Budget and Finance Committee, Special Meeting
Monday, January 31, 2011- 6:30 PM
SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
9501 BALBOA BOULEVARD, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325

Comments from the public regarding their budget priorities for the FY 2011-12 Budget.

Below are the February - April 2011 FREE upcoming Courses & Seminars presented by The Federal Technology Center (www.TheFTC.org).

In our FREE training seminars, small businesses will learn techniques to tap into the profitable federal, state, and local government markets. Our instructors have more than 200 years of combined experience in government contracting and are familiar with the latest contracting  laws and regulations. For questions, call The Federal Technology Center (The FTC) at 866.382.7822 toll-free.

Getting Started with Government Contracting
Learn the federal, state and local government
requirements, certifications and qualifications
More Info | Course Flyer

Register March 15, 2011 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) and
The Small Business Loan Fund
374 Poli Street, Suite 207
Ventura, CA 93001
 
Register March 22, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) and
The Small Business Loan Fund
333 S. Salinas Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
 
Register April 7, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
City of Monterey Park, Council Chambers
320 West Newmark Avenue
Monterey Park, CA 91754
 
Introduction to Federal Contracting
Learn how to sell your product or services to the Federal Government
More Info | Course Flyer

Register March 29, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
One World Trade Center, Suite 206
Long Beach, CA 90831  

Marketing to GovernmentLearn how to sell your product or service to the Government
More Info | Course Flyer

Register February 8, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC)
5121 Van Nuys Boulevard, Third Floor
Van Nuys, CA 91403


Navigating the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) 
Increase your knowledge and ability to use the FAR with confidence
More Info | Course Flyer

Register April 5, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
El Camino College Small Business
Development Center (SBDC)
13430 Hawthorne Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250  


Responding to an Invitation for Bid (IFB)
Learn the techniques of putting together responsive bids
More Info | Course Flyer

Register April 12, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
City of Anaheim, Economic Development
5th Floor, Anaheim City Hall,
200 S. Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
 

Project Management
Learn principles and components of Project Management
More Info | Course Flyer

Register February 7, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
City of Ventura
Community Meeting Room, 501 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93012
 
Register March 8, 2011 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2130 E. 4th Street, Suite 160
Santa Ana, CA 92705

On January 12, 2011 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an Executive Directive (see attached press release and ED) which enacted the Business Inclusion Program.  Under this new Directive, the City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minority-owned businesses in City contracts.

The Directive requires all City department to utilize the City's electronic marketplace, Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (www.labavn.org), to post all opportunities subject to advertising.  We hope you encourage your constituents to register on www.labavn.org  to receive notifications of contracting opportunities as well as updates on implementing this new Directive.

Additionally, please visit www.losangelesworks.org, for additional information regarding doing business in and with the City of Los Angeles.

Regards,

Mayor's Office of Economic & Business Policy

The break occurred at 2:50 pm.  Intersections were flooded. By 4:30 DWP had the street shut off.  The exact address is 10975 Tuxford, Sun Valley, 91352.

By 7pm the water was shut off and the streets cleared. 

The section of Tuxford Place is washed out and there has been property damage calls to the DWP because of high pressure.  There were 50 customers without service.
Salpy Shoes, PRG Lighting, Hollywood Film and REM would have been some of the affected businesses.

Click Here For Daily News Story & Photos

The Sun Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Invites you to our Installation Banquet
Thursday, February 17, 2011
No Host Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres 6:00 in the evening
Dinner Service 7:00pm

Angeles National Golf Course
9401 Foothill Blvd.
Sunland, CA 91040

Please RSVP to (818) 768-2014 or info@svacc.com

Wednesday, Februrary 16, 2011
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Warner Center Marriott Hotel
21800 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Over the past 10 years, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal has recognized 120 professional women for their outstanding achievements in business. To celebrate this event’s 10th anniversary, all 120 past honorees will be recognized.

We’ll also present awards to the corporate business woman of the decade, the business owner of the decade and a third award to an outstanding professional working woman for her community service. Estimated attendance 400.

$60 per ticket/reservations required by February 9th Reserved tables of 10 are available through the purchase of an advertising package

Since the 10th anniversary event is comprised of the past honorees, nominations are not required this year.

Download the WIB event flyer here
Register ONLINE
Please email Keanna Sheu for more information at KSheu@sfvbj.com

35th Annual 
Business Recognition ~ Installation Dinner Event
Thursday January 20, 2011

Airtel Plaza Hotel
7277 Valjean Avenue
Van Nuys, Ca 91406

Reception 5:30 pm ~ No Host Bar
6:00 pm Doors Open

$65 per person

REGISTRATION FORM HERE

The annual Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour on April 9 and 10, 2011 offers businesses the chance to support a major water-conservation event and reach homeowners with an interest in home improvement and environmental issues. We are hoping that you can help us identify sponsors and supporters.

In 2010, we welcomed 1,500 attendees, making it Southern California’s best attended native plant event. Forty percent of our tickets were purchased from L.A. residents and 40% of our gardens were within the city limits. With 50 private gardens across the Los Angeles basin, we helped the public discover the beauty of California native plants. The tour has evolved into a signature event for people looking to reduce water use, reduce or eliminate chemicals in their yards (no pesticides or fertilizers, etc.) and offer habitat to wildlife, including pollinators that are critical to agriculture.

As part of the tour, we put together a beautiful, four-color program guide to help attendees select the gardens of interest to them. We load this keepsake publication with tips and important information about gardening with natives, extending the lifespan of the guide and increasing the visibility of our sponsors.

As you know, water conservation is critical to the California economy and water savings also mean energy savings. As much as 19% of our state’s electricity – not to mention diesel and natural gas – is used to transport and clean water.

And there are more reasons for businesses to sponsor the tour.

       74% of our 2010 attendees are very likely to attend the 2011 tour and 88% say they will recommend the tour to someone they know. (The numbers are higher among first-time attendees!)

       70% said that they are more favorable to native plants after attending the garden tour.

       Nearly 50% of attendees wanted to reduce water use at home, 46% wanted to create a sustainable garden and 30% wanted to replace their lawn.

       92% of attendees were homeowners.

While the data showed success in educating homeowners and changing attitudes, we know we have challenges before us. Only 17% of our attendees were Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander or African American. Your assistance will help us reach these homeowners and increase their participation.  

Attached is a summary report about the garden tour and a description of sponsor levels and benefits, among other items.

If you have any questions or require additional materials, please do not hesitate to contact me at (323) 441-0000 or keithmalone@sbcglobal.net or Lili Singer, Garden Tour Coordinator, at (818) 768-1802 or lili@theodorepayne.org.

Sincerely,
Keith Malone
Garden Tour Sponsorship Coordinator

VICA unveils 2011 legislative priorities
11 policy issues will receive VICA’s main focus in new year

VICA released its 11 Legislative Priorities for 2011 this week, a list of the public policy issues that will receive special attention from the organization during the new year. The 11 items included in the legislative priorities for 2011 address local, state and federal policy that VICA members and leadership determined to be the most important to business this year. Policy issues contained in the list address labor, taxation, land use, transportation and regulation that impacts business. VICA’s 11 Legislative Priorities for 2011 were compiled by the group’s policy committees, and then reviewed by the board of directors, executive committee and members in order to determine the final list. Click here to read the complete list of 11 legislative priorities.


VICA members to feast on state lawmakers
Seventeen officeholders confirmed for annual dinner

State elected officials including Senators, Assemblymembers and State Controller John Chiang, are confirmed to dine with VICA members at the State Officeholders Dinner, Friday, February 25. The annual dinner strives to place a lawmaker at each table to allow the opportunity for discussion throughout the evening. This year’s dinner will be held 5:30-8 p.m., at the Universal Studio Grill (on the Universal Studio Lot) and is presented by NBC Universal and co-sponsored by Microsoft. The event is limited to VICA members only. Individual tickets can be purchased at the reduced early bird rate of $200 until January 25. Regular cost for an individual ticket is $250 and table sponsorship is $3,000. Table sponsors are more likely to be seated with an elected official. Registration forms (including a complete list of confirmed officeholders) can be downloaded from the VICA website. For information about joining VICA, contact Stephanie at 818.817.0545 or stephanie@vica.com.


After Dark reception to feature Wendy Greuel
Controller to discuss recent audits and city improvements

VICA’s next After Dark reception will feature L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Greuel and hear about her work in the Controller’s office to eliminate waste and improve city efficiency. Guests will also enjoy hosted beer, wine and appetizers while mingling with the Valley’s top business leaders. The reception will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 13 at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel and Events Center (12833 Ventura Blvd.). The event is complimentary to Circle of Influence Members. Other members pay $25, non-members $50. RSVP to 818.817.0545 or monique@vica.com. The event is presented by Mayer Brown and Clay Lacy Aviation, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is the co-sponsor.


VICA schedules first advocacy trip of 2011
Members will meet with lawmakers at State Capitol

VICA’s regular advocacy trips to Sacramento will resume next week as VICA members travel to the State Capitol, Wednesday, January 12. VICA members will have the opportunity to meet with state elected officials and high ranking staffers to discuss issues that are vital to the business community. The Sacramento advocacy trips are made monthly and are reserved for VICA members only. Cost for the trip is $250, which includes airfare, lunch and ground transportation between the airport and Capitol. The cost is $50 without airfare. The VICA February advocacy trip is already scheduled for Wednesday, February 9 and a special two-day trip will be held in June in conjunction with the Cal Chamber's 2011 Business Summit. Additional dates will be announced once they are scheduled. Check the VICA website for more information. Call 818.817.0545 or email maya@vica.com to register for a trip.


VICA makes a holiday wish for a better city
Local Update: VICA’s monthly column in the SFVBJ

Dear Santa Claus: The past few years have been rough for most of us. Businesses, individuals and even whole countries have struggled to survive one of the worst economic downturns in history. But, as you already know, businesses in Los Angeles have it particularly hard with high taxes, overreaching regulation and unresponsive leadership. Business owners have tried to put their faith in those they have elected to represent them and they have been disappointed year after year. And while many CEOs, general managers and entrepreneurs may have stopped believing in you years ago we here at VICA are convinced that there is a much better chance of you delivering the business community’s holiday wish list than our city officials. Click here to read the entire column in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

Happy new year!
Below you will find some pertinent updates from the San Fernando Valley office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. You will find information on the following:

--- Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief Beck announce lowest numbers of homicides in Los Angeles since 1967
--- Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief Beck announce across the board crime reduction in Los Angeles
--- $2 million Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Energy Efficiency Audits and retrofits for Non Profit Organizations
--- Ron Nichols Appointed General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
--- Mayor Villaraigosa and US Conference of Mayors issue annual report on Hunger, Homelessness in 27 Major cities
--- Re-opening and expansion of the Harbor State Enterprise Zone
--- Mayor Villaraigosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti and Streetline Debut Parker for iPhone App
--- Statement on the deaths of two Chicago Firefighters
--- Statement on 9/11 First Responders Bill passed by Congress
--- Mayor Villaraigosa cheers FTA approval of Subway and Regional Connector Preliminary Engineering
--- Mayor Villaraigosa announces an Eight percent increase in tourists visiting Los Angeles
--- KCET and Union Bank Women's History Month Local Heroes Awards 2011 Candidate Nominations

Please contact us with any questions.