I grew up a few miles from the end of the
Earth...maybe not that close, but you could
definitely see it from there.
Anyway, I grew up in Lubbock, Texas and I oftentimes
come across issues in California that remind me of
the famous saying, "Don't mess with Texas."
Well...Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk) has proposed
AB 943 that would mess with the ability of
businesses and non-profit organizations to base
employment decisions on consumer credit reports.
Click here to send your letter of opposition to AB
943.
AB 943 prohibits employers from using consumer
credit reports for employment purposes unless the
information is “substantially job related” which is
defined narrowly. The only exception would be a
position being sought that are managerial, with a
city or county, with law enforcement, or required by
law to request a report.
It is important to note the distinction between a
consumer credit report used to evaluate
creditworthiness for the purpose of granting credit
and the employment report provided to an employer
for employment purposes.
The employment report does not include credit scores
or account numbers. The credit reports provided to
employers provide valuable information to help in
evaluating candidates for employment. The employment
report may be used to evaluate an applicant’s
personal responsibility and organizational skills by
their ability to pay their bills on time. Customers
trust a business or non-profit organization that
they deal with to reasonably use legally-available
information to identify potential risks for fraud or
identity theft.
For example, a customer of a cable TV company trusts
that the individual entering their home to install
the cable is trustworthy and the company they are
doing business with has exercised their due
diligence to research the employee’s background so
they are as confident as they can be in trusting the
employee in their customer’s home. In fact, in a
constrained manner, the bill already recognizes that
counties, cities, and law enforcement agencies
should have access to consumer credit reports for
employment purposes.
The California Civil Code and the federal Fair
Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provide Californians
with extensive rights regarding the use of consumer
credit reports. At any time, any person may request
a copy of the credit report and dispute any
information that they believe is incorrect. In the
employment context, the law recognizes the use of
credit reports as legitimate and extends rights to
protect those consumers as well. Prior to obtaining
a credit report, the prospective employer must
disclose in writing that a credit report may be
obtained for employment purposes and obtain from the
applicant the written authorization to order the
credit report. .
Since credit scores are not used for employment
screening, and the employer is not evaluating
creditworthiness to grant credit, a thin credit file
would not generally disadvantage a job applicant. An
employer is fully aware of a recent graduate and the
relationship to student loans. Well qualified
applicants are a premium; savvy employers are not
likely to reject a candidate due to credit history
that has no bearing on the job. However, adverse
credit situations that go unexplained could raise a
red flag of the applicant’s suitability for some job
responsibilities that involve access to employer or
client assets or confidential information.
Supporters of the measure have also asserted that
when an employer obtains a credit report, it raises
the risk of identity theft for the applicant. The
employer has already obtained sensitive personal
information from the applicant as part of the
application process. Expanding the file on the
applicant should provide no more risk of the
information falling into the wrong hands. The
responsible employer secures the files of all
applicants and personnel as required by law so that
no unauthorized access can occur.
Click here to send your letter of opposition to AB
943.
In this tough economy, this is not the time to mess
with our business community. AB 943 will be a step
backwards for job creation and will put all
businesses and the jobs they create at a
disadvantage...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
There
are plenty of ways in which Long Beach can become more
business-friendly, and this Chamber has not been shy about
pointing out where and how improvements can be made.
Mayor Bob Foster's
latest effort to increase relations with the Long Beach business
community and to help increase Long Beach-based jobs deserves a
round of applause.
Back in 2005, the Chamber successfully convinced city staff and
elected officials to increase an incentive from 2% to 5% that is
offered to Long Beach-based businesses who bid on city
contracts. What that means, essentially, is that Long
Beach-based businesses who bid on City contracts
for furnishing materials,
supplies, and non-professional services
can offer bids as much as 5% higher than competing bidders based
in other cities, and still win the job. This current 5%
incentive or preference keeps jobs and business within city
limits, and encourages partnership between the city and business
community.
It was a great step in the right direction then, and now
Mayor Foster's proposal calls for
an increase in that preference from 5% to 10% for Long
Beach-based businesses that enter bids, further leveling the
playing field and creating more opportunities for Long Beach
businesses to secure City contracts.
This is significant because it shows that the City is willing to
improve relations with the Long Beach business community, even
if it means paying up to 10% more than they would need to if the
job was given to a business from another city. However, some may
say that paying more in these tough times does not make sense.
The
Chamber believes that any investment to keep jobs local is an
investment that will pay higher dividends and that is exactly
what our local economy needs.
Back in July 2005, the Grunion
Gazette said: "We are happy because this particular
program is an investment. While the city may end up paying a bit
more for some jobs, it will keep a lot more city money inside
Long Beach."
Back in November 2002, (Former)
Mayor Beverly O’Neill, (Former) Vice Mayor Frank Colonna,
(Former) Press-Telegram Publisher Ian Lamont, and Long Beach
Business Journal Publisher George Economides all agreed:
"Long Beach businesses are the backbone of our business
community. Assuring the economic stability of Long Beach
businesses affects you as a citizen. Giving Long Beach
businesses an advantage when competing for Long Beach City
contracts is vital to increasing the number of jobs in our
city."
When the rate was increased to 5% in 2005, the Chamber stood
strongly in support. I wrote back then:
“The Chamber of Commerce, which played a critical role in
getting the preferential treatment in place to begin with, now
has promised to help make sure it is used. It’s up to the
individual business owners to take advantage, as well.”
The same holds true today.
After years of practices making it difficult for businesses to
operate within city limits, our local government is
acknowledging that changes must be made. Mayor Foster will bring
the proposed increase to the preference policy to the City
Council for their consideration on June 2.
We need your help to make sure the Council makes the right
choice.
We have been presented with an opportunity to jump-start local
businesses, arming them with a potential 10% head start over
competing bidders from other cities. It’s a step in the right
direction for the community, for our residents, and for the
future of the city...
...and that’s Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Have you ever stood up close and personal to a Boeing C-17
Globemaster III? It’s a massive aircraft, an impressive blend of
technological achievement and good old-fashioned quality
manufacturing. Simply reaching out and touching one inspires a
rush of patriotism.
C-17s are assembled right here in Long Beach, each one carrying
with it the pride and sweat of thousands of men and women who
worked long hours to produce an aircraft worthy of our country’s
trust. Nobly serving in both military and humanitarian missions,
the C-17 is a symbol of America.
But now, it needs our help.
Despite assertions from Defense Secretary Robert Gates that
enough C-17s have been made to fit the country’s needs,
California and Long Beach officials, including our Mayor Bob
Foster and the entire City Council, have come together to insist
that C-17 production continues. These leaders effectively
recognize the advantages that the aircraft holds as a versatile
tool that can be used in both military and humanitarian
missions.
Other nations have recognized the need for this versatile
aircraft, and several have placed orders to bolster their own
strategic airlift needs (six to the United Kingdom, four each to
Canada and Australia, etc.). These limited orders help continue
the production, but are merely drops in a bucket that is quickly
evaporating. Without additional funding, the C-17 program will
begin the process of shutting down late this year. Boeing’s Long
Beach production facility will surely feel the sting, but the
federal government must understand that this situation is
avoidable.
Meanwhile, back at home in Long Beach, thousands of hard-working
residents depend on the continued survival of the program to put
food on their tables. Ceasing this project would force more than
5,000 people into a financial tailspin in Long Beach alone. And
in this uncertain economy, the Boeing C-17 is single-handedly
keeping many families financially secure. With businesses
leaving California left and right, it’s imperative to support a
program that contributes approximately $3.2 billion to the state
economy each year and $8 billion nationwide.
Terminating the production of C-17s would surely be
understandable if there was no longer a use for the aircraft,
but America’s airlift needs continue to increase with each
passing year. We are still involved in two combat scenarios that
require massive equipment and large groups of personnel to be
transported quickly – the C-17’s very purpose. The armed forces
have also expanded overseas operations in other parts of the
world, making it imperative that a large and mobile unit like
the C-17 is available. The C-17 should be kept alive simply
because of our nation’s immediate needs….
…and that’s Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
May 23, 2009
California Chamber Honors Long Beach Chamber With
Two First-Ever Government Affairs Awards
Pictured from left to right:
California Chamber President and
CEO Allan Zaremberg, Long Beach
Chamber President and CEO Randy
Gordon, Long Beach Chamber
Chairman of the Board Blake
Christian, and Long Beach
Chamber Vice Chairman of the
Board for Public Policy Joanne
Davis.
The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was
recognized on May 18, 2009 with the first-ever
President’s Circle award from the California Chamber
of Commerce (CalChamber) and the first-ever
Political Partner of the Year award.
“The Long Beach Chamber thanks the CalChamber for
honoring our efforts representing the interests of
business at all levels of government,” stated Long
Beach Chamber Chairman of the Board Blake Christian.
“Our board of directors, staff and many volunteers
are committed to strengthening our local economy and
being honored twice in the same week is a reflection
of all of their hard work and dedication,” continued
Christian.
The new President’s Circle award, presented at the
CalChamber’s annual Business Summit in Sacramento,
recognizes chambers for excellence in business
advocacy and helping their members comply with
California’s ever-changing and often confusing labor
laws.
“President’s Circle chambers are high achievers in
two approaches to serving their members,” said
CalChamber Executive Vice President Dave Kilby.
“These chambers are both helping shape proposed laws
by keeping the business perspective before lawmakers
and guiding their business members to information
that will keep them in compliance with existing
labor laws,” continued Kilby.
President’s Circle recipients published vote records
of their state legislators on key business issues,
generated letters to state elected officials on
issues of interest to members, participated in the
CalChamber compliance product resale program at an
exemplary level and brought a delegation to
Sacramento for the CalChamber Business Summit.
The new Political Partner award, also presented at
the CalChamber’s annual Business Summit in
Sacramento, recognizes chambers for excellence in
recruiting, endorsing and funding candidates for
political office.
“Political Partner chambers are dedicated to taking
their public policy efforts to the next level by
effectively securing pro-jobs candidates for elected
office,” said CalChamber Vice President, Public
Affairs Rob Lapsley. “The Long Beach Chamber is one
of the most aggressive and committed in California
to electing candidates that protect our state’s
economic vitality,” continued Lapsley.
TAKE ACTION: Attend
Tomorrow's City Council Meeting To Hear Appeals of
Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project
Tuesday, May 12,
2009
Long Beach City
Council Meeting
City Hall, 333 West
Ocean Blvd.
5:00 p.m.
On April 13,
2009 the Port of Long Beach Board of Harbor
Commissioners approved the final environmental
documents for the Middle Harbor project. However,
the project has been appealed and will go before the
Long Beach City Council tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12
at 5:00 p.m.
In this time of economic downturn and uncertainty,
every voice counts! It is critical that we support
projects such as the Middle Harbor Project because
of the jobs they will create and the emissions
reductions they will bring.
Please plan to attend the City Council meeting
tomorrow evening.
Your
presence will help show the needed support to move
this project forward!
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Releases
Positions on Critical May Propositions The Long Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce supports five of the six special election
ballot propositions in order to move California in the right
direction and out of the red. The Chamber is urging its members
to vote and turnout for the May 19, 2009 Special Election. The
Propositions are designed to help balance the state budget,
which was approved in February, through extending already
approved temporary taxes, the shifting of excess funds not being
used currently and the borrowing of funds from future state
lottery revenues.
Long Beach Chamber California Visionaries Luncheon
Series To Host Candidate for Governor Meg Whitman
The Long
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will host 2010 Candidate for
Governor and former CEO of eBay Meg Whitman for a luncheon on
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the Hyatt in Downtown Long Beach at
11:30am.
The luncheon keynote sponsor is Ryan Choura of Choura Venue
Services.
The luncheon registration begins at 11:00am and the luncheon
begins promptly at 11:30am. For ticket information please call
Sarah Nguyen at (562) 432-7830 or via email her at
snguyen@lbchamber.com
While recently flying on JetBlue back into Long Beach after a
business trip, I looked out my window and thought
about the role that commercial aviation has played in building
and sustaining our great city. I thought about the
brave men and women that built planes during World
War Two, I thought about the decades of blue-collar
work created by aircraft construction, and I thought
about thousands of employees in the aviation
industry located at the Long Beach Airport.
As my plane descended and made
contact with the runway, I realized that there is
another component to the Long Beach Airport that
plays a big role, too...general aviation.
Yes, the general aviation industry has fallen on hard times
in the past few years, but that just means that they
need the support of communities such as ours.
It does no good to slander quality general aviation
related businesses by
linking them to corporate greed. In fact, many small businesses are the greatest users of business jets,
not corporate CEOs and high-ranking executives.
This
recent article reveals that the business jet
industry supports more than 15,000 humanitarian
flights per year, providing fast medical relief when
it's needed, or when smaller aircraft need to be
used to land in remote locations. On a local level,
high-end business jets fly in and out of Long Beach
every day, keeping money flowing into our economy
and providing steady work for general aviation employees.
The people
affected most are not the Ford and General Motors
executives of the world, but the working men and
women who depend on a steady paycheck in the general
aviation industry. This industry
employs a massive community of highly-skilled
workers that are, sadly, in danger of losing their
jobs.
Think of those folks, too, when you think of the aviation
industry.
And think of those folks when you think of our
elected officials, who should be working hard to
keep those jobs. I call upon you to support the
Chamber as we lobby our Governor, our Senators, and
our Representatives to fight for the aviation
general industry and the thousands of quality jobs that it
creates.
Long Beach’s aviation history is a long and storied one, dating
back to real-life Rosie The Riveters building bombers during the
second World War. For decades, hard-working Long Beach residents
earned high-paying jobs assembling aircraft for Boeing in the
heart of our city. In recent years, however, the allure of
history has not been enough to keep aircraft or airline
companies from leaving Long Beach for greener pastures.
Cessna left the city last year for cheaper operating in Arizona,
Boeing itself may leave by summer 2010 if the government ceases
orders on the C-17, and just a few weeks ago JetBlue President &
CEO Dave Barger told an aviation blog (crankyflier.com) that
dealing with the Long Beach Airport has been such a headache for
his business that he would not rule out the idea of picking up
and leaving for good.
This would be a devastating loss for the airport and a huge
mistake for our business community. JetBlue fills 29 of the Long
Beach Airport’s 41 slots, meaning that the airport would have to
persuade new airlines to occupy more than half of their
facilities if JetBlue did decide to leave. This would be a
massive financial hit to the airport, but they’re not exactly
the victim in all of this. Barger mentioned frustrations with
airport upgrades that have been repeatedly promised but never
fulfilled, and the airline is growing weary of dealing with
sub-par facilities. JetBlue has made it clear that new terminals
are needed, along with improved parking and baggage-claim
infrastructure.
JetBlue is a testament to the fact that the Long Beach Airport
is relevant and important to the future economic stability of
our city and region. We are proud of the 600 employees of
JetBlue based out of our airport. According to a recent study by
Long Beach State Economics Professor Joe Magaddino,
approximately 60% of all airline tickets sold for the Long Beach
Airport are purchased by individuals or firms in Los Angeles
County. Orange County accounts for 35% of all tickets sold, with
other counties accounting for the remaining 5%.
Furthermore, forty-seven airport-related establishments directly
employ 2,500 jobs and generate an estimated annual payroll of
$116 million. It is estimated that at least 24,000 overnight
visitors used the Long Beach Airport bringing our city $8.8
million in hotel expenditures and $8.1 million of expenditures
in other local businesses, such as restaurants, retail, and
entertainment.
Additionally, flight crews had annually $2.3 million in lodging
expenses and $1.4 million in food and related expenditures. Jet
Blue employs over 600 crewmembers based at the airport. Jet Blue
this year was ranked Top Low Cost Airline for Customer
Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates and was also ranked
Best U.S. Airline by Consumer Reports.
The airport, at first, claimed to be shocked by Barger's
comments in the recent blog posting. But recently, officials
have admitted that JetBlue has expressed frustrations in private
for years, and the airport has continued to diminish and stall
plans for a massive development project that would address
JetBlue’s concerns. It is an encouraging sign that Barger sat
down with the new Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez to
a "cordial" lunch at In-N-Out Burger, according to the
Press-Telegram article this past Saturday.
However, residents fighting airport expansion and the recession
have kept the project from moving forward in recent years, and
the airport remains unchanged since the original plans were
unveiled in 2000. Last week’s City Council meeting certainly did
not help, in which Councilmembers spend most of their time
blaming the aviation blog for publishing Barger’s comments, and
asking JetBlue to air their grievances in private (which they
had for years). This pointless bickering is exactly the reason
the airline wants to leave in the first place. Showing some
initiative and commitment to a business partner would have been
nice.
The whole debacle has been an embarrassing one for the Long
Beach Airport, one of our city’s most vital and well-known
entities. Television news stations throughout the Southland
broadcast images of JetBlue’s outdated terminals and outlets
from the LA Times to the USA Today published articles about the
airport’s reluctance to accommodate the airline.
Barger told the blog that in this economic climate, a business
partner should not be taken for granted.
Well said, Dave.
Long Beach has time and time again driven profitable businesses
away, and it is rare to find a financially stable airline
willing to do business in this day and age. Lack of action over
the past few years will surely wake people up the moment Barger
takes a few seconds to make the decision to pull his company,
and the associated jobs, from our city.
It’s time for some leadership on the part of city
leaders and staff to step up to the plate and make the
commitment to providing JetBlue with the tools they need
to succeed...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
April
13, 2009
Long
Beach
Chamber
Statement in
Support of
the Middle
Harbor
Redevelopment
Project
Long Beach
Area Chamber
of Commerce
President
and CEO
Randy Gordon
testifies at
the Long
Beach Harbor
Commission
meeting this
morning in
support of
the Middle
Harbor
Development
Project.
The
statement is
provided
below:
Good morning
President
Hankla and
members of
the Harbor
Commission.
I am Randy
Gordon,
President
and CEO of
the Long
Beach Area
Chamber of
Commerce. I
am here this
morning, on
behalf of
the Chamber,
in support
of the
Middle
Harbor
Development
Project.
The Chamber
supports
this Project
because it
will create
jobs,
improve
freight
mobility and
help improve
air quality
in the City
of Long
Beach and
the region.
Currently,
our Port
operations
support
nearly one
in eight or
over 30,000
jobs
throughout
our City and
approximately
315,000 jobs
or 1 in 29
in Southern
California.
Cargo
volumes have
decreased
significantly
over the
last year,
impacting
thousands of
workers
whose jobs
are directly
and
indirectly
related to
port
operations.
According to
recent data,
there’s been
a 40% drop
in cargo
volumes at
the Port of
Long Beach.
This is the
lowest level
since 2004.
Local state
and federal
leaders,
including
President
Obama and
our Mayor
Bob Foster,
have talked
about the
importance
of moving
forward with
responsible
projects,
like the
Middle
Harbor, that
will help to
preserve and
create jobs.
This Project
is expected
to create
14,000 new,
permanent
jobs in
Southern
California
most of
which will
be created
right here
in the
Greater Long
Beach area
at a time
when jobs
are needed
more than
ever.
It is also
expected to
create 1,000
temporary
construction
jobs per
year for 10
years.
Preserving
and creating
maritime
jobs in Long
Beach means
that
additional
dollars will
be spent in
the local
Long Beach
economy
thereby
supporting
Long Beach
businesses
and
strengthening
our local
economy.
Furthermore,
the Project
will keep
cargo and
businesses
thriving in
Long Beach
allowing
goods to
move
greenly. The
Project
includes
redeveloping
the
California
United
Terminals
(CUT) and
Long Beach
Container
Terminal (LBCT),
which are
two of the
oldest and
most
inefficient
terminals in
Long Beach.
Redeveloping
these
terminals as
part of this
project will
be the model
for green
seaport
facilities
in the world
and will
improve the
Port’s
ability to
move cargo
more
efficiently.
The Project
also
supports
your Green
Port Policy
and the
Clean Air
Action
Plan’s
efforts to
improve air
quality.
The Chamber
strongly
supports
responsible
projects,
such as
Middle
Harbor, that
will reduce
emissions
from port
operations.
Some
specific
examples of
how Middle
Harbor will
improve our
region’s air
quality
through a
variety of
mitigation
efforts
include:
Cold-ironing
at the berth
to
dramatically
reduce
emissions
from
oceangoing
vessels,
which are
the largest
contributors
of diesel
emissions in
the Port.
Cold-ironing
one ship for
one day is
the
equivalent
of removing
33,000 cars
off Southern
California
roads.
Electric
Rail-Mounted
Gantry
Cranes will
provide
significant
health
benefits for
crane
operators.
Expanded
on-dock rail
will shift
more than 30
percent of
the cargo
shipments
from trucks
to trains,
reducing
emissions
and
improving
regional
traffic
safety and
efficiency.
Because of
the
environmental
mitigations
in place,
the Middle
Harbor
Project will
reduce
emission
levels by
half at the
end of
construction,
despite the
increase in
cargo
volume. All
of these
measures
will
significantly
improve the
quality of
life for the
Greater Long
Beach
Community –
especially
for the
neighborhoods
closest to
the port
complex.
The
Chamber
urges your
support for
the Middle
Harbor
Redevelopment
Project to
bring
desperately
needed jobs
and economic
benefits to
Long Beach
while
improving
regional air
quality.
This project
is a win-win
for everyone
because it
will give us
the
opportunity
to continue
to be a
vital asset
to the local
and national
economy;
help improve
air quality
and the
goods
movement
system,
while
creating
thousands of
good paying
jobs.
April
6, 2009
Long Beach Chamber Welcomes 2010 Candidate for Governor of
California
Meg Whitman
As
CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008, Meg Whitman grew the company to
more than 15,000 employees, nearly $8 billion in revenue, and a
network of 12 million users in California alone. Prior to her
tenure at eBay, Whitman held various leadership positions with
Procter & Gamble, Bain & Company, Disney, Stride Rite
Corporation, FTD, and Hasbro.
Please join us at our award-winning California Visionaries
Luncheon Series as we welcome Meg Whitman, 2010 Candidate for
Governor of California.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
11:00am
Registration begins at 11:00am
Luncheon begins promptly at 11:30am
For ticket information please call Sarah Nguyen at (562)
432-7830 or via email at
snguyen@lbchamber.com
The Chamber wishes to thank the luncheon keynote sponsor:
April
1, 2009
Action Needed: Protect
Secret Ballot Elections for Long Beach Workers Two
Federal proposed laws, H.R. 1409 and S. 560, would undermine
long standing principles of workplace democracy and fairness and
result in employees having less ability to determine if they
wish to be represented by a union. It does so by allowing unions
to collect employee signatures in public-or so-called "card
check"-and do away with the secret ballot process.
While both proposals are being promoted by organized labor as
labor law reform to level the playing field, it does not
represent "reform" in any sense of the word. Rather, the
legislation will radically restructure 60 years of carefully
crafted labor law balances that have served both unions and
employers well for many decades.
Now more than ever, Long Beach businesses need all the support
they can get. So, in reflecting on some of the federal
legislative achievements of the past year, I would like to take
this time to specifically recognize a few of our elected
officials who have worked hard to support job creation.
The United States Chamber of Commerce recently announced 260
pro-business lawmakers with their annual Spirit of Enterprise
Award. The yearly Award is based on voting performance and was
given to nineteen members of Congress from California. One of
the recipients is 46th District Congressman Dana Rohrabacher,
whose district includes parts of Long Beach and the Long Beach
Harbor. Rohrabacher voted in favor of pro-business federal
legislation 82% of the time, according to the U.S. Chamber. You
can
click here
to view the entire statewide and national list of
awardees.
My friend and one of the best business advocates in the country,
U.S. Chamber CEO Thomas J. Donahue, recently summed up the
importance of recognizing pro-business legislators with this
statement:
In the face of unprecedented economic challenges and in the
midst of an election cycle, the 110th Congress made some
historic and courageous decisions that impacted the lives of
every American. The Spirit of Enterprise Award identifies those
lawmakers that truly stepped up to the plate and demonstrated
real leadership in making this country a place where businesses
can continue to grow and create jobs.
Well said, Tom.
Also locally, Long Beach Congresswoman Laura Richardson was not
recognized with the award, but did vote favorably in support of
business. Richardson, whose district encompasses most of Long
Beach as well as the cities of Carson and Compton, voted in
favor of pro-business legislation 63% of the time. Although a
70% rating is need to qualify for the Award, the Long Beach
business community is proud of Laura's strong commitment to
supporting job-creation.
We are getting the needed leadership from our federal
representatives to help strengthen our local economy and to get
Long Beach moving again...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
March 30, 2009
City of Long Beach To Implement
Chamber-Supported Program To Help Small Businesses
Last week, the Long Beach City Council unanimously
passed a Long Beach Chamber-supported ordinance that
seeks to stimulate our local economy.
Spearheaded by Mayor Bob Foster, is the Small
Business Enterprise Program (SBE) will encourage
three City departments to increase their
relationships with small businesses by setting a
goal that Long Beach Public Works, Gas & Oil, and
Parks, Recreation & Marine contract at least 20% of
projects with small businesses.
Long Beach Chamber President and CEO released the
following statement last week in response to the
City Council action:
This is exactly what our local economy needs. Our
city has been hit hard by the slumping economy.
Small businesses account for over 95% of our local
employers. Long Beach has no economy without small
business. The Small Business Enterprise Program will
draw work to these companies, increasing revenue,
creating jobs and stabilizing our local economy.
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster released the
following statement last week in response to the
City Council action:
During difficult economic times, small businesses
are the engine of job growth. This pilot program
will assist small businesses by giving them the
tools to work on more City of Long Beach contracts.
About the Program:
The one-year pilot program will be administered by
existing City staff. The program will be evaluated
at the end of the test period. The City’s program is
based off of the Port of Long Beach’s successful SBE
recruitment model.
Mayor Foster, the City of Long Beach and the Port of
Long Beach will host a free seminar to give small
business owners more information on the SBE pilot
program and how to register with the City’s SBE
vendor database.
The seminar will take place on Thursday, May 7,
2009 at the Long Beach Main Library, 101 Pacific
Ave. Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. and the
program begins at 4:00 p.m. There is limited seating
and you must RSVP to reserve your spot.
Out
of the leanest times come the best ideas. In these
days of scarcity, we continue to look for ways to
work together and operate more efficiently.
One such innovative idea to stimulate our local
economy, spearheaded by Mayor Bob Foster, is the
Small Business Enterprise Program. The Chamber
strongly supports this proposed Program and we will
speak in favor of it tonight at the Long Beach City
Council meeting.
The Small Business Enterprise Program will encourage
three City departments to increase their
relationships with small businesses by setting a
goal that Long Beach Public Works, Gas & Oil, and
Parks, Recreation & Marine contract at least 20% of
projects with small businesses.
This is exactly what our local economy needs. Our
city has been hit hard by the slumping economy. With
our own City Budget challenged and shoppers being
less willing to spend money, small businesses need a
hand. That’s all the reason that the City Council
should vote to approve this Program. After all,
small businesses account for over 95% of our local
employers. Long Beach has no economy without small
business. The Small Business Enterprise Program will
draw work to these companies, increasing revenue,
creating jobs and stabilizing our local economy.
The most important by-product of the Program is its
effect on jobs. Currently, Long Beach’s job market
is hurting. Recent figures from the California
Employment Development Department indicate that Long
Beach's unemployment rate rose to 12.1% in February
– topping the rates of both our state (10.5%) and
our nation (8.1%). February marked the thirteenth
straight month that Long Beach has seen an increase
in unemployment. But with a renewed commitment to
supporting small business, the City now has an
opportunity to help Long Beach residents stay
employed.
The Enterprise Program may not end unemployment in
Long Beach, but it can certainly contribute to
slowing it down. Companies will be able to retain
their employees, and will not need to slash expenses
thanks to increased business. When the economy
rebounds, those small businesses that benefited from
the Enterprise Program will be in excellent position
to enter a new period of expansion. Employees will
be in high demand and businesses will see new
growth.
But first, to get to this land of plenty, we must
assist the companies currently in need. Setting a
firm goal of having the three City departments
contract at least 20% of their projects with small,
local businesses is the first step on the road to
the recovery of Long Beach’s economy. It will allow
the little person to compete and will keep
contracting local. How can we be so sure? The Port
of Long Beach has used a similar model for years,
with great success.
We cannot sit back and depend on the nation’s
economy to magically recover. We must begin putting
the pieces in place for a successful future.
The Mayor's leadership with the Small Business
Enterprise Program will offer more opportunities for
local companies and even the playing field. With
these new opportunities available, small businesses
will be encouraged to strengthen their operations in
order to appear more attractive for these projects.
They will be encouraged to compete for large bids,
strengthening their portfolios and preparing them
for future endeavors.
The Small Business Enterprise Program will allow
Long Beach to regain its reputation as a place of
dependable revenue and employment, no matter the
economic forecast...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Strictly Business
| March 19, 2009
Waste
Not, Want Not
With
all of the ills and challenges facing us every day, it is
difficult to think that the one thing that appears to be endless
may be the most in danger. However, California has suffered
through an extreme drought for three years now, and our water
supply is quickly dwindling due to decreased snowfall and other
factors. The time has come to focus our attention on this issue,
so that our state may continue to provide the resources that
California residents and businesses have enjoyed for so long.
When Governor Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency in
February 2009, it was the first that many had heard of the
issue. But, its effects have been hitting businesses for some
time. The agricultural industry estimates 80,000 jobs and
billions in revenue lost to the lack of crop production. The
Governor called for urban cities to reduce consumption by at
least 20%, in part so that rural production may continue. But
even some farmers are being forced out of their water supplies,
which has not happened since severe droughts in the late 1970’s.
Here in Long Beach, its residents and businesses have made
significant strides in setting an example for the entire state
of California on how to save and conserve. The Long Beach Water
Department recognized the problem early, and declared a
“Declaration of Imminent Water Supply Shortage” in September
2007. A massive and fruitful educational campaign was launched,
encouraging residents to conserve. Long Beach has been a
benchmark since that time, enjoying sixteen record-setting
months of low consumption.
California’s water systems are outdated and deteriorated and
further action is needed. Farmers and rural food production
industries have been hit hard by the drought and many have left
the business due to ruined crop opportunities and a bleak
future. Without improvement to our state systems, these
businesses will face rough times ahead.
The situation is too dire for our elected officials to
ignore. Until our state decides to take action, there
are ways for you to contribute to the solution.
I urge you
to visit
www.lbwater.org for information on water
conservation.
Also,
you can join the Long Beach Water Department
conservation efforts by click on the following online
resources: Twitter,
YouTube,
Blogger,Ning,
Facebook, andMySpace.
It is up to us to return California to its place atop the
agricultural industry as a provider of jobs for thousands and
food for millions…
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Strictly Business
| March 10, 2009
Less Choice, More Intimidation
Across
Long Beach, families are facing tough decisions every day as
they struggle to make ends meet despite fewer and fewer
available jobs. Long Beach’s workforce needs opportunity, not
restriction.
So, it is obvious that this morning's introduction of the
so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" in both houses of Congress
is misguided and poorly timed.
The "Employee Free Choice Act" would allow the voting process to
be made public as employees decide whether or not to unionize.
The misguiding title of this legislation would suggest that Long
Beach’s workforce will be empowered by this Act, but it is labor
unions that will benefit most. By eliminating the current secret
ballot process and therefore making votes public, unions will be
able to single out and intimidate employees, unfairly
influencing their votes and compromising the democratic process.
This hardly sounds like Free Choice.
The Act does not provide any protection for employees
whatsoever. Rather, it strips rights away from those very
employees and makes them susceptible to pressure and
intimidation from big labor unions. Unions have enjoyed
increased power but have lost influence. So it is
counter-productive to continue catering to them. What the
employee needs is not increased union muscle for their
strong-arm tactics. The employee needs freedom to make up their
own mind without fear of public exposure or ensuing retaliation.
This Act is another federal attempt to impose beliefs on our
labor force.
Furthermore, the timing of this bill is very poor. The American
worker is hurting, and Long Beach has become a example for job
loss. The City’s unemployment rate recently exceeded 12%, higher
than the state and nationwide averages. There will be no
employees to protect if businesses cannot afford to pay them.
Our government is taking the wrong side and fighting the wrong
fight. Unions pressure employees for their vote, then charge
them dues in a struggling economy; and the "Employee Free Choice
Act" will only give them more leverage. Instead of focusing on
stripping Long Beach’s workforce of its rights, we must focus on
strengthening our local business community so that employees may
remain employed.
The Federal Government needs to stop the bleeding, not open the
wound. The "Employee Freedom Choice Act" only shows that they
are out of touch with the needs of today’s worker, and the
average Long Beach employee will in no way benefit from their
interference. Unfortunately, it seems that hard-working
Americans are the ones who will suffer for the Federal
Government’s oversight.
I can assure you that the Long Beach Chamber will do everything
possible to stop this Act from passing...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Strictly Business
| March 2, 2009
They Want You To
Think It Is The Worst Of Times
The
novel "Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens opens with, “It
was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” A recent
study would lead you to believe that, for some, it was less of
the former and more of the latter.
Well, time and time again, we hear stories of visitors to our
great city who are surprised to find that Long Beach is a hidden
gem. Whether professionals or vacationers, those making their
maiden voyages to the city continue to come away impressed. Each
year, over five million visitors travel to Long Beach pumping
$343 million into our local economy. Tourism is a major driving
force of revenue, and always will be as we move forward in
making the city a desirable destination for both business and
recreation.
But Long Beach’s tourism industry has come to question in the
past month, due largely to a new 48-page study called “A Tale Of
Two Cities,” prepared by the Los Angeles Alliance for a New
Economy. Since it was released on February 4, several local
publications have written editorials both in agreement and
disagreement with the study – putting Long Beach’s tourism
industry square in the spotlight. Essentially, the arguments
surround the fairness of wages that local hotels pay their
employees.
Many employees view any job as a good job and many of the people
that work in tourism do so because of the often flexible work
hours and schedules. These jobs also allow employees to pursue
other goals, including continuing their education, starting
their own business, or earning spare money as they develop
another career.
However, according to the study and based on data from 2006,
workers in Long Beach hotels and motels earn as much as 26% less
for the same work that is done in some parts of Los Angeles
County, while the local industry has enjoyed increases in
tourists and revenue – again, all according to the study.
What the study fails to report, however, is the fact that
employees have been threatened and harassed into joining the
hotel employee union that claims to be fighting for better
working conditions. Union representatives have relentlessly
called employees to pressure them into paying an expensive fee
to join, and will even show up at their door to pressure them in
person if the employees still refuse. They claim to be looking
out for the employees’ best interests, but complaints that union
reps have resorted to banging pots and pans down hotel hallways
at five in the morning does not sound helpful to me.
These unions are looking out for no one’s interests but their
own. The same can be said for the study. The study draws a
pre-determined conclusion that was in place before the first
page was even written. Obviously, the authors’ goal was to prove
what they wanted to prove, rather than to produce an objective,
fair and balanced report on the industry.
Using data that is now three years old, the authors conclude
that hotel employees should be earning more for their work. What
they fail to ask, though, is whether or not the work performed
is actually worth increased wages. Wages are determined by the
employee’s set of skills, and whether those skills are easy or
difficult to find in an employee. Employees in the tourism
industry do not have a skill set that is difficult to replace,
and therefore do not command high wages. This is not unfairness,
as “A Tale Of Two Cities” would have you believe. Rather, it is
the fairness of a capitalistic enterprise. In truth, it would be
unfair to force Long Beach hotels to increase employee wages
when those employees lack the skill set to justify those wages.
“A Tale Of Two Cities” does not present an unbiased reflection
of Long Beach’s tourism industry. Rather, it presents a
predetermined view of the authors’ personal agenda. It is a hit
piece that devalues one of our city’s most important industries,
and should be dismissed as such.
In these difficult times, tourism is down across the country.
People are cutting down on vacation time, and our hotels will
need help as they whether this storm. What we do not need is a
sensationalist study that uses outdated information to paint a
negative portrait of a troubled industry.
Tourism is crucial to our city that is attempting to present
itself as a vacation destination. It is in our best interest to
support our local hotels and motels; not to devalue them with
outlandish claims. For the good of our city, now is the time to
stand behind an industry that both enhances the perception of
Long Beach but also generates substantial revenue...
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
Strictly Business
| February 25, 2009
Port to the
Rescue in Tough Times
If
you sent out a poll to everyone in Long Beach that
asked what they believed was the most important
issue in the city today, no doubt that "Jobs" would
be at the top of the list.
California's unemployment rate has skyrocketed in
the past year, and Long Beach's is even higher. It's
the worst employment decline in more than a decade;
but hope is alive thanks to one of the community's
oldest residents.
The Port of Long Beach has steadily employed
residents of Long Beach and the surrounding region
for more than a century. Despite drastic economic
conditions, the Port remains committed to providing
employment. Hosted by The Chamber’s International
Business Association, the State of the Port address
was held in January, and the issue of employment was
stressed again and again. During Executive Director
Richard Steinke's speech, he reaffirmed the Port's
commitment to proceeding with modernization and
environmental efficiency projects that will provide
thousands of jobs for Long Beach and our region.
Long Beach has prided itself on being a place that
can provide secure, high-paying jobs to those who
are willing to work hard. The Port's slew of
projects that will continue, despite economic
hardship, will require months and even years of
construction. It is the people of Long Beach that
will benefit most – with a place to find steady work
during difficult times, and a partner in the Port
who is committed to improving the community's
environment.
When completed, the Middle Harbor Redevelopment
Project (MHRP) will allow a new terminal to move
twice as many goods with half the pollution. This
project proves the Port's commitment to expanding
business operations and improving their community.
The MHRP and infrastructure projects like it will
provide an estimated 1,000 jobs a year and more than
14,000 jobs once the construction is completed.
The Port has been a valuable business partner to
Long Beach – and indeed, the nation – for decades.
In these difficult times, they continue their
ongoing commitment to the community by pushing
forward with multi-billion dollar projects that will
employ local residents for years to come. In the
process, we will all enjoy cleaner air and water,
and when the economy rights itself and the goods
movement industry takes off yet again, the Port of
Long Beach will be well-equipped for its high
demands…
...and that's Strictly Business.
Randy Gordon
President and CEO
February
11, 2009
Chamber Supports Port
Facility Modernization Plan
Long Beach Chamber President and CEO, Randy Gordon,
released the following statement in support of the
Intermodal Container Transfer Facility Modernization
Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR):
Late
last year, the Long Beach Chamber assembled its most
involved businesses and developed a clear and
focused list of strategic public policy initiatives
for 2009. Two such initiatives bring me here tonight
to express the Chamber’s support for moving forward
with the Modernization Plan’s EIR.
As President Obama takes office and California
legislators continue to struggle with the state
budget deficit, both are talking about fast-tracking
infrastructure projects in order to stimulate the
national, state and local economies. We applaud
these steps to improve our aging infrastructure
while putting our residents back to work; however
care must be exercised in executing these specific
infrastructure plans.
Long Beach Chamber
Political Action Committee Endorses Robert Garcia
for Long Beach City Council
“Current
challenges call for a candidate that can work with both sides of
an issue to seek the best compromise possible. Robert Garcia is
that candidate.”
The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action
Committee (LBACC-PAC) Board of Directors announces its support
of Robert Garcia for the Long Beach City Council First District
seat. Garcia is running in the April 7, 2009 Special Election.
The LBACC-PAC Board endorsed Garcia because of his commitment to
attracting quality retailers, retaining businesses, creating new
jobs, and his strong focus on revitalizing business corridors.
“The Chamber’s political action committee plays an important
role representing the interests of businesses in our city’s
political process by supporting pro-jobs candidates,” said Randy
Gordon, President and CEO of the Long Beach Chamber and
Secretary of the LBACC-PAC. “Garcia’s enthusiasm and commitment
to strengthening our local economy is exactly what we are
looking for in a candidate for the First District,” continued
Gordon.
Garcia is the Dean of Student Affairs at Long Beach City College
and has taught Communication Studies at both Cal State Long
Beach and Long Beach City College. Garcia and his neighbors
founded the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, a Downtown
neighborhood association working closely on public safety,
economic development, and environmental issues.
“After interviewing several candidates running for the First
Council District, we unanimously agreed that Robert is the right
candidate to address the issues that are of concern to both
residents and businesses,” stated Dave Neary, Chairman of the
LBACC-PAC. “Current challenges call for a candidate that can
work with both sides of an issue to seek the best compromise
possible. Robert Garcia is that candidate,” continued Neary.
CNN Local Edition:
Long Beach Chamber President/CEO Randy Gordon Talks
About International Trade Impact on the Long Beach
Region
January
14, 2008
Long Beach Chamber Leadership Praises Mayor Bob
Foster’s State of the City Address
Long Beach Chamber Chairman of the Board Blake Christian
attended Mayor Bob Foster’s State of the City and released the
following statement.
“The Mayor's presentation was very balanced in
focusing on both the positives and challenges facing the city in
the coming year. Long Beach has many attractive qualities
including low property and business license taxes as well as the
very beneficial California Enterprise Zone Program. We agree
with the Mayor's theme of ‘One City’ and the need to focus on
solutions beneficial to the overall community."
Long Beach Chamber President and CEO Randy Gordon also attended
Mayor Bob Foster’s State of the City and released the following
statement.
“I was pleased to hear the Mayor talk about the
challenges ahead with our City’s budget and his commitment to
working with the community to find solutions. It is the
Chamber’s commitment to serve as a business resource in the
coming year to answer the Mayor’s call to find solutions to our
City’s challenges.”
January
6, 2009
Chamber Urges
Federal Leaders To Support C-17
The Long Beach Chamber sent the following letter to
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer,
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Congresswoman Linda
Sanchez, and Congresswoman Laura Richardson today.
2008 Vote Record:
Long Beach Chamber Holds Elected Officials
Accountable
In 2008, the Long Beach Chamber focused its advocacy
efforts on the 14 most important legislative
proposals that would have the greatest impact on the
Long Beach business community. The Chamber studied
each proposal and took a position of support or
opposition by communicating those positions with
each Long Beach legislator.
“In past years, we focused our advocacy efforts on
more than 50 legislative proposals per year,” stated
Blake Christian, Chairman of the Long Beach Chamber
Board of Directors. “This year, we decided to take a
different approach by working with our legislators
to consider the Chamber’s position on the few most
important proposals impacting our businesses,”
continued Christian.
The
Long Beach Chamber urges you to contact Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger and ask him to support flexible work
schedules and clarification to the state’s meal period
requirements.
Flexible work schedules are important because it allows
employees to deal with family matters and save on commute
costs; it allows for employees to accommodate their personal
needs outside of work; it reduces traffic and greenhouse gas
emissions that are harmful the environment due to less
workers traveling to and from work; and, it allows employers
to be competitive when retaining jobs.
Also, the Chamber is committed to keeping jobs in Long Beach by helping to clarify meal period laws. This
clarification will save local businesses on litigation
costs. We need a solution to fix the complex, misinterpreted
meal and rest period requirements.
On November 4th, Long Beach voters sent two new
legislators to Sacramento. First District City
Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal defeated her opponent
was elected to the 54th Assembly District and Long
Beach Chamber-endorsed candidate Rod Wright captured
the 25th Senate District seat.
The Long Beach Chamber saved local businesses
millions of dollars in state mandates throughout
2008. An example of the Long Beach Chamber’s efforts
is the result of ending a proposal that would have
mandated paid sick leave.
Chamber Helps Secures Passage of Job
Creating Proposals In 2009
Governor Schwarzenegger signed two
Chamber supported “job-creator”
proposals helping to better define
and enforce important regulations
and easing burdens on the local
economy. The Governor signed into
law Chamber supported SB 1608
(Corbett) and AB 1384 (Kerkorian)
which improve our local economy and
give businesses the ability to
create new jobs.
Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed proposals marked by the
Chamber and the California Chamber as “job-killers.”
The Governor vetoed the Chamber opposed port
container fee SB 974, authored by Long Beach Senator
Alan Lowenthal. If enacted, this proposal would have
imposed a fee on cargo coming into the ports of Long
Beach and Los Angeles.
Chamber Calls
for Comprehensive Water Reform
The Chamber continues to urge the State Legislature to place a
comprehensive water bond on the statewide ballot in 2009. Our
state’s water crisis threatens our environment, the long-term
stability of our economy and Long Beach’s overall quality of
life. The Chamber’s call to action comes as Governor
Schwarzenegger recently issued a state of emergency due to
severe water shortages.
Chamber-Supported Political
Reform Coming to California On November 4th, voters
approved Proposition 11: California Voters First Act sponsored
by California Common Cause. The Chamber was one of the first
organizations to support Proposition 11 back in early 2008.
The Long
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will host 2010 Candidate for
Governor and former CEO of eBay Meg Whitman for a luncheon on
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the Hyatt in Downtown Long Beach at
11:30am. 
Two
Federal proposed laws, H.R. 1409 and S. 560, would undermine
long standing principles of workplace democracy and fairness and
result in employees having less ability to determine if they
wish to be represented by a union. It does so by allowing unions
to collect employee signatures in public-or so-called "card
check"-and do away with the secret ballot process. 
Out
of the leanest times come the best ideas. In these
days of scarcity, we continue to look for ways to
work together and operate more efficiently.
“Current
challenges call for a candidate that can work with both sides of
an issue to seek the best compromise possible. Robert Garcia is
that candidate.”
