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Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita
Valley Industry & Commerce Association vica.com
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- VICA Hosts 74th Annual Meeting
- VICA Victories! City Council Approves Al Fresco Ordinance & District NoHo Development
- VICA Chair Joins Mayor Bass for Economic Development Roundtable
- VICA Op-Ed: More Taxes Won't Solve Our Problems
- Looking for Board and Committee Sponsors
- 2024 Legislative Priorities
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"I still believe that a county this large and powerful can take care of all its people, and if we are to improve the lives of our people, then we must treat those lives as if they are our own. This is a moment of urgency. This is a moment for impatience. This is a moment for profound change."
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
Statement on Her Appointment to County Board Chair
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VICA Hosts 74th Annual Meeting | |
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VICA proudly commemorated another year of dedicated service to the San Fernando Valley during our 74th Annual Meeting. Concluding the year on a high note, VICA hosted an uplifting program to recognize the Valley's exemplary volunteers, esteemed business leaders, and accomplished scholars. These outstanding individuals were duly honored with awards for their unwavering commitment to community service.
The 2024 Board of Directors and Executive Committee were sworn in during the event by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. Notably, Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo of AT&T assumed the role of Chairman, succeeding VICA"s outgoing two-term Chairman, Victor Berrellez of US Bank. Samona Caldwell (Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission), a longstanding VICA Board member, received the 18th Annual President's Award, sponsored by Valero. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon a VICA volunteer who consistently exceeds expectations in their service to the organization.
David A. Ford (Southern California Edison) was honored with the 31st Harmon Ballin Community Service Award, sponsored by Amazon, recognizing his sustained contributions to the community. Matthew Swearman (Valley Village), received the Member Champion Award, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross, to acknowledge his instrumental role in facilitating connections and fostering VICA membership growth.
The 45th Robert E. Gibson Corporate Award for Excellence, sponsored by Bank of America, was bestowed upon the University of West Los Angeles for its leadership in making the San Fernando Valley the forefront of progressive and forward-thinking business in Southern California.
VICA also proudly acknowledged the academic and entrepreneurial accomplishments of three students by awarding scholarships. Samuel Espinoza (Los Angeles Mission College) received the 8th Annual Rickey M. Gelb Scholarship, Alyana Castro (Woodbury University) was honored with the 7th Annual Marvin R. Selter Memorial Scholarship, and Makyla Cervantes (Granada Hills Charter) received the 8th Annual Melvyn A. Kohn Memorial Scholarship.
The 74th Annual Meeting was made possible through the generous support of our presenting sponsors: The Garland, San Fernando Valley Business Journal, and SoCalGas. Special thanks to our co-sponsors: The Boeing Company, Cowe Communications, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles Daily News, Mission Community Hospital, University of Phoenix, and University of West Los Angeles.
We thank all sponsors and members for their invaluable contributions, making the 74th Annual Meeting and our nearly 75 years of service to the Valley a resounding success!
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VICA's 2024 Board of Directors | |
Outgoing Executive Chair Victor Berrellez (U.S. Bank) gives remarks on his tenure as Chair of VICA | |
Incoming Executive Chair of VICA, Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo (AT&T) | |
Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur provides remarks on supporting economic development, prior to swearing in Board of Directors | |
From left to right: Calabasas Councilmember Peter Kraut, Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro, State Senator Ben Allen, Award Honoree Matt Swearman (Valley Village), Mohit Ghose (Anthem Blue Cross), Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, LAUSD Board member Scott Schmerelson, and Assemblymember Rick Zbur | | |
From left to right: Calabasas Councilmember Peter Kraut, Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro, State Senator Ben Allen, Harmin Ballin Awardee David Ford (Southern California Edison), Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, LAUSD Board member Scott Schmerelson, and Cameron Onumah (Amazon) | | |
From left to right: Calabasas Councilmember Peter Kraut, Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro, State Senator Ben Allen, Robert E. Gibson Corporate Award Recipient Robert Brown (UWLA) Valerie Rivas (Bank of America), Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, and LAUSD Board member Scott Schmerelson | |
From left to right: Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, VICA President Stuart Waldman, 2024 VICA Chair Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo (AT&T), Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, and state Senator Ben Allen | | |
Marvin R. Selter Scholarship recipient Alyana Castro (Woodbury University) | |
VICA Advocates at LA City Council, Garnering Two VICA Victories! | |
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This week, VICA advocated at LA City Council and committee meetings to support various projects, initiatives, and programs.
Tuesday Council Meeting
On Tuesday morning, VICA called City Council to voice opposition to rental caps of 4 to 6% on rental units beginning February 2024. This comes as the last few pandemic-era housing protections start to lift, and property owners can raise rates to recover losses from the past few years. VICA advocated for the council to postpone any action until a report by the Los Angeles Housing Department details the impact of allowing a higher threshold increase rate for small property owners.
While the Council moved to approve the motion, VICA will continue to advocate for the inclusion of any amendment that will assist small property owners facing high rate thresholds while being burdened by four years of increased costs and lost revenue.
PLUM Committee
On Tuesday afternoon, VICA advocated at LA City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee to support the streamlining process for the Restaurant Beverage Program (RBP) in Council District 6, keep the city's Alternative Al Fresco Ordinance, and support LA Metro's Transportation Communication Network (TCN).
VICA supports the restaurant beverage streamlining process by ensuring compliance for many established restaurants, benefiting the district by eliminating financial barriers for sit-down restaurants and boosting economic development in the city. With nearly 400,000 industry employees and over $200 million in tax revenue, the RBP is essential.
VICA also supports a permanent Al Fresco Program for outdoor dining within the San Fernando Valley. During the committee, we addressed concerns regarding establishments with parking areas separate from main dining facilities, parking requirements for small businesses, and the need for clarity regarding the determination of establishments near residential spaces. VICA believes that the city's program will ultimately help to promote more economic activity throughout the Valley, particularly for our service and hospitality businesses.
In addition, VICA voiced support for LA Metro's Transportation Communication Network (TCN), promising to enhance road efficiency, increase public transit ridership, improve safety, and generate revenue for transportation initiatives. Metro's TCN will enhance the bus rider experience by offering transit signal priority, bus Wi-Fi, and bus timing information. The program will also help manage congestion data for vital locations throughout the city and county, including LAX, SoFi Stadium, Dodger's Stadium, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Friday Council Meeting
Friday morning, VICA called into Friday's council meeting to support District NoHo, a project led by VICA members Trammell Crow Company, the alternative Fresco Ordinance, and the TCN program. VICA has provided support for these items throughout the council's process and addressed various concerns,
VICA's continuous advocacy in support of these initiatives culminated in VICA victories with the passage of city council's Al Fresco ordinance and the approval of Trammell Crow Company's District Noho development project.
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VICA Meets with Mayor Karen Bass for Economic Roundtable Discussion | |
Victor Berrellez (seated left of Mayor Bass) joins other community leaders to discuss the importance of economic development in Los Angeles | |
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On Tuesday, VICA Executive Chair Victor Berrellez (U.S. Bank) joined Mayor Karen Bass and other Los Angeles community leaders for an economic roundtable discussion with her Business and Economic Development office. Victor actively contributed to the group discussion regarding local economic development, reflecting VICA's commitment to shaping the economic landscape for the betterment of our San Fernando Valley community.
We thank Mayor Karen Bass and her administration for including VICA in this vital discussion and look forward to further collaboration between VICA and her administration to find ways to support the business community.
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VICA Op-Ed: More Taxes Won't Solve Our Problems | |
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California’s tax structure is beginning to resemble a high-stakes game of Jenga instead of serving its intended purpose of funding public services and designated programs.
Despite one crisis after another – including a statewide housing shortage, businesses closing or leaving the state, public education failures, and increasing rates of homelessness – officials continue to push for more taxes, believing that another increase will miraculously stabilize California’s economy and address the state’s woes. Yet, high tax rates with unreasonable business regulations continue to push businesses away from the state, with more businesses leaving and taking jobs with them every day.
This is not a new issue, as taxpayers in Los Angeles have seen elected officials make promises for decades regarding these crises with minimal improvements. Voters have supported new tax increases for years only to be left with dismal results and an ever-growing government bureaucracy. Meanwhile, proponents continue to pledge that new tax dollars for certain programs will benefit those in need, as if this is the one time when things will finally be different.
To read our monthly Op-Ed published by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, click the link below.
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VICA is Looking for 2024 Board and Committee Sponsors | |
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VICA is looking for members to host or sponsor our committee meetings in the upcoming year. If your company can accommodate 20-40 individuals and provide breakfast or lunch, we have a committee opportunity for you!
As a host, you'll have the chance to extend a warm welcome, promote your organization and site, and be featured on each agenda with table cards throughout the meetings.
Unable to host? Please consider sponsoring a meeting at the VICA office. As a sponsor, you'll provide meals for committee meetings while having your logo displayed on the meetings' agendas and table cards.
For details and available committee meetings, please visit the link below.
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Powerful and Effective Advocacy Isn't Cheap | |
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As the preeminent business advocacy group in Southern California, VICA is steadfast in its commitment to advancing its members' economic interests and opportunities. This dedication is manifested through effective legislative correspondence, civic leadership representation, and conscientious community engagement. However, sustaining this critical advocacy work comes at a cost, prompting the need for a dues increase.
We understand that increasing rates may pose challenges, so we want to provide an option that accommodates your preferences. If you wish to maintain your 2023 level dues for an additional year, you can pay the full amount before December 31, 2023. If you choose to capitalize on this option or ask more about the 2024 rates, please contact Yoko@vica.com whenever you get a chance.
Your continued support ensures the uninterrupted progress of VICA's essential advocacy efforts.
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Membership Level
Basic Membership:
Circle if Influence:
Business Leader:
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2023 Rate
$750
$1,300
$1,850
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2024 Rate
$850
$1,400
$1,950
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Tell VICA Your 2024 Legislative Priorities! | |
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It's always important to ask what the next legislative session's agenda might look like, and how that affects your business and the greater San Fernando Valley-Los Angeles business community.
VICA will begin discussing next year's legislative priorities this month, and we want to know what you think will be important for 2024. Please click the "Notify Now" button below to communicate your ideas and priorities to our Legislative Affairs team!
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VICA Thanks Our New and Renewing Members! | | |
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Platinum Members:
Renewing Members:
New Member:
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Biden Seizes Certain Drug Patents
The Biden administration has determined that it has the authority to seize the patents of certain high-priced medicines, a move that could open the door to a more aggressive federal campaign to address drug prices. The determination represents the culmination of a nearly nine-month review of the government's march-in rights. Progressives have insisted that those rights empower the administration to break the patents of pricey drugs that were developed with public funds, which will create competition and lower prices.
Billions of Gallons of Water by 2045
Over the next two decades, Los Angeles County will collect billions more gallons of water from local sources, specifically storm and reclaimed water, shifting its reliance on other region's water supplies as the effects of climate change make previosuly surefire efforts less reliable and more expensive. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted the county's first water plan, which outlines how it will stop importing water, and source 80% locally by 2045.
Actors Ratify Contract, End Strike
Hollywood actors overwhelmingly ratified a new deal with studios on December 5, which paves the way for a rebound of an entertainment industry that had seen film and television production come to a halt during a months-long strike. The deal includes more than $1 billion in new compensation and benefits and protections for actors from using artificial intelligence by studios. Voting ended at 5 p.m. on the US West Coast, with most members required to seal the agreement. Thirty-eight percent of members cast votes. The deal does not prevent the use of generative AI in productions, but it includes a clause requiring notification for each use of the technology.
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Supervisor Horvath is County Chair
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who serves the county's third district, became the youngest chair of the County Supervisors on Tuesday. Horvath first gained her position on the board in December 2022. She previously served on the West Hollywood City Council and as mayor of West Hollywood. The chair of the board, which serves as the county's legislative body, rotates on an annual basis. During her first meeting in the position, she said the most pressing issue the board must deal with is homelessness.
New Security Assistance for Ukraine
The Department of Defense announced new security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs by using the limited resources that remain available. This announcement marks the Biden Administration's fifty-second tranche of equipment to be provided by the DoD inventories for Ukraine starting August 2021. This package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help counter Russian forces.
Former Speaker Leaves Congress
On Wednesday, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced that he is resigning from Congress later this month and will not run for reelection next year, punctuating a historic Capitol Hill career after 15 rounds of voting to become speaker in January, only to be ousted ten months later by a conservative rebellion. Though McCarthy's next steps are uncertain, he has promised to stay involved in Republican politics. McCarthy's departure narrows the razor-thin majority the House GOP has. Republicans will control the lower chamber by just a three-seat margin, further complicating House Speaker Johnson's bid to pass conservative legislation.
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Member Messages
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
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