Business LO N G
B E A C H
Dec. 2005/Jan. 2006 Vol. 13 No. 1
California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005
State of the City to Spotlight Memorial’s Centennial
F
or nearly a century, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center's outstanding record of innovation, medical advances and national recognition has been a source of comfort and pride to the City of Long Beach. The second largest medical campus in the West with 739 beds, 5000 employees, 1500 physicians and hundreds more volunteers and board members, it offers specialized medical services in cancer, heart, orthopedics, and rehabilitation and specialized centers for women, children and seniors all in one location. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center has a national reputation for cutting edge technology and state-of-theart care. New computer-assisted surgical procedures and new devices are helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses and these tools are making all clinicians even more efficient. From major pieces of equipment to technology that assists clinicians in tracking patients, a variety of new technologies are helping Long Beach Memorial Medical Center provide the most advanced “Long Beach Memorial Medical Center has a national reputation for cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art care.” care for patients. Recent advances that are saving lives include a new atrial fibrillation ablation procedure being performed at Long Beach Memorial’s Heart and Vascular Institute. Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm affecting more than 2.2 million Americans. Additionally, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center was the very first clinical site in the United States to have the Toshiba Aquilion 16-slice CT scanner. This scanner allows physicians to look at 3-D images of the body, thereby planning a course of treatment that is more accurate and effective. And now, the most advanced imaging technology available, a 64-slice CT scanner, has been ordered and will arrive in 2006. The Todd Cancer Institute is also home to the world’s most advanced and accurate cancer treatment system. Called TomoTherapy, it is described by experts as the first redesign of radiation oncology in 40 years. The revolutionary radiation treatment technology is the first computer tomography integrated device to provide 3-D imaging immediately prior to each treatment to
inside
■
■ ■
verify location of a patient’s tumor. Long Beach Memorial is one of only 10 centers in the country to have this technology. A new technology that is helping Long Beach Memorial keep track of patients is the ED Tracker system. This system (one of only a few such systems in the country) is helping staff in the emergency department keep track of some 250 patients daily. Thus, staff knows at all times exactly where the patient is, what tests have been performed and what tests are still required. In additional to medical and technological advances, Long Beach Memorial has begun the implementation phase of making the hospital entirely paperless. The goal of this endeavor is to have all the hospital’s computer systems interface and is designed so that everything, including physician orders, are entered online. The hospital, as part of the MemorialCare system, is undertaking this project to help physicians and staff be more efficient. “An example of how this system will help us is when a physician enters a medication order for a patient, the system will automatically calculate the ideal dosage for the patient’s weight and warn of any interactions with other medications the patient has been prescribed,” says Byron Schweigert, PharmD, CEO of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. “These kinds of automatic checks are going to be huge in terms of patient safety.” Another exciting development on the Long Beach Memorial campus is the expansion of Miller Children’s Hospital. With a 25 percent increase in volume in five years, Miller Children's recently broke ground on an expansion project to construct a new building and renovate existing space to create a comprehensive facility planned by the community, patients, physicians and staff. Approved by a Long Beach City Council unanimous vote, the project features a modern day “castle” building inspired from classic hero stories. In explaining parallels between heroes and hospitalized children, Mel Marks, M.D., Miller Children’s chief administrative officer, explains that “heroes overcome obstacles often finding refuge in a castle before triumphing over the enemy.
Pediatric patients find refuge in the hospital and triumph over their disease.” Miller Children's is the region's only hospital dedicated to children. Annually, Miller Children’s admits more than 8,000 children and sees 100,000 in outpatient clinics and 25,000 in the ER. Memorial Women’s at Miller Children’s—ranked among the country's safest—annually delivers more than 6,000 babies and cares for 1,000 fragile newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit—one of the largest in the state. Pediatric clinics and programs in childhood medicine and an ER staffed exclusively by emergency pediatric physicians, nurses and specialists along with renowned programs in childhood cardiology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases are all offered at Miller Children’s. Additionally, the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center provides access to national clinical protocols for childhood cancer, sickle cell and blood disorders. Many of the medical advances that have been achieved by Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s have been made possible through the generous support of philanthropic friends. The Memorial Medical Center Foundation extends a heartfelt thanks to its thousands of philanthropic friends and volunteers who provide that “extra measure of care.” For referral to a Long Beach Memorial or Miller Children’s physician, call 1-800-MEMORIAL or visit www.memorialcare.org. This coming year, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center will be turning 100 and the celebration will begin at the 2006 State of the City Luncheon. For ticket information, contact Elisa Margoni at (562) 436-2810 or emargoni@lbchamber.com.
2006
State of the City Address
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 11:00 a.m. Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom 300 E. Ocean Blvd. at Pine Ave.
3
4
Faces of The Chamber
Public Policy Year of Accomplishment
Delivered by The Honorable Mayor Beverly O’Neill
6 ICT Selected for Diversity Practices
Chairman’s Message Larry Whitley Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
And, the journey continues…
S
o much has occurred since my last column, where do I start? Let’s go with the fact that the environmental impact report (EIR) regarding the issue of modernizing the Airport was recently released. The much anticipated report basically gives clearance for the City Council to consider modernizing the Long Beach Airport to the maximum square footage of about 102,000 square feet. The Long Beach Chamber has previously gone on record supporting the construction of permanent terminal facilities at the Long Beach Airport, as long as such changes support the current permitted commercial flights set by ordinance (41 commercial air carrier and 25commuter air carrier flights). We recently had a briefing from the Long Beach Airport Alliance that outlined the contents of the EIR. Over 16 months of community input established the foundation for the recent draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that concludes: • “Neither the Proposed Project [102,850 square feet, 14 jet parking spots] nor any of the project alternatives would add passengers or flights to the airport.” (Section 5-3) • “The Proposed Project is able to meet all of the project objectives...” (Section 1.13) • “The Proposed Project is the environmentally superior alternative.” (Section 1.13) “A modernized airport that retains the best architectural and customer-friendly aspects of our current airport amenities is consistent with your Chamber’s position.” I talked about the great foundation your Chamber has built as we strive to create the best possible climate for business stability and prosperity. A modernized airport that retains the best architectural and customer-friendly aspects of our current airport amenities is consistent with your Chamber’s position. We need to make sure we stay informed and engaged on this subject As the holiday season approaches, let’s be extra careful and spend time with family and friends. For, at the end of the day, all we really have is family and friends. Yes, I know how important it is to run a healthy business. It allows us to serve the needs of our fellow citizens and meet other needs in the global marketplace. But, we cannot run healthy businesses with healthy employees without the support of our families and friends. So, let’s take the time to enjoy what life has to offer and serve our community well. And the journey continues…
Chamber Urges Employers to Comply with New 2006 Laws and Regulations
T
he Chamber is urging employers to be aware of new laws and regulations now in effect or that will take effect in 2006. Products are available to help businesses comply with both state and federal laws.
Starting January 2006, new laws will be in effect in the following areas: • Final wages may be paid by direct deposit to an employee's previously authorized account, provided that all other requirements for payment of final compensation are met. • Hearing notices for Labor Commissioner wage claim proceedings may be served by substitute service. • The period for filing discrimination claims by minors under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is extended to one year from the minor's eighteenth birthday. • A collective bargaining agreement for employees in the motion picture or broadcast industry (covered under Wage Orders 11 or 12) that provides meal periods and a monetary remedy if a meal period required by the agreement is missed, supercedes the Labor Code and applicable Wage Orders. • A new federal law requires proper destruction of documents that contain personal information of the type obtained in credit reports.
Laws already in effect for 2005 include: • Starting June 1, 2005, a new federal law requires proper destruction of documents that contain personal information of the type obtained in credit reports. • Starting June 10, 2005, new regulations were implemented for injured workers seeking independent medical review of diagnosis and treatment recommendations of physicians within a medical provider network. • Starting June 10, 2005, new regulations established the permanent disability rating schedule under workers' compensation reform legislation passed in 2004. • Starting August 1, 2005, new regulations implemented the Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher program for injured workers with permanent disabilities. • Starting September 15, 2005, new regulations were established concerning care for injured workers by medical provider networks. • Starting August 22, 2005, new regulations established safety guidelines for employees working outdoors who may be at risk for developing heat illness. Information about all these new laws and regulations will be covered in the 2006 California Labor Law Digest. To purchase this Digest and additional compliance products, visit The Chamber Store at www.lbchamber.com.
Save Big with The Chamber’s Bottom-Line Benefits Let the buying power of The Chamber help you save up to 60% on office supplies from Office Depot. As a Chamber member, you have exclusive access to additional discounts. You can streamline your ordering by taking advantage of timely next day delivery. And you can even monitor your expenses through monthly reporting, and save time by ordering whichever way is most convenient for you—fax, phone, or online. Also, ask about obtaining a store purchasing card to enable your purchases to be billed to your new account. Save big on everyday business purchases and take advantage of this “Chamber Member's Only” benefit. To get started, log onto: http://www.benefits-corp.com/LongBeachChamberSignup.php.
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 Jackie Kuhl . . . . . . . . . Consultant, Publications. . . . (562) 843-0951 Elisa Margoni . . . . . . . VP Special Events . . . . . . . . (562) 436-2810 Judy Nelson . . . . . . . . VP Business Councils . . . . . (562) 432-8128 Michael Johnson . . . . VP Member Services . . . . . . (562) 590-9234 Kelly Stortz . . . . . . . . . Assistant to the President . . (562) 432-7830 Bobbie Spohn . . . . . . Asst. to VP Member Services . (562) 843-0959 Karen Vaughn. . . . . . . Information Specialist. . . . . . . . . . . . ext 100 Linda Izzo . . . . . . . . . . Member Relations Executive . . . . . . ext 101
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
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.
LONG BEACH
2
BUSINESS
Creating a Stronger Community
Faces of The Chamber Members talk about what their Chamber membership means to them “I wanted to thank you personally for all that you do on behalf of business in Long Beach. During the 13+ years I have been with Toyota and through my participation either on committees or the board of The Chamber, you have never lost focus. Thanks for being the enerPat Murphy gizer bunny that keeps thumping for business. The collaboration and mix of business partners coupled with the proactive stance of this Chamber makes me proud!” Pat Murphy Community Affairs Coordinator, TABC, Inc.
“I’m pleased to report that Incredible Journey has recently become the travel vendor for Linda DuPlaine Gray’s company, A Wedding Store and Special Events. Had I not rejoined The Chamber, I doubt this opportunity would have presented itself. This is a great example Pat Ellington of how Chamber membership can work for small businesses within the Long Beach community, as long as members are willing to take advantage of all the networking opportunities Chamber membership offers.” Pat Ellington Travel Consultant, Incredible Journey
2005-2006 Chairman’s Circle Diamond DeVry University
■
Hilton Long Beach
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Press-Telegram ■ Verizon ■
■
Port of Long Beach
Platinum Long Beach City College
■
The Boeing Company
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
"Just a note to thank The Chamber for the lunch, presentation and dialogue at their Better Business in 90 Minutes customer service seminar recently. I found the comments useful and a good reminder to managers of some of the principles we all know but need refreshing Randy Kemner from time to time. Also valuable was the Q & A session as many people offered observations and suggestions to problem solving that were useful. It made the event even more enriching. Thanks again for the seminar and please extend our thanks to those involved in its execution." Randy Kemner Proprietor, The Wine Country "I love the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce! My membership has proven to be profitable for me from the first month that I joined! My largest client to date found me on The Chamber of Commerce web site – the first month I was posted! I just can’t think of a better, or Cindy Allen more economical way to develop such an extensive network in the dynamic and growing business community of Long Beach. I highly recommend anyone interested in doing business in Long Beach to join today." Cindy Allen Owner, Money Mailer of Long Beach
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 ■ 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 Paragon Steel ■ Parkers’ Lighthouse ■ The Queen Mary ■ Spirit Cruises ■ Tax Technology Research THUMS Long Beach Company ■ Urban Pacific Builders ■ Via Media Graphic Design 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.
LONG BEACH
3
BUSINESS
Paul C. Blanco
“I am pleased to receive your Special Election reminder in the Long Beach Chamber eAlert. My family and community will vote based on your recommendations. Thanks for putting it together. All the best.” Paul C. Blanco Federation of Filipino American Associations
longbeachadvocacy.biz Daily. Interactive. Relevant.
Serving as the Voice of Business
Influencing Public Policy for Business—A Year of Accomplishment By: Matthew L. Kinley, Esq.
Matthew L. Kinley, Esq. Partner, Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP & Vice Chair of Public Policy, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
T
he Chamber continues to lead for the business community in influencing public policy at the local and state levels. Consider The Chamber’s work for 2005:
Political Action Under our political action committee, Dave Neary chairing, The Chamber initiated and conducted a first of its kind Candidate Academy, which schooled twenty-five potential new candidates on the campaign process. The PAC was also the first organization in the City to endorse business friendly candidates for mayor and city council in the 2006 elections.
Local Issues The Government Affairs Committee (“GAC”) continued its great work with a strong committee. This past year saw the GAC, with support from The Chamber Board, challenge our local leaders to do right by business. It strongly supported Long Beach Airport improvements, a position that was validated by the Environmental Impact Report issued about the airport last November. The Chamber was instrumental in opposing several ideas that would have hurt business in this city, including drastic changes in our redevelopment process, a housing policy which would have hurt neighborhoods and housing for our workforce, and The Chamber stood steadfast against any new taxes or fees. The Chamber successfully opposed the Peace Labor
Agreements and the Project Labor Agreement. Both of these policies would have harmed small local businesses in the City. Peace Labor Agreements restrict how hotels would do business in the City and would have prevented the construction of new hotels on city land. If the City Council had passed project labor agreements, the new law would have virtually assured that small business could not bid on city construction projects.
State Issues The Chamber also continued to have the voice of business heard in Sacramento, as well. GAC just issued its report cards on our locally elected state officials, which shows that all of them voted seventy-five percent of the time against business. Long Beach continues to have the highest poverty level in the State, with many economic problems in our City. Educating our elected officials about our problems will help improve our City’s economic performance. The Chamber opposed unilateral efforts by the legislature to pass restrictive laws and new taxes on our port. The Chamber has worked for a cooperative effort between our port, the City and Sacramento to create a port which is safe from terrorism, which leads the world in pollution control and which creates good jobs for our citizens. The Chamber is also working hard to make sure that Enterprise Zones continue in our City. Right now, the Zones are set to expire in 2007, and the legislature has failed to act to continue these important incentives for business. GAC has continued to monitor Workers’ Compensation reform to make sure the reform benefits as many businesses and their employees as possible. The Chamber also worked hard in the recent Special Election to speak up for business, and continues to speak out against new taxes and regulations which harm commerce. This last year, GAC created a new service to the business community, the Center for Judicial Advocacy, which monitors decisions by state and federal courts that will change the way you do business. Check out this new
You’ve made a commitment to your health.
So have we.
For more information, contact your broker or Universal Care at 800-380-2522.
LONG BEACH
4
BUSINESS
service at www.longbeachadvocacy.biz/cja. Please review our record at our website, http://www.longbeachadvocacy.biz. If you run an enterprise in our city, you’ll be happy we’re here.
Chamber’s Gordon Introduces Governor
A
few days before last month’s Special Election, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger held a midmorning press event atop a Pike area parking structure with the Port of Long Beach as a backdrop. The Governor was urging for the passage of Proposition 76 (the “Live Within Our Means” measure) as a reform needed to control the budget and ensure consistent funding for infrastructure... including Port growth and the 710 freeway.
Chamber President and CEO Randy Gordon delivered the Governor’s introduction in front of a hundred Prop 76 supporters. Gordon said, “We are here to support a leader and his visionary reforms, a leader who understands the importance of running the state government like a business.”
Highlighting the Membership Aerolease Long Beach, dba Aeroplex Aviation announced recently that Signature Flight Support has acquired Long Beach Million Air, Inc, the FBO service provider operating out of their Long Beach Airport aviation facility. Aerolease President and CEO Curt Castagna had the following comments. “We are very pleased to welcome Signature Flight Support to the Long Beach Airport and our FBO facility. Signature’s presence at Long Beach is yet another milestone in the City of Long Beach’s effort to promote its airport as a key corporate destination serving Southern California. We look forward to hosting Signature’s operations here at the Aeroplex Aviation Center and working together with them in promoting the facilities and airport.” The Aerolease Group, with facilities at Long Beach and Van Nuys, has a successful 30 year history in developing and managing aviation properties. The Aerolease Group can be found at www.aeroplex.net. ■
Web Stats -
Money Mailer, a quality leader in the $49 billion direct mail industry since 1979, continues to grow with the recent opening of its latest franchise serving the towns of Lakewood, Signal Hill and Long Beach. Cindy Allen is thrilled to operate one of more than 275 Money Mailer franchises nationwide. Money Mailer provides a wide range of direct mail advertising solutions including its main product, the famous oversized red, white and blue envelope filled with money-saving coupons. A former police officer with the Long Beach Police Department, Allen found herself determined to continue building relationships within the community by focusing her attention on the relationships between businesses and their consumers. “Through the use of Money Mailer, I am able to offer business owners a wide range of direct mail advertising options that will enable them to powerfully communicate their great services and values to customers so that everybody wins,” said Allen. Cindy Allen, owner of the Money Mailer franchise of Long Beach can be contacted at (562) 331-1620.
41,631 member listings were requested in October 2005 on the Business directory of www.lbchamber.com The top five categories requested were: Hotels & Motels, Things to See & Do, Restaurants, Aquarium, Catalina Island The top five members requested were: Dockside Bed & Boat, Holiday Inn, Vagabond Inn, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Courtyard by Mariott
George’s Greek Deli, one of the most popular spots to eat on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, is coming soon to Belmont Shore. Jimmy Loizides, the owner of George’s, recently purchased Malvasia at 5316 E. Second St. and plans to convert the space to a second George’s Greek Deli. George’s is popular downtown first and foremost because it is quality Greek food at an affordable price. What’s more, the place has the kind of friendly family atmosphere that should be a big hit in Belmont Shore. It will be a while before the escrow and liquor licenses change hands, so look for George’s to open on Second Street after the first of the year. The original George’s Greek Deli is at 318 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, (562) 437-1184.
Bradfield Design, Inc., located in downtown Long Beach, recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. The firm opened its doors in 1985 with a mission of creating strong visual marketing and promotional packages for its clients. Over the years, Bradfield Design has provided a complete range of customized graphic design services for numerous satisfied clients representing various markets and professions. Industries served include health care, manufacturing, commercial and residential development, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, education, restaurant/hospitality and consulting services. The services Bradfield Design offers to businesses include planning, research, concept development, design, implementation and production to develop brand identity, logos, brochures, catalogs, ads, promotional materials and Web sites. Agency founder, Debra Bradfield has received numerous awards in the visual communications industry since opening her firm. Debra would like to thank all of her clients, past and present for her great success as an entrepreneur. If you’d like more info, visit her online portfolio at bd4graphics.com.
■ ■
After 35 years of service to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s Hospital—the last 6 as CEO— Byron Schweigert has been promoted to a newly created role as Chief Education and Government Affairs Officer of MemorialCare Medical Centers. “I have seen many changes in my years at LBMMC/MCH and plan to continue playing a part in the future of the MemorialCare system. Working in Women’s Hospital, being part of the move of pediatric patients from 4-West to the new Miller Children’s Hospital, helping to create and enhance the clinical pharmacy services at Long Beach Memorial and, ultimately, having the privilege to work as CEO have all been wonderful experiences for me,” Schweigert wrote to employees when announcing the move. Beginning January 1, 2006, Byron will assume his new role with the MemorialCare system. MemorialCare operates four separate medical centers in Southern California: Anaheim, Orange Coast, Saddleback, and Long Beach. A group of board and medical staff leadership will be working closely with Barry Arbuckle, CEO of MemorialCare Medical Centers, in selecting the future CEO of Long Beach Memorial, which actually is 6 hospitals in one, and the largest of MemorialCare’s operations. As Chair-Elect for The Chamber, Byron will fulfill his commitment as Chairman of the Board for 2006-2007 beginning in July.
LONG BEACH
5
BUSINESS
If you provide good products at good prices, you likely are going to do well, which is why Friedmans Appliance Center needed to get a bigger home. In 2004, owner Bob Atkins and his wife Pat began construction of the new space, a 26,200 sq. ft. building which triples the prior showroom floor space. Bob and Pat continue to honor the Friedmans’ philosophy and are designing their new store for the customer’s convenience and shopping enjoyment. Friedmans is celebrating their move this month at the new location, 1827 Spring St. in Long Beach. Friedmans has a huge selection of appliances — washers, dryers, refrigerators and more — as well as talented staff who can help you do just about anything, including redesign your kitchen. For more information, give them a call at (562) 989-7756.
Thank You to
Epson America for hosting The Chamber’s November Board of Director’s meeting.
Focusing on Small Business
ICT Selected for Best Diversity Practices
Microsoft Rolls into Town for Technology Expo
M
Young actors between the ages of 6 to 14 learn theater firsthand by participating in ICT’s Summer Youth Conservatory. By the end of the session, their dreams become reality on stage at the Center Theatre in Long Beach.
I
nternational City Theatre (ICT) is being honored by the Workforce Diversity Committee of the Long Beach Chamber for its commitment to workplace diversity as well as its outreach to groups based upon race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation and disability. Presentation of the Best Diversity Practices award will take place at the Good Morning Long Beach meeting on Wednesday January 18, 2006 at 7:30 a.m. at The Grand. ICT, the resident theater company at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, is led by founder/artistic director/producer Shashin Desai, whom is of Indian descent, and his wife caryn, general manager. Diversity is stated in writing in the Employee Handbook and followed in hiring a diverse workforce from the in-office staff to the actors and crew necessary for ICT’s six productions each year. “The idea of diversity is to accept people for their capabilities without thinking about the issues that divide us…” The philosophy on diversity is stated best in ICT’s business plan: “Audiences are brought into a world where they are able to see the human side of someone who may be different from them. It is in this identification with people who are “different” that we discover how people, everywhere, are alike. We all laugh. We all cry. We all suffer. We all die. We all share the same range of human emotions and this is our link. This is what theatre can do. Quality, professional theatre is necessary for stimulating thought. ICT can and does make a positive impact on the
community, embracing all ages and ethnicities from our young people to our senior population.” caryn desai, who purposely writes her name all in lower case explains “we aim not just to entertain but to educate and enlighten as well.” ICT’s first play, 20 years ago, presented a gay couple struggling with AIDS, when the disease was very new and not understood. In that production, as well as others that followed, Shashin Desai believes “it is our responsibility to bring diversity together and what better way to do it than through art and culture.” He has done so by breaking tradition. He proudly tells of casting a black actor as the father of a blonde child. Upon learning who was playing his daughter, the actor protested and identified himself as a black actor. Desai advised that he did not teach black acting rather acting. The play went on as planned and now the actor proudly introduces himself as an actor, not a black actor. Hugely successful also is ICT’s Summer Youth Conservatory where young actors age 6 to 14 learn the theater firsthand. By the end of the session their dreams become reality on stage in the Center Theatre. ICT has taken this hands-on approach into Long Beach Schools with it Performing Arts Classroom Teaching for third graders, which is now requested more than one hundred classrooms. To meet the demand, ICT has recently hired two more program teachers. In the words of Desai, “the idea of diversity is to accept people for their capabilities without thinking about the issues that divide us; but on the other hand, we must have the awareness to incorporate all people into the process.”
LONG BEACH
6
BUSINESS
icrosoft is rolling into town in a state-of-the-art Microsoft Across America truck loaded with exciting technical solutions to help you achieve your business goals. The Chamber, Professional Business Services (PBS) and Bond Consulting Services (BCS) invite you to participate in the first-ever Long Beach Technology Expo on January 24, 2006 at the Long Beach Marriott from 8:30am–12:30pm. PBS and BCS, both Chamber members and both Certified Microsoft partners headquartered here in Long Beach, have produced a hands-on, interactive event that will give you the information you need to answer many of your key business concerns. How can I use my computer system and network to: Become more competitive? Tighten network security? Improve my bottom line? How can I make my computers work as hard as I do? You will hear guest speakers from Microsoft and other technology companies give you an inside look at products and services that address these questions. You will also see live demonstrations on the Microsoft Across America truck that show these cost-effective tools in action. You will attend break out sessions that specifically focus on your area of interest. And…while you are there, you will have a chance to win valuable free prizes and register for private demonstrations customized for your company. To Register Space is limited, so reserve your spot TODAY for this unique Technology Expo. Call Bobbie Spohn at (562) 436-1251 ext. 118 or register online at www. clicktoattend.com (Professional Business Services Event 105041).
Volunteer Opportunities
International Business Association
Women’s Council President, Ivy Goolsby International Realty & Investments
President, Terry Geiling Professional Business Services
IBA Sponsors China Trip in March
T
he holidays are here and we are already half way through the IBA year. My how time flies when you’re having fun! In the first half of the year, the IBA certainly stepped up to its goal of educating the community on industry trends and directions. As a part of our monthly lunch programs: • Bruce Wargo, President of PierPass, gave an overflow audience of industry execs an update on his success in reducing prime shift truck trips by 30%. • Jim Flanagan, Sr. LA Times business editor, demonstrated to trade and transportation managers how they have all become part of a more global economy. • Capt. Peter Neffenger USCG, Captain of the Port, outlined to community and industry leaders the plans and organizations in place to help prevent and/or respond to future disasters. And…there is more coming. In January, Dick Steinke, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach, will deliver his annual State of the Port address, and in March The Chamber and IBA will sponsor a first class, 9-day business and pleasure tour of China. For its 2nd goal of helping local companies increase their exposure to audiences of industry decision makers, the IBA now offers corporate sponsorships to its well attended lunch events. The benefits of sponsorship include: • Publicity in community wide press releases • Seating at a dedicated head table of 10 (Including the keynote speaker) • Sponsor recognition in the meeting program • A corporate profile presentation by the IBA president • Opportunity for the senior executive to introduce the guest speaker All of this is only $1,000. This is the best promotion deal in town. For more information on how your company can become a corporate sponsor, or for information on the China trip, or any of our events, please call Judy Nelson at (562) 432 8128.
Building Business Together
W
I
omen’s Council is furthering its mission to provide a supportive environment for business professionals to network, to achieve personal growth and to contribute to the betterment of the community. Our work thus far has laid a solid foundation for exciting opportunities to improve both our businesses and our community. Our Holiday Luncheon was held earlier this month and it was an elegant occasion. The cultured ambiance of the Museum of Latin American Art was the setting for an affair to remember. Thank you to our generous sponsor Doris Jordan from DJ Risk Management Insurance Services and to Syndi Croad and Moon Dance Catering. The Women’s Outreach Committee of Women’s Council has arranged for our sponsorship of Food Finders. Food Finders is an organization that provides support ranging from clothing and toiletries to food for employment challenged and homeless individuals, many of whom are single-parent women with children. Our contribution to this group is made possible only through your generous support. Thank you. Our Experience Speaks event will take place on February 23, 2006. Our Experience Speaks event will take place on February 23, 2006. It will be an excellent opportunity for you to speak face-to-face with your Federal and State political representatives. WC in Action, the cable interview show on Charter Television Channels 65 and 69 at 6 p.m. every Thursday, has a full slate of energetic business women through the end of the year. For your 15 minutes of fame, contact Clare Dellemann at 562-434-1541. We need your assistance and support to advance Women’s Council’s mission. If you have not already done so, please renew your membership today, encourage a friend to join, and get involved by joining a committee.
The one source for occupational health services with two Long Beach locations.
(562) 933-0085 Buffum Medical Pavillion Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Chair, Janet McCarthy Goodwill Industries of Long Beach—South Bay
WC Seeks Support for Food Finders
LONG BEACH MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
Memorial Occupational Medical Services 450 E. Spring, Ste. 8
Workforce Diversity Committee
Memorial Maritime Clinic 150 S. Pico Ave.
(562) 432-2821 Port of Long Beach
LONG BEACH
7
BUSINESS
ncreasingly, the case for workplace diversity as a business imperative is gaining recognition by leaders in our community. At the recent Long Beach Chamber Workforce Diversity regional business breakfast, nearly 200 attendees were provided education and resources from an esteemed panel of workplace diversity experts.
(L to R:) Randy Lowe, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Employment & Diversity for Union Bank of California; Larry Whitley, Chairman of the Board for The Chamber; Dr. E. Jan Kehoe, Superintendent & President of the Long Beach Community College District; Barbara Sullivan, CEO, Sullivan International and an expert in the field of Diversity and Human Resources; John Hill, Chief of Staff for LA County Supervisor Yvonne Burke, and former County of Los Angeles Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer; and Janet McCarthy, Chair of the Workforce Diversity Committee.
The panel was eloquently moderated by Dr. E. Jan Kehoe, Superintendent & President of the Long Beach Community College District, who brought forth the following advantages from the panelists that support reasons to tie workplace diversity to organizational strategic goals and objectives: greater adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing market place; attracting and retaining the best talent; reducing costs associated with turnover; return on investment from initiatives such as policies and practices; gaining and keeping greater/new market share (locally, regionally and globally) with an expanded diverse customer base and an increased bottom line resulting from sales and profits. If you missed this great diversity business breakfast, you can attend the third annual Diversity Breakfast, next October 2006, date to be determined.
Upcoming Events Decebe 2005 • January 2006 See Enclosed Flyers
State of the City Luncheon TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006 • 11:00AM – 1:30PM Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom Individual tickets $45 / Sponsor tables available Elisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 • emargoni@lbchamber.com
Long Beach Technology Expo Featuring Microsoft Across America Truck TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2006 • 8:30AM – 12:30PM Long Beach Airport Marriott Bobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251 ext. 118 bspohn@lbchamber.com
International Business Association State of the Port Address Keynote: Richard Steinke Executive Director, Port of Long Beach
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2006 • 11:30AM – 1:30PM Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
Women’s Council Experience Speaks Program THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2006 • 5:30PM – 8:00PM Keesal, Young & Logan Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com
SAVE THE DATE 2006 Business Forecast Conference THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2006 7:30AM – 1:30PM Keynote: Jack Kyser, Chief Economist L.A. County Economic Development Corp.
Westin 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.
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE
PA I D PERMIT NO. 416 LONG BEACH, CA