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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 President Speaks Out on Tourism Wage Hike at City Council
- VICA Takes on November Ballot Measures
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"We have an incredible opportunity to showcase our small businesses. These businesses, which have been integral to our community, have the potential to become international brands. I love the idea of global visitors experiencing iconic local spots... When the world comes here, I want them to see and enjoy our local offerings, and then take that experience back with them. That’s the gold medal moment for us."
L.A. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Statement on LA28 Spectrum News
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VICA Sounds Off on Los Angeles City Council on Hospitality Wage Hike | |
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This Tuesday, VICA President, Stuart Waldman, spoke at the Los Angeles City Council addressing concerns about the proposed 70% wage increase for hotel and airport workers. The Council requested an economic analysis on this ordinance, but the findings in the BEAR Report failed to capture the real impact on small businesses, which will bear the brunt of the policy.
VICA highlighted that the report barely addresses how these drastic wage hikes could lead to layoffs, reduced hours, or even business closures. It also ignores the effect on city revenue, particularly from sales taxes, business taxes, and tourism dollars.
VICA emphasized the need for a comprehensive and accurate economic analysis, urging the City Council to engage more stakeholders and gather data that reflects the real situation on the ground before moving forward. VICA remains committed to ensuring that policies foster a competitive and thriving business environment.
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VICA's November 2024 Voter Guide | |
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The VICA Board of Directors has taken the following positions for the
November 5 Ballot Measures
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Proposition 2 (Authorizes Bond for Public School and Community College) | | |
Proposition 4 (Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond) | | |
Proposition 34 (Restrictions on Spending of Prescription Drug Revenues) | | |
Proposition 35 (Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services, MCO Tax) | | |
Proposition 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act) | | |
LA City: Measure DD: Independent Redistricting Commission | | |
LA City: Measure HH: City Appointments, Elections, and Governance Charter Amendment | | |
LAUSD: Measure LL: Independent Redistricting Commission for LAUSD | | |
LA County: Measure E: Consolidated Fire Protection District | | |
Burbank Unified School District: Measure ABC Bond | | |
Glendale Community College District: Measure GCC Bond | | |
LA County: Measure A (Housing and Homelessness Prevention Transaction and Use Tax) | | |
Proposition 5 (Lower Supermajority Requirement for Local Special Taxes to Fund Housing & Public Infrastructure) | | |
Proposition 32 (Minimum Wage Initiative) | | |
Proposition 33 (Prohibits State Limitations on Local Rent Control) | | |
The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements: | |
LA City Council, District 2 |
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Aviation Committee Meeting
October 15 | Noon to 2:00PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee Meeting
October 16 | Noon to 2:00PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Stay informed and empowered with VICA’s Government Handbook, proudly sponsored by Clay Lacy Aviation and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. This essential resource provides key insights into legislative processes at all levels, helping businesses, advocates, and community members navigate the complexities of government. With the latest updates and tools, it’s your guide to making an impact in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. | |
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Our 36th Annual Business Forecast Conference continues to attract nationally recognized experts on our region's dynamic economy. This forecast will help our business leaders plan for our challenges in 2024.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsors, Wells Fargo and The Garland.
See below for more information on two of this year's panels!
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Panel: AI in Workforce
Titled: "Ghost in the Machine" - Obscurious
What specific skills and competencies will be most valuable in an AI-driven economy? How can we ensure that the benefits of AI in the workforce are distributed equitably across different demographic groups?
Moderator: Selina Thomas, CEO & Founder, 6 Degrees HR Consulting
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Panelists
Jeffrey Thompson, Board Member, LA County Workforce Development
Henry Deng, Employer Engagement Lead - Growth with Google, Google
John Mooney, PhD, Professor of Information Systems Technology Management, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Jim Wakefield, Solution Engineering Senior Manager Government and Education North America Cloud Infrastructure, Oracle
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Panel: Housing
Titled: "Homeward Bound" - Simon & Garfunkel
What strategies will impact the outlook on the housing market, affordability, and supply in California? What barriers exist to housing development and impede sustainable housing production?
Moderator: Carmel Stella, Wells Fargo
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Panelists
Bob Khalsa, President, Southland Regional Association of REALTORS
William Lamborn, Director of Planning Policy & Development, Mayor Karen Bass, Office of Business and Economic Development
Azeen Khanmalek, Executive Director, Abundant Housing LA
Gabe Hungerford, Senior Vice President, Trammell Crow Company
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Panel: Energy
Titled: "Electric Avenue" - Eddy Grant
What challenges do utilities face in this shift? How will consumers and businesses adapt to changes in energy costs and providers? How will be ensure grid reliability and stability during innovation changes?
Moderator: Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Valero Energy
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Panelists
Jason Rondou, Chief of Staff - Power, LADWP
Erica Bowman, Vice President on Strategy, Planning & Performance, Southern California Edison
Jodie, Muller, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, WSPA
Kevin Barker, Senior Manager of Energy & Environmental Policy, SoCalGas
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John Ackerman
Chief Executive Officer
Los Angeles World Airport
October 30
5:30 to 7:30 PM
at the Airtel Plaza Hotel
7277 Valjean Avenue
Van Nuys, CA
John Ackerman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and has oversight of Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports.
Ackerman has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Global Strategy and Development for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where he was part of the team that expanded the organization’s global footprint by driving the first-ever cargo strategy — a multi-year program focused on Asia-Latin America trade flows. His team also designed and launched the first online parking system with dynamic pricing offered at a U.S. airport and grew the business to be DFW’s largest source of earnings.
Thank you to our presenting and host sponsor Airtel Plaza Hotel, presenting sponsors Clay Lacy Aviation, The Garland, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Suffolk Construction, and ZGF, and our co-sponsors Kinkisharyo, LA Rams, and Van Nuys Airport.
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Los Angeles Business Journal Column: A Proposed Wage Hike Will Hurt L.A. | |
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Every day, we see the real-life impact of policies like the proposed City of Los Angeles wage increase. Council members requested an economic analysis on the nearly 70% wage hike for hotel and airport workers—and what they got back is nothing short of a joke. But let’s be clear: for the small businesses that will bear the brunt of this policy, there’s nothing funny about a $30 minimum wage.
Small businesses are the backbone of this city, but you wouldn’t know that from reading this report. It barely scratches the surface of how drastic wage increases will hit them. Sure, it throws in some mentions of automation and operational changes, but let’s face it—most small businesses don’t have the capital to invest in high-tech solutions. This isn’t about padding profits—it’s about staying alive.
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L.A. City Council Approves On-Bus Camera Enforcement of Bus-Only Lanes
The L.A. City Council approved an automated bus lane enforcement pilot. Citations will begin after a 60-day warning period, likely starting in early 2025. The program, a Metro and LADOT partnership, uses on-bus cameras to ticket illegal parking. It’s expected to generate $5 million annually, with 75% going to Metro and 25% to the city. Council discussions included allocation of revenue, with further decisions directed to the Budget Committee. Read more.
José Huizar Begins 13-year Prison Sentence for Accepting Bribes
Former L.A. City Councilman José Huizar began his 13-year sentence for accepting bribes and tax evasion. Huizar pleaded guilty in January 2023 and must pay nearly $444,000 in restitution. His co-defendant, ex-Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan, received 12 years for his role in the scheme, including orchestrating a $600,000 bribe. Federal prosecutors highlighted Huizar’s abuse of power, accepting over $1.5 million in bribes, and Chan’s involvement in concealing transactions for downtown developers.
Read more.
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As Newsom Urges Refinery Controls, California Regulators Consider Hike in Gas Prices
California legislators criticize the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for lacking transparency over proposed low carbon fuel standard changes that could raise gasoline prices by up to 65 cents per gallon. Concerns focus on CARB’s refusal to update its price forecast and its increasing authority. Analysts and legislators emphasize the need for oversight, while CARB defends the policy’s long-term economic and public health benefits, despite not assessing its immediate impact on fuel prices. Read more.
‘Not Even Close’: Hochman’s Lead Over Gascón Grows to 30% in New D.A.’s Race Poll A new poll shows Nathan Hochman leading L.A. County D.A. George Gascón by 30 points, with 51% supporting Hochman and 21% backing Gascón. Voter concerns over crime are cited as a key factor. The candidates will debate key issues soon, as Gascón struggles to regain support before the Nov. 5 election. Read more.
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VICA Thanks Our New and Renewing Members | | |
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Gold Member:
Bronze:
Renewing Members:
New Members:
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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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