MONDAY MEMO

Grants Workshop Advice on getting on federal and private grants, hosted by Rep. Susan Davis

Meet Your Match In-N-Out is providing 3-to-1 matching for donations to its child abuse prevention foundation this month

Star Awards Annual event honors San Diego's arts supporters

Bright Idea The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center goes solar, feeds grid
UPCOMING EVENTS

4/5 New Members Reception

4/12 Business After Five

4/18 Get Connected Breakfast

Host a Chamber Mixer or Reception. Click here for details.
CHAMBER CONNECTION

Workers Comp Rates poised to drop again!

 Special Health Care Rates for Chamber Members

Stealth Insight Chamber members save on employee
background checks
FEATURED MEMBERS

Connie's Organizing Customized streamlining solutions for your home or business

Creative Keepsakes Photography Is your company projecting an image of quality?

Preferred Communications Now offering cellular service and big rebates for voice and data customers
Chamber Brings Together Region's Business Leaders with State, Federal Officials in 'Good Government' Series

Two dozen business and government leaders gathered at the offices of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday afternoon to meet with Tyler Duvall, one of the nation's key transportation policymakers.

Duvall is the assistant secretary for transportation policy in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. He works on the development of transportation policies, many with a direct impact on the future of highway funding in the San Diego region.

"This was a tremendous opportunity for Chamber members to exchange ideas with a key policymaker from our nation's Capitol," said Chamber President and CEO Ruben Barrales. "His input was well-received and will help us better formulate our transportation positions in the coming months."

Much of the discussion on Monday centered around the department's initiatives to address highway congestion and goods movement.

Duvall pointed out that a 5 percent to 7 percent reduction of rush-hour traffic flow would lead to a 50 percent increase in commuting speed. He suggested vehicle congestion might be relieved through the adoption of 'congestion pricing" fees -- charging motorists more to use roadways during periods of heaviest use -- and the implementation of real-time traffic technology. He also encouraged businesses to adopt "flex scheduling" and allow more telecommuting by employees.

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Chamber Expo Highlights Best in San Diego Business
Early Bird Specials Last Until Friday

More than 150 companies from throughout San Diego County will showcase their products and services at the largest business expo in the region on May 22.

Organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and presented by Union Bank of California, the Chamber's 19th Annual Business Expo will highlight San Diego's finest and most innovative businesses.

A variety of industry sectors will be represented at the expo, including banking and financial institutions, health care, consumer products, travel and tourism, technology, food and media.

Companies that sign up by Friday, April 6 can take advantage of an "early bird special" of $100 off any purchase of a standard or booster booth. In addition, the first 50 companies to sign up will be highlighted on the Chamber's Web site for one year. (Ten slots are still available.)

Chamber board member Joseph Benoit, a vice president for sponsor Union Bank, called the Business Expo a "key event in San Diego's entrepreneurial environment."

"San Diego's healthy economy is based on entrepreneurship, and the Business Expo is the venue to witness this and have access to numerous companies in one location," Benoit said. "Whether you're part of a large organization, a start-up, or a would-be entrepreneur, the Chamber Business Expo is a great opportunity to learn what it takes to grow a successful business in San Diego from the companies that have helped build the region's economy into one of the nation's strongest."

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Thank You to our Renewing Members

Chamber Press Releases
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Given a nearly 6 percent drop in median home price in February over February 2006, do you think San Diego still has a housing crisis?
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 		Members in Action
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Board Report
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 Your Business Advocate
Leveraging its robust membership, collaborations with other organizations and political access, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's business advocacy team initiates legislation and lobbies for policies that create a stronger pro-business environment.