BusinessMay/June 2007

Vol. 14 No.4L O N G B E A C H

Councilmember Gary DeLong’sCommunity-Driven Plan

Airport Revitalization MovesForward

LBUSD Seeks Community Donationsfor After School Programs

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California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

N ow more than ever, businesses are trying to findthe balance between environmental challenges whilemeeting economic demands. Union Pacific Railroad andBNSF Railway—some of America’s leading transportationcompanies—are committed to protecting and enhancingour environment now and for generations to come whiledelivering the essential goods that we all require.Recognizing the need for an aggressive and comprehen-sive approach, they have both invested in new technolo-gies that provide for cleaner air and water using some ofthe greenest locomotive fleet in the industry.

BNSF and the EnvironmentBNSF strives to make protecting the environment a

way of life and an ongoing commitment for every employee.Each ton of freight they haul moves more than 400 mileson a single gallon of fuel. And they’re committed to makingthe world even greener by increasing fuel efficiency andreducing emissions while continuing to handle morefreight ton-miles than any other mode of transportation.Between 1996 and the end of 2006, BNSF acquired morethan 2,800 cleaner burning, fuel-efficient locomotivesrepresenting about half of its current fleet. In addition,BNSF recently announced significant enhancements toits proposed Southern California International Gateway(SCIG), making it the greenest rail facility in the UnitedStates. In addition to BNSF’s original commitments,which include electric cranes, LNG or equivalent yardtractors and low-emission switch engines, BNSF agreed

Chamber Celebrates Green Movement at 116th InauguralBNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad Honored for Environmental Practices at June Gala

that 100 percent of the truck fleet servicing SCIG will be2007 or newer upon facility opening—exceeding compli-ance with the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan(CAAP). Trucks serving SCIG will be limited to travelingon specified non-residential truck routes. SCIG will takemillions of truck miles off the regional freeway systemand also help protect the air quality in the neighbor-hoods adjacent to SCIG, by allowing only clean trucks toserve the rail facility in a controlled manner.

Union Pacific and the EnvironmentSince 2000, more than 2,600 new environmentally

friendly fuel-efficient, long-haul, high-horsepower loco-motives have been added to Union Pacific’s fleet. Morethan 54 percent of UP’s more than 8,500 locomotive fleetare new fuel-efficient long haul-high horsepower locomo-

tives that comply with stricter USEPA standards. Andmany of these locomotives operate in California. UnionPacific has tested and continues to evaluate a new typeof environmentally friendly low-horsepower rail yard loco-motive called the Generator Set or “Genset” switcher. UPhas also tested and continues to evaluate another type ofenvironmentally friendly low-horsepower hybrid switcheryard locomotive. The railroad equipped more than 3,000(35%) of their locomotives with AESS technology thatreduces emissions by reducing idling time, and by June

2008, 100% of the California intrastate fleet will beequipped with idle control devices. As a result, UnionPacific has achieved more than a 13 percent improve-ment in fuel efficiency since 1995. Improved fuel useresults in lower locomotive emissions. In 2006, UnionPacific saved more than 50 million gallons of diesel fuel,including about 40 million gallons through Fuel Masters.

Honored at Inaugural GalaBecause of the innovative and thoughtful approaches

to protecting our environment at these railway compa-nies, The Chamber will honor both BNSF Railway andUnion Pacific Railroad with the “Destination Tomorrow”award at the 116th Inaugural Gala on Thursday, June 21, 2007.

The Chamber will also be presenting the first-everEco Awards to ten deserving companies in Long Beachwho have green policies in place. Also recognized at thegala will be the Ambassador of the Year award, SmallBusiness Achievement award, and the Dewey SmithMemorial Community Service award. Outgoing ChairmanByron Schweigert will be honored while incomingChairman Matthew Kinley will be welcomed, along withthe 2007-2007 officers and directors.

Don’t miss The Chamber’s most spectacular eveningof the year! To reserve your ticket or table for this black-tie optional Gala, contact Elisa Margoni at (562) 436-2810or emargoni@lbchamber.com.

A hmed “Carl” Saafir was attempting to be LongBeach’s newest city councilmember but came up short inthe May 1 special election. Saafir, a longtime Long Beachresident, was backed by the Long Beach Chamber’s Pro-Business PAC. Saafir has more than 30 years of service tothe community and served the residents of the 6thDistrict with great poise as one of seven candidates.

Saafir was endorsed by The Chamber as the candidate best equipped to promote the enterprise ofbusiness as an advocate for quality jobs for Long Beach andthe 6th District. Saafir has a long history of dedicationand community service in the 6th District. Most recently,

he has served as president of the NAACP and vice pres-ident of the Long Beach Civil Service Commission.

“We are proud that Saafir is a graduate of TheChamber’s Candidate Academy which seeks to educatecommunity members within the Long Beach area on all the various components and the sometimes harsh realities of a political campaign,” stated Byron Schweigert,Chamber Chairman of the Board. “Ahmed is really a text-book example of what the Academy seeks to accomplish—recruiting exemplary candidates to servethe community,” Schweigert continued.

See www.LongBeachAdvocacy.biz for more information.

“BNSF Railway and Union PacificRailroad…are committed to protecting and

enhancing our environment…while deliveringthe essential goods that we all require.”

Chamber Fights for Pro-Business CandidatesAhmed Saafir Represented Many Pro-Business Voices in Attempt at 6th District Seat

116th Inaugural Gala

Thursday, June 21, 2007Hyatt Regency Long Beach

LONG BEACH BUSINESS2

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206PH (562) 436-1251 n FAX 436-7099 w w w . l b c h a m b e r . c o mw w w . l o n g b e a c h a d v o c a c y . b i z

Mission StatementThe Chamber is the platform for business toprovide leadership, education and advocacy so thatthe Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century.

Vision StatementThe Chamber will be the acknowledged leader increating community consensus to support local,regional, and international business.

Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Via MediaPrinting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seaside PrintingAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodwill Industries

Members wishing to submit articles, press releases, or membernews items for upcoming issues of Long Beach Business, please fax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Jackie Kuhl, or e-mailjackie_kuhl@yahoo.com.

Circulation: Long Beach Business is mailed directly to more than2400 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members, electedofficials and community leaders.

Chamber Staff:

Randy Gordon .... President & CEO ........................ (562) 436-6723Judy Donley ....... Executive Vice President ............ (562) 437-8823Brandon Kline ..... VP Public Policy........................... (562) 983-1241Shaun Lumachi ... Advisor, Government Affairs ......... (562) 843-0947Elisa Margoni ..... VP Special Events ....................... (562) 436-2810Judy Nelson ....... VP Business Councils .................. (562) 432-8128 Kelly Stortz ......... VP Member Services .................. (562) 590-9234Sarah Nguyen .... Executive Assistant .................... (562) 432-7830 Jackie Kuhl ......... Media Manager........................... (562) 843-0951Bobbie Spohn .... Membership Coordinator . (562) 436-1251 ext 118Sterling Spector .. Consultant, Diversity ...... (562) 436-1251 ext 103Hope Altman....... Information Specialist ................. (562) 436-1251Linda Izzo ........... Member Relations Executive ................. ext 101

Chairman’sMessageByron Schweigert,MemorialCareMedical Centers

Long Beach City Council—Moving inthe Right Direction!

The Long Beach City Council has made threesignificant decisions during the month of April: (1)Approval of the PT Lofts project and (2) Approvalof the size of the proposed modernization of theLong Beach Airport and (3) Approval of impactfees.

What makes these decisions significant? I havebeen attending many of the city council meetingsduring the past four years and the striking changeto me is the cooperation and collaboration amongthe city council members and the mayor inaddressing difficult issues. The polite way in whicheach member of the city council addresses eachother and the way in which they respectfully disagree is refreshing. I give credit to each memberof the city council. And to the mayor in setting thetone for the meetings and in keeping the audienceunder control and not allowing inappropriatedemonstrations during the city council meeting.Open, occasionally emotional presentations by theaudience participants still occur but are handledwith respect. In addition, the city staff has done an

excellent job of evaluating the various alternatives,receiving public comment, receiving commentfrom the builder or business where appropriateand then providing recommendations to the citycouncil. And, when all is said, a decision is made.

The PT Lofts Project was stalled because of several issues that required city council approval.Numerous amendments to the approval motionwere suggested and all were ultimately denied infavor of having the builder work with CSULB toresolve selected issues. Modernization of the LongBeach Airport has been discussed for at least fouryears. The plan was not to increase the number offlights or to change the noise ordinance; however,numerous other issues were raised related to pollution, noise, parking and, of course, the size ofthe new terminal building. The final outcome,while not satisfying any of the parties completely,will allow for the new airport (89,995 sq ft) planningto proceed. The plan to increase impact fees wasproposed by the city. Because of the significantneed to support our fire fighters and police officers, these fee increases were approved. To thecredit of the city council, they rejected the proposalto implement these fees retroactively for projectsalready in the pipeline. While this would have

Continued on page 4

“I commend our elected city leaders fortheir commitment to the citizens of Long

Beach and to this refreshing approach to making decisions.”

Creating a Stronger Community

LONG BEACH BUSINESS3

2006-2007 Chairman’s CircleDiamond

DeVry University n Farmers & Merchants Bank n Hyatt Regency Long BeachLong Beach Memorial Medical Center/Miller Childrens’ Hospital n Port of Long Beach

PlatinumThe Boeing Company n Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP n Long Beach City College n Press Telegram

Verizon n Westland Construction, Inc.

GoldCharter Communications n City National Bank n Community Hospital of Long Beach n Epson America, Inc.

Keesal, Young & Logan n Sprint together with NextelSeaside Printing Company, Inc. n Sound Energy Solutions n St. Mary Medical Center

TABC, Inc./Toyota n Universal Care n Yellow Book USA

SilverBNSF Railway Company n BP Products North America, Inc. n California State University, Long Beach

Catalina Express n Denso Sales California, Inc. n Laserfiche Document Imaging n Long Beach AirportLong Beach Business Journal n Long Beach Ice Dogs n Long Beach Towne Center n Marriott/Renaissance Properties

OPEN from American Express n Paragon Steel n Sea Launch n Southern California EdisonTHUMS Long Beach Company n Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP n Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation

BronzeBoeing Realty Corporation n City Light and Power, Inc. n Color Broadband, Inc. n Comerica Bank

Construction Consultant Services, Inc. n Davis Group n DDR-Developers Diversified Realty/The PikeDirecTV—California Broadcast Center n Ensemble Investments, LLC n Ford West

Guzman & Gray, CPAs n Harbor Breeze Corporation n Hilton Long Beach n HR NETwork, Inc.Jobing.com n Lennar Corporation n Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Matson Navigation Company, Inc. n Metropolitan Water District n Moffatt & Nichol Engineers n Parkers’ LighthouseSpirit Cruises n Via Media Graphic Design n Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club n Watson Land Company

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.

Late last year I formed a 9 person advisory committee of residents to advise me on howbest to move forward with updat-ing zoning in the “SEADIP” area of east Long Beach. SEADIP,

which stands for Southeast Area DevelopmentImprovement Plan, roughly encompasses the area southof Loynes, east of Pacific Coast Highway and southeast tothe Seal Beach border.

One of the messages I received loud and clear whenI was on the campaign trail, is that residents wanted aplan for this area. Residents weren't opposed to develop-ment (or redevelopment) of land parcels, but wanted it totake place in a logical manner, based on the whole pic-ture. Most weren't opposed to the Home Depot andLennar/Seaport Marina proposals, but they wanted toknow how they fit into an overall master plan that includ-ed restoration of our Los Cerritos Wetlands. The secondmessage I received is that residents would like to see

some high-end retail in east Long Beach so they couldavoid some shopping trips into Orange County.

The committee has been working hard at developing alist of potential zoning changes for public review, and hasmet with Coastal Commission staff, Rivers & MountainsConservancy staff, area landowners and others. The next

step is to begin soliciting public input by meeting withindividual neighborhood associations, having a workshopwith the Planning Commission, and additional generalpublic community meetings.

The goal is to develop a plan that improves the com-munity's quality of life by supporting appropriate devel-opment, while simultaneously restoring Wetlands andcreating bike paths, walking trails and other community

amenities. One of our goals is to create a walking trailwhich will begin at the Los Cerritos Wetlands, pass underPacific Coast Highway and connect to Jack Nichol Park.Any development (or redevelopment) must be carriedout in a manner which compliments, not compromises,the area's natural resources.

Another factor associated with quality of life is traffic.No development should be allowed to occur unless anyadditional traffic is fully mitigated. This means that thedeveloper has to pay for building new roads, or upgrad-ing traffic light technology, or adding dedicated rightturn lanes, or whatever it takes to improve traffic.

The advisory committee is doing a great job, and Icouldn't be more pleased with the discussions they'vehad and the thoughtful approach they're taking.

Next, let's get the Anti-Big Box ordinance and theLabor Peace Agreement (often referred to as the LaborOrganizing Agreement) rescinded in February 2008.Both of these ordinances are anti-business and anti-LongBeach. I'll need your help to win this battle.

Developing a Community Driven Master PlanBy Gary DeLong—Councilmember, 3rd District

“The goal is to develop a plan that improves thecommunity's quality of life by supporting appropriate

development, while simultaneously restoringWetlands… and other community amenities.”

CHAIRMAN OF THEBOARD:

Byron SchweigertChief Education &Government Affairs Officer, MemorialCare MedicalCenters

CHAIRMAN-ELECT:

Matthew Kinley, esq., Partner, Tredway, Lumsdaineand Doyle LLP

IMMEDIATE PASTCHAIRMAN:

Larry Whitley Director, Boeing 767 TankerCommunicationsBoeing Integrated DefenseSystems

CHIEF FINANCIALOFFICER:

Whit LatimerBancap Commercial RealEstate Services

VICECHAIRMAN–ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT:

Blake ChristianPartner, Holthouse, Carlin &Van Trigt, LLP

VICECHAIRMAN–COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT:

Janet McCarthy-WilsonPresident & CEO , GoodwillIndustries of Long Beach-South Bay

VICECHAIRMAN–MEMBERSHIPSERVICES:

Jim EatonPresident & CEO, AirdromeHoldings, LLC

VICE CHAIRMAN–PUBLICPOLICY:

Lori LofstromPartner, Holmes andLofstrom, LLP

AT LARGE MEMBER:

Doug CarpenterPresident, Paragon Steel

AT LARGE MEMBER:

Tom GoodV.P./Area Manager, MatsonNavigation, Inc.

AT LARGE MEMBER:

Kathleen ThurmondPresident, Best WashingtonUniform

LEGAL COUNSEL:

Robert StemlerPartner, Keesal, Young &Logan

PRESIDENT & CEO:

Randy GordonPresident/CEO, The Chamber

LEADERSHIP CABINET

Serving as the Voice of Business

LONG BEACH BUSINESS4

Chamber Praises City Council for Moving Forward with Long Beach Airport’s RevitalizationL ast month, the Long Beach City Council approvedthe Long Beach Chamber-supported 89,995 square foot Airport Terminal revitalization plan. The temporaryfacilities, which include tents, trailers, and mobile officestructures currently in place are inconvenient and do notadequately provide the level of facilities needed for thetraveling public, the citizens of Long Beach, and nor dothey promote the image of California's fifth largest city.

“The current facilities at the Airport were designed toaccommodate only fifteen airline flights and the last permanent addition to the airport was done over twentyyears ago,” stated Randy Gordon, President/CEO of the

Chamber. “The Council's decision to move forward withthe Airport's revitalization is one of the most importanteconomic decisions in recent time,” he continued.

The Long Beach airport is a significant resource forour community as well as for the larger community ofSouthern California. Long Beach needs to be mindful ofthe fact that it has served every member of the commu-

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“We find the right person, for the right job, for the right company,at the right time, anywhere in the world.”

E very member of the Long Beach business commu-nity should be aware of a serious threat to future of theInternet. While it has grown exponentially since its incep-tion, there are some in Washington, D.C. who believethat the Internet needs government regulation. TheChamber believes any regulation of the Internet couldhave a devastating impact on business and consumersalike. Any regulation could curtail or even eliminate corporate investment, technology and jobs that havebeen driven by the Internet in a free market environment.

Supporters of “Net Regulation” are proposing to“protect consumers” by insisting the government intervene and control its growth. The fallacy in their argument is that consumer choice and open competitionare the very reasons we have such a vibrant Internettoday. Adding a layer of government regulation willmean additional time and cost burdens for consumers

“The Council's decision to move forward withthe Airport's revitalization is one of the mostimportant economic decisions in recent time.”

—Randy Gordon, Chamber President/CEO

The Chamber believes any regulation of theInternet could have a devastating impact on

business and consumers alike.

Net Regulation Delivers a Negative Result

and businesses alike, which will result in less investmentin technology.

Every business in Long Beach that uses the WorldWide Web and especially those who rely on e-commerceneed to join together and fight against Net Regulation.The best ideas and innovations come from businessesand people who are given the incentive to create, notfrom government intervention.

To join the effort against Internet regulation, pleasevisit Californians for Technology and Video Choice athttp://www.cavideochoice.org.

provided an immediate cash benefit to the city itwas perceived to be unfair to those businesses whohad started projects. This sense of fairness meansa lot to business.

This is how our city council is supposed to func-tion. The desires of all citizens in Long Beach areconsidered: the needs for housing, the needs forthe city to provide appropriate safety support for itscitizens and the desire to provide transportation to our citizens (via roads, rail or air). We encourageour city council to continue to work on making theplanning/approval/permit process work morequickly— this would be greatly appreciated by thecitizens and business. I commend our elected cityleaders for their commitment to the citizens of LongBeach and to this refreshing approach to makingdecisions. Keep up the good work.

Chairman’s Message Continued from Page 2

nity both directly and indirectly. Like all pub-lic facilities designed and built many yearsago, our Airport is badly in need ofupgrades so that it can continue its recordof service and security to our growing community.

“The Chamber thanks CouncilmembersBonnie Lowenthal, Suja Lowenthal, GaryDeLong, Gerrie Schipske and Val Lerch for their votes in support of the airport's

revitalization,” stated Byron Schweigert, ChamberChairman of the Board.

The proposal passed by the council representedyears of hearings and study sessions, attended by boththe residential and business community alike.

Log on to www.LongBeachAdvocacy.biz for moreinformation.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS5

Highlighting the Membership

ThankYou to

Assistance League of Long Beach andthe Hyatt Regency Long Beachfor hosting the April and MayBoard of Directors meetings.

For all your personal and business banking needs.

The Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureaulaunched a new state-of-the-art Web site to promote thecity and provide information and assistance to meetingplanners and visitors. The new site utilizes the latest Webdesign technology featuring dramatic flash animation,user-friendly navigation and customized Micro-sites for conventions and upcoming events. With three times as many color images as the previous site, www.visitlongbeach.com boasts stunning color images ofLong Beach’s skyline, oceanfront, attractions, accommo-dations, restaurants, nightlife, the arts, shopping and historical sites. On the Web site’s home page and selected landing pages, the use of advanced techniquesin flash animation create eye-catching moving sequencesset to contemporary music.

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The Long Beach Unified SchoolDistrict (LBUSD) has been namedone of five finalists for the 2007Broad Prize honoring urban schooldistricts making the greatest progress

in raising student achievement nationwide. The LBUSDwon the Broad Prize in 2003, the second year it wasawarded, and 2007 is the first time a former winning district has been named a finalist. The Broad Foundationrequires a winning district to wait three years before itcan become eligible again. LBUSD Superintendent ChrisSteinhauser said in a press release, “Long Beach againinspires the nation by believing in its children. We’redeeply moved and inspired by The Broad Foundation’srecognition and support of excellence in America’s public schools.”

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Windes & McClaughry AccountancyCorporation, a Southern Californiaaccounting and consulting firm withmore than 80 years in business, promoted Rebecca Neimark andChristina Viola to managers. BothNeimark and Viola are managers in the firm’s Audit & Assurance

practice. “Rebecca and Christina are both outstandingindividuals and we congratulate them on their accom-

plishments and for their contribu-tions,” said Jack Hinsche, managingpartner, Windes & McClaughryAccountancy Corporation. Viola, agraduate of California State University,Fullerton, is a manager in Audit &Assurance Services. Neimark joinedWindes & McClaughry Accountancy

Corporation in 2001 after graduating from University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts inBusiness Economics, with an emphasis in Accounting.

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The Port of LongBeach recently brokeground on a new,$20-million Security

Command and Control Center, a post-9/11 facility for thePort’s expanding Security Division and its law enforce-ment partners. The 25,000-square-foot Command andControl Center will serve as the communications hub andheadquarters for the Port of Long Beach Security Divisionand house security units from the Long Beach PoliceDepartment and Port of Los Angeles. It will also accom-modate the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and BorderProtection, and Marine Exchange during an emergency.The Command and Control Center is being funded bythe Port of Long Beach and the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security, which contributed $8.1 milliontoward the $20 million cost. The structure will be willLEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)certified, in keeping with the Port of Long Beach GreenPort Policy. It is expected to open in fall, 2008.

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Holthouse Carlin &Van Trigt LLP (HCVT), afull service CPA firmwith offices in SantaMonica, Westlake Village,

Encino, Pasadena, Long Beach and Irvine has again beenranked as the top CPA firm headquartered in SouthernCalifornia by Accounting Today, a national trade journalfocused on the CPA industry. Accounting Today annuallyranks the Top 100 CPA firms in the country based onannual revenue, growth rates and other factors. HCVT’scalendar 2006 revenue increase of 50% from $31 millionto $46 million resulted in a dramatic 28 place jump to the

42nd largest CPA firm in the country from the 70th posi-tion last year. The firm was also ranked as the top CPAfirm in the country in terms of tax specialization for firmswith revenue between $25 million and $100 million.

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Law firm Tredway, Lumsdaine& Doyle has been selected as afinalist for the U.S. Chamber ofCommerce Small Business of the

Year Award and will be honored during America’s SmallBusiness Summit 2007, to be held May 23-25 inWashington, D.C. “Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle hasearned this distinction for the Western region by showinga dedication to their employees, customers, and commu-nities. Their high standards and commitment to successexemplifies America’s spirit of enterprise and entrepre-neurship,” said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber presidentand CEO. “Small businesses are the backbone ofAmerica’s economy and it is important to highlight theinnovative and caring ways they conduct business everyday.” Founded in 1961, Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle(TLD) has grown from one attorney and one employee to14 attorneys and 30 team members in offices in Downey,Irvine, and Long Beach, California.

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Color Broadband Communications, Inc. announcestheir new website: www.colorbroadband.com. ColorBroadband is the largest private fixed wireless providerserving the greater Los Angeles area. Based in LongBeach California, they have been providing our clientssuperior Broadband and Voice over Internet services aswell as a comprehensive, redundant connectivity solutioncalled “Land and Air” since 2002.

Rebecca Neimark

Christina Viola

LONG BEACH BUSINESS6

Promoting the Economy

The Chamber is pleased to announce their thirdorganized visit to China from October 23 – 31, 2007 withstops in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.The9-day tour includes round trip airfare from LAX (Air China or China Eastern Air), 5 and 4 star hotel accommodations, 3 full meals daily, deluxe bus tours,English-speaking guides, fees for ALL attractions, visit to economic zone, and a business forum…all for only $1499 per person.

Travelers from the February 2007 tourhad this to say:“It was so much more than we both expected. The

hotels were truly 5 star and the guides were wonderful and informative. I have a new found

appreciation for planned tours.” —Christina Reagan

“We want to thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip to China. We still can't believe the

service and sites plus the beautiful hotels we stayedat, we can't say enough about the wonderful time

our family members and friends had.” —Ron Rubio, Gloria Molina and Families

“We had the BEST time on the China trip. It was anamazing experience and I want to thank you for all

of your flawless communication. We were well prepared and well taken care of while in China.”

—Robin Erickson

For more information, call Sterling Spector at TheChamber, (562) 436-1251, ext 103 or email sspector@lbchamber.com. Don’t miss out on thisextraordinary opportunity—reserve your spot today!

Mission to ChinaChamber Plans Third Visit

The Long BeachUnified School Districtreceives almost $10,000,000from the state ofCalifornia to provideafter-school programs ifthe Greater Long Beachcommunity can raisematching funds everyyear equal to 33% ofthe funded amountbeginning July 1, 2007.

• Matching funds requirement is almost $3,400,000• LBUSD contributes about $2,500,000• The community must raise close to $900,000

annually• Southern California Edison has kicked off the

campaign by donating $25,000 a year for 4 years

In the U.S., millions of school-age children and olderyouths are on their own after school. These studentsoften account for crime, vandalism, gang activity, andother risks. They miss opportunities to learn and grow, asresearch shows that participation in after-school programsimproves students’ attendance and performance as wellas their expectations for the future.

Raising $900,000 means that 56 schools will have freedaily after-school programs that will serve 10,000 elementary and middle school students in Long Beach.

Benefits of after-school programs in Long Beach include:• Safety, including gang intervention and prevention• Increased achievement, school attendance, and

better behavior• Life skills, including healthy living, nutrition, commu-

nity service, and team building• Workforce development, to prepare qualified future

employees• Support for working parents

These free after-school programs run 3 hours a day, every day, and provide Long Beach students with:homework and tutoring assistance; literacy and mathenrichment; team building through organized recreation,character education and leadership skills; visual and performing arts experiences; and preparation for theworkforce.

If your company would like more information about contributing, please contact Jon Meyer at (562) 498-1152. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to “L.B.—Lights On After School” c/o Long BeachCommunity Foundation, P.O. Box 21174, Long Beach,CA 90801-4174.

“Raising $900,000 means that 56 schools willhave free daily after-school programs that willserve 10,000 elementary and middle school

students in Long Beach.”

Community Donations Keep Lights On After School

Long BeachMakes Top 10Recognized for Downtown Turnaround

The many changes in Downtown Long Beachhave not gone unnoticed. The public and privatesectors’ efforts during the last decade has paid off as Long Beach was named as one of the top ten turnaround downtowns in the country in an articlepublished by The Urban Land Institute (ULI).“Residential, entertainment, and commercial sectorshave taken off since the turn of the Millennium,” saidauthor of “Downtown Turnarounds” article.

Other downtowns recognized in the Top 10 were:Brooklyn, NY; Charleston, South Carolina; DesMoines, Iowa; Fargo, North Dakota; Kalamazoo,Michigan; Memphis, Tennessee; Pasadena, CA; andPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS7

Volunteer Opportunities

Scholarships a Priority for WBC

With our year coming to a close, I’d like to highlightsome of our important events and announcements.

Our annual Experience Speaks in February was ahuge success. This year’s topic, “It’s Your Money —Makethe Economy Work for You,” featured an incrediblepanel of experts, including Mayor Bob Foster, CityAuditor Laura Doud, Port Director Dick Steinke, LouAnne Bynum (LBCC), Becky Blair (Blair Real Estate),Gregg Whelan (Smith Barney) and author Dr. TessaWarschaw. They wowed a packed house, discussingeverything from our local economy to the housing market to the psychology of money. A big “thank you”goes out to our moderator, Mary Price (formerly of Arrow93 FM) and to Keesal, Young and Logan for once againgraciously allowing us to hold our event in their exquisiteexecutive dining room. True to form, Chef William presented us with a scrumptious buffet dinner. Hats offto Linda Krieger and Marty Kurner for doing a stellar job.

In April, WBC handed out $4,000 in scholarships tofour remarkable women from CSULB and LBCC at ourannual Scholarship Dinner. It has become WBC’s mostdeep-seated tradition to provide scholarship money todeserving women and it is what we are most passionateabout and proud of. We heard inspiring stories of perseverance and determination from these women.Scholarships are what allow them to continue their education and pursue their dreams, so please considersponsoring a student next year.

Finally, I wish incoming WBC president Gail Schwandnermuch success in the coming year. Join us at ourInstallation Dinner on June 6th at the LB Museum of Art.

InternationalBusinessAssociationPresident, Priscilla LopezLong Beach City College,Center for International Trade Development

Women’s BusinessCouncilPresident, Sandy DevichSmith Barney

Globalization and Beyond

The IBA is finishing the year with a bang. In April, theIBA had an update on the Ports of Long Beach and LosAngeles’ Clean Air Action Plan. The luncheon was apanel discussion which included Dr. Ralph Appy, Port ofLos Angeles; Dr. Robert Kanter, Port of Long Beach; andmoderated by Mr. George Cunningham of theCunningham Report. The luncheon was generouslysponsored by Kennedy/Jenks Consulting. The panelistsaddressed a captive audience of IBA members andshared the latest changes to the Clean Air Action Plan. Ahearty thank you goes out from the IBA to Dr. Appy, Dr.Kanter and Mr. Cunningham for supporting the IBA withsuch a valuable and informative program.

On May 18th, the IBA will host its biggest event ofthe year, the World Trade Week luncheon. The theme forWorld Trade Week is “Globalization and Beyond.” Thankyou to our sponsors for all of their support, with specialthanks to our diamond sponsor, the Port of Long Beach.The WTW luncheon brings local high school, collegeand university students together with the business community.

This year, the IBA is excited to have Mr. Tom McMahon,Regional Vice President of Starbuck’s, as the keynotespeaker. The IBA will also be honoring a very valuablemember of the international trade community, JacobsenPilots, Inc. with the International Achievement Award.

Congratulations to Steven Carey, a CSU, Long Beachstudent and this year’s poster contest winner. Lastly, theIBA is proud to have worked with Long Beach CityCollege’s Media Services department to produce a special WTW video that focuses on Long Beach’s localeducational institutions.

A Tech Success Aboard Paradise

Thanks again to all the committee members andChamber staff that helped make the Carnival Cruiseevent such a success. All those that braved the stormtruly enjoyed a great lunch and fun networking environ-ment aboard Carnival’s Paradise cruise ship. Thanks alsoto Microsoft and Albert Gusman for sponsoring and presenting at our 3rd Annual Microsoft TechnologyConference in March.

We have two more events scheduled for this fiscalyear, which are our monthly Tech Point luncheons held onthe second Tuesday of each month at The Grand onWillow and Grand from 11:30am-1pm. Our monthlymeetings focus on a “Hot Technology Topic” for 30-45minutes, and include time for informal networking as wellas an opportunity to introduce yourself and business toall participants. Our technology topic for the next TechPoint luncheon is “Marketing in the 21st Century” presentedby 360 View, Inc. and Fresh Graphics on June 12th.

We’re also starting to plan for our next fiscal year.We’re fortunate to have a very energetic and technolog-ically-savvy new leader of our committee, Mark Scholarfrom Micro Data Solutions, as the incoming President inJuly. Mark has the enthusiasm and some great ideas thatwill help keep Tech Point a vibrant and beneficial part ofThe Chamber and the greater Long Beach community.

We’re also looking for more involvement at the Board and event planning levels for the next fiscal year, so if you’re interested, please email me atbbond@BondConsultingServices.com, or Mark Scholarat MicroDataSolutions@msn.com, and/or come to ourTech Point lunch meetings.

On May 18th, the IBA will host its biggest eventof the year, the World Trade Week luncheon.

Tech PointTechnologyCommitteePresident, Bob BondBond Consulting Services

We're also looking for more involvement atthe Board and event planning levels

for next fiscal year…

In April, WBC handed out $4,000 in scholar-ships to four remarkable women from CSULBand LBCC at our annual Scholarship Dinner.

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 416LONG BEACH, CA

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206

Upcoming EventsMay/June 2007

See Enclosed Flyers

IBA’s World Trade Week Luncheon"Globalization and Beyond"

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2007REGISTRATION 11:00 AM • 11:30 PM LUNCH & PROGRAM

Coast Long Beach Hotel, 700 Queensway Drive

$45 Per Person • $500 Tables of 10Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com

Women's Business CouncilInstallation Dinner

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2007REGISTRATION 5:30 PM • 6:00 PM DINNER & PROGRAM

Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd.

Price to be determinedJudy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com

Tech Point Luncheon“Marketing in the 21st Century”

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007REGISTRATION 11:30 AM • 12:00 PM LUNCH & PROGRAM

The Grand, 4101 E. Willow Street

$22 Tech Point Members • $25 Chamber MembersKelly Stortz (562) 590-9234 • kstortz@lbchamber.com

Better Business Seminar—Free to Attend"Buying and/or Selling a Business"

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 200711:30 AM REGISTRATION • 12:00 PM LUNCH PROGRAM

Location TBDBobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118

bspohn@lbchamber.com

116th Inaugural Gala“Destination Tomorrow Award” recipients:

BSNF Railway / Union Pacific RailroadEco Awards

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 20076:00 PM RECEPTION • 7:00 PM DINNER & PROGRAM

Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 200 S. Pine at Shoreline Dr.

Elisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 • emargoni@lbchamber.com