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Vote with the Chamber on June 5th
Join the Chamber in voting for a better economic future in the Presidential Primary Election next Tuesday June 5. “While the ballot is much less complicated than last November’s, several state and local measures will have a drastic impact on San Francisco,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. The Chamber urges all members to read up on the issues and vote NO on Props A (Garbage Collection and Disposal) and B (Coit Tower) and YES on Props 28 (Term Limits Reform) and 29 (California Cancer Research). Download the Chamber’s 2102 Presidential Primary Election Voting Guide and bring it to the polls on June 5th!
S.F. Moves Forward with Business Tax Discussions
San Francisco city officials continue to reassess the city’s business tax, which has been under scrutiny for a city seeking to attract jobs. The Controller's Office has put forth a gross receipts alternative and is now revising rate schedules and the business license structure. The Chamber expects to receive a final outline of the proposal early next week. A final version of the legislation will be introduced by Tuesday June 12. “A healthy local economy depends on a vibrant business community that includes a diverse group of industries and employs a broad range of residents from all backgrounds and skill-sets,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. “The Chamber will support business tax reform that strikes the correct balance – a solution that protects the core economy, while providing room for emerging sectors to grow and prosper.” Read more.
New Support for Neighborhood Businesses
Mayor Ed Lee announced a new $5.5 million commitment to neighborhood commercial districts and small businesses in his proposed Fiscal Year 2012-13 and 2013-14 budget. The investments would add $4 million to expand loans and grants for neighborhood businesses, track storefront vacancies and add staff and resources to help businesses navigate the permitting process and connect with other city programs. “We will continue to invest in our existing small businesses, the jobs they create and aid entrepreneurs looking to open up shop in our city,” said Mayor Lee. Read more.
Help Promote S.F. on your Website
Want to help promote San Francisco and support fellow Chamber members? The Chamber invites our members to post the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Member Directory and Resource Guide to your business website and social media pages. Click here to view the 2012 edition. Contact Sharon Morrison at smorrison@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8842 for graphics, links and more information.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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Growing your business requires your full attention every day, and stretches your expertise in a thousand different directions. When issues call for right-now resolution, BPM's Private Company Services can help with just-in-time financial and business solutions. Learn more about BPM’s services for Private Companies – click here. |
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The Chamber gratefully
acknowledges
Diamond Circle Member:
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MEMBER MAKING NEWS
The California Academy of Sciences opened Earthquake, a major new exhibit and planetarium show exploring super seismic phenomena and how they fit into the larger story of our ever-changing earth. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) re-launched under new management the Clear program, which allows customers to bypass travel document checkpoint lines. Microsoft was recently honored by United Way with the 2012 Summit Award to recognize the company and its employees for making a real and measurable community impact. UNIT partners recently had 20 of its design projects profiled in three new publications “Logolicious,” “The New Big Book of Layouts” and “Damn Good” by Crescent Hill Publications. Click here to submit your company’s news.
THIS WEEK IN PUBLIC POLICY
Mayor Ed Lee announced a multi-year hiring plan for the city’s police and fire departments. Mayor Lee and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu announced $1.7 million in funding to restore the murals of Coit Tower. The Planning Commission approved the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Chamber-supported Transit Center District, which will surround the new Transbay Transit Center South of Market. The Planning and Recreation and Park Commissions approved Chamber-supported plans to renovate the Beach Chalet Soccer Fields. The Port Commission unanimously approved the Chamber-supported 8 Washington project. The California State Senate unanimously passed SB1186, which will help address predatory lawsuits filed under the federal Americans With Disabilities Act. The California Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved changes to the net energy metering policy to allow solar system owners to receive credit for excess electricity sent to the state's power grid. The California Energy Commission is considering new energy efficiency standards for new residential and commercial buildings. The California High-Speed Rail Authority named former director of the California Department of Transportation Jeffrey Morales as the agency’s new chief executive officer. |
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