LAUSD PARTNERSHIP. Los Angeles Unified School District's Superintendent David L. Brewer III, discussed LAUSD's partnership with the Chamber at the Board of Director's Meeting on Thursday. Calling 2008 "The Year of Accountability," Brewer challenged the business community to build relationships within LAUSD utilizing the Chamber as a liaison. "I have learned, if we are going to change education in L.A., we are going to have to fundamentally change its culture." Above from left, Brewer, Board Members Dominick Rubalcava, Law Offices of Dominick Rubalcava, and Bill Allen, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (View photo gallery of Chamber events).

Chamber-supported bill for financial aid passes Congress
Congress approved the College Cost Reduction and Access Act on Friday, the largest overhaul of education funding in more than 60 years. The Chamber made the bill one of the priority education and workforce development issues at this year's Access Washington D.C. trip. Promoting Southern California as a national asset, the Chamber emphasized the importance of increased college access for the sake of a competitive future at the annual delegation event. A $20.9-billion program, the bill will assist in increasing financial aid to students and reducing interest payments on student loans. Contact V.P. of Education and Workforce Development David Rattray, 213.482.3987 or drattray@lachamber.org.

Chamber to host quarterly Member Orientation
Learn how to maximize your Chamber membership at the Chamber's quarterly Member Orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber. The orientation is free and open to all Chamber members who have recently joined and those wanting to learn more. Members old and new are encouraged to come and connect with fellow business colleagues and Chamber staff. Attendees will also receive insightful information about Chamber programs, special events and sponsorship opportunities. Register now or contact Membership Manger Pat Clark at 213.580.7595 or pclark@lachamber.org.

Chamber reviews new LAX Economic Impact study
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. previewed its study detailing the economic impact of international flights through LAX at the Aviation Committee Meeting on Wednesday. Renovating LAX to accommodate the new generation of aircraft will generate an additional $6.8 billion in economic output and support 34,300 jobs in the Los Angeles area. Business in Atlanta and Dallas has gone up after the addition of similar flights, said Gregory Freeman, LAEDC Vice President of Economic & Policy Consulting. Contact Director of Public Policy Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 sgarrison@lachamber.org.

Leadership L.A. discusses health care with top city, county and state experts
Leadership L.A. participants learned about the state of health care in Los Angeles on Friday, focusing on access, costs and reform at USC’s Health Sciences Campus and area community clinics. "Our hospital beds are full," said USC Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Tranquada. "This occupancy rate is a serious, serious issue." Pete Delgado, LAC+USC Healthcare Network and Allen Miller, COPE Health Solutions are collaborating on a new initiative to improve delivery of quality care at the county hospital. Participants also engaged in dialogue on the options for health care reform currently being proposed at the state level. Contact V.P. of Leadership Programs Kevin Cottrell, 213.580.7577 or kcottrell@lachamber.org.

Cash for College recognizes volunteers at luncheon
The Chamber and the Community Development Department (CDD) recognized Cash for College volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday. Seventy-seven thousand students have participated in both the Cash for College Convention or the Cash for College Workshops throughout its five year run, said CDD General Manager Richard Benbow. Volunteers are currently preparing to increase that number at the upcoming Cash for College, College & Career Convention on Oct. 10 and 11 at the L.A. Convention Center. Contact V.P. of Education and Workforce Development David Rattray, 213.482.3987 or drattray@lachamber.org.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT_____


Los Angeles Business Journal's CEO Conference and Expo

On Monday, Oct. 3, the Los Angeles Business Journal will host business leaders from across all industries for a day of education, inspiration, networking and insight.  To sponsor or register for this important gathering, click here.

Contact us to advertise in this space and reach 8,000 business leaders each week.

THIS WEEK'S
BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE___

"Join Business at L.A. City Hall on September 20"



OVERHEARD_______________

"The last thing we should do is add the lack of international flights to the reasons not to do business in Los Angeles.”

—Gregory Freeman, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., at the Chamber's Aviation Committee Meeting on Wednesday, speaking about economic impact of international travel on LAX.

L.A. AREA CHAMBER IN THE NEWS ___________

"Study: Upgrades needed to keep LAX competitive," L.A. Daily News, Sept. 13. The community must figure out how to change the decline in international flights to LAX, said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben.

"Ceremonies held to mark 9/11 attacks across California," People's Daily Online, Sept. 13. The Chamber is co-sponsoring two seminars on disaster preparedness.

"Mall could revive the once-vibrant Mid-City area," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 12.
The mid-city area is one of the great untapped neighborhoods, said Director of Public Policy Samuel Garrison.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT_____