Valley Industry and Commerce Association

News VICA Board Member Steve Nissen (NBC Universal), Senator Abel Maldonado and VICA President Stuart Waldman Lawmakers discuss state issues and budget VICA sees record attendance for State Officeholders Dinner Nearly one-sixth of California’s State Legislature, a Board of Equalization member and two statewide officeholders joined VICA members for the annual State Officeholders Dinner in Universal City. Lawmakers answered questions about the state budget deficit, education and job creation. The event, presented by NBC Universal, allowed VICA members to mingle with other business leaders and ask elected officials questions about the region’s pressing issues. Lawmakers who participated in the forum included, Controller John Chiang; Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell; Board of Equalization Member Jerome Horton; Senators Carol Liu, Abel Maldonado, Alex Padilla and Fran Pavley; Assemblymembers Bob Blumenfield, Julia Brownley, Mike Feuer, Felipe Fuentes, Dave Jones, Ted Lieu, Pedro Nava, Anthony Portantino, Cameron Smyth and Alberto Torrico. Read the latest news from VICA in Watch the latest episode of The VICA Show
Events Leaders Forum with Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt Tues., Mar. 23, 8-9:30 a.m. The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood RSVP to monique@vica.com or CLICK HERE to register online. Upcoming VICA Events Destination: D.C. Advocacy Trip Mon.-Wed., Mar. 15-17, see flyer for schedule Capitol Hill Email monique@vica.com or call the VICA office at 818.817-0545 for more information or to RSVP. VICA After Dark with L.A. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich Thurs., Apr. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Morton's The Steakhouse 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills RSVP to monique@vica.com or CLICK HERE to register online. Leaders Forum with Senator Barbara Boxer Wed., Apr. 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sportsmen's Lodge Events Center--Waterfall Room 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City RSVP to monique@vica.com or CLICK HERE to register online. Sacramento Advocacy Trip Tues., Apr. 20, all-day State Capitol Email monique@vica.com or call the VICA office at 818.817-0545 for more information or to RSVP or CLICK HERE to register online. Newsmaker Connection with CA Inspector General Laura Chick Thurs., Apr. 29, noon-1:30 p.m. VICA Office 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks MEMBERS ONLY EVENT. RSVP to monique@vica.com. VICA After Dark with L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky Thurs., May 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. D'Cache' 10717 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake RSVP to monique@vica.com or CLICK HERE to register online. San Fernando Valley Buiness Hall of Fame Thurs., Jun. 17, 6-9 p.m. Sheraton Universal Hotel 333 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City RSVP to monique@vica.com. Click here for our Valley Business Calendar, which includes VICA Policy Committee information
Advocacy L.A. considers new plan to recoup costs City could drop three-year phase-in for full-cost recovery VICA joined with other local business groups to express its opposition to a plan that would eliminate the three year phase-in for the City of L.A.’s Department of Planning full cost allocation plan. The removal of the phase-in period contradicts the initial agreement that was negotiated between the city and the business community. The new plan will also have negative effects on the city’s economic recovery. The business community’s support of the full-cost recovery ordinance, which allows the city to set fees based on the actual cost of services being provided, was based on the three-year phase in. VICA and other business groups hope the city will keep its word and maintain the phase-in period to help keep jobs in the city. Click here to read VICA's 12 solutions for a better California Follow business-related bills with VICA's Legislative Tracker
Local Update: VICA's monthly column in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal Privatization would improve city services As news about the city’s budget deficit dominates headlines much of the buzz surrounds layoffs and cuts to city services. But savvy business leaders know that when times are tough creativity is needed to help overcome financial difficulties. The City of Los Angeles faces a budget gap of more than $200 million and that number is anticipated to double in the following fiscal year. Unless city leaders make sustainable and systemic changes to the way the city operates, the budget crisis will remain chronic. Significant cuts and layoffs are unavoidable at this point, but there are other ways the city can leverage its assets to help ease the budget shortfall. Over the next several weeks the Los Angeles City Council will consider public-private partnerships as one of the methods to help close the city’s budget deficit. Click here to read the entire column.