[Photo by Stuart Locklear Photography]
Small Business Week Concludes with Grand Expo – More than 1,000 people attended the Chamber’s Grand Expo at AT&T Park last Thursday to conclude San Francisco’s 2010 Small Business Week, enjoying live music, catered hors d'oeuvres from top restaurants, complimentary wine from premier wineries and exploring more than 150 exhibits from local companies. “It was a great week for Small Business and it was an even better week for Ace Mailing because we were a part of the Chamber's Grand Expo,” said Ace Mailing CEO & Founder, Gwen Kaplan. The Chamber congratulates raffle winners: Chris Ginty, Sonia Danielsson, Ellie Sanchez, Kathleen Browne, Kris Loburg, John Gumas and Gwen Kaplan who will receive prizes ranging from entertainment gift cards, to airline tickets, to Club Level seats at Giants game. Contact Nadia Chan at nchan@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8803.
State Budget Battle Heats Up – Senate and Assembly Democrats introduced two alternative budget plans this week in response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s $83 billion cuts-only budget proposal. The Senate Democrats plan includes $4.9 billion in new taxes on business, cars, alcohol and income. The Assembly Democrats plan would have the state borrow $8.7 billion in bonds, and implement a new tax on oil companies. “This year’s budget battle is well underway with three competing proposals already deemed largely untenable by the Legislature and the public,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve. “The Chamber urges our lawmakers to approach this year’s budget process with flexibility and urgency in balancing our state’s $20 billion budget deficit.” Read more on California’s fiscal outlook.
Development Impact Fee Reform & Deferral Program – Mayor Newsom signed Chamber-supported fee deferment legislation Tuesday allowing developers to defer payment of 80 percent of their impact fees from the beginning of construction to just prior to completion, between 10-30 months. Expected to generate $894 million in spending and 4,800 construction-related jobs, the legislation will help speed local economic recovery and create needed general fund revenues. The Mayor also re-affirmed his support for a citywide Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (CFD) to allow developers to finance infrastructure impact fees with tax-exempt bonds. Read more 
Chamber Members Inducted into SF State Alumni Hall of Fame – Two Chamber members were inducted into the San Francisco State University Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday. The Chamber congratulates founder and president of Gumas Advertising, John Gumas, and founding president of the Glide Foundation at San Francisco's Glide Memorial Church, Janice Mirikitani, for their professional and civic achievements awarding them a place in the University’s prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame. Previous member inductees include: San Francisco Unified School District Interim Superintendent, Gwen Chan; retired PG&E vice president of community relations, Robert Harris; Paula LeDuc Fine Catering founder, Paula LeDuc; and Bay Area Council president & CEO, Jim Wunderman. Read more
Show Support for Hunters Point Shipyard Project – Chamber members can show their support for the redevelopment of the Bayview-Hunters Point Shipyard and the new Alice Griffith housing project by connecting with the projects and their community supporters on Facebook. The Chamber-supported Shipyard project is estimated to create 10,730 permanent and 1,519 construction jobs, $27 million in net revenue to the city each year, and unprecedented housing, office, retail and open space meeting the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Read more
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Help Save Jobs Now! - Tell Congress to Extend TANF-EF |
Federal funds supporting the city’s Jobs NOW! subsidized employment program and other small business economic stimulus programs are scheduled to run out by the end of September. Call your congressperson today and ask them to extend the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Emergency Fund (TANF-EF). Take Action Now!
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Vote for a Better Economic Future on June 8th! |
The June Primary Election Ballot contains critical initiatives that will impact San Francisco residents and businesses for years to come. Join the Chamber in voting for a better economic future on June 8. Click here to view the Chamber’s June 8 Primary Election Voting Guide.
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Business Alliance Guest Day |
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. Want to lean more? Come as a guest to the May 21 Business Alliance group meeting from 7:30 – 9:30 am in the Chamber Boardroom. Contact Maya Lewis at mlewis@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8840. Read more 
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