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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 County Officeholders Breakfast
- VICA Advocates in Sacramento
- VICA PAC Endorsements and Ballot Measures
- VICA Column: Retail Thievery is a Menace to Economy
- VICA is looking for Meeting Sponsors
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“There is a lot that we have to focus on when it comes to making our budget work, and making sure the dollars are being meaningfully spent and that people know and have the opportunity to be engaged is very important.”
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
Statement on Creating the County Budget at VICA's County Officeholders Breakfast
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VICA Hosts LA County Officeholder's Breakfast | |
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VICA's inaugural County Officeholders Breakfast marked a successful gathering of influential leaders from Los Angeles County, fostering insightful discussions on critical issues impacting the region. The event, held at The Garland, brought together prominent speakers including Sheriff Robert Luna, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Assessor Jeffrey Prang, Chief Deputy Director of Public Works Angela George-Moody, and Chief Deputy Director of Information Services Department Michael Owh.
Sheriff Luna sat down with Presenting Sponsor and VICA Vice Chair, Jeff McConnell (EKA), and discussed the collaborative efforts between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the local business community. The discussion delved into budgetary considerations, community engagement initiatives, the integration of technology for crime prevention, and the Department's approach to concerns related to homelessness and mental health.
Supervisor Barger took the stage next, with VICA Vice Chair and Co-Sponsor, Darnell Tyler (Comcast NBCUniversal) moderating the discussion. The Supervisor discussed the actions taken to support property owners during the pandemic. She addressed the County's efforts to make resources available for those affected by entertainment strikes, steps that have been taken to reduce homelessness, and housing availability and supply strategies. The dialogue also explored attracting new businesses and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
Following Supervisor Barger, Angela George-Moody engaged in a dynamic conversation with VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T). The Chief Deputy Director discussed the pivotal role of effective collaboration between government agencies and businesses, providing insight into addressing challenges like limited infrastructure funding, climate change, and economic inequality. This led to the second question, exploring how businesses can capitalize on these opportunities and engage with LA County Public Works.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath took the stage next, with VICA Vice Chair and presenting sponsor Cameron Onumah (Amazon) for an energetic discussion. Supervisor Horvath discussed efforts to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of LA County's response to homelessness, addressing challenges with an emphasis on accessibility and sustainability, and her priorities in shaping county policies and programs as the Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
Michael Owh then engaged in an engaging and insightful conversation VICA Immediate Past Chairman Victor Berrellez (US Bank). The Chief Deputy Director discussed the Internal Services Department's role and contribution to the County's efficiency, fostering innovation, and specific services benefiting local businesses, while also exploring how the County is advancing digital equity both within its operations and throughout the County.
The event concluded with Assessor Jeffrey Prang, who spoke with Carmel Sella (Wells Fargo). Assessor Prang began by addressing the Assessor's role in the County, providing an overview of the County's assessment processes, property rates in the Valley, and insights into the commercial space's leasing and office vacancy rates. The Assessor discussed his role as Assessor and how the office manages county services for over 10 million residents.
The success of this event underscores VICA's commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of Los Angeles County. We extend our appreciation to The Garland, our host, and our presenting sponsors: Amazon, EKA, Microsoft, and SoCalGas. Special thanks to our co-sponsors: Comcast NBCUniversal, FivePoint, and Southland Regional Association of REALTORS.
We look forward to future events that continue to connect leaders and drive positive change in our community.
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Sheriff Robert Luna with VICA Vice Chair Jeff McConnell (EKA) | |
Supervisor Kathryn Barger with VICA Vice Chair Darnell Tyler (Comcast NBCUniversal) | | |
Public Works Executive Deputy Director Angela George-Moody with VICA Chairman Lupita Sanchez Cornejo (AT&T) | |
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath with VICA Vice Chair Cameron Onumah (Amazon) | | |
Chief Deputy Director Michael Owh of the Internal Services Department | |
County Assessor Jeff Prang with Carmel Sella (Wells Fargo) | | |
VICA Heads to Sacramento for Advocacy Day | |
From Left to Right: VICA President Stuart Waldman, Ross Pendergraft (Gallagher Insurance Services), Jim Garrison (Mesa Pacific LLC), Kellie Boehm (Health Net), VICA Legislative Manager Victor Reyes, Mona Clayton (The Nurses Pub), Assemblymember Mike Gipson, Pamela Marcello (Hollywood Burbank Airport), David Gonzalez & Ralph Loyola (Association of Independent Commercial Producers) | |
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During VICA's first trip to Sacramento for the 2024 legislative session, the VICA delegation had the opportunity to meet with several elected officials, including Mike Gipson, Pilar Schiavo, Juan Alanis, Diane Dixon, Marc Berman, Tri Ta, and Heath Flora. A productive discussion was also held with the staff of Assemblymember Phillip Chen, providing a unique opportunity for VICA to establish meaningful connections and gain valuable insights into Sacramento's priorities.
VICA engaged in advocacy for critical legislative proposals aimed at enhancing public safety and fortifying the business environment, including proposals to expand prosecutorial jurisdiction for charging criminal activity related to retail theft and increasing penalties for organized crime rings involved in such illicit activities.
Additionally, VICA supported the repeal of the "ABC" test, highlighting the need for a more favorable business climate to stimulate economic growth.
The delegation also opposed proposals for transitioning camp sites oversight from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Social Services, and they spoke out against a pilot program offering subsidies for those at risk of homelessness during a financially precarious period for the state, citing reservations about the program's viability and its potential impact on the state's fiscal health. They also voiced opposition to legislation that looked to hinder UC partnerships with local businesses and vendors by implementing prevailing wage requirements which would have a profound effect on contracting opportunities.
VICA's engagement with elected officials and their staff members allowed us to effectively convey our positions on crucial legislation impacting the region and the state at large.
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VICA members with Assemblywoman Diane Dixon | |
VICA members with Assemblymember Juan Alanis | | |
VICA members with Assemblymember Tri Ta | |
VICA members with Assemblymember Marc Berman | | |
VICA members with Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo | |
VICA members with Assemblymember Heath Flora | | |
VICA members with Chief of Staff of Assemblymember Timothy Grayson, Aaron Moreno (center) | |
VICA PAC 2024 Voter Guide | |
The VICA PAC Committee has made the following endorsements: | |
Board of Supervisors, District 5 | | |
LA City Council, District 2 | | |
LA City Council, District 4 | | |
LA City Council, District 6 | | |
LA City Council, District 12 | | |
The VICA Board of Directors has taken the following positions for the March 5 Ballot Measures | |
Proposition 1 (State Measure): Allocates funding for construction, expansion, and renovation of treatment facilities, supportive housing units, and outpatient services. | |
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Healthy Streets LA (City Measure): Requires the city to prioritize street improvement measures including concept maps for connected networks of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle routes | |
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VICA Column: Retail Thievery is a Menace to the Economy | |
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The nature of retail theft has evolved and is now entrenched by organized crime rings. Large-scale theft events, such as mass shoplifting and smash-and-grab incidents, have become commonplace in California and other parts of the United States. California has three cities in the top 10 for high retail theft, and Los Angeles is No. 1 for the last five years.
As California steps into the new year, state and local governments must prove to the business community that the Golden State remains a safe and viable place for investment. Elected officials must ensure the enforcement of laws, prosecutors must actively pursue cases and the state and local governments must direct their enforcement agencies to combat these threats to our safety and economy.
To read the full article, 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 board meetings and 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.
You can host/sponsor the entire committee for the year, or you can host/sponsor 1 meeting for the year, including the VICA Board 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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VICA Thanks Our Renewing Members! | | |
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Platinum Member
Gold Member
Bronze Members:
Renewing Members
New Members
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Sacramento Advocacy Days
Tuesday, February 27 I All Day
Tuesday, March 19 | All Day
Wednesday, April 10 | All Day
VICA's regular advocacy trips to the State Capitol are crucial for ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard by legislators.
These members-only trips allow attendees to interact directly with statewide elected officials, discussing the issues that are vital to our members. Join VICA in Sacramento for one of our monthly advocacy trips, and don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard on how legislation affects your company/organization!
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LAST CHANCE FOR EARLY BIRD! LAST DAY FEBRUARY 5!
ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12, 2024 - March 14, 2024
Washington, D.C.
ACCESS D.C. is the region’s largest annual advocacy trip, connecting more than 200 business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers on issues ranging from immigration and education to transportation and health care.
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Program Agenda
Tuesday, March 12:
- VICA Delegation Day (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Welcome Reception (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)
Wednesday, March 13:
- Breakfast Program with Keynote elected officials/admin (8:00 am - 11:25 AM)
- Delegation Photo (11:25 AM - 11:40 AM)
- Team Assembly, discussion of talking points (11:40 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Delegation Meetings on the Hill (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
- Evening Reception with Congressmembers (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)
Thursday, March 14:
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Breakfast Closing Reception and Speakers (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
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Delegation Meetings (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
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Labor & Employment Committee
Wednesday, February 7
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by Hilton Universal
RSVP
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State Officeholders Dinner
Universal Studios Hollywood
Friday, March 8
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RSVP
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership Breakfast
Friday, April 26
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, February 13
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Not-for-Profit Committee
Wednesday, February 14
8:30 to 10:30 AM
Sponsored by Pacific Federal
RSVP
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, February 21
Noon to 2:00 PM
RSVP
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LAUSD Bars Charter Schools from Using Campuses
Charter schools will be barred from hundreds of Los Angeles Unified District school campuses under a new policy that is among the most restrictive of its kind. The new rules, presented at a school board meeting Tuesday, January 30, prevent charters from being sited in campuses that have been identified as serving vulnerable students, accounting for roughly 350 of about 770 school buildings in the district. Charter schools would still be offered space to operate in other LAUSD district school buildings.
Newsom Plans to Cut Climate Funding
Governor Gavin Newsom proposed scaling climate funding back by 7% compared to last year's budget to $48.3 billion, while spreading that money out over seven years, up from six last year. The cuts, unveiled in the first draft of his new budget, follow last year's 3% cut to climate programs and triggered criticism today from environmental groups. California's efforts to tackle and adapt to the changing climate include a vast array of programs, including subsidies for electric cars, funds for making the coast more resilient, programs to prepare for wildfires and secure water supplies, and efforts to build solar and wind projects.
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CSU plans to expand student grants
California State University trustees voted Wednesday to expand grants to fund the full cost of tuition and living expenses for students who show they need the aid to attend college. The decision is the first step to make good on a pledge that the university made last fall that at least a third of revenue from a 6% annual tuition hike would go toward financial aid. A more detailed plan will be presented to the board in May. Over the five-year period, more than $280 million will go towards financial aid, increasing funding to $981 million by 2028.
California Docworkers fight against Automation
In a bid to thwart tough new air quality standards, one of California's most powerful unions is warning that a shift to cleaner technology would imperil their livelihoods. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union - a major donor to Democratic lawmakers who've backed electrification - says the state's proposed air quality regulations are so burdensome, they could push the sprawling ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to cut labor costs by switching to automated equipment.
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JPMorgan Chase is excited to announce that applications for the Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) and Advancing Hispanics & Latinos (AHL) Fellowship Programs are now open through February 12! The program will be held from June 24 – July 26, 2024 in select JPMorgan Chase offices.
The five-week, paid, full-time program is designed to introduce students from all backgrounds — including, without limitation, Black, Hispanic and Latino — to the financial industry and help build a pathway to future career opportunities. We are looking for individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives to help us grow and position our businesses for the future.
Eligible candidates must be college sophomores with a graduation date between December 2025 and June 2026 and interested in financial services careers. The program provides exposure and professional development opportunities to students from communities that are underrepresented in the industry; however, all eligible students, regardless of background, are welcome to apply.
Participants who complete the Fellowship Program are encouraged to apply for the JPMorgan Chase internship program. Upon successful completion of that internship, they will have the opportunity to apply for full-time employment with the firm.
Link to Advancing Black Pathways Fellowship: https://jpmorganchase.com/ABPFellowship
Link to Advancing Hispanic & Latinos Fellowship: https://jpmorganchase.com/AHLFellowship
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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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