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[The Red Victorian speaks out for Civil Sidewalks.]
Civil Sidewalks Ordinance Continued – The Board of Supervisors voted Monday to postpone its decision on the Civil Sidewalks ordinance, despite the fact that 71 percent of voters say they support legislation prohibiting people from sitting and lying on public sidewalks during specific times of day. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the concerns of residents and merchants, some Supervisors turned the hearing into a seven-hour side show by introducing false and misleading information about the ordinance and the current state of the law. San Francisco Chronicle columnist C.W. Nevius clarified these misconceptions in his blog Wednesday outlining very clearly what the law does and does not do. The Chamber will continue to work with neighborhood merchants across the city in supporting the measure. “If the Board of Supervisors does not act on Civil Sidewalks, the voters will,” said Chamber President & CEO. Read more. Contact Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8810.
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Opportunities - Chamber members received tips and information Tuesday on how to identify and compete for federal, state and local contract opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). “There have never been more opportunities, but competition is fierce,” said Golden Gate Business Association president, Paul Prendergast. The group also heard from California Recovery Task Force Outreach and Policy Advisor, Vanessa Wiseman, and Small Business California President, Scott Hauge, on the specific steps businesses can take to qualify – and compete – for government contracts. Learn more at www.fedbizopps.gov, www.recovery.ca.gov and www.recovery.org. Contact Patricia Aleman at paleman@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8841.
Chamber Members Meet with Officeholders – Chamber members met with local and statewide officeholders appearing on the June 8 Primary Election Ballot this week. Sitting San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Ulmer, who is seeking re-election for Seat 15, met with a group of members to discuss his campaign. California State Assembly Majority Leader and Democratic candidate for California Attorney General, Alberto Torrico, shared his plans for addressing education, prison reform and governance issues with the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee. “We have to make this state a place where people want to do business,” said Torrico noting that California businesses face too many regulations. The Chamber provides opportunities for members to meet with prospective lawmakers, but does not endorse candidates. Click here for the Chamber’s June 8 Voting Guide on ballot measures.
Business Alliance Guest Day – The Chamber’s Friday morning Business Alliance group will be open to guests from 7:30 – 9 am in the Chamber Boardroom May 28. The structured leads-exchange program helps members develop new skills while dramatically expanding their network of contacts and exchanging leads. The Chamber will soon be accepting applications for participation in its upcoming semester, beginning in July. Learn more. Contact, Maya Lewis at mlewis@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8840.
California’s New Jobs Tax – States across the country have updated their tax structures to help retain and attract businesses and grow jobs. A new Jobs Tax Initiative will repeal these updates and slow down California’s economic recovery. “ California businesses already operate in one of the worst business tax climates in the country,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Policy Jim Lazarus. “This initiative will again put businesses and jobs at risk just as we are starting to see signs of recovery.” Click here to add your company’s name to the list of employers and small businesses opposed to the Jobs Tax.
Chamber Members Participate in Employment Resource Fair – Chamber members, the Soup Company, Lowes, Manpower, Goodwill and University of Phoenix participated in this week’s 5th annual Employment Resource Fair, a collaboration between the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the Human Service Agency JobsNOW! and the Office of Workforce and Economic Development. This community wide effort offered job-finding advice and employment opportunities to individuals striving to live productively in society. For more information on how you can participate in 2011, contact Paula Zamudio at pzamudio@sfchamber.com or Jason Walsh jwcworks@gmail.com.
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Save on Human Resources Solutions |
The Chamber has partnered with California’s preeminent Human Resources expert, Employers Group, to help members understand the complexities of state employment laws, mitigate risk, manage the compliance burden, define priorities and minimize costs. Chamber members receive a 60 day trial of Employers Group membership for $19.99, including unlimited access to: a live consulting helpline, a live reference center and BNA’s HR Essentials with Employers Group. After the trial, Chamber members will receive an exclusive 25% discount on annual dues. Contact Ryan Seals at rseals@employersgroup.com or 213.765-.3908. Read more. Register online.
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Nomination Deadline Extended until June 25th!. |
Businesses now have until June 25 to nominate a deserving company for the 2010 Ebbies – San Francisco’s preeminent awards gala honoring excellence in business. Nominations are being accepted in the following categories: Excellence in Business; Innovation Through Technology; Emerging Growth; Build SF; Small Business; and Economic Development. Self-nominations are encouraged! Read more. Contact, Nicole Lange at nlange@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8858.
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