[From Left: Mayor Gavin Newsom, Prosetta President & CEO Michael Farmer and Supervisor David Chiu highlight success of biotech payroll tax credit]
Chamber Shows Support for Biotech Tax Exemption – The Chamber joined Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor David Chiu and biotech industry leaders Tuesday to support the extension of the biotech payroll tax exemption through 2014. Estimates from the Controller's Office suggest that more than 2,200 life science jobs have been created since the incentive was made available in 2004, and these estimates don't include companies like Chamber member FibroGen which located 250 employees in the city last fall. “The biotech tax exemption is key to attracting businesses from one of the nation's fastest growing and high-paying industries,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk. The Chamber-supported exemption will be heard by the Budget Committee next Wednesday. Contact, Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8844.
Chamber Signs Marriage Equality Amicus Brief – The Chamber, along with 24 other legal, social justice and community organizations, signed an amicus brief, supporting the federal trial to repeal Proposition 8, California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage. A longtime supporter of workplace diversity and equal rights, the Chamber believes ending marriage discrimination against same-sex couples will improve the ability of California businesses to recruit and retain talented employees. “The Chamber is proud to be among the first business organizations to sign the Prop 8 repeal amicus brief and will continue to work to end marriage discrimination in California,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Policy Jim Lazarus. Contact, Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8839.
Chamber Applauds Supervisor Chiu for Pulling Shadow Ordinance – The Chamber applauds Supervisor David Chiu for his commitment to pull today the Park Sunlight Protection Ordinance from the June Ballot. The Chamber-opposed measure would have downsized San Francisco's downtown and threatened critical projects including the Transbay Redevelopment Area and Mid-Market revitalization. The Chamber will continue to work with members and the city to balance the impact of minor shade with the need for transit, affordable housing, jobs and other priorities. Read more 
District Elections Considered as Chamber Poll Conducted – After 10 years of district elections, some are considering a hybrid system in which some Supervisors would be elected citywide and others by district. “People like the idea of being able to talk to a district supervisor about neighborhood problems, but also feel that they want someone they can go to with broader citywide concerns,” Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk told the San Francisco Chronicle. Chamber poll results on district elections and other topics will be released at the CityBeat Breakfast on March 3. Contact, Leslie Milloy at lmilloy@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8821.
Dianne Feinstein to Address CityTrip 2010 –
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein will address the Chamber delegation at this year's CityTrip, March 14-17 in Washington, D.C. At a breakfast hosted in partnership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Feinstein will discuss the latest news regarding health care reform, economic recovery and federal assistance related to California's budget deficit. Other trip highlights include: a briefing at the U.S. Trade Office, a Congressional Reception at the California Transit Association, and much more. Contact, Leslie Milloy at lmilloy@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8821.
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Save Money on Payroll Processing |
The Chamber has partnered with Paychex, Inc. to help members save money on payroll processing. A recognized leader in the payroll and human resource industry, Paychex provides Chamber members with a 20 percent discount off their first year of payroll processing, as well as free reviews for Enterprise Zone tax credit eligibility. Contact Samara Bishop at srbishop@paychex.com or 650.624.0777 ext 3344.
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Get Tax Credits for your Employees |
Tax season is approaching and state law now requires employers to notify all eligible workers about Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Chamber partner SF Works helps San Francisco employees access significant savings through their entitled tax credits including: EITC worth from $457 to $5600 (depending on income and family size) and a San Francisco Working Families Tax Credit worth up to $125. Workers earning under $52,000 annually are eligible for free tax preparation. Contact 415.217.5181 or staff@sfworks.org.
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Maximize Chamber Membership With the Ambassadors Club
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Join the Ambassadors Club to help promote Chamber membership to new and prospective members, while actively extending your business contacts and the visibility of your company. Ambassadors are member volunteers who attend Chamber events and monthly Club meetings every third Wednesday of the month in the Chamber boardroom from 4-5:30 pm. Contact Paula Zamudio at pzamudio@sfchamber.com or 415-352-8818. Read more
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