Valley Industry & Commerce Association | |
|
- VICA Supports LADWP Policy Reform
- Congressman Mike Garcia Joins VICA Committee Meeting
-
Harmon Ballin Nominations are Now Open
- Nominate a Future VICA Board Member
| |
|
Quick Jump - Register to Attend!
|
| |
|
"We are ready. Nothing beats the caring teacher in the classroom that understands the child, touches his heart to influence his mind."
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho
Statement on the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year
|
|
VICA Supports LADWP Policy Reform | |
|
On Tuesday, VICA spoke at the Board of Water and Power to encourage LADWP to approve a policy that would have present and future customers fairly share in the cost of new power infrastructure upgrades located in the public right-of-way for construction projects, commonly known as underground line extensions.
For a long time, developers have faced a burden when they are the first one building in an area that requires lengthy power line extensions, picking up 100% of the cost associated with bringing power to their project.
This policy change would distribute the cost of underground distribution line extensions in public property amongst other parcels that would benefit from the same underground distribution line extension, making the process more fair.
This policy change would also add to LA's housing stock by removing a financial obstacle and would encourage economic development by sharing some of the LADWP costs required for customer-initiated projects.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the policy reform, helping bring LADWP into alignment with other electric utilities throughout the state of California.
| |
Congressman Mike Garcia Joins VICA's Government Affairs Committee | |
|
On Wednesday, United States Congressman Mike Garcia joined VICA's Government Affairs Committee to provide a legislative update to our members.
The Congressman began by discussing some of his concerns, including the growing number of Californians that are leaving the state, expressing the need to keep people here.
He then spoke to some of the strengths of California. He mentioned that the San Fernando Valley is home to a large aerospace and defense industry, something that is essential to the California business community.
At the federal level, the Congressman expressed some concerns, including new and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the high rates of crime. He called for the repeal of California propositions 47 and 57 to make it easier to crack down on crime in the state and get those struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders the help they need.
| |
Nominations Are Open: Harmon Ballin Community Service Award | |
|
VICA's Harmon Ballin Community Service Award annually honors an active VICA member who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through their long-term community service activities. A nominee is someone who:
- Has been an active member of VICA and is actively engaged in the organization.
- Has significant and long-term involvement in philanthropic, community, or public service organizations or a significant record in this area.
- Is a role model and community leader.
All nominee forms must be submitted via email to Daniel@vica.com by Friday, September 1, 2023.
Some past honorees include: Stu Solomon, Walt Mosher, Fred Gaines, Jim Garrison, Kevin Tamaki, Greg Lippe, Brad Rosenheim, Francine Oschin, Pegi Matsuda, Ross Pendergraft, Jane Skeeter, Lee Alpert, Darnell Tyler, Mark Davis and Scott Mills.
| |
Nominations for 2024 VICA Board Being Accepted Now | |
City of Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro swears in 2023 Board of Directors | |
|
VICA's 2024 Board of Directors nomination and selection process is underway and we want your nominations!
Board members must be able to attend regular board meetings and be prepared to vote on various public policy issues. Board members must also attend regular committee meetings and VICA events. Additional responsibilities may include calling or writing lawmakers, attending press conferences, testifying, authoring editorials, interacting with top opinion leaders, and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating on the VICA Board in 2024, please don't hesitate to click on the nomination form below and submit via email to Jessica@vica.com no later than Friday, September 1, 2023.
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
RESCHEDULED: 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.
| |
|
|
Sports, Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality Committee
Wednesday, September 6
8:30 - 10:00 AM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
RSVP
| |
|
Energy, Environment, Manufacturing & Utilities Committee
Thursday, September 7
Noon - 1:30 PM
At the VICA Office
Sponsored by Metropolitan Water District
RSVP
| |
VICA Thanks Our New and Renewing Members! | | |
|
|
Silver Members:
Renewing Members:
New Members:
| |
|
LAUSD First Day of School
As schoolyard gates opened across the nation’s second-largest school district, parents snapped photos of smiling young children. Back-to-school 2023-24 in L.A. Unified brings pledges from Supt. Alberto Carvalho for a total academic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic within two years, bus transportation for more students, upgraded school cafeterias featuring healthier “farm to table” food, and new technology that will allow parents to keep track of grades, tests results and attendance.
Trump Indicted in Georgia
Former President Trump has been indicted in Georgia after an investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis into efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election results. Eighteen others were also indicted, including Trump’s personal lawyers Rudolph Giuliani and Sidney Powell, and former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Trump was charged in the sweeping 98-page indictment with racketeering and a dozen other felonies, including solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery and false statements and writings.
| |
|
Hurricane Hilary on its Way to SoCal
A storm brewing off Mexico’s Pacific Coast and threatening Southern California and the southwestern U.S. was upgraded Thursday morning to hurricane strength. Forecasters warn that it’s still too soon to confirm when — or if — Hurricane Hilary might make landfall, and how strong the system could become. But current projections show it could reach the Baja California peninsula by late Sunday, potentially bringing significant rain, rough surf and dangerous winds.
LA Hotel Used as Shelter Destroyed
By the time the Mayfair Hotel shut its doors last year, the building had been through a wrenching, tumultuous period. Windows at the 294-room boutique hotel, in L.A.’s Westlake neighborhood, had been shattered. Bathrooms had been vandalized. In some locations, carpet had been torn off the floor. Those and other incidents were described in emails sent to the city of Los Angeles during the final six months of the Mayfair’s participation in Project Roomkey, a federally funded initiative that transformed hotels across L.A. into temporary homeless shelters.
| |
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 | |
|
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.
| |
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.
| | | | |
