Nearly 1,100 Los Angeles stars in thebusiness, political, and civic world cametogether under the downtown Los Angelesskyline to celebrate the Chamber’s 116thyear at the annual Inaugural Dinner onFebruary 10.

The gala event, set against the rainybackdrop of the newly dedicated CityNational Plaza, glistened with the presenceof Mayor Jim Hahn, County Supervisor ZevYaroslavsky, members of Congress and theL.A. City Council, and a host of businessexecutives and entrepreneurs.

At the gala the Chamber honored com-munity and business leaders John Mack ofLos Angeles Urban League with the CivicMedal of Honor, Sharon Allen of Deloitte &Touche USA LLP with the DistinguishedBusiness Leader Award, and City NationalBank with the Corporate Leadership Award.

The event was a microcosm of thefunction of the Chamber, which continuallybrings together business, political, and civicleaders to help propel Los Angeles into thefuture as a successful and prosperous worldcity.

The Chamber took the opportunityamongst the “movers and shakers” of LosAngeles to install Christopher Martin, CEO,AC Martin Partners, California’s oldestplanning, architecture, and engineering firmas the new chair of the Board in Los

Angeles. Martin succeeds Immediate PastChair George Kieffer, a partner at the lawfirm Manatt, Phelps & Philips, LLP.

Gala attendees heard an energizingspeech from Martin on the need for every-one to join together to help Los Angelesreach the pinnacle of its potential.

“We are an emerging global capital,an economic powerhouse, and a vibrantcommunity – but we must rise to overcomethe challenges our rapid growth has broughtabout,” said Martin. “This is no small task,but it is one that the LA Area Chamber isready and eager to undertake.”

The gala event also welcomedChamber President & CEO Rusty Hammerback into the limelight after a long battlewith leukemia. Although Hammer continuedto serve as Chamber president & CEOthroughout his illness, his public appear-ances were rare.

“Words cannot express how happy Iam to be here this evening,” said Hammer atthe gala. “Let’s do some great things for LosAngeles this year. Since 1888, the LA AreaChamber has championed regional solutionsfor our growing population and businesscommunity. Southern California is at a piv-otal crossroads, and the Chamber in 2005will be doubling its efforts to promote invest-ment in our infrastructure.”

VOICEChamber

DISTINGUISHED CROWD. Inaugural Dinner honorees,above from left, Russell Goldsmith, accepting on behalfof City National Bank; Sharon Allen; and John Mack.

THE CHAIR HAS THE FLOOR. 2005 Chamber BoardChair Christopher C. Martin, CEO, AC Martin Partners,addresses the crowd of nearly 1,100 at the InauguralDinner Feb. 11.

VOTING L.A. Chamber members discuss educationand health care issues with Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica). Pictured, from left (top photo): Joe Ahn,Northrop-Grumman; Kuehl; Randy Howard, LosAngeles Department of Water & Power; JacqueMcMillan, Metropolitan Water District; NancySwaim, SWAIM390 Investigations, Inc.; and ColleenCallahan, American Lung Association of L.A.County. Access Sacramento participants meet withSenator Gil Cedillo (D-Downtown L.A.), fourth from left(bottom photo) at his Sacramento office.

The 2005 Access Sacramento trip livedup to its name, granting 85 Los Angelesbusiness leaders access to key officials atthe state capitol March 1-2 to push theChamber’s agenda and fight to ensure theprosperity and growth of Los Angeles.

The trip, part of an annual lobbyingeffort orchestrated by the Chamber, is con-sidered the largest lobbying trip of anychamber of commerce to the state capitoland proved that the Chamber is a leadingbusiness organization with the power toinfluence the capitol to help better L.A.County.

Political figures, including Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger, Senate President DonPerata, cabinet secretaries, opinion leaders,and other lawmakers, met with the Chamberover the two day period to discuss educa-tion, transportation, environmental quality,and other issues important to the Chamberand the future of Los Angeles in a proactive

manner.“Our strategy this year was to hold this

trip early in the legislative session beforeissues got redefined in the partisandebates,” said Chamber President and CEORusty Hammer. “We were able to present ourpositions in a constructive sense, asopposed to obstructive, which was appreci-ated by lawmakers in both parties.”

The 85 participants were broken upinto six teams -- Goods Movement, PublicTransportation, Health Care, Education &Workforce Development, EnvironmentalQuality and Business Issues.

The teams discussed everything fromthe need for transportation funds to the LosAngeles housing shortage with various lead-ers in the state capitol. They also empha-sized the importance of keeping the L.A. AirForce Base open, investing in outreachefforts for undeserved youth, and fundinglocal healthcare facilities and programs.

At the end of the trip it was clear theChamber had done something unprecedent-ed and phenomenal in the realm of businesslobbying.

“With so many business leaders fromthroughout the region lobbying for the samething, it was clear we left an impression onthe administration and legislature,” saidDavid Herbst, senior vice president of theMWW Group and past chair of the ElSegundo Chamber of Commerce. “With thehigh level of collaboration with other localbusiness groups, Access Sacramento sets ahigh standard for advocacy.”

Access Sacramento leads largest delegation yet

State OfficialsKim Belshe, Secretary, Health and Human ServicesVictoria Bradshaw, Labor and Workforce Development SecretaryRichard Costigan, Legislative Affairs SecretaryDavid Crane, Director of Economic Development, Office of the Gov.Mark Drummond, Chancellor, Community College DistrictKacy Hutchison, Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary (Health)Anne McKinney, Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Paul Navarro, Deputy Legislative Affairs SecretaryJack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public InstructionSandra Shewry, Director, Health and Human ServicesBrian Smith, Deputy Director Planning & Modal Programs, CalTransTerry Tamminen, Cabinet SecretarySunne Wright-McPeak, Secretary, Business, Transportation & Housing

Don PerataRichard AlarcónDebra BowenGil CedilloMartha Escutia

Liz Figueroa Sheila Kuehl Alan LowenthalBob Margett Tom McClintock

Kevin MurrayGeorge RunnerJack ScottNell SotoTom Torlakson

Fabian NuñezJuan ArambulaKaren BassRudy Bermudez Ron CalderonWilma ChanEd ChavezJudy ChuHector de la TorreMervyn DymallyDario Frommer

Jackie GoldbergMike Gordon Loni HancockJerome HortonBob HuffLloyd LevineCarol Liu Betty KarnettePaul KoretzCindy MontañezDennis Mountjoy

Gene MullenRoger NielloGloria Negrete-

McLeodJoe NationJenny OropezaFran PavleyGeorge PlesciaKeith Richman Mark Ridley-Thomas Sharon Runner

In addition to a visit with the Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger, Chamber members met with:

IN THIS ISSUE:

Your Chamber working for you 3

Feature: L.A.’s business agenda 4

Member-to-member discounts 6

Inaugural Dinner: Chamber starts 2005 with a splash

Spring / Summer 2005 • Volume 4 • Issue 1

In the spirit of community-building, the Chamberannually recognizes extraordinary civic leadership atthe Inaugural Dinner gala. The 2005 honorees were:

Civic Medal of HonorJohn MackPresident, Los Angeles Urban League

Distinguished Business LeaderSharon AllenChair, Deloitte and Touche USA LLP

Corporate Leadership AwardCity National Bank

State Assemblymembers

State Senators

A quarterly publication of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

Legislative Analyst’s OfficeAnne Curry & Joel Riphagen, Bay Bridge AnalystsMari Grimes, Education AnalystShawn Martin, Medi-Cal Analyst

Yes…you are holding our new quarterly newsletter. Don’tyou recognize it?

Hopefully you’ve noticed over the past two months aredesign of several of the Chamber’s communication pieces.Our weekly communication, L.A. Business This Week, providesyou with timely, up-to-the-minute updates on Chamber activi-ties and issues. In addition, the Business Perspective, my week-ly editorial column, now includes a calendar of events to keepyou informed about Chamber happenings.

And today I’m proud to introduce our new quarterly publi-cation, Chamber VOICE.

Simply put, we think that our members, as professionals ina challenging, ever-changing business environment, deserve up-to-date, easilydigestable information. In redesigning our membership communications, we wantedto present information to our members in a more effective way that meets yourneeds. More targeted feature stories. More focused delivery of news. More bite-sizedinformation. You should never feel lost inside these pages.

In terms of look and feel, all of the credit goes to our marketing & communica-tions department. They came to the project with great enthusiasm and the resultsspeak for themselves. We’ll continue to dig deeper into the issues and keep youinformed on the policy debates impacting the Los Angeles regional business commu-nity.

So, please enjoy the new Chamber VOICE and all of the issues to come. Here’sto the future, and happy reading.

A Message from Rusty WED Apr. 6 Health Care Committee MeetingTHU Apr. 7 Connection Point: Networking in Color

Business After Hours MixerFRI Apr. 8 Education & Workforce Development Committee MeetingTUE Apr. 12 Referral NetworkWED Apr. 13 Executive for a Day

Technology Industry Council featuring OracleTHU Apr. 14 Executive Committee MeetingFRI Apr. 15 Accenture Pancakes & Politics with Los Angeles Mayor Jim HahnSUN Apr. 17 Access D.C.MON Apr. 18 Executive Briefing: Hedging Business & Political Risks in Latin America

presented by KrollWED Apr. 20 Access D.C.

World Trade Week General Committee MeetingPower Hour Lunch Series: Creating a Mindset for Building Your Business, Part 1

THU Apr. 21 Export Seminar Series #7: Legal Do’s & Don’ts for ExportersNon-Profit Plus. Session #1

FRI Apr. 22 Leadership LA #4TUE Apr. 26 Referral NetworkWED Apr. 27 Construction Industry CouncilTHU Apr. 28 Economic Development & Land Use Committee Meeting

MAY 2005WED May 4 Health Care Committee Meeting

World Trade Week Kick-Off BreakfastTHU May 5 Leadership LA Cinco De Mayo MixerFRI May 6 Accenture Pancakes & Politics with Assembly Speaker Fabian NunezTUE May 10 Referral NetworkWED May 11 Power Hour Lunch Series: Creating a Mindset for Building Your Business, Part 2

Education & Workforce Development Committee MeetingTHU May 12 Executive Committee Meeting

Board MeetingTUE May 17 Transportation & Goods Movement Committee Meeting

Small Business Awards LuncheonTHU May 19 Non-Profit Plus, Session #2

Environmental Quality Committee MeetingFRI May 20 Leadership LA #5TUE May 24 Referral NetworkTHU May 26 Export Seminar Series #8: Freight & Logistics – Delivering Goods

Economic Development & Land Use Committee Meeting

JUNE 2005WED Jun. 1 Health Care Committee MeetingWED Jun. 8 Power Hour Lunch Series, Session #3

Education & Workforce Development Committee MeetingTHU Jun. 9 Executive Committee MeetingFRI Jun. 10 Accenture Pancakes & PoliticsTUE Jun. 14 Referral NetworkTHU Jun. 16 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting

Non-Profit Plus, Session #3FRI Jun. 17 Leadership LA #6TUE Jun. 21 Transportation & Goods Movement Committee MeetingTHU Jun. 23 Economic Development & Land Use Committee MeetingTUE Jun. 28 Referral Network

Calendar of eventsMark your calendars! Here’s the lineup of thenext quarter’s events. For event details, visit the new and improved online calendar atwww.lachamber.org or call 213.580.7500

SIGNATURE EVENTS& NEW PROGRAMS

APRIL 2005

RUSSELL J. HAMMERPresident & CEOLos Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

Sunday-Wednesday, Apr. 17-20Access D.C.While 43 percent of the nation’s commerceenters through LA County, we’re getting only 77

cents back on eachtax dollar we send toWashington. Join theChamber for meetingswith key lawmakersand cabinet secre-taries as we fight forCalifornia’s fair share.

Wednesday, April. 20Power Hour Lunch Series:Creating a Mindset for Building Your Business, Part 1A four part series that will provide a focusedforum for members to enhance their businesses’performances by increasing their selling, market-ing and leadership skills through practical exer-cises and interaction

Thursday, Apr. 21Non-Profit Plus, Session #1An eight part series designed to help non-profitmembers master the business of non-profit management.

Wednesday,May 4World Trade Week Kick-Off BreakfastFor 79 years, the annual education and outreachactivities of World Trade Week have highlightedthe importance of international trade to ourregion and educated the community about itsdirect and indirect benefits. Please join us for theLos Angeles region’s signature world trade event.

Tuesday, May 17Small Business Awards LuncheonPresented by the Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration,this event attracts over 500 hundred small business owners to honor the achievements of small business advo-cates in 10 awards categories.

Chamber VOICE is a quarterly publication of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce350 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 For membership information, contact the Chamber at 213.580.7546 or visit www.lachamber.org.

2005 LA Area Chamber Board OfficersChair: Christopher C. Martin FAIA, CEO, AC Martin PartnersFirst Vice Chair: David Nichols, Senior Vice President, External Affairs South, SBCTreasurer: Matthew A. Toledo, President & Publisher, Los Angeles Business JournalVice Chair, Development: John Semcken, Vice President, Majestic Realty Co.Vice Chair, Diamond Club: Martin Newton, Senior Vice President, Wells FargoImmediate Past Chair & Vice Chair, Public Policy: George Kieffer, Partner, Manatt,

Phelps & Phillips, LLPPresident & CEO: Rusty Hammer

Chamber VOICE StaffDirector of Marketing & Communications: Marie Condron Graphic Designer: Antonio GrajedaCommunications Interns: Carisha Larios, Kavya Yadav

“Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget could derail attempts to unplug

several troublesome bottlenecks.Rusty Hammer, president of the

Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce,cited several endangered projects,

including building northbound carpoollanes on the San Diego Freeway between

the Santa Monica and the Hollywood freeways, extending a light-rail line to

Santa Monica and expanding a Crenshaw Corridor bus transit way.”

– Los Angeles Times, Jan. 11

p a g e 22

Political Action & PolicyAdvocacy

Jan. 12 Chamber meets with State Finance DirectorA group of Chamber Board members met withState Finance Director Tom Campbell in an exten-sive discussion about the state’s budget deficitand the structural problems in the way of longterm reforms. Schwarzenegger, SecretariesTamminen, Belshe, McPeak and Bradshaw as wellas Assembly Speaker Nuñez and Senate PresidentPerata.

Jan. 18 Chamber testifies atPort Community AdvisoryCommittee meetingThe Chamber testified before the Port CommunityAdvisory Committee meeting in San Pedro andurged PCAC to reject a motion to adopt a baselinefor cruise ship call emissions set at 2004 levels.Mayor Hahn has a "no net increase" policy foremissions in the harbor area set at 2001 levels.The Chamber testified that using different levelsfor businesses in the same port was impracticaland unfair.

Jan. 19 California Research &Cures Coalition CommunityForumThe Chamber hosted the California Research &Cures Coalition's Community Forum for the LosAngeles area. This regional public forum isdesigned to encourage people to express theirideas for the Institute for Regenerative Medicineon a variety of topics. Featured speakers coveredthe grant-making process, royalty agreements,standards and ethical guidelines among many others.

Jan. 21 Chamber meets withSenate Transportation ChairEconomic Development & Land Use Committeechair David Abel, ABL Inc., hosted a meeting in his office for Chamber members with Sen. TomTorlakson (D-Contra Costa) who chairs the SenateTransportation & Housing Committee.

Jan. 24 Chamber co-hosts mayoral candidate businessforumFive candidates running for mayor of Los Angelesparticipated in the first-ever Mayoral CandidateBusiness Forum, presented by several businessorganizations including the LA Area Chamber,Central City Association, Latin BusinessAssociation and Greater Los Angeles AfricanAmerican Chamber. Mayor Jim Hahn, Antonio

Villaraigosa, Richard Alarcon, Bernard Parks, andBob Hertzberg addressed issues related to L.A.’sbusiness climate, including housing and attractingnew businesses to the city.

Jan. 27-28 Chamber testifies at goods movement meetingFran Inman of Majestic Realty Co. and vice chairof the Chamber’s Transportation & GoodsMovement Committee testified before CaliforniaBusiness, Transportation & Housing SecretarySunne Wright McPeak and CalEPA Secretary AlanC. Lloyd, Ph.D. in support of building consensus ona comprehensive plan for goods movement inCalifornia.

Feb. 11 Chamber testifies atL.A. City Council on sales taxhike for policeChamber Board Vice Chair Dave Nichols of SBCtestified at the L.A. City Council on whether toplace a measure on the city’s May ballot to raisethe sales tax one-half cent to pay for more policeand other public safety personnel. Nichols com-municated that the Chamber would support thesales tax hike if the proposal was amended toinclude private sector representation on the over-sight committee and the tax would sunset in 10years. The City Council ultimately voted down theproposal.

Mar. 10 Chamber endorsesHahn in L.A. mayor’s raceBased on where the candidates stand on theChamber’s priority issues, the Chamber’s Board ofDirectors voted overwhelmingly to endorse JimHahn in his campaign for a second term as mayor.An ensuing press conference was widely reportedin the local media and the Chamber’s PoliticalAction Committee is helping the Hahn campaign.

Mar. 11 Chamber testifies atState Senate hearing on statetransportation fundingFran Inman of Majestic Realty Co. and vicechair of the Chamber’s Transportation & GoodsMovement Committee, provided testimony onbehalf of the Chamber at the Senate BudgetSubcommittee on Transportation. Inman urged thelegislators to carefully consider how state spend-ing cuts will impact the economy, infrastructureand air quality, especially along the corridors linking the seaports to distribution centers in the Inland Empire.

Mar. 16-17 Chamber memberslobby in Sacramento fair shareThe 85 participants in the Chamber’s annualAccess Sacramento lobbying trip went to bat forthe region’s fair share of state transportation dol-lars and rallied support for protecting local moniesagainst being used to pay for Bay Bridge costoverruns. The Chamber met with Gov.Schwarzenegger, Secretaries Tamminen, Belshe,McPeak and Bradshaw as well as AssemblySpeaker Nuñez and Senate President Perata.

Education & WorkforceDevelopment

Jan. 22 Cash for College workshops a huge successBeginning Saturday, Jan. 22 and continuingthrough Feb., thousands of students and theirfamilies received help completing the requiredfinancial aid and Cal Grant forms necessary to

receive financial aid assistance for college. Inpartnership with Mayor Jim Hahn, the L.A. CityWorkforce Investment Board, Los AngelesCommunity College District, UNITE-LA and LAUSD,the Chamber and members including UCLA, USC,American Express and Citibank conducted work-shops at 28 locations. More than 1,600 studentsand 4,000 participants were served. For more info,visit www.lacashforcollege.org.

Feb. 4 Members meet up to connect jobs and youthThe Chamber’s LA Youth At Work program hostedits second quarterly Employer Breakfast, bringingtogether companies with hiring needs and non-profits, helping expand access to jobs for youth.The event attracted L.A. businesses includingAnderson Associates Staffing Corp., Coca-ColaBottling Company, Los Angeles World Airports,American Red Cross, UCLA, Archdiocese YouthEmployment Services and Warner Brothers.

Mar. 8 Chamber members show tomorrow’s workforce the working worldThe Chamber launched Groundhog Job ShadowDay with professionals seeing their students’shadows all over Los Angeles and throughout thenation. Dozens of Chamber members welcomedhigh school students from L.A. high schools andshowed them the ropes about working in the pro-fessional world.

Mar. 29 Principal for a DayHave you thought about what you’d do if given theopportunity to make significant changes in ourpublic school system? Adopt-a-School Office, theUrban Education Partnership, UNITE-LA and the LAArea Chamber invited members to participate inPrincipal for a Day, giving local business leadersthe chance to experience firsthand the challengesour schools face and to take an active role inimproving education. You can still sign up to shad-ow a principal for a day through May—contact theChamber for more details.

Leadership LA

Jan. 21 Leadership LA 2005kicked off at Dodger Stadiumwith a team-building exercise designed to provideeach participant with insight into their personalleadership styles and how to construct teams tobring out the best in each person. Tony Buzzelli,Deloitte and Touche USA LLP and Chair,Leadership LA introduced the keynote speaker,Sharon Allen, former Chamber Board member andChair of Deloitte and Touche USA LLP. Sharonshared some of her experiences as a leader of aglobal company, corporate governance, ethics andthe importance of contributing resources and timeto community service organizations. Ross DeVol,

Director, Regional Economics, Milken Institute, andJack Kyser, Chief Economist, LAEDC, reviewedregional economic drivers and generated a discus-sion of proposed solutions by the LLA fellows.

Feb. 18 Leadership LAFellows met for their second session at theJapanese American National Museum and focusedon the different faces of the Los Angeles commu-nity–past, present, and future. Fellows were pre-sented with an overview of the “post-moderniza-tion” of Los Angeles, with special emphasis onpolitics and ethnicity and examined statistics, per-ceptions, strengths, and issues of the Latino, Asianand Pacific Islander, and African-American com-munities within Los Angeles. Presenting perspec-tives and leading discussions were FernandoGuerra of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles,Stewart Kwoh and Kimiko Kelly of the AsianPacific American Legal Center, Marge Nichols ofUnited Way of Greater L.A., Gene Grigsby of theNational Health Foundation, Julia Gouw of EastWest Bank, and Councilmember Jan Perry of theNinth District of the City of Los Angeles.

Member Programs

Jan. 27 The Connection Pointhelps members achieve networking successThe Connection Point helps members unlock thesecret of networking success. A four-part series

on how to make meaningful businessrelationships that last, the programaddresses skills that help membersmaximize their time at networkingevents. Contact Program ManagerBridget Netter, 213.580.7576 or bnet-ter@lachamber.org.

Jan. 27 Taste of Chamber mixerdraws over 150 peopleOver 150 people turned out for the "Taste of theChamber" Mixer sponsored by COMERICA tomake valuable new connections and sample theofferings of Chamber member caterers andrestaurants. Thanks also to the following membercompanies for making it such a success: CityFare, Classic Fare, DuckDuckMousse, GourmetCelebration, Hyatt Regency, Passionfruit, andThe Victorian. If you have an interest in becominga sponsor or host sponsor at our next Chambermixer, contact Program Manager Pat Clark,213.580.7595 or pclark@lachamber.org.

CHAMBER IN THE NEWSJust a few of the headlines from media coverage of the Chambers activities this quarter

“Business starts to coalesce for Hahn in runoff,” LA Business Journal, Mar. 14.“Candidates pick up high-profile Endorsements,” LA Times, Mar. 11.“The latest business lobby,” LA Downtown News, Mar. 7.“Chamber gala draws 1,100 local leaders,” LA Downtown News, Feb. 21.“Paying for college education?” Press Telegram, Feb. 6.“Mexico promoted among businessmen in LA,” La Opinion, Jan. 31.“Pakistan gears up to boost exports at New Expo,” California Apparel News, Jan. 21.“$500 million sought in tax amnesty plan,” LA Business Journal, Jan. 24.“Public forum to address stem-cell research,” Pasadena Star News, Jan. 29.“Hahn proposes bond for affordable housing,” LA Times, Jan. 20.“Vital role of Air Force base requires attention”, LA Business Journal, Jan. 11.“Gov.’s budget plan skips transportation again,” LA Times, Jan. 11.“Panel to examine pollution proposals,” Torrance Daily Breeze, Jan. 5.“Leaders lobby state for transportation fund,” Long Beach Press Telegram, Jan. 3.

“Less than 48 hours after squeaking into the runoff

ahead of former Assembly SpeakerBob Hertzberg, Hahn picked up

the biggest business endorsement:the Los Angeles Area

Chamber of Commerce.”--Los Angeles Business Journal, Mar. 14

p a g e 33

VOICEChamber

Your Chamber working for you Highlights from Chamber events and activities, Jan.-Mar. 2005.

BUSINESS FOR HAHN. Past Board Chair Charlie Woo,President & CEO Rusty Hammer, and Immediate Past ChairGeorge Kieffer at the Chamber’s press conference announcingendorsement of Jim Hahn for reelection as L.A. Mayor.

SWEET DEALS. Chamber members Beth Hansler and CourtneyStrand of The Victorian at their table during the “Taste of theChamber” Mixer on Jan. 27, highlighting Chamber membercaterers and restaurants.

ON-THE-JOB EDUCATION. Chamber staff members withstudents from the Downtown Business Magnet, who visit-ed the Chamber as part of the Groundhog Job Shadowprogram Mar. 8.

p a g e 44

L.A.’s business agendaChamber members work to strengthen the region by keepingL.A.’s people, goods and economy moving forward

As the voice of business in L.A. County, the LA Area Chamber works every day to build a betterbusiness climate and improve quality of life in the region. At right is the short list of our 2005Regional Advocacy Agenda priorities. In each issue of the Chamber VOICE this year, we’ll high-light helpful facts and figures and Chamber policy advocacy positions in each of the three majorcategories at right. This first installment covers issues related to the Chamber’s efforts in pro-moting business vitality and economic growth, a timely topic as Chamber members head toWashington, D.C. this April for the annual Access D.C. advocacy trip.

As part of our Business Vitality and Economic Growth agenda, the Chamber advocates for:

CompetitivenessTo improve the region’s business climate and to create jobs, the full impact of legislation onemployers must take in to account competitiveness as it relates to taxation, regulations, work-place standards and other employer costs.

International TradeAs a leader in international trade, strengthening Southern California’s logistics infrastructure andefficiency must be a priority for policymakers throughout the region.

Transportation & Goods MovementAs nearly half of the nation’s imports enter through Southern California, federal transportationmonies must be secured to relieve congestion on local roads, highways, seaports and airports.

California• California houses 12.2 percent of thenation’s population.• California pays 13 percent of the nation’stotal federal taxes.• For every paid federal tax dollar, Californiareceives 79 cents back in federal expendi-tures, shortchanging us by $50 billion lastyear.• Federal per capita spending in California in2001 was $5,566 compared to nationalaverage of $6,321.• California has been a donor state for 18consecutive years.• California is home to a quarter of thenation’s 11 million undocumented immi-grants, 485,000 of whom enter into thecountry each year.

Los Angeles County• Today’s leading sectors include:

- International trade (306,400 jobs)- Tourism (256,100 jobs) - Film/TV production (225,300 jobs)- Wholesale trade & logistics (200,700) - Technology (182,900 jobs)

• LA County’s population is 10.7 million people, which is larger than 41 states.• LA County’s emerging economies includebio-medical, environmental and digital tech-nology as well as creativity.• Los Angeles is the largest major manufac-turing center in the U.S., with 500,000 work-ers in these activities in 2003.• The LA Customs District, which includesLAX and the seaports of Long Beach, LosAngeles and Port Hueneme, is the nation'slargest, based on value of two-way trade. In2003, this totaled $235.0 billion, comparedwith $219.6 billion for the second place NewYork.• LA County has 171 colleges and universi-ties, some of which rank among the world’sleaders in research and academia.• LA County’s GNP ranks 17th in the worldamong countries.

The Port of Los Angeles • The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest portin the nation and eighth busiest in the world,handling 8,100 ships each year.• The Port handles $122.1 billion worth ofcargo annually.• The Port handles nearly 150 million metricrevenue tons of cargo annually.• Last year, the Port moved 7.4 million TEUs,a national record.• Port of Los Angeles benefits include:

- 259,000 full and part time jobs in Southern California

- 1,353,500 jobs nationwide - $26.8 billion annually in industry sales

Los Angeles Air Force Base• LAAFB provides 50,000 jobs and $8 billionin economic activity in LA County; 112,000jobs and $16 billion economic activity in thestate.• Since 1988, California lost 93,456 militaryand civilian jobs, which was 55 percent ofthe nation’s net personnel cuts due to baseclosures.• LAAFB provides vital missile defense infor-mation and meteorology to armed forcesthroughout the world.• No other region in the world can providethe skilled workforce and private sector sup-port needed to adequately operate theLAAFB’s unique services.

“During its two-daytrip to lobby state

lawmakers inSacramento lastweek, the LosAngeles AreaChamber of

Commerce’s 85-member contingencyfound a receptive ear

for its aggressivebusiness agenda.”

– Downtown News, Mar. 7

LA Area Chamber2005 Regional Advocacy Agenda

(1) Business Vitality & Economic GrowthCompetitivenessInternational TradeTransportation & Goods Movement

(2) Governance & Fiscal ReformFair ShareFiscal ReformPolitical Reform

(3) Infrastructure & Social ServicesEducation & Workforce DevelopmentEnvironmental QualityHealth CareHousing

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT...

Feature: business vitality & economic growth

The new Caltrans building in Downtown L.A.

The newly lit Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro

Ships passing at the Port of L.A.

Let the Bay Area pay for its bridgeThe Oakland Bay Bridge in Northern California is now more than $3 billionover budget. As the Bay Area community has resisted making cost-savingdesign changes, Southern California leaders, including the Chamber, areurging state lawmakers not to use L.A.’s transportation monies to pay forthese cost overruns. With L.A. in a transportation crisis, we can’t afford topay the estimated $500 million it will cost our region for this bridge’sescalating costs. We ask the Bay area leaders to find creative ways tofinance the project—from private funds to toll increases—to complete the project fairly.BOTTOM LINE: Southern California can’t afford to spare transportation dollars to continue funding this expensive project, now $3 billion over budget

Save L.A. Air Force BaseThe Chamber is lobbying hard to spare Los Angeles Air Force Base from the federal govern-ment’s Military Base Realignment and Closure process. Previous BRAC rounds were especiallytough on L.A.'s defense industry: between 1988 and 1995, 29 major installations, and 95,000jobs, were lost in our state due to base closures, by far the most of any state. Los Angeles AirForce Base provides 50,000 jobs and $8 billion in economic activity in L.A. County (112,000jobs and $16 billion in the state). LAAFB provides vital missile defense information andmetereology to armed forces around the world. Programs include the Global PositioningSystem (GPS), space-based radar, development of the next generation of ballistic missiles,infrared satellites used to track enemy missiles, and some of our nation’s most secretivespace weapons systems. Since 1998, California has lost 93,456 military and civilian jobs—55 percent of the nation’s net personnel cuts—due to base closures.BOTTOM LINE: LAAFB must be spared from closure. No other region in the world canprovide the skilled workforce and private sector support needed to adequately fulfillthis facility’s unique mission.

Nurture L.A.’s emerging logistics industryRapidly gaining prominence for replacing declining manufacturing jobs, the “logistics” industrycomprises the activities of goods movement—from cargo arriving at ports and airports, trans-ported by truck and rail to warehouses, and distributed to stores and factories across thenation. Only recently have economists begun to identify this cluster of related jobs and servic-es as an industry, and it’s one for which L.A. is a natural-born leader as a world trade hub.The best news about these jobs: they are similar to the manufacturing jobs we’re losing in notrequiring a college education, but they pay even better.BOTTOM LINE: With 43 percent of the nation’s imports entering through the L.A. area,we must invest in port upgrades, airport modernization, and transportation infrastruc-ture to take advantage of our central role in world trade.

Secure L.A.’s fair share oftransportation dollarsThe Chamber is lobbying for L.A.’s fair share offederal Transportation Equity Act Legacy Userfunds and state Prop. 42 funds to jump-startbacklogged transportation projects to improvemobility in the region. These projects include:Metro’s Gold line rail extension, the Expo Linefrom Downtown L.A. to Santa Monica beachesand improvements at the seaports for smoother goods movement.BOTTOM LINE: L.A. County’s infrastructure facilitates the national economy and millionsof jobs locally. If goods and people don’t move, our jobs will.

Reform the California Environmental Quality Act Signed into law in 1970, the California Environmental Quality Act mandates review of all landuse and development projects with potentially significant environmental impacts. The act’sunintended consequences have included heavy challenges for housing developers. ChamberImmediate Past Chair George Kieffer has been appointed by the Governor to the CEQAImprovement Advisory Group, which is exploring ways to encourage efficient land-use pat-terns in the development of housing and infrastructure while protecting valuable natural habi-tats and productive farmland. The Chamber is also hosting a CEQA reform dialogue in Aprilwith regional opinion leaders and the Schwarzenegger Administration.BOTTOM LINE: We are encouraged by the Governor’s intentions to reform CEQA and willwork to ease burdens on developers for infill development in urban areas.

Headquarter the new stem cell institute in L.A.The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is the body overseeing the implementationof Prop. 71, the initiative to fund stem cell research in California. CIRM is currently consideringlocations for headquartering the institute, and the Chamber is advocating that it be located inLos Angeles area, where some of the nation’s most cutting-edge biomedical research institu-tions and skilled workers are located.BOTTOM LINE: With a base of operations in L.A., the stem cell institute will tap into theregion’s unparalleled network of cutting-edge breakthroughs in biomedical science andtechnology.

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BUSINESS ADVOCACY UPDATEA quick run-down of the issues the Chamber’s working on rightnow, positions we’re advocating, and how they impact L.A. busi-ness. Contact Public Policy Director Brendan Huffman,213.580.7531 or bhuffman@lachamber.org with your feedback.

MEMBERS SPEAKThe Chamber brings together a diversity of people and businesses. Here, four members share how they’re affected by the Chamber’s work.

Bob HammerPareto Point IndustriesMember since 2002Bob has been in business for six years as alight manufacturer for the automotive indus-try. As a small business owner, he takesadvantage of the Chamber’s networkingevents and policy committees. Bob believesthat access is a huge benefit he derives fromthe Chamber. Through events and programslike the Access advocacy series andPancakes & Politics, Bob has taken advan-tage of the Chamber’s access to businessreferrals and policymakers. He also recog-nizes the importance of being aware of thelegislative and regulatory scene in California.“It is a fact that manufacturers work underlaws and technologies that are volatile. Forinstance, the standards for the California AirResource Board are continuously evolving.The Chamber keeps on top of thosechanges... I’ve never considered dropping myChamber membership.”

Vicky PanossianIMD, Integral Market DeveloperMember since 2004Panossian says the Chamber does things thatmatter to her business. IMD specializes inforeign market development, assisting small-to-medium size businesses in expandingoverseas. Her geographical areas of expertiseinclude Europe, China, and many Persian Gulfnations like Dubai, Bahrain, and most recent-ly, market access to 311 million consumersin Iraq. Vicky believes that L.A. is a globalcenter for international business. “Those ofus working in international trade, we want tobe in L.A. It’s just that we need to startaddressing the problems in L.A., the traffic,the cost of doing business—we need to beproactive about it, and I think that’s what theChamber is doing very well.” Vicky’s interestsin the Chamber range across many policyareas. One of her hobbies is teaching, andshe expresses strong concern over the condi-tion of L.A.’s public education system. “Thepolicy committees have given me a lot ofknowledge and insight…they help youbecome a better thinker and a better citizen.”

Joe StevensBridge Consultants, Inc.Member since 2003Joe is in the business of workers compensa-tion consulting. He and his partners createdBridge Consultants to provide strategies,advice, information, answers, and specificprograms to help reduce the cost of workerscompensation to companies. Joe joined theChamber a few months after starting hiscompany and has been involved in theChamber’s efforts to reform workers comp.His connection with the Chamber dates backto the days when he was a sales and mar-keting manager at a previous company. “Ilearned you can waste a lot of time with dif-ferent groups and organizations. But I attend-ed LA Area Chamber events and saw value inits people and functions.”

Stephen WilliamsE-Chx Inc., Payroll SolutionsMember since 2002“My business is payroll.” Chamber memberE-Chx works with companies, taking on arange of payroll processing related issues,including tax liabilities and issuing checksand W-2s. A member of the Chamber’sAmbassadors Club, members who assistother members in maximizing their invest inthe Chamber, Stephen says he joined for therelationships, networking, and perspectiveson the business community that the Chamberprovides. He believes this knowledge is cru-cial for doing business in Los Angeles. ForStephen, one of the biggest advantages tooperating in L.A. is the multitude of compa-nies with which to interact and do business.He acknowledges the presence of a certaindegree of L.A. bureaucracy, but is confidentthat if this is reformed thanks to the work ofthe Chamber, the community will benefit as awhole. “I think the Chamber is doing a greatjob right now as far as communicating withmembers and educating members on how toutilize the Chamber and its networks, whichis something that is often overlooked.”

VOICEChamber

Downtown L.A. skyline (above); the Port of L.A. (right)

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Member Advantage gives members the opportunity to save money on the products and services of fellow members. If you would like to add your discount to this list,please contact the Chamber at 213.580.7595. You may also view the complete list at www.lachamber.org.

ADVERTISINGSmallbiz4UChamber members get two months of adver-tising free with no obligation for more. Aftertwo months members get the $40 ad for $25if they continue. Contact Joe Brennan323.876.8113.

ARTEos World Creative GroupFine art photography 15% off breathtakingimages, focusing on landscape and humaninterest black & white and color. Contact HalMyers 626.695.1144.

AUDIO VISUALCCS Presentation Systems, Inc.Chamber members receive a $75 discount onprojector rentals. Call Gina Riberi323.954.7754 x12.

Cutting Edge Productions, Inc.Receive 25% off equipment rental only.Call Bill Dedes 310.326.4500.

AUTOMOBILE SERVICESEnterprise Rent a Car10% off our already low prices, mention code32w2630. Call 1.800.593.0505 or your local office.

Top Shelf Cleaning Company20% off auto wash and detail. Services pro-vided at your location. Call James Douglass213.840.3379.

BUSINESS SERVICESCharo Community DevelopmentCorporationChamber members receive 10% off the purchase of Charo’s ABC’s of Starting aBusiness Kit. Maximum order of 5 per order.Call Anita Rodriguez 323.269.0751.

CATERINGChichen Itza Catering10% discount on food cost for any catered event. Call Gilberto Cetina, Jr.213.741.1075.

CHIROPRACTIC CAREDr. John McKean, Chiropractor10% discount on chiropractic treatment. Freefull spine massage with first paid visit. CallDr. John McKean 323.655.HEAL (4325).

COMPUTER/COMPUTER NETWORKINGVirtualis IT (technology)Computer and computer networking services at $70 dollars per hour (regular rate at $95). New customers only.Call John Ko 213.384.0380x2.

COMPUTER CONSULTINGAvatar Computer ConsultingReceive 20% off hourly rates for PC,server and network consulting.Call Rob Poston 323.664.0105.

CREDIT CARD and CHECK PROCESSINGE-Commerce ExchangeNo application fees and/or $99 off any equip-ment, software or the set up of any servicesincluding debit, gift card and EBT. ContactTim Rogers 323.965.2840,trogers@ecenow.com, www.ecenow.com.

Superior Merchant ServicesFree set up, installation, support and shipping= $395.00 Value. Plus 10% discount on monthly transaction rate for first year. Contact Chris Miller 800.318.3088,chris@superiormerchant.com.

CLUBS/PRIVATEThe Los Angeles Athletic ClubJoin the Los Angeles Athletic Club andreceive 15% off initiation fee. Applicationsubject to approval. Contact 213.630.5200.

DENTISTSLA Dental Day Spa50% off at home bleaching kits.Call Elizabeth Garcia 323.655.1350.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENTFluidesign10% off any design products: logos,Web sites, ecommerce. Also search engineoptimization. Mention code “chamber” whenrequesting estimate. Call Alexandra Schmidt310.836.6100.

EDUCATION PROGRAMThe Anderson School at UCLASave 10% on any Executive EducationProgram. Acquire top-level managementstrategies and leadership skills to guide your organization. Call 310.825.2001.Restriction: Cannot combine with any other discount.

ENTERTAINMENTBill (C) and His QuartetWill perform for all and any occasion at a$200 discount (regular $650.00). Call BillChico 323.887.0464.

EVENT PLANNINGAll in The Planning10% off the management fee for your meeting or event. Call Jaimi Williams818.774.9594.

FABRICLibas, LTDReceive a 10% discount on silk fabrics five yards or more. Call customer service formore information 213.747.2406.

FRUIT & GIFT BASKETSBouquet of Fruits10% off private online catalog for Chamber members.Call Stephen Paul 559.294.2070.

Gotta Getta Gift10% off any order of$100 on gift basketsor promotional prod-ucts. Call Matt Cohen310.324.3244.

Melissa/WorldVariety Produce, Inc.15% off anyexotic baskets.Call Frank Labbe 888.588.0151 x 340.

FIRST AID SERVICESEmergency-1 Response, Inc.10% off event first-aid services for new customers. No equipment charges.Call Maren Steiner 866.840.0911.

GYMCurves for Women (Los Angeles Figueroa)60% off sign up fee. This club only withLAACC add/flyer, etc. Contact Michelle MooreSanders at 213.746.3488.

HOME IMPROVEMENTEmil’s Hardware20% off (w/ cash or check) 10% off withcredit card. Discount off most items pur-chased with courtesy card. Call MarkMondelo 310.839.8571.

HOTELElan Hotel ModernSpecial room rates for LAACC membersbeginning at $135 with confirmed upgrade,breakfast, DSL. Contact Rob Alleman323.658.5300.

HOUSINGNational Corporate HousingChamber members receive a special 10%discount on any temporary housing stay of 30days or longer. Contact Melissa888.604.7368.

Pegasus ApartmentsChamber members receive a special $99security deposit fee and one month free on ayears lease. Upon approved credit. Call KathyKlingele 213.430.9112.

HUMAN RESOURCESDiversified Risk Management, Inc.Pre-employment background screening serv-ices. Sign up today and receive your secondbackground for free! Rates start at $6.99.Call Jose Leyva 800.810.9508.

INTERIOR DESIGNDesign Theory Interior Design Solutions15% off design hourly rate or 10% off designflat fee. Visit www.design-theory.com.

LEGAL SERVICESHenrichs Law Firm, P.C.10% off regular billable hour of $200.00 forpartners and $125.00 for associates. CallJohn Henrichs 213.239.0500.

MEETING PRODUCTIONFocus Creative Group10% off all staging equipment,15% off video production, presentation and management fees. Call Robert Crossman 818.728.9200 x240.

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTLos Angeles County Museum of Art20% off membership. Visit www.lacma.org.Call Cami Lee 323.932.5861.

MOVING AND STORAGEOrtiz Bros. Moving and Storage15% off packing materials, 10% off movingservices. Call Richard Slowey323.221.3393.

OFFICE SERVICESShred-It, Inc.10% discount on automatic services orpurges. Call Charles Wilson 562.529.2200.

OFFICE SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENTBayview Digital Systems

50% discount on any service calls forcopiers or printers and 10% off newcopiers or toner cartridges. Call Ed

Bryant 866.727.3187.

Konica Minolta BusinessSolution

20-30% off the retail price ofany black & white or colormachines or get a digitalcamera. Contact KathyBradley 213.437.3601.

Ricoh Business SystemsReceive 25% discount on any of

your digital copiers (black & white or color),faxes or scanning equipment. Call MoniqueNosal 213.270.2415.

PAYROLL SERVICEE-chx, Inc. Payroll Solutions10% off payroll services with a 50% discounton one-time set up fees. Promotion offerthrough telephone orders only. Call StephenWilliams 626.216.5000.

PHOTOGRAPHYArchitectural Photography & DesignSave 10% on architectural photography feesincludes exteriors, interiors, constructionprogress, and claims for use as promotionpurposes or contract. Call Richard Levy213.250.0100.

ImageActiveReceive 10% off all digital photography.eye-catching, easy to use, headshots, por-traits, event or product photography. Call RonMurray 818.907.7310.

PRINTING & COPYINGUniversal Reprographics, Inc.15% off color copies, posters, black & whitedigital printing and copying, CAD plotting andblue printing. Call Madeline Wilson213.365.7750.

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGNPaper Image Printing & Print Solutions15% off printing and graphic design.Complimentary consultation at your officeanywhere in Southern California. Call DavidDettman 818.704.5444 ext 12.

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTSBazic Promotional10% discount on promotional productsplaced online at www.bazicpromo.com, mustindicate “Los Angeles Area Chamber ofCommerce” during check-out. For more info,call 323.859.8838x115.

PUBLIC RELATIONSMAYO Communications15% off one year of crisis communication,public affairs,websites, media placements,community outreach, branding, marketing,vorporate identity, media training, and corpo-rate communications. Call George McQuadeIII 818.340.5300.

Weisman Hamlin Public Relations10% off WHPR’s full public relations and mar-keting services are on an hourly basis. CallSydney Weisman 323.730.0233.

ROOFINGRoyal Roofing Company10% off expert reroofing and roof repairs.Flat roofs our specialty. Discount valid at timeof estimate only, up to $500.Call Steve Pinkus 800.ROOF.390 or emailstevepinkus@royalroof.com.

STAFFING & RECRUITMENTPDQ Personnel Services, Inc.10% off permanent placement fees; 5% off temporary help rates.Call Janet Ault 323.938.3933.

Search Finance Group10% off the standard fee for your first permanent placement with us.New customers only. Call Denise Schmitz213.614.7400.

The Job ShopDiscount to all LA Chamber members.Hire a temporary employee from The JobShop for 5 days and the 6th day is FREE.Please contact Brett Adams at 310-581-5720.

TECHNOLOGYABCO TechnologyABCO will offer Chamber members 10% off course

SADA Systems, Inc.Receive 15% off of hourly rates for all tech-nology consulting and support, and web soft-ware development services. Call Tony Safoian818.705.8899.

Soho Network Services20% off installation/configuration of equip-ment and services, also 20% off monthlymanaged contracts first 3 months. One yearcontract minimum does not include equip-ment. Call Wayne Legauz 888.505.9890 x200.

TRANSLATION SERVICESGlobal Ready10% discount on all translation services untilJune, 2005. Call James Keller 818.887.8718.

WEB SITE AND TECHNOLOGY DESIGNCluworksReceive a 10% discount off all publishedprices pertaining to logo, Web, e-card, and e-newsletter designs. Call Clu Connors818.973.7144.

Robert RauschenbergCloister Series, 1980LA MOCAPermanent Collection

Member Advantage: member-to-member discounts

110years

88years

85years

75years

45years

35years

25years

15years

10years

5years

1year

Fluor CorporationVulcan Materials Company CalMat Division

Charles Dunn Company, Incorporated

Unified Western Grocers, Inc.

Pepperdine University

California State University Los Angeles

Arden Group/Gelson's Market

Dearden's Furniture

Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services of Catholic Charities of LAGreif & Company

Avis Rent-A-CarFirst Regional BankFleishman-Hillard, Inc.LAUSDLos Angeles Area Council Boy Scouts of AmericaMayer, Brown, Rowe & MawThe Mobile Storage GroupUnite LAWashington Mutual Bank

AIG American GeneralAlameda Corridor TransportationBibby Financial ServicesCarlsmith Ball, LLP.Craft Resources, Inc.Dougherty Laser VisionGotta Getta GiftGreer, Dailey and Minter Public AffairsJacob BearKorea Business Development Center - LARozelle FinancialSchafer CommunicationsStuart F. CooperUnited Assurance Company

Standard MembersAccordent Technologies, Inc., James G. Andrade, 310.374.7491, Software Developers

Allan Hoffenblum and Associates, Robert W. Manikowski, 310.205.8811, Consultants

American Limousine, Mehrdad Baghi, 310.665.0024, Limousines

AndersonPacific, LLC, James R. Anderson, 310.689.2300, Real Estate/Developers

Anger Solutions, Lorie Moore, 310.328.5800, Community Organizations/Social Service Organizations

Bangkit USA, Inc. dba Bazic Promotional, Rudy L. Kusuma, 323.859.8838, Advertising/Specialties

Bayview Financial, Lance W. Newton, Lance W. Newton, 661.775.1549, Financial Services

Beyond The Pharmacy Inc, Mary Sirounian, 323.660.3667, Pharmaceuticals

California Certification Board of Chemical Dependency Counselors, Paula Torres,323.581.8547, Community Organizations

Campus Circle, Sean Bello, 323.939.8477, Publishers/Newspapers

City Business Services & Shipping, Pirouz M. Adeli, 213.612.4949, Trucking/Local Cartage

Courtney Property & Investments, Inc., Robert M. Courtney, 818.708.1770, Consultants/Real Estate

Dr. Kim's California Dental Group, Tania Beltran, 323.953.7500, Dentists

E.H. Financial & Realty, Shawna N. Henry, 562.461.3780, Real Estate/Investments

Eos World Creative Group, Hal Myers, 626.695.1144, Art

Freedom Builders Los Angeles, Jeff Hoffman, 626.296.2935, Business Organizations

Gamboa & Associates, Richard Gamboa, 661.510.3196, Construction/Management

Hana Kawano, Hana Kawano, 323.640.6958, Health Care/Services

Harvard-Wilshire Medical Group, Inc., Peter Hahn, 213.387.9400, Medical Groups

HerShe Group, Kenadie Cobbin, 310.350.0575, Community Organizations/YouthPrograms

Improvised Program Services, Major Lewis, 323.957.0264, Health Care/Services

InFocus-NOW, Pamela S. Johnson, 310.477.9000, Photography

Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Inc., Andra Carlson, 213.437.3600, Office Supplies

The Los Angeles Greek Festival at St. Sophia Cathedral, Helene K. Liatsos, 323.737.2424,Community Organizations

LA Singles.com, Toshia D. Johnson, 310.245.1267, Dating Service

Los Angeles Times Federal Credit Union, Bruce Lund, 213.237.5736, Credit Services/Unions

Maginnis Knechtel & McIntyre, Arthur J. Thielen, 626.449.3466, Accounting/CPA

Maxim Healthcare Services, Michael J. Rolbin, 323.939.4228, Staffing

Nouveau Riche Academy, Cheri Tree, 801.647.2999, Schools/Vocational

OC Block Works, Stephen J. Kfoury, 310.844.8956, Butcher Blocks

Preferred Plush, Ginalin Tan, 323.278.8188, Importers & Exporters

Premiere Global Services, David Allen, 818.951.6070, Telecommunications

Ramp, Rachel L. Elnar, 213.617.1445, Graphic Designers

Schoth, Creyaufmiller & Associates, APC, Timothy P. Creyaufmiller, 626.963.7161, Attorneys

Shanghai Spring International Travel Services, Jing Huang, 626.571.5800, Travel Agencies

Shomer & Associates, Amy Shomer, 310.734.5681, Production/Film

SOHO Network Services, Wayne A. Legaux, Jr., 949.203.6491, Information Technology/Services

Sonnett & Associates, Stephanie E. Branch, 213.628.2200, Attorneys/Legal Services

Southern California Indian Center, Inc., Abel Moreno, 213.387.5772, Community Organizations/Social Service Organizations

Special Inspection Services, Inc., Jodie McMilon, 714.636.9254, Construction

Steton Construction Company, Thomas Limas Welsh, 714.255.7080, Contractors

Unique Corporate Team Enhancement, Michael Carter, 877.372.2783, Contractors/Mechanical

VELAH Group LLP, Juan Antonio Estevez, 213.596.7300, Accounting/CPA

Wiltel Communications, Ali Mirshafii, 866.945.8351, Telecommunications/Providers

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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBERThanks to our new members, who joined the Chamber between January and march of this year. To learn more about Circle Level membership benefits,call 213.580.7546

Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Silver CircleCerrell Associates, Inc., Joseph Cerrell, 323.466.3445, Public Relations

JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management, David C. Sears, 310.860.7047, Financial Services

Bronze CircleBroadway Federal Bank, Johnathan Heywood, 323.634.1700, Banks

Circle, Inc., Lee H. Ashby, 909.392.7564, Printers/Cleaning & Repair

Cumbre Insurance Services, Inc., Rafe Shoup, 213.489.6826, Insurance/Brokers

March of Dimes, Rita T. Hopkins, 213.637.5037, Health Care

Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions, Erica J. Sandman, 310.545.7960,

Telecommunications/Telephone Systems & Service

DOING BUSINESS IS A BREEZEwith the Chamber’s online member directory

Find goods and services quickly with the LA Area Chamber Member Directory online. Just go to www.lachamber.org andclick on “Spending in LA.” Search for member companies by keyword, business name, city and zip code, or view listingsby business category, from “advertising” to “warehouse rentals” and more. The listings link directly to company Websites so you can find what you need in just a couple of clicks.

denotes Circle Level Member

VOICEChamber

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Voice over IP, video and data services that meet the needs of almost any business.The advanced communications applications possible with IP-based solutions cantranslate into competitive efficiencies and advantages for many business operations.

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speech technology, you can have the contents of anemail message or fax read to you whether you arechecking messages from your office or remotely viaCingular.

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SBC is meeting business needs like no other company can. Find out how SBCcan help your business identify the right strategy and assist with every stage ofimplementation and management by calling 1-800-750-2355 or long on towww.sbc.com http://www.sbc.com/.

BUSINESS CUSTOMERS TO BENEFIT FROM ACCESS TONEW NATURAL GAS SUPPLYSOURCES

Ensuring a reliable supply of reasonably priced natural gas continues to be a keygoal of Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company). As domestic gas productioncontinues to decline, non-traditional supplies such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) willbe required.

The Gas Company believes customer access to new supply sources will increasereliability and competition among suppliers, helping to reduce price volatility and cre-ate lower prices for all customers. Also, diversity of natural gas supplies is key to thefuture well being of our state. That is because a large number of residents and busi-nesses in the region depend on natural gasto heat their homes and fuel their processes.In fact, the percentage of homes, businessesand electric power plants fueled by naturalgas is greater in Southern California thananywhere else in the nation.

With increased reliability, there will beless risk of a supply shortfall or price spikesthat might occur if something happens on anexisting pipeline or in an existing supply basin. Industry experts estimate that thetotal savings in gas costs from bringing LNG into the west coast will be at least sever-al hundred million dollars a year, and could be as much as $1 billion a year.

The California Public Utilities Commission last year approved our proposal toallow LNG supplies to flow into California from several receipt points through ourextensive pipeline system. We expect customers will see lower gas bills due to morecompetition created through increased diversity in supply sources.

Our MissionBy being the voice of business, helping itsmembers grow and promoting collaboration,the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce seeksfull prosperity for the Los Angeles region.

Diamond ClubThe Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commercegratefully acknowledges the support of the Diamond Club members:Bank of AmericaChevronTexaco Corporation Kaiser PermanenteLos Angeles TimesSBC Southern California EdisonThe Gas Company, a Sempra Energy utilityWells Fargo

The views contained in the LA Area Chamber Voice reflect positions taken by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and do not necessarily reflect the views of our Diamond Club members.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Your Chamber working for you 3LA Area Chamber activities in the first quarter

Feature: L.A.’s business agenda 4Useful facts and policy positions affecting L.A.’s business climate

Member-to-member discounts 6Do business with fellow members and save

The LA Area Chamber wishes to thank our Diamond Club members for their support. The Diamond Club is the highest level of Chamber membership, reaping the mostbenefits and supporting the Chamber’s efforts to seek full prosperity for the L.A. region. For more information on Diamond Club opportunities, contact Vice President ofMembership David Eads, 213.580.7546 or deads@lachamber.org.

Diamond Club