Business LO N G
B E A C H
May 2006 Vol. 13 No. 4
California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005
Chamber’s Choices Face Runoff in June T
he Chamber’s endorsed candidate for Mayor, Bob Foster, collected 48.5% of the votes in last month’s primary election, a 20point lead over the runnerup. Former Long Beach Councilman and third runner-up, Doug Drummond, announced his endorseChamber-endorsed candidate for Mayor, Bob Foster ment for Bob Foster soon after the April 11 primary election. Foster will present an overwhelming challenge to his opponent, Frank Colonna, in the June 6 runoff. Bob Foster, former president of Southern California Edison, is a leader in the business community, with over twenty years of experience in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. His willingness to take a strong leadership role to work with the city council members and his knowledge of the state and federal government operations will ensure that the City of Long Beach will move forward to become a strong economic city within the region. “This is an exciting time for Long Beach and its business community. Bob Foster has proven to be the right candidate to lead the city. The people of Long Beach have spoken and Foster will become our next Mayor,” said Randy Gordon, President and CEO of The Chamber. Two of The Chamber’s endorsed candidates for council head to the runoff after finishing first in the recent primary election: Vice Mayor Jackie Kell (write-in candidate) collected 25.0%, and Gary DeLong received 42.7%. Councilman Val Lerch of the 9th District will not face a runoff as he was handily re-elected with 52.3% of the vote. Vice Mayor Kell has a positive record of support- “These candidates will support economic growth ing business issues within and bring jobs to our city. We will work extra our city. She spearheaded hard to ensure their victories in June.” a fight to pass the Local —Matt Kinley, Vice Chair of Public Policy Preference Initiative and commits to continue to cut the red tape at City Hall in order to attract new businesses to our city and create jobs. Gary DeLong is an experienced, business friendly candidate. Gary is the President & CEO of The RTP Group, Inc, a telecommunications consulting and management company based in Long Beach. He serves on several organizations and boards within our city. “These candidates will support economic growth and bring jobs to our city,” said Matt Kinley, Vice Chair of Public Policy. “We will work extra hard to ensure their victories in June.”
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Maura Donahue, Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
aura W. Donahue, Chair of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation, will be the featured speaker at this year’s World Trade Week Luncheon on Friday, May 19 at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel. The first woman ever elected to this post, Ms. Donahue will speak about the business issues facing our country. She is a highly visible and vocal advocate of small business issues, helping lead the Chamber’s efforts rein in skyrocketing health care costs, bring under control frivolous litigation, and reduce burdensome government regulations. For more information about World Trade Week or to register for these events, please contact Judy Nelson at (562) 432-8128 or email jnelson@lbchamber.com.
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Travelers Comment on Chamber’s China Trip
A Well Earned Honor for the ‘Y’
4 Chamber Reveals Federal Official Scorecard
Chairman’s Message Larry Whitley Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
A Reiteration of Our Actions
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e’ve had a very exciting experience since my last column. As we prepare for the California Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit, your Chamber continues to work toward a more stable and inviting business climate. The Chamber Board of Directors voted to support the LB Chamber Political Action Committee (The Chamber PAC) in its quest to level the playing field for engaging in the Long Beach leadership races this year. At issue is the city’s campaign finance ordinance, which puts limits on the amount of money candidates for city office can accept from any individual. The Chamber PAC challenged the ordinance because it didn’t want to have to set up separate political action committees for every candidate it wanted to support, while a public-employee union, for example, could spend as much as it wanted from members’ dues on any candidates it chose. (The ordinance limits acceptance of money, not spending it.) I want to state that no Chamber membership dues have been—in the past or will be in the future—used for donating to political candidates. The Chamber PAC is governed by a totally separate board of directors. As we have done with other interest groups and individuals, we have studied the issues they raise and have made considered decisions about whether to support their efforts or not. In the case of this lawsuit, the Chamber PAC, endorsed by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is challenging the constitutionality of how the city interprets the city
Chamber’s China Trade Mission a Success
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ver 150 Long Beach business people toured mainland China to observe first-hand the explosive growth taking place in our country’s largest trading partner. The 10-day March trip, organized by The Chamber, included stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou. Here’s what a few trade mission participants had to say about their travel abroad:
“Thank you for organizing a memorable trip to China. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. Things ran impressively smoothly with only a couple of minor hiccups (none that could have been foreseen). I know this type of endeavor takes a lot of careful work, planning and coordination. It paid off. Everyone had a great time.” Jackie Newsom
(L to R:) Chamber president and CEO Randy Gordon, IBA president Terry Geiling, and Nancy Becker stand in front of the ancient Forbidden City. This was the home of all the Chinese emperors from each of the Dynasties and was the seat of government. It is directly across from Tian An Men Square in Beijing, China.
“Please let us know of any future trips to China. At least fifteen people have indicated an interest in going. It was a wonderful, hectic trip. We would do it again in a heart beat.” Carolyn & George Harris “The trip to China was incredible! I loved it! Glad I got the chance to have met you. Good job on all your hard work on planning our trip to China. Thanks a million!” Cecelia & Norma Flores
I want to state that no Chamber membership dues have been… used for donating to political candidates. ordinance the governs political contributions in city races. Because it is a law on the books, and given no action on the part of the city to review its position, the Chamber PAC took the only course of action available to it. The lawsuit challenges the law based on it being unconstitutional. The District Court issued a temporary restraining order to keep the city from enforcing the ordinance until a final ruling is issued. On April 5, the Court again upheld the TRO and issued its final ruling on April 7, by issuing an injunction against enforcing the ordinance until a final judgment is rendered. Chamber support for the court action is consistent with our Board-approved government affairs and public policy platform. And the journey continues…together!
“If you haven't heard yet, the China trip was wonderful. Thank you again for all you did to make this happen. Our group had an absolutely spectacular time! Quite the whirlwind, but we were able to see and experience so much. We all had top praises for our particular guide, Scott Jiang. He went above and beyond to make our trip extra special. He has such wonderful stories and was a top notch leader. We just loved him. Again, thank you, we are all so very glad we went on this trip!” Victoria Alberty
“We thank you very much for all that you did in putting together this China trip. It was fabulous. We had to keep pinching ourselves to know it really was true that we were, for example, at the Great Wall, or the Forbidden City….We appreciate your work.” Michele & Stan Wilkosz “I just wanted to express my thanks for all your obvious hard work involved with the China trip. It was an experience I'll never forget, which ran so smoothly and professionally. Your hard work paid off, as I hardly heard a discouraging word (other than fatigue). But instead saw many smiling faces on new friends both here and in China. By the way, I've created a monster! My husband was so wowed by my tales that he has recruited himself and 3 others to go with me next time! Please keep me/us posted should this marvelous opportunity come up again!” Kim Fleck
One World Trade Center, Suite 206 Long Beach, California 90831-0206 PH (562) 436-1251 ■ FAX 436-7099 w w w . l b c h a m b e r . c o m w w w. l o n g b e a c h a d v o c a c y. b i z
Chamber Staff: Randy Gordon .... President & CEO ........................ (562) 436-6723 Judy Donley ....... Administrator .............................. (562) 437-8823 Janet Nguyen .... VP Government Affairs .............. (562) 983-1241 Shaun Lumachi ... Advisor, Government Affairs ......... (562) 843-0947 Elisa Margoni ..... VP Special Events ....................... (562) 436-2810 Judy Nelson ....... VP Business Councils ................. (562) 432-8128 Kelly Stortz ......... VP Member Services .................. (562) 590-9234 Sarah Nguyen .... Assistant to the President .......... (562) 432-7830 Jackie Kuhl ......... Consultant, Publications.............. (562) 843-0951 Bobbie Spohn .... Membership Coordinator . (562) 436-1251 ext 118 Karen Vaughn ..... Information Specialist ............................. ext 100 Linda Izzo ........... Member Relations Executive ................. ext 101
Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Via Media Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seaside Printing Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodwill Industries Members wishing to submit articles, press releases, or member news items for upcoming issues of Long Beach Business, please fax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Jackie Kuhl, or e-mail jkuhl@lbchamber.com. Circulation: Long Beach Business is mailed directly to more than 2400 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members, elected officials and community leaders.
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
The Chamber is the platform for business to provide leadership, education and advocacy so that the Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century.
The Chamber will be the acknowledged leader in creating community consensus to support local, regional, and international business.
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Creating a Stronger Community
A Well-Earned Honor for the ‘Y’ By Karl A. Strandberg, Ph.D.
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their full potential.” Also, the Board-approved Diversity Case outlines how the ‘Y’s’ commitment to cultural competence establishes a good business plan. The ‘Y’s’ continuing commitment to diversity is exhibited in many ways. The monthly new employee orientation sessions include a presentation regarding the Association’s commitment to diversity. A Diversity Team, composed of at least one representative from each of the branches and camp, meet quarterly to discuss and develop ways to value diversity in the workplace. Diversity-related activities are a part of monthly Association-wide staff meetings. Staff members work as a team to model how members, parents and families should relate to each other. A recent
t is a pleasure to announce that the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s (LBACC) Workforce Diversity Committee has awarded the Diversity Best Practices Award, for Spring 2006, to the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. It quickly became apparent to the Committee members who met with Sue Baker, Senior Vice President, that her statement was accurate, “The commitment to diversity is woven into the fabric of the YMCA, both locally and nationally.” Mirroring the diversity initiative championed by the leadership of the National YMCA (Y-USA), the President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Alan Hostrup, has taken the lead in building an ongoing commitment to diversity into their 2005-2010 Strategic Plan. Their vision statement includes, “...how people of all backgrounds can live together and grow toward
2005-2006 Chairman’s Circle Diamond DeVry University
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Hilton Long Beach
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Press-Telegram ■ Verizon ■
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Port of Long Beach
Platinum Long Beach City College
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The Boeing Company
Association-wide retreat, attended by 75 employees, was dedicated to acknowledging and valuing diversity, in all of its rich forms. A Cultural Competency Resource Guide has been prepared for use as a training and implementation tool. Each branch has identified diversity champions. The importance of being more inclusive, valuing both primary as well as secondary forms of diversity, is at the forefront of all curriculum development at the ‘Y’. A Youth Institute was conducted, during which teenagers divided into diverse teams to create movies that were shared at a Film Festival; this was a rich experience in working with persons different than one’s self. Bulletin boards and newsletters at each of the branch offices highlight the value of different cultures. Each of the preschools has monthly cultural celebrations.
Gold City National Bank ■ Community Hospital of Long Beach ■ Epson America, Inc. ■ Farmers & Merchants Bank Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP ■ Hyatt Regency Long Beach ■ Keesal, Young & Logan ■ Nextel St. Mary Medical Center ■ Seaside Printing Company, Inc. ■ Sound Energy Solutions Toyota Affiliated Companies ■ Universal Care
Silver BNSF Railway Company ■ BP Products North America, Inc. ■ California State University, Long Beach Catalina Express ■ Denso Sales California, Inc. ■ Lennar Corporation ■ Long Beach Airport Long Beach Business Journal ■ Long Beach Ice Dogs ■ Long Beach Towne Center Marriott/Renaissance Properties ■ Paragon Steel ■ Sea Launch ■ Southern California Edison Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP ■ Westland Construction, Inc. ■ Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation
Bronze AEG Home Depot Center ■ Aquarium of the Pacific ■ Boeing Realty/Douglas Park ■ Brookfield Homes Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. ■ Center for Judicial Advocacy ■ Camden Development ■ Charter Communications Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ■ Color Broadband ■ Comerica Bank ■ Construction Consultant Services, Inc. Davis Group ■ DDR/City Place/The Pike ■ DirectTV-California Broadcast Center ■ Earth Tech Ensemble Investments LLC ■ Ford West ■ Genesis Real Estate ■ Guzman & Gray, CPAs ■ HR-Network Long Beach Armada Baseball Team ■ Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center Laserfiche Document Imaging ■ The Marketing Arm ■ Matson Navigation Company, Inc. ■ Moffatt & Nichol Engineers Parkers’ Lighthouse ■ The Queen Mary ■ Spirit Cruises ■ Tax Technology Research THUMS Long Beach Company ■ Urban Pacific Builders ■ Via Media Graphic Design ■ Wal*Mart Water Replenishment District of Southern California ■ Watson Land Company ■ The Westin Long Beach The “Chairman’s Circle” is a special group of members that have committed to support the LBACC through sponsorships at various financial levels and at special events. If your company would like to become a member of the Chairman’s Circle, please contact Randy Gordon, President/CEO, at (562) 432-7830 for details.
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The importance of being more inclusive, valuing both primary as well as secondary forms of diversity, is at the forefront of all curriculum development at the ‘Y’. Given all of the planning and involvement that is evident, it is no wonder that the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, in a national competition between Corporate YMCAs involved in developing diversity initiatives for less than two years, earned the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award for 2005. We are pleased to continue that recognition by honoring them as the Spring 2006 recipient of the LBACC’s Diversity Best Practices Award. Please join us in congratulating the YMCA of Greater Long Beach at the Good Morning Long Beach meeting on May 17, 2006, at 7:15 a.m. at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow Street in Long Beach. For more information about The Chamber’s Diversity Committee, please visit www.lbchamber.com and click on the Workforce Diversity link.
www.longbeachadvocacy.biz Daily. Interactive. Relevant.
Serving as the Voice of Business
Chamber Reveals Vote Record for Local Members of Congress The 2005 Vote Record: 24 Bills Tracked by the U.S. Chamber and How Congress Members Juanita Millender-McDonald and Dana Rohrabacher Voted
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Summary
he Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual scorecard on how members of Congress voted on key business issues. 2005 was one of the most successful years in recent Chamber history in the Federal government. Victories include passage of class action reform, a comprehensive energy bill, bankruptcy reform, and so many more.
Long Beach Legislators
Juanita Millender-McDonald 7 15 32%
Dana Rohrabacher 21 3 88%
Chamber
Juanita MillenderMcDonald
Dana Rohrabacher
S. 5 — Class Action Reform Class Action Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 8 — Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
S. 256 — Bankruptcy Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 1817 — Homeland Security Authorization
SUPPORT
N/A*
SUPPORT
H.R. 2360 — Homeland Security Appropriations
SUPPORT
N/A*
SUPPORT
H.J. Res. 27 — World Trade Organization
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
H.R. 3058 — Competitive Sourcing
OPPOSE
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 742 — OSHA Attorney Fee Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 2864 — Port & Waterway Infrastructure
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
H.R. 525 — Small Business Health Plans
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
S. 544 b — Patient Safety
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
H.R. 3045 — Central America Free Trade
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 6 Comprehensive Energy Policy
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
OPPOSE
H.R. 5 — Medical Liability Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 3 — Transportation Reauthorization
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
H.R. 3824 — Endangered Species Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 554 — Food Consumption
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
S. 397 — Firearm Liability
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 4241 — Budget Reconciliation Spending
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 4297 — Tax Reform
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
S. 467 — Terrorism Insurance Extension
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
H.R. 4340 — U.S. – Bahrain Free Trade
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
H.R. 4437 — Immigration
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
H.R. 2863 — Alaska Oil Exploration
SUPPORT
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
Total Aligned with Chamber Total Against Chamber Supporting Pro-Jobs Legislation Percentage
Summary of How the Long Beach Congressional Legislators Voted in 2005
To reach the following vote percentages supporting pro-jobs for each local legislator, the U.S. Chamber tallied the number of times our representatives voted in agreement with the U.S. Chamber’s position and divided that total by the number of chances each of the elected officials had to vote. An abstain or absent mark was not counted.
Bill
*N/A=Absent/Abstain LONG BEACH
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Highlighting the Membership California State University, Long Beach has chosen James H. Eaton as the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Business Administration. The CSULB Alumni Association presents the award each year to an alumnus from each college who is an outstanding example of accomplishment and distinction. Mr. Eaton will be honored at the gala Alumni Awards Banquet, Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. For over twenty-five years, Mr. Eaton has held several executive-level positions with Airdrome, an aerospace precision component manufacturer in Long Beach, CA. In 1992, Jim was named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer embarking Airdrome on a quest for international sales and recognition and in 1994, Jim became President and Chief Executive Officer. Through a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction initiatives, Mr. Eaton has led the company to unprecedented growth in sales, profits, asset value and market share, including the acquisition of AF Aerospace, Ltd in Rugby, England. ■
Tuttle Cameras, established in 1946, is celebrating 60 successful years in the photography industry. To commemorate the last sixty years, Tuttle Cameras has “Sixty Years of Cameras” on display—one camera from each of the last sixty years for their customers to look at and reminisce. A 60th Anniversary celebration will take place at Tuttle Cameras on May 19th and 20th. Every customer will receive a free gift, and there will be no sales tax on everything in the store! Over $6,000 in gifts and prizes donated by many leading vendors including Canon, Nikon, Delkin, Ilford, and Swan Photo Labs will be awarded to customers in a free drawing on May 20th. Entries for the drawing will be accepted in-store beginning May 1st through Noon on the 20th of May. Tuttle Cameras is located at 4019 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach. For additional information on the history of the store or for historical photos, please contact Tuttle Cameras owner Eric Vitwar at (562) 424-8633 or visit www.tuttlecameras.com.
The Villages at Cabrillo is an ingenious re-use of the former U. S. Naval Housing site in Long Beach. The 26 acre campus is the largest and most comprehensive residential social service complex in the nation. The facility is operated by U.S. VETS, the largest organization in the country dedicated to helping homeless veterans. We provide housing, employment assistance, comprehensive medical and clinical services, and most importantly hope, to more than 500 homeless veterans and 200 non-veterans daily. The programs provide more than 400 units of affordable housing creating 150 full time jobs for the local community. Historically, we have also helped 150 homeless veterans annually find full time jobs, boosting the local economy. Additional agencies located at the Villages are: The Long Beach V. A. Medical Center, American Indian Changing Spirits, Catholic Charities, Comprehensive Child Development, Bethune Transitional Center, EDD, New Image/Stepping Stone, and the Salvation Army. For more information, visit www.usvetsinc.org. ■
The Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at California State University, Long Beach has announced the appointment of Jane Roeder as its managing director. “Jane’s professional strengths are ideally suited to being part of the inception of the Ukleja Center, which has a significant emphasis on fostering the principles of ethical leadership,” said Luis Calingo, director of the center and dean of the College of Business Administration at CSULB. Roeder’s background in organizational and leadership development, team-building, facilitation, strategic planning and funds development are some of the strengths she brings to her new role, Calingo noted. She has had a distinguished career providing her vision, leadership, and communication skills to benefit the Long Beach business and volunteer communities. Prior to her new position, Roder served as executive director of Leadership Long Beach for almost seven years. She is a graduate of the Leadership Long Beach Class of 1996 and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in dance from the University of California at Los Angeles. Roeder is also a former teacher for the Long Beach Unified School District. ■
Tom Teofilo, managing director of maritime services at the Port of Long Beach, retired last month after more than 35 years in the industry. Before accepting his current position in 2004, Teofilo held a number of executive positions in the maritime industry including: Southern California vice president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, president and CEO of the World Trade Center Association of Los Angeles-Long Beach and president and owner of the World Trade Services Group. This was his second stint at the Port of Long Beach, where he was director of trade development in the 1980s. Teofilo was also responsible for the establishment of the Long Beach International Trade Office, a program that helps area companies enter new markets and increase their international sales. Teofilo and his wife Debbie plan to open a guest ranch and executive conference center in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They will also continue to operate their Long Beach-based franchise of Home Instead Senior Care.
In Memory of James Connor James “Jim” Connor, senior manager at Lockwood Greene Engineering and immediate past president of The Chamber’s International Business Association (IBA) passed away from cancer last month in his hometown of Murrieta, Georgia. The Chamber sends our deepest condolences to his family. He is survived by his wife Linda and three children, Ashley, Allison and Neal. We will miss him dearly.
Thank You to
St. Mary Medical Center for hosting The Chamber’s March Board of Directors meetings.
Aaron Gordnier Office: (562)624-5008 • Cell: (714)715-0863 For more information call:
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Focusing on Small Business
Local Businesses Receive Recognition for Flexibility Federal Court Ban on Junk Fax Law Still Stands
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workplace flexibility as well.” Winners of this prestigious award, however, not only represent companies that offer excellent workplace flexibility policies and practices, but they also represent organizations that use flexibility as a strategic business tool to benefit business and employees. Congratulations to the 2005 recipients: Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach; Klaris, Thomson & Schroeder, Inc.; Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Office Furniture Group; and PeacePartners. Inc. In addition to the five winners, the Taco Bell Corporation also received an honorable mention for their workplace flexibility policies.
ive local businesses were recognized last month at The Chamber's Business Forecast Conference as some of the top practitioners of workplace flexibility in the nation. The Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility is part of the When Work Works project, an ongoing initiative of Families and Work Institute, the Center for Workforce Preparation, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation to recognize businesses that are dedicated to making work “work” for the employer and the employees. Through When Work Works, these partner organizations provide research, resources and recognition to businesses nationwide, and share the results of the research on creating effective and flexible workplaces that meet the needs of the 21st century. “The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be involved with the When Work Works project for the second year in a row,” said Randy Gordon, president and CEO of The Chamber. “Long Beach is a great place to do business and now we know it’s a great city for
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B 833 passed the Legislature on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote and was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in October 2005. SB 833 was set to take effect on January 1, 2006. SB 833 would have banned unsolicited fax advertising in the state and would have given Californians the right to sue person(s) who sent junk faxes for $500 per fax. The bill also would have allowed district attorneys and the Attorney General the ability to sue on behalf of Californians. The law intended to protect Californians from annoying blast fax ads that shift the cost of advertising from the sender to the recipients
Chamber Seeks Support for Enterprise Zone The Chamber and the City of Long Beach seek Assemblywoman Betty Karnette’s support for the Long Beach Enterprise Zone renewal. (Pictured L to R:) Blake Christian, The Chamber’s Vice Chair of Economic Development; Assemblywoman Betty Karnette; Robert Swayze, Economic Development Bureau Manager for the City of Long Beach; Janet Nguyen, The Chamber’s Vice President of Government & Public Affairs; and Matt Kinley, The Chamber’s Vice Chair of Public Policy.
(Pictured L to R:) Byron Schweigert, Incoming Chair of the Chamber Board; Senator Alan Lowenthal; and Matt Kinley, The Chamber’s Vice-Chair of Public Policy discuss the importance of the Enterprise Zone renewal for the City of Long Beach. Also present at the meeting but not pictured: Blake Christian, The Chamber’s Vice-Chair of Economic Development.
You’ve made a commitment to your health.
So have we.
For more information, contact your broker or Universal Care at 800-380-2522.
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A legal challenge arose after California enacted its own advertising fax ban last year, which directly conflicted with the federal Junk Fax Prevention Act. California’s law does not provide an exemption for the sending of faxes to recipients that have an established business relationship with the sender. The lack of such an exception would have imposed significant costs on businesses, especially smaller ones, attempting to do business with California residents or entities. Junk faxers were given the green light by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California that struck down the statewide ban on unsolicited fax advertising created by SB 833 (Bowen). The law intended to protect Californians from annoying blast fax ads that shift the cost of advertising from the sender to the recipients by using up fax paper, toner, and causing wear and tear on fax machines, but it was put on hold when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a junk fax company filed a lawsuit challenging the law. Last year the Legislature considered but did not pass AB 839 (Lowenthal) that attempted to repeal CA junk fax law and also create a new junk fax ban in California law similar to the federal ban. It has been rumored that Senator Bowen would likely introduce a bill to repeal California's opt-out junk fax law in order to allow the federal ban on junk faxes -- and the remedies it provides -- to be effective in California. As of April 2006, Senator Bowen has submitted no bill. As a result the federal statutes prevail.
Volunteer Opportunities
International Business Association President, Terry Geiling Professional Business Services
Women’s Business Council
Tech Point Technology Committee
President, Ivy Goolsby International Realty & Investments
Marketing Chair, Mark Scholar Micro Data Solutions
Globalization: Our Growth, Our Future
Shelter Scholarships Set History
Sailing, Sailing ….
most fitting theme for our 2006 World Trade Week Theme! The globalization of the world’s manufacturing, trading, distribution and labor will indeed be our growth and our future—for good or for worse. To help you understand the impact these changes are having on our businesses, our customers, our competitors…and on our personal lives, the IBA provides you with valuable education, information and contacts. Our action-packed World Trade Week schedule goes a long way in giving you the tools you need to survive and prosper in this changing business climate. By involving our local high school and college students, we are also ensuring that they have the training and experience needed to be successful in the new “flatter” world.
believe it was not a coincidence that the Board of Directors recently approved the name change from Women’s Council to Women’s Business Council. March was Women’s History Month—an annual celebration of women pioneers who have made each of our lives easier and more rewarding. March was a time for reflection
y the time you read this, our 3rd Annual Carnival Cruise Networking Lunch on April 23, our “must attend” activity, will have sailed! This year, we were on Carnival’s newest ship for Long Beach, “The Pride”. The networking as always was great, followed by lots of fun. Just look at the pictures on our web site for proof. Our Cabrillo High Community Technology Project has progressed into the Phase 3 evaluation step. We are now evaluating the Project with administrators, faculty and students and early results indicate an overall success. We have DVD’s available highlighting Cabrillo, sponsors, and participants. Tech Point and Cabrillo have links on our web sites that play the DVD video. We are always looking for additional sponsors for future Technology projects. Please see www.lbtechpoint.com for sponsorship opportunities.
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You will hear Maura Donahue, the Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the first woman ever elected to this post, speak on the business issues facing our country. These students have been vigorously competing in the IBA speech and poster contests. You will see the results of their efforts at our annual WTW luncheon at the Hyatt Regency on Friday, May 19. We will also be awarding thousands of dollars in scholarship funds and will be presenting our International Achievement Award. You will hear Maura Donahue, the Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the first woman ever elected to this post, speak on the business issues facing our country. Beside the WTW luncheon, the IBA is hosting a World Trade Week program with visiting members of the American Chambers of Commerce discussing “Expansion Through Trade With Central America” also at the Hyatt Regency on Thursday, May 18. For details, contact Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128.
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The WBC awarded over $20,000 to students from CSULB & LBCC, and Women transitioning from Shelter to Workforce. This was an historical event—never before has this amount of money been given out for scholarships. on the women who have gone before us, the institutions and people that helped them along the way, and the women around us who are still making history. Many of those women are in the business world, and Women’s Business Council remains committed to honoring and assisting them in their efforts to grow and prosper in their businesses and to continue their significant contributions to our communities. There are remarkable women of achievement all around us, many of whom we met at our Annual Scholarship Dinner last month at the Holiday Inn Long Beach. The WBC awarded over $20,000 to students from CSULB & LBCC, and Women transitioning from Shelter to Workforce. This was an historical event—never before has this amount of money been given out for scholarships and this is a first for Women Transitioning from Shelter to Workforce. What a memorable evening! Mark your calendars…May 18, 2006 is our monthly luncheon. We are very pleased to have CSULB’s new president, Dr. F. King Alexander as our guest speaker. For information regarding the WBC, please call Judy Nelson at (562) 432-8128 or email jnelson@lbchamber.com.
LONG BEACH MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES The one source for occupational health services with two Long Beach locations.
Memorial Occupational Medical Services 450 E. Spring, Ste. 8
(562) 933-0085 Buffum Medical Pavillion Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Memorial Maritime Clinic 150 S. Pico Ave.
(562) 432-2821 Port of Long Beach
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Our Annual Scholarship Awards Lunch will be on June 15 at the Rhythm Lounge. In March, we held a Business Networking Event at DeVry University combined with four vendor seminars presenting topics on Wireless Networking. Thanks to Tech Point members Color Broadband and Data Voice & Video Networks for their presentations. A business networking lunch with a speaker from JPL is in the works for late May and our Annual Scholarship Awards Lunch will be on June 15 at the Rhythm Lounge. Please encourage your IT Managers and staff to join Tech Point and become part of our technology resource database. We are offering a special pricing for additional employee listings for current members in our database. For more information on membership, please contact V.P. of Membership Kelly Stortz at KStortz@lbchamber.com or call (562) 590-9234.
Upcoming Events May 2006 See Enclosed Flyers
World Trade Week Mixer WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2006 • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Keesal, Young & Logan 400 Oceangate, 14th Flr. Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting at Good Morning Long Beach WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2006 7:30 The Grand 4101 E. Willow Street
AM
Kelly Stortz (562) 590-9234 • kstortz@lbchamber.com
World Trade Week Breakfast Meeting “Expansion Through Trade with Central America and the Dominican Republic—Business Opportunities for CA”
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2006 • 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM Renaissance Long Beach Hotel 111 E. Ocean Blvd. Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
World Trade Week Luncheon Keynote: Maura Donahue Chairman, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2006 • 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Renaissance Long Beach Hotel 111 E. Ocean Blvd. Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
Women's Business Council Installation Dinner TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2006 5:30 PM NETWORKING • 6:30 PM DINNER & PROGRAM Long Beach Airport Marriott Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
115th Inaugural Gala THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2006 6:00 PM RECEPTION • 7:00 PM DINNER & PROGRAM Hyatt Regency Long Beach Elisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 • emargoni@lbchamber.com
Help put veterans back to work! How? By working with VETERANS INDUSTRIES! Veterans Industries can place veterans at your worksite or perform the work at our onsite sheltered workshop. How can working with Veterans Industries benefit you? • Reduces your costs because there is no workers’ compensation, social security, medical insurance, vacation/sick pay • • • • •
One World Trade Center, Suite 206 Long Beach, California 90831-0206
or other “employee” costs. Performs assembly, packaging, sorting, labeling, and other jobs at our workshop. For more information please contact Cheryl Iwata Provides you with a pool of pre-screened workers. (562) 826-5590 Lowers your costs while meeting your production needs. e-mail: cheryl.iwata@med.va.gov. Brings together qualified veterans and employers for the benefit of both. Visit our national website Competitive bids without cost or obligation. www.va.gov/vetind.
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PA I D PERMIT NO. 416 LONG BEACH, CA