SF Mayor Gavin Newsom visits with local business owners

San Francisco Mayor and 2010 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom joined VICA members on September 1 for the latest installment of the organization’s Leaders Forum held at the Beverly Garland Hotel.

Newsom shared his beginnings and growth as a small business owner, along with his vision for California’s future and ideas for fixing the state’s fiscal problems. He engaged members on issues ranging from health care and education to the economy.

“The forum enabled our members to really hear the plans that Gavin Newsom has in store for California and the business community if elected governor,” said VICA president Stuart Waldman. “Many members also learned for the first time about his extensive background as a small business owner.”

As the San Francisco Mayor, Newsom has established himself as an advocate for issues, including universal health care, education and creating green jobs. Newsom shared with VICA members that San Francisco recently guaranteed a CSU education to all of the city’s sixth graders, and is the only city in the nation to institute a universal health care plan to cover its uninsured.

City Council District 2 Candidates at VICA; Also Upcoming Forums

BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF

Five of the ten candidates vying to fill the open L.A. 2nd Council District seat joined VICA members for a candidate forum on August 21 at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. The community leaders, business people and elected officials hoping to replace Wendy Greuel tackled issues ranging from runaway film production to city budget issues and pension costs.

“The forum gave our members and other business leaders the opportunity to really hear the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to business,” said VICA President Stuart Waldman.

The panel also discussed ways to improve education in the city, and how to best manage new development and land use issues.

Assemblymember and candidate Paul Krekorian explained to VICA how his experience with the state’s budget problems could help him when tackling the city’s budget issues. Chris Essel shared how her experience as a film executive will help her take the necessary steps to keep the entertainment industry in L.A.

LAUSD School Board Member Tamar Galatzan told attendees that she is tired of politics as usual in the city and shared her LADWP bill with the audience, noting that her family reduced its use of water and electricity and still saw their bill increase.

Frank Sheftel said that his experience as a business owner has shown him that the city has a lot to do in order to improve the climate for business. Mary Benson noted the city’s need to work better with other local governments and community organizations to improve the quality of life for residents.

“I think our members were able to get a good idea of what the candidates stand for and how they will work with the business community if elected,” Waldman said.

Out of respect for our members’ time, VICA researched and vetted the candidates and selected only those determined to be best for the business community. VICA does not take a position on candidates, only legislation.

Candidates who participated in the forum included: Mary Benson, Chris Essel, LAUSD School Board Member Tamar Galatzan, Assemblymember Paul Krekorian and Frank Sheftel.

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UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUMS

Wednesday, August 26: Neighborhood Council Valley Village 7 p.m. at Colfax Charter Elementary 11724 Addison St North Hollywood www.myvalleyvillage.com

Monday, September 14: Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council at Sherman Oaks Elementary School, Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Info: jbbarad@roadrunner.com www.shermanoaksnc.org

Wednesday, September 16: Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association Debate between the candidates starting at 7:15pm. Notre Dame High School 13645 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks www.soha.info

For further profiles about all ten City Council District 2 candidates, click here for  My Daily Find’s report.

VICA leads business discussion with elected officials

BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF

Elected officials representing L.A. County, Los Angeles and  the San Fernando Valley  joined the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) and its members August 6 at the Beverly Garland Inn in North Hollywood to discuss the issues facing businesses in the Valley.

The more than 20 lawmakers in attendance addressed issues ranging from education to transportation, and the state budget’s impact on local jurisdictions. The group also discussed public safety and business tax reform.

 

“The Local Officeholders Luncheon is one of my favorite VICA events, because it allows for honest and candid dialogue between VICA members and our elected officials,” said VICA Chair Greg Lippe. “Where else will you find the community’s top leaders all focused on the issues that really matter to business?” For the first time ever, those not able to attend the event were able to follow live tweets from this year’s luncheon on VICA’s twitter page (http://www.twitter.com/VICASFValley) and Jobing.com’s page (http://twitter.com/jobingLA).

 

“We thought it was important to incorporate new social media technology into this event,” said Event Chair Josh Gertler. “The fast-paced, thought-provoking nature of the luncheon makes it a great conversation starter—perfect for twitter.”

Officeholders in attendance (who had speaking roles at the event) included: L.A. County Supervisors Michael Antonovich and Zev Yaroslavsky; L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca; L.A. City Controller Wendy Greuel; L.A. City Councilmembers Richard Alarcón, Tony Cárdenas, Eric Garcetti, Janice Hahn, Tom LaBonge, Bernard Parks and Jan Perry; LACCD Board Members Mona Field and Miguel Santiago; LAUSD Board Members Tamar Galatzan and Nury Martinez; Agoura Hills Mayor Pro Tem Bill Koehler; Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero; Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian; and San Fernando Mayor Steve Veres.

VICA inducts business leaders into SFV Hall of Fame

KNBC 4 Weathercaster Fritz Coleman joined the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA) to induct The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, Gelsons Markets, Los Angeles Pierce College, Spectrolab and Ritchie Valens into its San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame.

“It is an honor to recognize the achievements of these outstanding Valley leaders,” said VICA Chair Greg Lippe. “As we help to shape the Valley’s future, it is important to remember and celebrate our past.”

The 2009 inductees were welcomed into the San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame today at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. This year’s inductees join inaugural inductees: Bob’s Big Boy, Daily News of Los Angeles, Bob Hope Airport, The Voit Companies and William Mulholland.

Representatives from the inductee organizations and Ritchie Valens’ sisters were on hand to accept the induction into the Hall of Fame on behalf of the 2009 honorees. More than 300 VICA members and other community leaders joined the inductees to celebrate their success.

“All of the inductees into the Business Hall of Fame have left a significant mark on the Valley’s culture, history and economy,” Lippe said. “Recognizing their impressive achievements is a tradition that VICA hopes to continue for many years to come.”

The San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame was created by VICA in 2008 to recognize significant contributions to the Valley community. Inductees include individuals, businesses and other community organizations that have been responsible for the continued success, economic vitality and culture of the San Fernando Valley.