A HEALTHY DIALOGUE. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with 15 business leaders at the Chamber Friday for the first in a series of conversations about his comprehensive plan to reform the state's health care system. From left to right: Chamber Board Member Carol Jackson, Macy's West; Juan Rodriguez, Kolor Graphics Bureau; Renee White Fraser, Fraser Communications; Schwarzenegger; and Daniel Zingale, senior advisor to the governor and chief of staff to Maria Shriver. (View photo gallery)

Chamber discusses air quality management plan 2007 draft
The Chamber’s Energy, Water & Environment committee is recommending to the Chamber's Executive Committee to approve a series of recommendations for the final draft of the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan. The Chamber will continue to work with the Air Quality Management District to create practical, cost-effective methods to reduce harmful emissions while balancing the need for industrial and jobs growth. Committee members expressed concerns about imposing costly restrictions on the supply of natural gas that are inconsistent with the Public Utilities Commission's previous decision, and the Chamber continues to advocate for reforms in the emissions offset system. For more information, contact Public Policy Manager Nicholas Quiñonez, 213.580.7531 or nquinonez@lachamber.org.

Chamber briefed on transportation funding with Assemblymember Nava
It's crucial that the business community remain engaged and continue to fight for L.A.'s fair share for funding from the passages of Propositions 1A through 1E, said Assemblymember Pedro Nava at the Chamber's Transportation & Goods Movement Committee meeting Wednesday. "We must ensure efficient movement of goods in our community," Nava said. Proposition 1B is a modest start, he said, explaining that the total cost to fix the state's infrastructure is much more than what the bonds will provide. For more information, contact Public Policy Manager Nicholas Quiñonez, 213.580.7531 or nquinonez@lachamber.org.

Chamber hears from State Sen. Wiggins on Career Technical Education
Combining high quality career and technical courses while integrating strong academic courses is vital so that students don't miss out on being a part of the academic community, said State Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Napa) at the Education & Workforce Development Committee last week. Wiggins plans to visit the new Miguel Contreras Learning Complex to learn more about the effectiveness of small learning communities. For more information, contact V.P. of Education & Workforce Development David Rattray, 213.482.3987 or drattray@lachamber.org.

Chamber discusses downtown job creation with Councilmember Perry
L.A. City Councilmember Jan Perry talked about redevelopment efforts near downtown at the Chamber’s Land Use, Construction & Housing Committee on Friday at the Chamber. Perry stressed the need for job creation and good transportation for new development in the area, which she cited as strengths of the planning efforts proposed for the tract of Washington Boulevard nearing the corner of Figueroa. Perry plans to support an effort to extend Metro Blue Line coverage to Washington Blvd. For more information, contact Public Policy Manager Nicholas Quiñonez, 213.580.7531 or nquinonez@lachamber.org.

Small Business Owners Roundtable
New business development and retention efforts will be discussed at the Chamber's Small Business Owners Roundtable on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Chamber. Speakers include Bill Bowman, vice president of personal insurance marketing for Farmers Insurance Company, and Beverly King, director of community affairs for Turner Construction Company. Chamber small business owners will share their successes and challenges in building and retaining clients. Register now or for more information, contact Program Manager Bridget Netter, 213.580.7576 or bnetter@lachamber.org.

EVENT HIGHLIGHT_____



Music Center Speaker Series Presents: President Vicente Fox

The Music Center Speaker Series is pleased to offer Chamber members discount tickets to the first speaker in the 2007 series. The Honorable Vicente Fox, 62nd President of Mexico, will speak at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Monday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Purchase your discounted tickets now.

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THIS WEEK'S
BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE____

"Nothing Stops a Bullet Like a Job"



OVERHEARD_______________

"Kids shouldn't be tracked into a vocational education career, but should have the opportunity to choose,"

—State Sen. Patricia Wiggins at the Chamber's Education & Workforce Development Committee last week talking about career technical education.

MEDIA HITS__________

The Chamber's Work Readiness Certificate program was featured on KNBC4 TV, Jan. 23.

Media hits on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's visit to the Chamber to discuss his new health care reform proposal, included: "Perata Plugs Own Health Care Plan," San Jose Mercury News, Jan. 24; "Governor High-Tech Execs Talk Health Care," San Jose Mercury News, Jan. 23; " Maryland Ruling Casts Shadow on State Health Care," Ventura County Star, Jan. 20; "Governor Touts Health Plan," Sacramento Bee, Jan. 20; "Gov. Gives Firms His Prescription for Health Care," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 20; "Governor Pushes Insurance Plan," San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 20.

“Hahn Sees ‘Living Wage’ Ballot Win,” Los Angeles Times, Jan. 20.

Media hits on FBI Director Robert Mueller's visit to the Chamber, included: "204th Street Gang Focus of Crackdown," L.A. Daily News, Jan. 18; "FBI Joins L.A. Policing Effort in War on Gang Crime," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 18.