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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 Congressional Officeholders Breakfast
- VICA Victories Following Legislative Deadline
- VICA is Hiring!
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"Once I leave my job at the end of this year, I hope to become an entrepreneur again, to provide for my family and to share that opportunity that many of us have had - the opportunity to strike it out on your own and go out in that wilderness."
Congressman Tony Cardenas
Statement made during Congressional Officeholders Breakfast
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VICA Hosts Congressional Officeholders Breakfast | |
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On Thursday, VICA hosted our Congressional Officeholders Breakfast with Congressional Representatives Brad Sherman and Tony Cardenas, who is retiring at the end of this term. This event allowed local business leaders and community members to engage directly with their representatives on key issues and matters pertinent to the San Fernando Valley business community.
Congressman Brad Sherman, moderated by Marie Lloyd (Amazon), has represented the West and South San Fernando Valley for 28 years and shared insights from his roles on the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees. He emphasized the importance of constituent services in areas such as emergency passports, visas, and resolving issues with federal agencies like the IRS. Sherman discussed his opposition to cryptocurrency, the need for effective foreign policy, and the complexities of US elections and gerrymandering. He also addressed the impact of new regulatory frameworks for bank capital requirements on local businesses, expressing concerns about proposals that could hinder access to necessary loans.
Sherman highlighted the ongoing global conflicts that require more attention and the US's role in addressing these issues. He discussed the importance of a robust foreign policy prioritizing national security and humanitarian concerns. Additionally, he talked about the legislative efforts to ensure a fairer and more transparent electoral processes, emphasizing the need to combat gerrymandering to preserve the integrity of US elections.
Congressman Tony Cárdenas, moderated by Maria Ventura (SoCalGas), reflected on his 28-year journey, emphasizing the importance of local communities and small businesses. He expressed gratitude for VICA's support and recalled his beginnings as a small business owner in the San Fernando Valley. Cárdenas highlighted recent legislative achievements, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have boosted regional competitiveness through investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and economic growth. He stressed the critical role of small businesses in driving local economies, sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship.
Cárdenas also discussed workforce development, advocating for partnerships with local educational institutions to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the job market. He emphasized the importance of providing access to capital and resources to help small businesses thrive.
As Congressman Cárdenas prepares to conclude his tenure, his legacy of advocacy for small businesses, economic development, and community empowerment remains a guiding light for future leaders.
We thank the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport for hosting our event, our presenting sponsor, Amazon, and our co-sponsors, The Garland and SoCalGas.
|  | From Left to Right: VICA 1st Vice Chair, Jim Theiring (Mission Community Hospital), Shefali Mistry (CSUN), VICA Vice Chair Ruben Zaragoza (Southwest Airlines), Maria Ventura (SoCalGas), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T), Congressman Tony Cardenas, Marie Lloyd (Amazon), Terry Walker (Providence), Bernard Parks Jr (Bechtel), VICA Past Chair Kevin Tamaki (Tamaki Consulting),VICA Vice Chair Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher) | Congressman Tony Cardenas speaking with Maria Ventura (SoCalGas) | Congressman Brad Sherman with Marie Lloyd (Amazon) | |
VICA Victories Following "House of Origin" Deadline | |
Following the State Legislature's "House of Origin" deadline last week, VICA is pleased to report that a significant number of proposals that we have been opposed to, have failed to cross over and are effectively dead for the remainder of the session. Here is a quick list of proposals that we have successfully prevented from moving forward. | |
AB 2200 (Kalra)—This bill sought to establish a single-payer healthcare system in California, increasing tax rates for businesses and residents while eliminating choice in the healthcare insurance market. It is held under Submission.
AB 3155 (Friedman) - This legislation proposed making owners and operators of oil or gas facilities jointly and severally liable for significant ailments, introducing impractical and unfair standards. Ordered to the inactive file.
SB 1380 (Dodd) - This bill would have allowed school districts to deny charter school applications if they had closed a school within the past five years and diminished county education boards' authority. It failed passage.
SB 1434 (Durazo) - Proposed significant changes to California's unemployment insurance system through substantial tax increases on employers and a new tax on all wages for "excluded" workers. Failed to Meet Deadline.
SB 1494 (Glazer) - This bill aimed to end all tax-sharing agreements, a vital tool for local economic development. Ordered to the inactive file.
SB 1505 (Stern) - Proposed a new registration process for aircraft, including substantial requirements and fees; this bill would have imposed undue burdens on the aviation sector. Did not make it out of the committee.
SCA 8 (Durazo) - Would have required the UC system to contract only with businesses paying prevailing wages, reducing opportunities for small businesses and reducing services for the UC student and faculty body . Did not make it out of the committee.
SB 1345 (Smallwood-Cuevas)—This bill would have severely limited employers' discretion regarding conviction history in hiring decisions by requiring proof of "business necessity," imposing significant challenges for businesses. It did not make it out of the committee.
VICA is pleased to see that our advocacy efforts, along with those of many other business advocates, have successfully halted these concerning proposals. We will continue advocating for the remainder of VICA's priorities to ensure the business community is supported and heard in Sacramento.
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VICA University: Cal/OSHA Update on New Requirements
Tuesday, June 4
8:30 to 10:30 AM
VICA Office
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VICA invites you to join us for this informative, 2-hour program with Cal/OSHA that will cover New and Proposed Regulations: Understand key updates, including the Workplace Violence Prevention and Emergency Silica Regulation, and prepare for compliance deadlines.
- New or Proposed Regulations – including Workplace Violence Prevention & Emergency Silica Regulation
- Emphasis Programs
- Top 10 Citations
- How Cal/OSHA Consultation Can Help You
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VICA 75th Birthday Bash
Friday, June 21
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Radford Studio Center
VICA turns 75! Come and celebrate this sparkling milestone with us. Enjoy a brilliant evening beneath the stars with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and music.
VICA thanks our 75th Anniversary Sponsors BYD, Cowe Communications, The Garland, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Mission Community Hospital, and Radford Studio Center, and Birthday Bash Sponsors Amazon, Bechtel, Southwest Airlines and Walmart.
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We are looking for fun and exciting raffle items to offer our guests! If you are interested in providing any, please contact Cathy@vica.com. | |
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality
Wednesday, June 5
8:30 to 10:30 am
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, & Utilities
Thursday, June 6
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Land Use
Tuesday, June 11
8:30 to 10:30 am
Sponsored by The Garland
RSVP
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Healthcare
Wednesday, June 12
Noon to 2:00 PM
At the VICA office
RSVP
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Gold Member
Premier Partner
Renewing Members
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Harris-Dawson Becomes Council President-Elect
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to support Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson's ascension to Council President. He will replace termed-out Council President Paul Krekorian later this September. After Tuesday's vote, he said homelessness would be the council's first, second, and third issue under his leadership.
Newsom Warns Against Regulating AI
During an event in San Francisco, Governor Newsom cautioned against over-regulating the artificial intelligence sector, emphasizing the importance of California's tech industry for revenue and competitiveness. Despite legislative efforts to regulate tech giants, Newsom hasn't publicly taken a stance on various AI bills but acknowledges the need for balanced innovation and regulation. While California is posed to set national AI standards, Newsom highlights the importance of industry leaders.
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California Budget Passes Key Hurdle
The California Assembly Budget Committee adopted the 2024-25 legislative budget package, advancing toward the June 15 deadline for the state budget. While the passage seemed assured, members did question certain expenses, including a proposed $1 billion for homeless assistance. Additionally, the Senate passed SB 828 to delay the implementation of a $25 minimum wage for healthcare workers.
Senator Manchin Leaves Dems
On Friday, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced that he is leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent while still intending to caucus with Senate Democrats. This move has sparked speculation about his future, with possibilities including another Senate Term or run for Governor this fall. Manchin, who served as West Virginia Governor before his senate tenure, faces a shifting political landscape in his state, which has become Republican-leaning.
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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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