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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 Leader Forum with Mayor Karen Bass
- VICA Collaborates with Los Angeles Business Leaders
- VICA's 2025 Board of Directors and Executive Committee
- VICA is seeking Committee Chairs and Sponsors
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"But we have an economic environment and climate that we need to ensure is stabilized, creates jobs, and has the capacity to sustain them—because we don't want to have the best-paid unemployed workforce in the country."
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez
Statement on Proposed Tourism Wage Hikes at City Council Meeting
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VICA Hosts Leader Forum with Mayor Karen Bass | |
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On Thursday, VICA hosted its Leaders Forum event at the Hilton Universal City, featuring a fireside chat with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, moderated by Ellie Casson, Head of Local Public Policy at Waymo. The mayor shared her administration's progress and priorities, focusing on addressing homelessness, improving the city’s business environment, and preparing Los Angeles for major upcoming events such as the 2028 Olympics.
Mayor Bass emphasized her administration’s success in reducing street homelessness for the first time in years and discussed innovative housing solutions to transition individuals from interim housing to long-term stability. She highlighted the importance of partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, calling for collaboration to maximize the impact of housing vouchers, especially for veterans.
The mayor also outlined her administration’s efforts to support small businesses through Executive Directive No. 4. Developed based on feedback from local business organizations, the directive focuses on addressing challenges small businesses face in navigating city processes, including high fees and bureaucratic barriers. Mayor Bass shared that her team has secured over $18 million in funding to bolster the city’s Business Source Centers, which have delivered thousands of services to business owners, helping them access resources and guidance to grow their operations.
Looking toward the 2028 Olympics, Mayor Bass encouraged local businesses to prepare for the influx of global visitors, emphasizing the importance of leveraging these events to create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. She highlighted her administration’s commitment to ensuring all businesses—especially smaller ones—can benefit from the economic opportunities provided by these international events.
Mayor Bass called on the VICA community to continue providing feedback and engaging in dialogue with her administration, stressing the importance of collaboration to refine policies and ensure they truly support the region’s economic vitality.
VICA extends its gratitude to presenting sponsors Comcast NBCUniversal, EKA, Modus, University of West Los Angeles, and Waymo Transportation, as well as as our co-sponsors, table sponsors and leadership sponsors.
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From left to right: Daniel Hall and Nate Scholz (Modus), Kellie Hawkins (EKA), Ellie Casson (Waymo Transportation), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Darnell Tyler (Comcast NBCUniversal), VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T), Yvette Estrada (Comcast NBCUniversal), Dr. Robert Brown (University of West Los Angeles), David Baldwin (Modus) | |
VICA Collaborates with Business Leaders to Oppose Living Wage Ordinance and Protect LA’s Economy | |
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On Monday, VICA joined a press conference hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce to voice concerns about the City of Los Angeles’ proposed living wage ordinance targeting the tourism sector. This ordinance, which includes a 69% wage increase, could have far-reaching consequences for small businesses, hotels, restaurants, and the broader hospitality industry. The press conference brought together business leaders, including VICA President Stuart Waldman, to highlight the risks of this policy on Los Angeles’ fragile economy and its ability to host major global events.
The press conference also included testimony from small business owners and industry representatives who detailed the ordinance’s likely ripple effects. They shared how the increased costs could disrupt local supply chains, drive up consumer prices, and reduce transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues, which are critical for funding public services and infrastructure. Speakers urged the City Council to reconsider the ordinance and work collaboratively with businesses and workers to find a balanced solution that supports economic recovery without placing undue strain on the local economy.
VICA continues to advocate for policies that foster collaboration and balance, ensuring that businesses, workers, and the community thrive together. VICA remains committed to protecting the economic health of Los Angeles and preserving its status as a global hub for tourism, entertainment, and major events.
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VICA's 2025 Board of Directors and Executive Committee Slates | |
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Join us for VICA's 75th Annual Meeting on December 6, where members will elect the 2025 Board of Directors and Executive Committee. This carefully selected group of nominees, representing diverse industries and organizations, will help shape VICA's direction in the coming year.
Click below to review the 2025 slates for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee!
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Membership Dues: The Cost of Driving Change | |
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As the leading business advocacy organization in Southern California, VICA remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing our members’ economic prosperity and opportunities. This commitment is reflected in our impactful legislative advocacy, strong civic leadership representation, and meaningful community engagement. However, sustaining and expanding this vital advocacy work requires financial support, leading to a necessary adjustment in membership dues for 2025.
We understand that any increase may bring challenges, so we are offering an option to lock in your 2024 dues rate for an additional year. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply pay the full amount by December 31, 2024. For details about the updated 2025 rates or to secure your 2024 rate, please contact jessica@vica.com. Your continued partnership enables VICA to champion the priorities that matter most to our members and our region.
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Membership Level
Basic Membership:
Circle of Influence:
Business Leader:
Bronze:
Silver:
Gold:
Platinum:
Premier:
President:
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2024 Rate
$850
$1,400
$1,950
$3,000
$6,000
$9,000
$12,000
$17,000
$27,000
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2025 Rate
$950
$1,500
$2,100
$3,250
$6,500
$10,000
$13,000
$18,000
$28,000
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Are you interested in being a VICA Committee Chair? | |
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We’re looking for members to lead our committees in 2025!
Serving as a committee chair is an incredible opportunity to shape agendas, lead discussions, and drive meaningful impact in areas that matter. Meetings are typically held quarterly, and consistent attendance is essential to maintain momentum and engagement.
We’re also offering committee sponsorship opportunities for the year! Each committee may have multiple sponsors, or you can choose to be the sole sponsor for an exclusive partnership. Please view the form for more information.
If you’re ready to take on a leadership role or become a sponsor, please complete the survey below. We’ll be in touch soon with more information.
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Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee
December 4
8:30AM - 10:00AM
VICA Office
RSVP
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Energy, Environment, Manufacturing, and Utilities Committee
December 5
12:00PM - 1:30PM
VICA Office
RSVP
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members | | |
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Platinum Member:
Bronze Member:
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Los Angeles Business Journal Column: Local Elections Show Unity on Some Issues | |
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The 2024 election reminds us that, despite our differences, we’re more united than divided. Sure, not everyone is thrilled with every outcome, but our choices show that we’re ready to move forward. California voters took strong, practical stances on health care, minimum wage, fair representation and more. This election proved that we can come together on what matters most.
Starting with a major win, Proposition 35 passed with 67% approval, ensuring permanent funding for Medi-Cal through the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax. This provides a stable revenue source for Medi-Cal recipients without adding costs to individual taxpayers. For hospitals and health care providers, it means they can continue offering essential services to millions across California. This kind of stability in health care is a significant advantage for businesses, as it helps keep our workforce healthy and communities well-supported.
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Gaetz Withdraws as Trump’s Pick for Attorney General, Averting Confirmation Battle in the Senate
Matt Gaetz withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general amid scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. His withdrawal avoids a contentious confirmation battle and highlights resistance within the Republican Party to controversial appointees. Gaetz, facing allegations of past sexual misconduct, denied wrongdoing and noted the Justice Department ended its investigation without charges. His resignation from Congress to accept the nomination raises uncertainty about his political future, including a special election for his seat. Read more.
Early Outlook Suggests $2-billion California Deficit, Warns of Federal Changes Under Trump
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $2 billion budget deficit for 2025-26, significantly better than this year’s $50 billion shortfall due to higher tax revenues and prior budget adjustments. However, long-term deficits of $20 billion by 2026-27 and $30 billion by 2028-29 loom. Factors like federal policy changes under Trump, wildfire costs, and a $25 minimum wage for healthcare workers could exacerbate challenges. Lawmakers urge fiscal restraint to prepare for economic uncertainty. Read more.
L.A. City Council Postpones Vote on Wage Hike Over Tourism Concerns
The Los Angeles City Council postponed a vote on raising the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $25 per hour by February 2024, citing concerns about the impact on tourism and the 2028 Olympics. Hotel owners warned that the wage hike could jeopardize their ability to honor room contracts for the Games. Union-backed workers argue that the increase is essential to address L.A.'s high living costs. A final decision is expected on December 11. Read more.
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Two New San Fernando Valley Legislators Go from Small-City Mayors to State Assembly
San Fernando Mayor Celeste Rodriguez and Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz attended orientation in Sacramento as newly elected Assembly members, bringing local government experience to their new roles. Representing Assembly Districts 43 and 44, both aim to address state challenges while focusing on local issues like clean water, affordable housing, and job creation. Rodriguez plans to prioritize water infrastructure, while Schultz advocates for expanding tax incentives for the entertainment industry. Both emphasize community-focused leadership. Read more.
Port of LA Sees Another Record Cargo Month for October as Shippers Brace for New Tariffs
October marked another strong month for the Port of Los Angeles, handling 905,026 TEUs—a 25% year-over-year increase and the fourth consecutive month exceeding 900,000 TEUs. Executive Director Gene Seroka attributed the surge to shippers accelerating cargo to avoid potential tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, which may impose 40%-60% tariffs on Chinese goods. Challenges remain, including labor disputes and global disruptions. Despite uncertainties, the port will hit 10 million TEUs in 2024. Read more.
Musk Plans for "Mass" Federal Layoffs
Tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy said Wednesday that their brand-new government efficiency panel would identify "thousands" of regulations for President-elect Trump to eliminate, which they argue will justify "mass head-count reductions" across government. The pair, who were named co-chairs of the panel last week, laid out their plans for the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. Read more.
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New Omakase Restaurant in Woodland Hills
We are excited to share the opening of a brand-new Omakase restaurant in Woodland Hills, offering an exclusive opportunity for our VICA members!
B2B Soft Opening Offer:
For a limited time, enjoy a $150 Full-Service Omakase Voucher for just $75! Experience a premium chef-curated omakase dining adventure at half the price.
Offer Expires: November 30, 2024
To RSVP or for more information, please contact:
Email: info@ajimorihouse.com
Phone: 1 (818) 400-8169
Don’t miss this chance to savor an exceptional culinary experience while supporting a new local business.
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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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