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July 12, 2012 |
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| New Tax Incentive for Small Business – The Board of Supervisors passed legislation Tuesday providing a payroll tax incentive for local small businesses that create new jobs, give their existing employees a raise or increase their hours. The incentive, sponsored by Supervisor Mark Farrell, allows businesses with payroll under $500,000 to expand their payroll by as much as $250,000 without having to pay any additional taxes. “This legislation will not only spark new job growth for the tens of thousands of San Franciscans who are still unemployed, but also demonstrates a renewed focus on small businesses here in City Hall,” said Supervisor Mark Farrell. “We believe this will be the difference for businesses who want to grow, expand and create jobs in our city.” The incentive takes effect immediately and expires in 2015. Read more. |
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| CPMC Reconfirms Commitment to Development Agreement – The California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) reconfirmed its commitment to the Development Agreement approved by the Planning Commission to build two seismically safe state-of-the-art hospitals in San Francisco. CPMC also clarified the terms of its 20 year operating commitment for St. Luke’s in the Mission. The Chamber-supported project will create 1,500 new construction-related jobs, inject $2.5 billion into the city’s economy and invest $1.1 billion in transit, affordable housing and other services. “The Board should not delay in supporting and approving this plan to bring jobs and economic development to San Francisco,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. The Board of Supervisors will consider the project on July 17. Read more. |
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| Blueprint for Muni – Chamber members met with San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) Project Manager Julie Kirschbaum about the agency’s Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP) at the July Public Policy Forum. “There’s a lot that’s working, but there’s a lot that could be working better,” said Kirschbaum of the city’s Muni service. Planned in partnership with Office of the City Controller, TEP is an ongoing project to improve transit reliability, reduce delays and enhance the rider experience. The group provided feedback on the plan and discussed issues including service restructuring, capital improvements and better enforcement of parking and moving violations impacting Muni. Read more. |
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| One Step Closer to High-Speed Rail – California is one step closer to making the voter-approved High-Speed Rail (HSR) system a reality. Last week, the state Senate approved funding to begin construction on the initial phase of the project. “The Legislature’s action will pave the way for a first-in-the-nation high-speed rail system that will improve mobility, reduce emissions and boost the economy across California,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Policy Jim Lazaurs. “The Chamber applauds Governor Jerry Brown, as well as Assembly Speaker John Perez and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg for passing this important measure through both houses.” The Chamber-supported project is expected to create 450,000 permanent jobs and more $1 billion in annual revenue for California. Read more. |
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| Million Dollar Mission – In the true spirit of hospitality, San Francisco hoteliers have joined together in a “Million Dollar Mission” to raise needed funds in the fight against leukemia and lymphoma. The partnership between the Francisco Hotel Council and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society aims to raise money for vital cancer research through a variety of ‘back of house’ initiatives including: Spare Change Days, bake sales, Steward Sales, and raffles/drawings. An extensive collection of experiential packages showcasing San Francisco will also be auctioned. Proceeds will provide financial, educational and social services for individuals and their families affected by blood cancer. Learn more. Purchase a travel package. Donate today! |
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| Wage Theft Task Force –The City of San Francisco is seeking applicants to participate in the new Wage Theft Task Force, which will make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning the prevention and correction of wage theft in the city. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more and submit an application by July 16. Read more. Apply. Contact, Hillary Ronen at hillary.ronen@sfgov.org or 415.554.7729. |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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| MEMBER MAKING NEWS |
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| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) officially broke ground on its new air traffic control tower. “We’re building a world class tower for a world class airport,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood who attended Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony. The new seismically-safe control tower is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2014 and fully operational by the FAA in the fall of 2015. United Airlines announced plans to launch year-round and seasonal service on several new international and domestic routes including new daily trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights from San Francisco. “These additional services underscore three commitments – to fly where our customers want to fly, to introduce new flights where we can profitably do so, and to be the clear leader in service and choice in each of our hub cities,” said Jim Compton, United’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer. Click here to submit your company's news.
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THIS WEEK IN PUBLIC POLICY
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| Mayor Ed Lee introduced a $502 million budget supplemental appropriation to fund infrastructure improvements to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) over the next five years. Supervisor Carmen Chu proposed changes to the city's planning code to create merchant corridors that allow for future development and give established businesses a say in what comes to the neighborhood. Supervisor Scott Wiener proposed legislation changing the city's housing policy to allow for the creation of smaller efficiency units. The Planning Commission approved an ordinance that would create incentives for developers of designated student housing and ban the conversion of existing apartments for student-only uses. The state Legislature pulled a $11 billion bond measure to upgrade California's water infrastructure from the November ballot and delayed it until 2014. California ended its fiscal year with a shortfall that was $1 billion less than Governor Jerry Brown estimated in May, after the state collected more taxes and spent less in June than projected. California joined a national movement to overturn the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission. |
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COMING UP AT THE CHAMBER... |
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July 18, 11:30 - 12:30 pm [Chamber Boardroom) |
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Supes for Lunch with David Chiu (District 3) |
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Join in on this conversation with District 3 Supervisor David Chiu. Elected in November 2008, Supervisor Chiu is the President of the Board of Supervisors, and a member of the Government Audit & Oversight Committee, Joint City & School District Committee and the Transportation Authority. Read more and register.
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July 26, 12 - 7:30 pm |
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2012 CityGolf Classic - Limited Foursomes Remaining! |
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Join the Chamber and leading San Francisco executives for a day of business and pleasure at the 2012 CityGolf Classic at Harding Park. Enjoy golf tips and banter from Master of Ceremonies Mitch Juricich, co-host and creator of “Hooked on Golf.” Foursome package includes: round of golf, gift bag, food and drinks on the course, cocktail reception, barbecue and a chance to win fabulous prizes.Read more and register.
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Click here to view more upcoming events from the Chamber and our members. Subscribe to EventFlash and get a weekly listing of San Francisco business programs and events delivered to your inbox.
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