Chiu at the Chamber – Chamber members heard from San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu Wednesday, which also marked his one year anniversary in office.  “The number one challenge facing the city this year is the budget deficit,” said Chiu noting that the city must find ways to shrink the size of government while protecting the most vital services.  Supervisor Chiu also focused on the burdens the city places on small businesses.  “There are at least 15 departments that manage business requirements at the city,” he added.  Other issues discussed include business fees, the city's contracting process, earthquake safety and other topics. From Left: Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk; Supervisor David Chiu; Chamber Policy Vice President, Rob Black.

June Ballot Begins to Take Form – In addition to the six Charter Amendments and one bond measure previously submitted for the June ballot, three initiative ordnances and one policy statement were introduced Tuesday.  The Chamber applauds proposals from Supervisors Elsbernd and Alioto-Pier to rein-in overhead costs for city employees and formalize in the charter a film commission to encourage production in San Francisco.  In the coming weeks, the Chamber will weigh-in on these and other ballot measures impacting business and the economy.  Contact Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8844.

Chamber Introduces CityRising Initiative – With the New Year in full swing and two citywide elections on the horizon, the Chamber introduces its CityRising initiative to help businesses grow, create jobs and build a 21st century economy.  “The actions of business, government and voters this year will define our decade and our collective economic future,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk.  “Now is the time to reset our priorities and rise into the new decade.”  Click here to see programs to grow your business.  Click here to read our agenda for a 21st century economy.

Chamber Welcomes New Board Member and Committee Chairs – The Chamber welcomes Bars+Tone General Manager, Eric Steckel to its Board of Directors. “The Chamber has the strength of numbers and a voice at City Hall and Sacramento,” said Steckel, who will also co-chair the Chamber's Small Business Advisory Council.  “This is a great opportunity for any small business owner.” The Chamber also welcomes new Public Policy Committee co-chairs Webcor Builders Vice President, Shelly Doran and Scoma's Restaurant Vice President and Small Business Advisory Council co-chair, Mariann Costello. Business Sales & Acquisitions Agent, Norman Pearce and Marsh National Brokerage Account Manager, Susan Beresford will co-chair the 2010 Ambassadors Club.  Pennbrook Insurance Services Vice President, Jude Winterhalter joins Guarantee Mortgage Corporation Personal Lending Consultant, Kevin Casey to co-chair the Business Alliance program. Michael Tauber Architects Principal, Michael Tauber and San Francisco Business Times Business Development Director, Jud Walsh will continue to co-chair the Small Business Issues Forum.

		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. Read more

		Join the Hottest Leads Club in Town!

The Chamber's Business Alliance is a structured leads-exchange program meeting twice monthly designed for networking, professional and personal development. Members develop skills and tools to grow their businesses, dramatically expand their network of contacts, and exchange leads, which turn into increased revenue. Contact Maya Lewis at mlewis@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8840. Read more

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