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Biotech Tax Incentive Extended – The Board of Supervisors voted 9-2 Tuesday to extend the seven and one-half year payroll tax exemption for biotech companies that begin operations in San Francisco before 2014. This Chamber-championed measure proposed by Supervisor Alioto-Pier will ensure that all qualifying companies receive the benefit for the full period, and will help attract even more biotech companies to the city. “The biotech payroll tax exemption will be a major paycheck creator,” said Chamber President & CEO Steve Falk referencing its next Paychecks & Pink Slips scorecard. “We applaud the nine Supervisors who voted to support this important catalyst for growing the life sciences sector in San Francisco.” Supervisors voting to approve legislation include: Michela Alioto-Pier, David Campos, David Chiu, Carmen Chu, Bevan Dufty, Sean Elsbernd, Eric Mar, Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi. It is estimated that 2,750 biotech employees generate $7.6 million annually for the City's General Fund – approximately 20 times the amount the exemption costs the city. Read more 
Chamber Releases Voting Guide for June 8 Primary Election – The Chamber released today its endorsements for the June 8 Primary Election. “The outcomes of the June Primary will set the course for good governance and long term emergency preparedness in San Francisco,” said Chamber Senior Vice President of Public Policy Jim Lazarus. The Chamber encourages the business community to vote on June 8. Click here to view the Chamber’s 2010 California Primary Election Ballot Voting Guide. Contact, Jim Lazarus at jlazarus@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8810.
Masonic Center Makeover – The Chamber-supported plan to renovate the Masonic Center on Nob Hill into a modern entertainment venue run by Live Nation was approved by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The $6 million renovation plans will create jobs and help solidify San Francisco’s status as an entertainment capital. “The Masonic Center is a key venue for the future economic development of the City,” said Chamber Vice President of Public Policy Rob Black. “The approved renovation plans will enable the historic auditorium to bring more mid-sized entertainment shows – and associated dollars – to our city.” Contact, Rob Black at rblack@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8844.
Chamber Members Offer Memorable Mother’s Day Packages – Chamber members are offering memorable packages to celebrate Mother's Days this Sunday. Hornblower Cruises is offering a Champagne Brunch and a Dinner Dance Cruise including delicious food and live entertainment while sailing the San Francisco Bay. The InterContinental Hotel Spa is offering is offering spa packages for groups that want to spa with Mom, and Instant Gift Certificates that can be purchased and printed online. Mother's Day floral arrangements are available from member florists Amazing Flowers, Hoogasian Flowers and Petals – A Flower Studio. Make your Mother’s Day plans with fellow Chamber members today.
Muni Schedule Changes – On May 8, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates Muni, will reduce the frequency and hours of operation on many bus routes and rail lines. Muni rail service on the M Ocean View and the K Ingleside lines will be suspended on May 8 - 9 and May 17 through the duration of the construction of St. Francis Circle Rail Replacement Project. Click here for schedule changes. Click here for bus substitute service during construction.
Bike to Work Day – Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and hundreds of thousands of people who will be bicycling to work on May 13th for Bike to Work Day. Pedal by a morning or afternoon Energizer Station for coffee and snacks, or to have a mechanic check out your bike for free (at select locations). Click here for maps and more information.
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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! Contact, Nicole Lange at nlange@sfchamber.com or 415.352.8858. Read more. 
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San Francisco Unified School District Summer Internship Program |
Host or sponsor a summer intern through the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The six-week program, offered by the Career Technical Education (CTE) Department brings real-world experiential learning opportunities to high school students from local Career Academies from industry sectors including: business and finance, information technology, engineering/construction and maintenance trades, hospitality and tourism, health sciences/biotech, education, and law. Learn more. To speak with a business that has sponsored an intern, contact Lynn Athens from Spectrum FCU at 415.701.3506. Contact Lynn Garcia at garcial@sfusd.edu or 415.379.7769.
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