Business LO N G
B E A C H
October 2005 Vol. 12 No. 7
California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005
Chamber November Ballot Measure Positions
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Chamber Hosts Breakfast Promoting Diversity
n June, Governor Schwarzenegger announced a special election would be held statewide in November. The Chamber spent August and September reviewing the eight propositions on the November 2005 ballot. In last month’s edition of Long Beach Business, The Chamber announced its positions on Propositions 74, 76 and 77. This month, all eight propositions and The Chamber’s positions are listed below. Visit www.longbeachadvocacy.biz for more information.
PROPOSITION 73 Position: NO POSITION Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Amends California Constitution, defining and prohibiting abortion for minors until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent/guardian, except in medical emergency or with parental waiver. Mandates reporting requirements. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation.
PROPOSITION 74 Position: SUPPORT Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal. Initiative Statute. Increases the time required before a public school teacher may become a permanent employee from two years to five years. Applies to teachers whose probationary period began during or after the 03-04 fiscal year. Modifies the process by which school boards can dismiss a permanent teaching employee who receives two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations.
PROPOSITION 75 Position: SUPPORT Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions on Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement. Initiative Statute. Prohibits using public union dues for political contributions without individual employees’ prior consent. Excludes contributions benefiting charities or employees. Requires unions to report political contributions to Fair Political Practices Commission.
PROPOSITION 76 Position: SUPPORT State Spending and School Funding Limits. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Places a limit on state expenditures based on an average of revenue growth in the three prior years. Grants the Governor authority to reduce state spending
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unilaterally during certain fiscal crises. Changes several Constitutional provisions relating to the minimum funding guarantee for K-12 schools and community colleges, and makes other changes relating to transportation and other funds. Together, these provisions will likely reduce state spending compared to what it would be under current law and provide a smoother pattern and perhaps a different mix of state spending.
PROPOSITION 77 Position: SUPPORT Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Amends state Constitution’s process for redistricting California’s Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization districts. Requires three-member panel of retired judges selected by legislative leaders.
PROPOSITION 78 Position: NO POSITION Discounts on Prescription Drugs. Initiative Statute. Establishes discount prescription drug program for certain low- and moderate-income Californians. Authorizes Department of Health Services to contract with participating pharmacies for discounts and with participating drug manufacturers for rebates.
PROPOSITION 79 Position: NO POSITION Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates. Initiative Statute. Provides drug discounts to Californians with qualifying incomes. Funded by state-negotiated drug manufacturer rebates. Prohibits Medi-Cal contracts with manufacturers not providing Medicaid best price.
PROPOSITION 80 Position: OPPOSE Electric Service Providers. Regulation. Initiative Statute. Subjects electric service providers to regulation by California Public Utilities Commission. Restricts electricity customers’ ability to switch from private utilities to other providers. Requires all retail electric sellers to increase renewable energy resources procurement by 2010.
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s part of National Diversity Awareness Month, The Chamber will host its 2nd annual Diversity Breakfast this month, “Building Business Together: Strategies for the 21st Century.” The Chamber’s Workforce Diversity Committee, whose mission is to promote diversity and inclusion in our business community through education, recognition and advocacy, is organizing the event which will take place on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 7:15 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. This symposium will focus on how managing diversity can help you tap into greater potential in your organization. Listen to leaders who have had successful experiences with managing diversity; interact with these leaders to learn the best practices for implementing a diversity initiative; and network with other leaders who are interested in realizing the power of diversity. Moderated by Long Beach City College Superintendent Dr. E Jan Kehoe, expert panelists for the diversity discussion include: John Hill, Chief of Staff for LA County Supervisor Yvonne Burke (and former County of Los Angeles Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer); Randy Lowe, Sr. Vice President for Corporate Employment and Diversity at Union Bank of California; and Barbara Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, Sullivan International, an expert in the diversity and human resources arena. Larry Whitley, Director for Boeing KC-767 Tanker Communications at Boeing Air Force Systems and Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board will provide opening remarks. Janet McCarthy-Wilson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries and Chair of The Chamber’s Workforce Diversity Committee, will close the program. The cost is $30 each, corporate sponsorships are available. To register, call Sterling Spector at (562) 951-0090 or email sterlingcsu@aol.com. Or, register online at www.lbchamber.com.
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Chairman’s Message
Chamber Urges Governor to Veto Job Killers
6 Changes at The Chamber
Chairman’s Message
Increase Your Company’s Exposure—
Larry Whitley Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Advertise on www.lbchamber.com
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ecently, The Chamber hosted its quarterly Better Business in 90 Minutes seminar in front of a packed room of Chamber members. The free series focuses on providing businesses with information and guidance in business excellence. This particular seminar focused on customer relations, and featured a panel of business leaders speaking to the impact that good customer relations can have on business success. One of the main functions of The Chamber is to provide a culture of friendly and helpful customer relations for its members. The Chamber staff and leadership are available to meet your needs as members of The Chamber. It is up to you to use that resource. As a business person, you need to make sure you are getting the right return on your investment. Avail yourself to the many services offered to Chamber members.There is a partial listing of member benefits on The Chamber’s Web site that can help you move toward more efficient business operations. And, maybe you have a benefit to chamber members that could be listed!
Take advantage now and increase your company’s exposure by advertising to over 250,000 visitors who click on The Chamber’s Web site per year. A limited number of high visibility positions are available—call or email today for more information!
2005-2006 Chairman’s Circle Diamond DeVry University
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“As a business person, you need to make sure you are getting the right return on your investment. Avail yourself to the many services offered to Chamber members.” On another subject, I mentioned in my column last month that we would seek to establish alliances and coalitions for business where such teaming efforts would make sense. Recently, I spoke to the 6th Annual Celebration of the Cambodian American Chamber of Commerce on behalf of The Chamber. What a great organization! The leadership and members who attended the function were well-versed in the benefits of their chamber membership and are looking for ways to engage other businesses for more stable successes and partnerships. Their enthusiasm and commitment is infectious, and certainly refreshed my commitment to you. I told the Cambodian American Chamber of Commerce that being visible and engaged is a key attribute of business success. We need to, as an organization and singular members of that organization, be visible and engaged—together. You will be hearing more on this subject. Please look to attend The Chamber’s Workforce Diversity Breakfast on Oct. 26, at the Long Beach Hyatt. Contact Sterling Spector at reception@lbchamber.com for ticket information or register online at www.lbchamber.com. This is a must attend!
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ll across the country, people use chambers of commerce as a primary resource for visitor and relocation information. Form a strategic alliance with the best source of business and community information—the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Members can now take advantage of advertising opportunities on The Chamber’s Web site. The Chamber is offering this unique marketing tool exclusively to members only. Let The Chamber display your company, link your company’s Web site and email, and map your business location for the thousands who visit www.lbchamber.com every day, resulting in about 4 million hits per year! Just call (562) 437-8823 for additional information on the sponsorships and a guided tour of The Chamber’s web site. The Chamber has established a full-service department with dedicated staff resources to help bring this program directly to participating members.
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
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 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
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Creating a Stronger Economy
Operate at The Beach—Pay State Taxes like a Las Vegas Resident! By Blake Christian, CPA, MBT—Economic Development Chair, The Chamber
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ny business located in the 26 square mile footprint of the Long Beach Enterprise Zone, including virtually the entire Downtown region, the Airport and the Port, is eligible for the following lucrative California tax breaks:
Hiring and Sales Tax Credits 1) Special California hiring tax credits are available for wages paid to certain employees—up to $10,000 per employee for the first year of employment and up to $32,000 per employee over a 60-month employment period. Employees can “qualify” for the credits by meeting any one of 13 different tests, including living in designated neighborhoods, being a recently discharged military veteran, a Native American Indian, a recent layoff, or receiving certain government
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 R. Sterling Spector . . . Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext 100 Linda Izzo . . . . . . . . . . Member Relations Executive . . . . . . ext 101
assistance prior to being hired. 2) There are also sales/use tax credits (8.25%) available for purchasing or leasing certain types of equipment, including computers, machinery, and other data processing equipment. Of the 1,800 Chamber members, over 550 are eligible forthese benefits, yet only a small percentage are claiming these credits. Many businesses believe they will not qualify, or that the process is too burdensome. The Long Beach Chamber has made the process easy for Chamber Members by entering into a tax credit screening contract with National Tax Credit Group, LLP (NTCG), which will provide fully documented Enterprise Zone studies for 10% of the tax credits identified, plus a $15 per employee screening fee.In addition, NTCG will share a portion of their screening fees with The Chamber. These credits can often wipe out the entire California tax liability of the business. Refunds of taxes already paid
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.
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are available for up to 4 prior years, with interest! The EZ benefits make Long Beach and other portions of California extremely attractive for businesses—and effectively eliminate the need to move business operations to other states or offshore simply to save taxes. Many areas within and surrounding the ports are also federal Free Trade Zones (FEZs), which allow for deferred duty and customs payments. Additional benefits are available through the L.B. Economic Development Department (contact Ray White at (562) 570-3897) for area businesses in the form of low interest loans, free business counseling, and site selection.
Who Qualifies for the EZ Credits? Manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, wholesalers, stevedores, freight forwarders, service businesses, distributors, and virtually any type of taxpayer, can obtain these benefits simply by operating in the Enterprise Zone. Any taxpaying business with W-2 employees, and/or who purchased and/or leased qualifying “data collection,” “pollution control,” or manufacturing/processing equipment can obtain benefits under this program.
How Long Will This Program be Around? While the EZ program for Long Beach is currently set to expire during January 2007, the California legislature recently moved forward legislation that would allow a 10-year extension for certain Enterprise Zones, including Long Beach. Additional approvals will be required before the bill becomes law. Even without an extension, Long Beach employers can claim credits on “qualified” employees even after the zone expiration, provided the employee was hired before the expiration date. For more information regarding Long Beach incentive credits and benefits, please call the Chamber office or Blake Christian @ (562) 590-9535, or go to: www.lbchamber.com; www.ftb.gov; www.ntcgtax.com; www.ci.long-beach.ca.us.com; www.hcvt.com . *Note: Blake Christian is also an equity owner of NTCG LLP and a Tax Partner with HCVT LLP.
Serving as the Voice of Business
Chamber Urges Governor to Veto Job Killers
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s the legislative session ended in early September, eight 'job killer' bills were sent by the Legislature to the Governor. Each job killer, opposed by the Long Beach Chamber, would damage California and Long Beach’s jobs climate — and collectively, they could have a huge impact on the state and regional economic recovery. The Chamber urges the Governor to veto each of these harmful proposals. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has until October 9th to act on the following ‘job killers’ currently awaiting his signature or veto:
AB 169 (Oropeza; D-Long Beach) Excessive litigation. Negatively distinguishes California from the rest of the country by exposing every business to excessive litigation and increases the cost of doing business by mandating damage awards and new civil penalties for gender pay equity violations. AB 391 (Koretz; D-West Hollywood) UI benefit expansion. Increases the cost of doing business in California by forcing California employers to subsidize a strike against their own company by providing unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed due to the strike. AB 875 (Koretz; D-West Hollywood) Government agency potential harassment of employers. Opens the door to potential harassment by government labor and taxing agencies by requiring the referral of an unspecified labor violation to taxing agencies for a tax audit, exposing employers to an expensive, time-consuming fishing expedition for possible employer tax code violations. AB 1310 (Núñez; D-Los Angeles) Severance offers; increased litigation. Establishes new reasons to sue certain private sector employers by setting in statute a
Job Killers
Assembly Bills: AB 48 (Lieber; D-Mountain View) Minimum wage increase. Provides significant disincentive for employers to create job in California by giving our state the highest minimum wage in the country. Increases the cost of doing business by billions annually by raising the state minimum wage to $7.25 in 2006 and to $7.75 in 2007, and indexing increases every year thereafter.
Chamber Members Meet with the Governor in Long Beach
Senate Bills: SB 174 (Dunn; D-Garden Grove) New 'sue your boss' lawsuits. Increases employer liability by providing new incentives for plaintiffs and their attorneys to file lawsuits by establishing new types of 'sue your boss' lawsuits. SB 399 (Escutia; D-Norwalk) Health care cost increase. Increases litigation costs on insurers and the self-insured by requiring medical payments in excess of Medi-Cal reimbursement rates and increasing non-economic damage awards. SB 833 (Bowen; D-Redondo Beach) Onerous fax communication restrictions. Increases costs by placing onerous administrative and economic burdens on businesses by in effect requiring written consent from their own customers and clients prior to sending certain fax communications. The Chamber believes that each of these bills will have a negative impact on California’s recovering economy. For more information and to take action on these bills, visit: www.longbeachadvocacy.biz/2005bills.
Cal Chamber Chants Four More Years
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overnor Schwarzenegger stopped in Long Beach on September 22nd to drum up support for his four initiatives, Propositions 74, 75, 76, and 77. His visit in Long Beach is the first in a series of “Conversations with Californians” that he plans to have before the special election on November 8th. Members of The Chamber were asked again to meet with the Governor and seven members of The Chamber joined in on the discussion of the initiatives. At the meeting, Governor Schwarzenegger asked them to join him in voting for the propositions which he promised “The meeting today with the Governor would help him fix a was very enlightening, informative, and broken system in he seems to be very sincere in regards Sacramento. to what he was proposing” “The meeting —Ivy Goolsby today with the Governor was very enlightening, informative, and he seems to be very sincere in regards to what he was proposing” said Ivy Goolsby, President of International Realty & Investments and President of The Chamber’s Women Council. Chamber members who joined the Governor for the meeting included: Ivy Goolsby, President of International Realty & Investments; Diane Cesenas of Construction Consultant Services, Inc.; Efren Baca of Western Building Maintenance; Matt Kinley of Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP; Victoria Fullerton of Partners in Health; Bianca Sovich of Bianca’s Historic Costumes; and Lori Lofstrom of Holmes and Lofstrom, LLP.
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very detailed notice process that an employer must follow exactly to utilize any severance agreement.
he California Chamber is excited about Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan to run for re-election, which was recently announced. Chamber President Allan Zaremberg released the following statement: “In 2003, the California Chamber of Commerce endorsed Arnold Schwarzenegger for Governor of California—the first such endorsement in the Chamber’s 112 year history.” “Our board of directors endorsed Governor Schwarzenegger because it was clear that his agenda was essential to get California’s business climate back on track.” “When Governor Schwarzenegger was elected, California’s workers’ compensation costs were skyrocketing, businesses were packing their bags and leaving the state and our economic engine was not creating the jobs and revenues essential for California’s future,” continued Zaremberg.” “However, Governor Schwarzenegger made stimulating California’s economy his top priority, and in just two years our economy is well on the road to fiscal recovery. We are excited that the Governor wants to stay in office for four more years to complete his reform agenda and create more jobs in our state.” “The Chamber looks forward to working with the Governor during his second term to find creative new ways to create jobs, grow our economy and stimulate California business climate.”
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Highlighting the Membership Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has set up an employee relief fund to assist their 130 New Orleans restaurant employees and families recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. New Orleans restaurant is located in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. “130 members of our extended family have been affected by this tragedy,” said Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. President/CEO, Scott Barnett. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and everyone in the Gulf Coast region affected by this horrific event.” Donations can be made at all Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. locations and on their web site bubbagump.com. ■
Leadership Long Beach has selected Michelle R. Perrenoud, founder and president of a leadership coaching and development company and 2002 Leadership Long Beach graduate, as its new executive director. Perrenoud, the former executive director of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Downtown Branch, has served on several boards and committees in Long Beach during her 15 years of steadfast service to the city. Perrenoud will be heading an organization whose mission is to develop and connect principled leaders to strengthen the community. More than 600 Leadership Long Beach alumni serve as volunteers throughout the city on boards, task groups and commissions. ■
JetBlue Airways marked a significant milestone as they became the first airline to accept delivery of the EMBRAER 190 and welcome the first of 100 new aircraft, their second fleet type. JetBlue has firm orders for 101 EMBRAER 190s, a 100seat aircraft from a Brazilian manufacturer, with options for 100 more through 2016. The low-fare carrier is scheduled to take delivery of eight EMBRAER 190s this year, and 18 in 2006. Scheduled service will begin in November 2005 to destinations within North America. The 2005 deployment plan for the newest member of JetBlue’s fleet will focus on cities already served by JetBlue’s current fleet of Airbus 320 aircraft.
City National Bank, the second largest independent bank headquartered in California, announced that it has received six “Excellence in Business Banking” awards from Greenwich Associates. It is the highest number of awards given by the Connecticutbased strategic consulting and research firm to any bank in the West region. City National received four awards at the national level, including excellent overall client satisfaction, and excellence for business bankers, branch service and cash management quality. In addition, the bank was recognized at the regional level for excellent overall client satisfaction and cash management. According to Greenwich Associates, City National is one of only three banks in the United States to win six excellence awards for client satisfaction. It is the only bank in the West region to achieve that distinction. ■
Local surgeon, Donald N. Serafano, MD., Medical Director, ViewPoint Laser Center was again awarded “Best Doctors in America” 2005-2006. This means that Dr. Serafano was recognized by his peers for his achievements and dedication to quality care. Dr. Serafano is dedicated to the advancements of eye care and refractive surgery and excellent care and surgical satisfaction to his patients, which is reflected in the awards he has received. ViewPoint Laser Center is pleased to list Mayor Beverly O'Neill and Randy Gordon as two of their VIP patients and success stories. Some of the many previous awards he has received are: Best Doctors in Orange County 2004; America's Top Doctors 2003, 2002, 2001; and Best Doctors in America 2000. ■
Orange County’s Credit Union is offering free financial literacy courses to schools, public libraries, small businesses, and community organizations. The classes are designed and taught through the Credit Union’s C.A.R.E Committee—Community Advocates Reaching Everyone.
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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The free financial literacy workshops are customized to fit the needs of school classrooms, local businesses, organizations, and families. The series of four educational workshops for teens features these topics: Creating a Family Budget, Balancing Your Checkbook, Saving for Higher Education, and Understanding Credit. Founded in 1938, Orange County’s Credit Union is a not-for-profit community-chartered credit union exceeding $790 million in assets, and nearing 77,000 members. Membership is available to all individuals who live or work in Orange County (California), and the neighboring communities of Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, and Cerritos. ■
Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLC (HCVT), a full service CPA firm with offices in Santa Monica, Long Beach, Westlake Village, and Pasadena, has been ranked as the top CPA firm headquartered in Southern California by Public Accounting Report, an independent newsletter focused on Certified Public Accounting Firms. HCVT was ranked as the “2005 Top Practice Leader” in terms of practice concentration in tax planning, tax consulting, and tax compliance for the fourth year in a row. HCVT was also ranked as the third fastest growing accounting and audit practice in the country as measured by year-to-year percentage growth. With a 27% growth in revenue, the 2005 rankings position HVCT as the largest CPA firm headquartered in Southern California and the 4th largest CPA firm headquartered in California.
ThankYou to for hosting The Chamber’s September Board of Director’s meeting.
Focusing on Small Business
Change at The Chamber—Elisa Margoni New VP of Special Events
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he Chamber is pleased to announce Elisa Margoni as the new Vice President of Special Events. She replaces Jackie Kuhl, who has transitioned into a new contracted position handling Chamber publications. Elisa will manage The Chamber’s major fundraising events including the annual State of the City Luncheon, Business Forecast, Inaugural Gala, and Golf Classic. Elisa comes to us with 16 years of experience with the Simms Corporation, based in Tustin, California. Through this endeavor, she was responsible for the training and continued development of over 300 employees at any given time and worked throughout the San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. She began her event consulting career 11 years ago, acting as a booking agent for various talent entities such as jazz, blues, and alternative bands within Los Angeles
and Orange Counties. Elisa has an entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to the success of many entrepreneurial endeavors. At only 25 years old, Elisa opened a successful store front business in uptown Whittier, known as Ground Zero Coffee House, showcasing the very talent she was determined to promote and coach. She has worked throughout the event circuit in several capacities since selling her business including; stage lighting for the Mario Lanza Story which has traveled to different parts of the country, show calling at the Vera Wang Fashion show in Beverly Hills, as well as event consulting for Celebrity Craft Services which provides catering to the television industry. Elisa plans to continue her special event consulting company while working with The Chamber. Elisa sits on the fundraising committee and is very passionate about raising financial support for the Junior
No More Conflicting Events he Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership has announced a new planning and marketing tool available to the community called the LBNP Charitable Events Calendar. This state-of-the-art Internet-based calendar stores important details on charitable events being held in the Greater Long Beach area. Each year hundreds of charitable events take place that benefit nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. One of the challenges for an organization who hosts such an event is scheduling. The LBNP calendar will provide planners of charitable events the information they need to make informed scheduling decisions. The calendar technology also allows submitting organizations the ability to create mini Web sites to promote their events and to accept registrations. Event planners are encouraged to visit the Partnership’s Web site at www.lbnp.org to immediately begin submitting their events. Any event hosted by a nonprofit organization to raise money may be entered.
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he Long Beach Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have partnered to provide your business with a membership in both organizations. By maintaining your membership in The Chamber, you also obtain Federation Membership in the U.S. Chamber, the world’s largest business federation. Federation Membership benefits already include access to the Small Business Center full of toolkits, a weekly e-newsletter, and discounts and services. The U. S. Chamber is excited to announce a new Federation Membership benefit for small businesses. By popular demand from several partners, you will now receive the U.S. Chamber's print newsletter, uschamber.com, every month. This publication will now inform you on the issues that affect your business. Also included is insightful commentary from U.S. Chamber president and CEO Thomas J. Donohue as well as articles by Chamber policy experts who have the tips and advice to help Chamber members run their business successfully. Find out more about uschamber.com online at http://www.uschamber.com/publications/dotcom/default. The U.S. Chamber is pleased to offer this additional benefit to Long Beach Chamber members beginning this month. Remember, Federation Membership is provided at no cost to you. We hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity. Simply log in at www.uschamber.com/sb, go to Member Center, and enter Long Beach Chamber member number 904796 to activate your account today!
mode Consultancy Management and Organization Development Excellence
Developmental Consulting Services Tailored to Your Organization’s Needs Leader & Organization Development Team Building Diversity Management Sexual Harassment & Workplace Violence Prevention
Contact Karl A. Strandberg, Ph.D. 562/598-5852 or modecon@earthlink.net
LONG BEACH
League of Long Beach, which is an organization working collectively with community partners that has launched over 60 projects into the community. She is currently completing her Meeting and Conference Practice practicum, which will equip her to successfully plan and manage local, national, and international corporate meetings and conferences; as well as trade shows at the highest level of ability. As for her new role at The Chamber, Elisa commented, “I’m looking forward to this endeavor, and working with the staff, President/CEO Randy Gordon, and Chairman Larry Whitley along with the board of directors. I’m also looking forward to planning these events with the same continued success as in years past.” Elisa can be reached at (562) 436-2810.
New Federation Membership Benefit!
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“I’m looking forward to this endeavor, and working with the staff, President/CEO Randy Gordon, and Chairman Larry Whitley along with the board of directors.”
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Volunteer Opportunities
International Business Association
Women’s Council
Ambassadors Salvador Farfan Caught in the Moment Photography
President, Ivy Goolsby International Realty & Investments
President, Terry Geiling Professional Business Services
Working Hard to Address Your Questions
WC Starts Year Off With a Bang!
Membership Has Its Privileges
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he Women’s Council began what promises to be another historic year of service to the community and its members with a bang! Our first monthly luncheon was held at the beautiful Holiday Inn on Lakewood Boulevard in Long Beach. We had great turnout of members of Women’s Council and their guests, including many distinguished community leaders and successful business owners. The networking opportunities were abundant and well-utilized by the attendees. The dynamic and perceptive business and personal coach and businesswoman, Jackie Nagel, owner of Synnovatia, spoke to us about Crafting Your Personal Mission Statement, the first in a series of three workshops on Planning for Your Success. The energy in the room was electric and contagious and promises to continue with Jackie’s return in the coming months for two more workshops. If you haven't had the privilege of meeting Jackie and hearing her share her exciting and energetic growth strategies for businesses, mark your calendar! She was
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ow can I find out what is happening on issues like easing truck traffic in the 710, keeping our air and water clean and healthy and avoiding the huge backup of ships we saw last fall? With all of the trade and transportation activities going on in our community, where can I go to understand what business opportunities are available to me? Who is helping our local students develop the skills they need to step up to key positions in the international trade industry? “Coming next is a full schedule of informative lunch meetings…business trade show activity, educational events and social mixers.” How can I meet potential customers, suppliers and trading partners in a relaxed, informal atmosphere? These are the questions the IBA is working hard to address. So far this year, IBA members and guests enjoyed a warm summer evening of Long Beach Armada baseball, were treated by THUMS to an oil island tour and a delicious Bar B Que and heard Bruce Wargo update us on how the PierPass program has shifted hundreds of truck trips to weekends and non prime hours. And…the year is just starting! Coming next is a full schedule of informative lunch meetings (last Friday of each month), business trade show activity, educational events and social mixers. Don’t change the dial and stay tuned for coming attractions. For more information about the IBA or the events mentioned above, please contact Judy Nelson at jnelson@lbchamber.com.
“The dynamic and perceptive business and personal coach and businesswoman, Jackie Nagel, …will enlighten us on Creating Your Objectives and Developing Your Plan.” back with us at the Holiday Inn on September 15th to present her workshop on Creating Your Vision Developing Your Strategies and on October 20th, she will enlighten us on Creating Your Objectives and Developing Your Plan. Seating is limited and will go quickly so don’t miss out on her third and final workshop. Women’s Council members can reserve their seats for $25 and non-members for $28. Reserve your place now by calling Judy Nelson at The Chamber at (562) 4328128, sending her an e-mail at jnelson@lbchamber.com or a fax at 562-436-7099.
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
LONG BEACH
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BUSINESS
embership indeed does have its privileges. Your Chamber has a dedicated group of volunteer small business owners and multi-million dollar company representatives that serve as ambassadors, promoting our businesses while serving the community and our membership. “We take our responsibility of welcoming new members very seriously.”
Our activities include, but are not limited to attending ribbon cuttings, writing welcome notes to new members, and checking up on current members. It’s truly a rewarding experience being part of the ribbon cuttings and sharing in the excitement of opening a business and seeing the months of planning and hard work come to fruition. We take our responsibility of welcoming new members very seriously by sharing our own experiences with The Chamber and letting them know how we were able to take advantage of all The Chamber benefits and make the most out of our investment in membership dues. Another privilege we enjoy is calling fellow members and touching base on behalf of The Chamber to see how that investment is working out. The response we get is quite positive, as members feel that The Chamber takes a continuing interest in them. It’s quite rewarding when the call makes a difference for the business either by saving money or by taking advantage of the advocacy efforts The Chamber champions on their behalf. As altruistic as this may sound, I assure you that each of us promotes our own business every step of the way. We have the privilege of tooting our own horn while being good corporate citizens. If you’re interested in becoming an ambasador, contact Salvador Farfan at caughtinthemoment@hotmail.com.
Upcoming Events October 2005 See Enclosed Flyers Women’s Council THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2005 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Topic: Creating Your Objectives and Developing Your Plan Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 jnelson@lbchamber.com
Diversity Breakfast WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2005 7:15 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. Hyatt Regency Long Beach Beacon Room “Building Business Together: Strategies for the 21st Century” Moderator: Dr. E. Jan Kehoe, Superintendent, LB City College Sterling Spector (562) 951-0090 sterlingcsu@aol.com
Principal for a Day THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2005 Judy Donley (562) 437-8823 jdonley@lbchamber.com
Better Business in 90 Minutes Seminar WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2005 8:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. Topic: State/Federal Law Changes Affecting Your Business Bobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118 bspohn@lbchamber.com
State of the City Luncheon TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006 11:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom 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