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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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- End of Legislative Session, VICA Victories!
- VICA Advocates in Final Week of Legislative Session
- VICA Hosts Counsel General of China and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs
- Grant Writing Workshop with the EPA
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Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
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"VICA is the most influential business advocacy organization in Southern California and has continued to host discussions with Consul Generals in Los Angeles for many years. My predecessor, Ambassador Ping Zhang came here twice to share his views on economic cooperation between us. Today, I am here to bring our ties even closer."
Counsel General of China H.E. Guo Shaochun
Statement Made at VICA International Trade Committee
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End of California Legislative Session! VICA Victories, Bills Heading to Governor's Desk | |
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As the California legislative session ends, VICA is pleased to announce a series of significant legislative achievements headed to the Governor's desk.
Out of the three thousand bills introduced during this legislative session, VICA achieved significant victories through our opposition efforts, with dangerous measures failing to pass including:
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Assembly Constitutional Amendment 6 (Haney) would have placed restrictions on contracting collaborations, potentially preventing UC from working with local small businesses and disrupting regional economic development;
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Assembly Bill 262 (Holden) would have shifted oversight of campsites and related organizations from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Public Health, potentially creating confusing regulations when existing oversight structures were already in place; and
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Assembly Bill 7 (Friedman) would have mandated state agencies to incorporate Climate Action Plans for Transportation infrastructure, potentially conflicting with existing state and local processes and imposing a narrow approach to transportation funding guidelines, halting or canceling voter-approved transportation projects.
VICA is proud to have supported several other proposals, which are on their way to the Governor's desk, including:
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Assembly Bill 1217 (Gabriel) which provides a lifeline to businesses by allowing and preserving regulatory flexibility for outdoor, patio, and al fresco dining, helping restaurants recover from the pandemic and navigate rising costs;
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Assembly Bill 1248 (Bryant) establishes independent redistricting commissions for local municipalities with populations exceeding 300,000 by 2030;
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Senate Bill 4 (Wiener) which permits non-profit colleges and religious institutions to develop affordable housing units on their property without requiring local municipal involvement, creating opportunities for affordable housing development in various communities;
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Senate Bill 423 (Wiener) creates a permanent streamlined process for infill developments, 100% subsidized affordable and mixed-income housing, and removes the coastal zone exemption, allowing housing development in coastal jurisdictions; and
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Senate Bill 76 (Wiener) will enable local municipalities to establish entertainment zones, allowing local restaurants and bars to operate within these zones and generating new sources of revenue for businesses recovering from the pandemic.
VICA also has concerns about the passage of various bills, including SB 799, which will provide unemployment benefits to striking workers and constitutional amendments such as ACA 1 and ACA 13, which seek to lower voter thresholds for increasing local taxes and raise thresholds for lowering taxes.
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VICA Storms the Capitol in Lead-Up to End of Legislative Session | |
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Leading up to the state Legislature's final deadline for passing pending legislative proposals, Stuart Waldman, the President of VICA, embarked on an advocacy mission in Sacramento on Monday. During his time at the state capitol, Stuart championed the establishment of independent redistricting commissions for local municipalities and advocated for supporting local governments in creating entertainment zones to bolster local restaurants and bars.
Stuart also voiced his opposition to several legislative initiatives. These included bureaucratic transportation reporting requirements, the extension of layoff notification timelines, the inclusion of contract workers in the employee category, the expansion of unemployment insurance for striking workers, the increase of LA County's tax threshold, the enlargement of state-mandated sick leave, and the imposition of onerous supply chain regulations and reporting.
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VICA Hosts New Counsel General of China and Deputy Mayor of International Affairs at Trade Committee Meeting | |
From Left to Right: Counsel General of China Guo Shaochun, International Trade Chair Jeff Daar (Daar & Newman), and Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Erin Bromaghim | |
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On Thursday, VICA hosted a special meeting of the International Trade Committee at our office, featuring guest speakers: Counsel General of China in Los Angeles, H.E. Guo Shaochun, and Deputy Mayor of International Affairs in Los Angeles, Erin Bromaghim.
Counsel General Shaochun emphasized the significance of U.S.-China relations and the remarkable diversity present in California, particularly in Los Angeles. He portrayed the U.S.-China relationship as an opportunity for both nations to collaborate and expand their cultural and economic ties, transcending the misperception of competition. He underscored the importance of American businesses and industries engaging with China, contributing to economic growth and job creation, which has played a pivotal role in making China the world's second-largest economy.
Counsel General Guo Shaochun stated, "The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Los Angeles has the duty of enhancing China-US relations. We would provide a window through which you could see a full picture of China. We would build a bridge across which you could access the Chinese market and tap into tremendous economic opportunities. VICA members are more than welcome to contact us for policy inquiries, business networking, and any other issue regarding two-way trade and investment".
Following Counsel General Shaochun's address, LA Deputy Mayor Erin Bromaghim highlighted the uniqueness of Los Angeles' International Affairs department, one of the few municipal departments in the country dedicated to international relations. She discussed how Los Angeles is gearing up for major international events like FIFA 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, alongside numerous domestic events that significantly impact the regional economy and draw substantial tourism.
Deputy Mayor Bromaghim delved into the crucial role Los Angeles plays in the import and export market. Approximately one-third of all California exports originate from LA County, accounting for $61 billion in exported goods in 2022. She noted that China stands as Los Angeles' top trading partner and the third largest for LA exports. She also emphasized the importance of the Green Shipping Corridor Partnership between the Ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai and the growing relationships Los Angeles seeks to nurture with China and the African continent.
We extend our gratitude to Deputy Mayor Bromaghim and Counsel General H.E. Guo Shaochun for their valuable contributions to this discussion and thank our members for engaging in dialogue on crucial diplomatic and trade matters.
|  | Left to Right: Counsel General Shaochun, Committee Chair Jeff Daar, and VICA President Stuart Waldman | |
Deputy Mayor Erin Bromaghim with Committee Chair Jeff Daar | |
Join Congressman Cárdenas for a Virtual Grant Writing Workshop in Partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency | |
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Congressman Cárdenas will be hosting a Virtual Grant Writing Workshop in collaboration with the esteemed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday, September 22, at 11:30 a.m.
This workshop is not only for individuals but also for manufacturers and businesses seeking insights into the myriad of grants available through the EPA. Discover where to locate funding opportunities and master the art of crafting successful grant applications. To secure your spot, simply RSVP using the link on the flyer or scan the QR code conveniently provided on the flyer.
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VICA After Dark: LA City Councilmember John Lee
September 26 | 5:30 PM
Anheuser-Busch
John Lee was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council during a special election in August 2019, and re-elected to his first full term in March 2020. John's extensive understanding of the City’s legislative and budget processes and day-to-day operations gives him tremendous insight into what works and what doesn’t at City Hall. With an agenda focused on public safety, supporting local businesses, and providing core city services, John is committed to putting the neighborhoods of the Twelfth District first.
VICA thanks our host and presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch, presenting sponsor SoCalGas, and co-sponsors California State University, Northridge and California Strategies.
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Business Forecast Conference: Flamin' Hot Topics
Friday, October 27 | 7:00 AM
Hilton Universal City
Our 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 the challenges facing us in 2023.
VICA thanks our Presenting Sponsor, SoCalGas.
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To see our current list of speakers, click the button below. | |
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Local Officeholders Luncheon
November 9 | 11:30 AM
Skirball Cultural Center
Local Officeholders representing Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and other Valley cities join VICA and its members to discuss the pertinent issues facing businesses during the annual Local Officeholders event. Attendees have the opportunity to formally ask questions on a wide range of topics.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Comcast NBCUniversal, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, SoCalGas, and Wells Fargo.
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Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, September 20
Noon - 2:00 PM
At the VICA Office
RSVP
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Land Use Committee
Tuesday, October 10
8:30 - 10:30 AM
Hosted by The Garland
RSVP
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Business Life | September 9
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United Auto Worker Strike
The union is demanding a 36% boost in pay. The union started out demanding 40% raises over the life of a four-year contract, or 46% compounded annually. The strikes would be targeted to a small number of factories of each automaker. Union President Shawn Fain said the decision on which plants to strike won't be announced yet, but there is a possibility that all 146,000 members could walk out.
Lawmakers to Protect Actors from AI
As Hollywood actors and writers continue to strike for better pay and benefits, California lawmakers are hoping to protect workers from being replaced with Artificial Intelligence. On Wednesday, Assemblymember Kalra introduced a bill that would give actors and artists a way to nullify provisions in vague contracts that allow studios and other companies to use AI to clone their voices, faces, and bodies. This has been a sticking point in contract negotiations between striking actors and film studios.
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NLRB Has New Rule for Overtime Pay
The Biden administration's National Labor Relations Board proposed a rule to require employers to pay overtime to white collar workers who make less than $55,000 a year. That's up from the current $35,568 which has been in place since 2019 when the Trump administration raised it from $23,660. The rule also proposes automatic increases to the salary each year.
Newsom's Climate Trip to China
Governor Newsom will go to China next month to meet with officials on climate change. Newsom referenced the breakdown of relations at the national level, noting that subnational work has to be done to address the issue, and has coordinated with the White House for this trip. Newsom has sought to build climate ties with China, though the trip comes at a time during contentious times between the United States and the People's Republic of China. The trip is the first of its kind since 2019, focused on clean energy technology.
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Join our partners at #UNITELA on Sept. 29! Don’t miss out as they bring together the most influential leaders to advance economic mobility and well-being for all Angelenos! Celebrate the next #25YearOfImpact and beyond! RSVP today 👉 unitela.com/25. Will we see you there? #UNITELA25 | |
The Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America’s Americanism Award is given to outstanding citizens who have distinguished themselves in their careers, in public life, and in service to humankind. Please join our partners in celebrating the achievements of Jaime Jarrín and Paul Krekorian as they honor their dedication and commitment to building a stronger and more compassionate community. | |
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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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