Committee yesterday on the implications of a possible free trade agreement with South Korea (also known as the Republic of Korea), the 10th largest economy in the world. The U.S. is Korea's second largest trading partner, and the nation is a top destination for U.S. agricultural exports--which are expected to increase more than 200 percent if the free trade agreement is implemented. For more information, contact International Trade Manager Vanessa Pereda, 213.580.7538 or vpereda@lachamber.org.

Chamber hosts session for members to meet with representatives from China
East West Bank and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation hosted a group of business leaders from Jiangsu, China representing the automotive, textile and fiber optics industries to meet with local manufacturers and distributors, including Snugtop and Kobe Chemicals.  The delegation received an economic overview of the L.A. region from Stephen Harper of the LAEDC. For more information, contact International Trade Manager Vanessa Pereda, 213.580.7538 or vpereda@lachamber.org.

Southern California Leadership Network recruiting for 2007 Leadership L.A.
Do you or someone you know, have what it takes to be a future community leader? Then apply for Leadership L.A. Class of 2007. Since 1987, Leadership L.A. has strengthened the community by training more than 300 emerging community leaders about the issues shaping L.A. County. Program graduates apply their knowledge and lead change at all levels of the business, government and non-profit sectors. Chamber member organizations receive a 10 percent discount on tuition. Apply now or for more information, contact Program & Communications Assistant Taleen Ananian, 213.580.7526 or tananian@lachamber.org.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT_____



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THIS WEEK'S
BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE____

"Fix the System to Cure the Patient"



OVERHEARD_______________

"Modern gangs are more dispersed, diverse and dangerous. There is no typical gang."

— Robert S. Mueller III, FBI Director, at the Chamber on Jan. 18. Mueller said there are an estimated 800,000 gang members in the U.S., with some gangs such as MS-13 reaching across 32 states and four nations.

MEDIA HITS__________

"Universal Health Care Tops Agenda," San Fernando Valley Business Journal, (subscription required), Jan. 8. Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben spoke about Gov. Schwarzenegger's health care reform plan.