BusinessNovember2006

Vol. 13 No.9L O N G B E A C H

Schipske Discusses 5th District Priorities Chamber Goes Green Chamber President/CEO Visits Long Beach, MS

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California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Upon the recommendation of The Chamber’sGovernment Affairs Council, the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted atthe September Board of Directors meeting toendorse a plan urging voters to create new jobs atthe ballot box through support for pro-business candidates, as well as full board support for theGovernor’s Strategic Growth Plan. Conversely, theVote for Jobs! Campaign urges the electorate todefeat measures appearing on the ballot that willhave a negative impact on job creation.

“Essentially, the Vote for Jobs! Campaign isaimed at electing candidates that are good for LongBeach as well as supporting propositions that aregood for the economy,” remarked Chairman of the Board Byron Schweigert. “The outcome of thiselection is crucial for the infrastructure of this Stateand the economic vitality of the Long Beach region.The Vote for Jobs! Campaign takes aim at honingthat message,” continued Schweigert.

“It’s very simple,” added Chamber President &CEO Randy Gordon, “This campaign urges everymember of The Chamber to go to the polls onNovember 7, 2006 and cast a vote that creates newjobs. The Vote for Jobs! Campaign is supportive of candidates and propositions that will make thathappen.”

The Vote for Jobs! Campaign seeks to consoli-date The Chamber’s support or opposition into thesimplest terms—every member’s vote at the ballotbox is either a vote to create a job or a vote to drivejobs out of the State.

Vote for Jobs!

“The outcome of this election is crucial for the infrastructure of this State and

the economic vitality of the Long Beach region.”

—Chamber Chairman of the Board Byron Schweigert

GOVERNOR

Arnold Schwarzenegger4 YES

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 55

Laura Richardson4 YES

Proposition 1A 4 YES

Earmarks gas sales tax funds for use on transportation

programs only

Proposition 1B 4 YES

$20 billion bond for transportation improvements

Proposition 1C 4 YES

$2.85 billion bond for low-income housing and shelters

Proposition 1D 4 YES

$10 billion bond for public education facilities improvements

Proposition 1E 4 YES

$4 billion bond for levee improvements and flood control

Proposition 84 4 YES

$5 billion bond for safe drinking water, flood protection and

park improvements

Proposition 86 4 YES

Tax on cigarettes; provides funding for hospital emergency

services.

Proposition 83 No Position

Mandates residency restrictions and GPS monitoring for

sex offenders

Proposition 85 No Position

Requires parental notification for minors terminating

pregnancy

Proposition 87 4 NO

Tax on oil producers; provides funding for alternative

energy research

Proposition 88 4 NO

$50 per parcel property tax; provides public school funding

for K-12

Proposition 89 4 NO

Public funding for political campaigns; corporate tax increase

Proposition 90 4 NO

Limits ability of government to acquire private property

and regulate land use.

Proposition 86—A New TaxThat Benefits us All!

H ow can a new tax be a benefit to the citizens of Long Beach, the citizens of the state ofCalifornia and to business? Based upon the bestavailable science, here are the facts:• This tax will reduce the number of cigarettes

consumed in California by 26%.• More than 500,000 smokers in California will

quit smoking.• Approximately 120,000 high school students

and 30,000 middle school students wouldeither quit smoking or not start smoking.

• Both high school and middle school smokingwould decline by 42%.

• More than 700,000 children currently under 17years of age would be prevented from smoking.

• Approximately 120,000 deaths due to smokingwould be prevented among current users.

• More than 180,000 deaths due to smokingwould be prevented among California youthcurrently under the age of 17.

• More than $16.5 billion would be saved inlong-term health care costs.

Sound too good to be true? Proposition 86—The Tobacco Tax Initiative—

will increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes by$2.60 and will accomplish the results noted above.This tax will have a significant impact on reducingthe number of cigarettes smoked, reducing thenumber of current smokers and preventing hundreds of thousands of students under the ageof 17 from smoking. How will the money be used?About 53% of the $2.2 billion generated each yearwill be used for Treatment: hospital emergencycare services, nurse education, community clinicsand emergency physicians. About 42% will beused for Prevention: children’s health insurance,tobacco education and enforcement programs and cancer/heart disease/asthma prevention andtreatment programs. The final 5% is beingResearch directed at tobacco-related disease andcancer research. Approximately 10% of theTreatment, Prevention and Research funding istobacco related.

Is it right to use tobacco taxes to support thehealth care system? It is clear that the tax will ave apositive effect on the health of smokers and thosewho are predicted to become smokers. The taxalso saves smokers and non-smokers billions ofdollars in future health care costs. A more immedi-ate impact of these dollars will be to provide additional funding for emergency care services.

Vote YES on Proposition 86.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS2

Chairman’s Message Byron Schweigert,MemorialCareMedical Centers

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206PH (562) 436-1251 n FAX 436-7099 w w w . l b c h a m b e r . c o mw w w . l o n g b e a c h a d v o c a c y . b i z

Mission StatementThe Chamber is the platform for business toprovide leadership, education and advocacy so thatthe Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century.

Vision StatementThe Chamber will be the acknowledged leader increating community consensus to support local,regional, and international business.

Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Via MediaPrinting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seaside PrintingAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodwill Industries

Members wishing to submit articles, press releases, or membernews items for upcoming issues of Long Beach Business, please fax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Jackie Kuhl, or e-mailjackie_kuhl@yahoo.com.

Circulation: Long Beach Business is mailed directly to more than2400 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members, electedofficials and community leaders.

Chamber Staff:

Randy Gordon .... President & CEO ........................ (562) 436-6723Judy Donley ....... Executive Vice President ............ (562) 437-8823Brandon Kline ..... VP Public Policy........................... (562) 983-1241Shaun Lumachi ... Advisor, Government Affairs ......... (562) 843-0947Elisa Margoni ..... VP Special Events ....................... (562) 436-2810Judy Nelson ....... VP Business Councils .................. (562) 432-8128 Kelly Stortz ......... VP Member Services .................. (562) 590-9234Sarah Nguyen .... Assistant to the President .......... (562) 432-7830 Jackie Kuhl ......... Consultant, Publications.............. (562) 843-0951Bobbie Spohn .... Membership Coordinator . (562) 436-1251 ext 118Sterling Spector .. Consultant, Diversity ...... (562) 436-1251 ext 103Karen Vaughn ..... Information Specialist ............................. ext 100Linda Izzo ........... Member Relations Executive ................. ext 101

Your Cost: Only $1399Per person, double occupancy

• RT Airfare from LAX• 5-star or 4-star Hotels• 3 Full Meals Every Day• Fees for All Attractions• Deluxe Bus Tours• English-Speaking Guides

Registration Deposit: $100 per personBalance Due: December 15, 2006

Act Quickly! Space is Limited

For More Information, Contact: Sterling Spector: 562-436-1251, x 103e-mail: SterlingLBACC@msn.com

Comments from 2006 satisfied travelers include:“wonderful, professional,fabulous, an experienceof a lifetime, a fantasticvalue, impressivelysmooth,” and “I want to do it again!”

An Unforgettable Cultural ExperienceLong Beach Area Chamber of Commerceand CITSLINC International present their

Second Annual China TourMarch 5-13, 2007

Creating a Stronger Community

LONG BEACH BUSINESS3

2006-2007 Chairman’s CircleDiamond

The Boeing Company n DeVry University n Farmers & Merchants Bank n Hyatt Regency Long BeachLong Beach Memorial Medical Center/Miller Childrens’ Hospital n Port of Long Beach

PlatinumLong Beach City College n Press Telegram n Verizon n Westland Construction, Inc.

GoldCharter Communications n City National Bank n Community Hospital of Long Beach n Epson America, Inc.

Hilton Long Beach n Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP n Keesal, Young & Logan n Sprint together with NextelSeaside Printing Company, Inc. n Sound Energy Solutions n St. Mary Medical Center

TABC, Inc./Toyota n Universal Care

SilverBNSF Railway Company n BP Products North America, Inc. n California State University, Long Beach

Catalina Express n Denso Sales California, Inc. n Laserfiche Document Imaging n Long Beach AirportLong Beach Business Journal n Long Beach Ice Dogs n Long Beach Towne Center n Marriott/Renaissance Properties

OPEN from American Express n Paragon Steel n Sea Launch n Southern California EdisonTHUMS Long Beach Company n Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP n Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation

BronzeBoeing Realty Corporation n Center for Judicial Advocacy

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage n Color Broadband, Inc. n Comerica BankConstruction Consultant Services, Inc. n Davis Group n DDR-Developers Diversified Realty/The Pike

DirecTV—California Broadcast Center n Ensemble Investments, LLC n Ford WestGuzman & Gray, CPAs n Harbor Breeze Corporation n HR NETwork, Inc.Lennar Corporation n Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Matson Navigation Company, Inc. n Metropolitan Water District n Moffatt & Nichol EngineersParkers’ Lighthouse n Spirit Cruises n Via Media Graphic Design n Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club n Watson Land Company

The “Chairman’s Circle” is a special group of members that have committed to support the LBACC through sponsorships at various financial levels and at special events. If your company would like to become a member

of the Chairman’s Circle, please contact Randy Gordon, President/CEO, at (562) 432-7830 for details.

One of the first organization-al actions I took after being sworninto office as the councilmemberfor the 5th Council District, was toappoint a staff person to servespecifically as my liaison to thebusiness community and to begin

organizing a 5th Council District Small Business AdvisoryCommittee (SBAC).

Small Business Advisory CommitteeSupport and encouragement of local small business

are priorities for me. Since the majority of new jobs arecreated by small business, they are critical to the financialgrowth of our city. However, the resources currently avail-able to small business in our area are not as accessible asthey should be. Small business is often not listened towhen the City proposes policies and regulations andmuch of what happens concerning the business commu-nity in Long Beach is focused upon the downtown area.

The 5th Council SBAC will help our small businessesincrease their visibility and facilitate communicationbetween the city and the larger business community. Itwill also hopefully link our small businesses to theresources and tools and contracting opportunities theyneed to grow and prosper.

Small business owners interested in participating inthis committee should contact my Chief of Staff, JoyJanes at (562) 570-6932.

5th District Infrastructure AdvisoryCommittee

The sidewalks, streets, alleys and other aspects of theCity’s infrastructure are in need of repair and have beenneglected over the past years due to budget constraints.

As the City begins its economic and budgetary recovery,funds are becoming available to begin making neededrepairs.

To assist in the decision-making process of whichsidewalks, streets and alleys are to be repaired, I amforming a 5th District Infrastructure Advisory Committeeto review the infrastructure needs of the 5th District andto make recommendations, with in put from our PublicWorks staff, as to how to proceed.

The first meeting of the committee will be held onOctober 25 at 6pm in the El Dorado Park Senior Centeron Studebaker. For further information, please contact5th District Neighborhood Liaison, Josh Butler, at 562570-6932.

Small Business and Infrastructure Top 5th District Priority ListBy Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 5th District, Long Beach

“Since the majority of new jobs are createdby small business, they are critical to the

financial growth of our city.”

LEADERSHIP CABINETCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Byron SchweigertChief Education & Government Affairs Officer,

MemorialCare Medical Centers

CHAIRMAN-ELECT

Matthew Kinley, esq., Partner, Tredway, Lumsdaine and Doyle LLP

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Larry Whitley, Director, Boeing 767 Tanker Communications

Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Whit LatimerBancap Commercial Real Estate Services

VICE CHAIRMAN–ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Blake ChristianPartner, Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP

VICE CHAIRMAN–COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Janet McCarthy-WilsonPresident & CEO , Goodwill Industries of Long Beach-South Bay

VICE CHAIRMAN–MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Jim EatonPresident & CEO, Airdrome Holdings, LLC

VICE CHAIR PUBLIC POLICY

Lori LofstromPartner, Holmes and Lofstrom, LLP

AT LARGE MEMBER

Doug CarpenterPresident, Paragon Steel

AT LARGE MEMBER

Tom GoodV.P./Area Manager, Matson Navigation, Inc.

AT LARGE MEMBER

Kathleen ThurmondPresident, Best Washington Uniform

LEGAL COUNSEL

Robert StemlerPartner, Keesal, Young & Logan

PRESIDENT & CEORandy Gordon

President/CEO, The Chamber

Serving as the Voice of Business

LONG BEACH BUSINESS4

For the first time in The Chamber’s history, the PublicPolicy Platform will include a strategic core competencyon “resource economics,” and “environmental policy.”This and more came from discussions held at a recentGovernment Affairs Council (GAC) retreat, where theCouncil convened to asses its strengths and contrastthem with areas where the GAC needed more growth.The GAC retreat, facilitated by Dave Kilby of the

California Chamber of Commerce, began with an exer-cise where Mr. Kilby passed out a survey that asked aseries of questions, ranging from the GAC member’sfeelings of The Chamber’s advocacy to our relationshipsin the community. This served as a primer for the groupdiscussion that would lead the Council to develop itsthree strategic imperatives for the year, as well as the2007 Public Policy Platform. The Public Policy Platform,

Chamber Goes Green—Adds Environmental PolicyGovernment Affairs Council Outlines 2007 Public Policy Priorities

approved at the October GAC meeting, now includesamong other things, a green-port policy, as well as a corecompetency on California Artificial Reef Enhancement.The GAC Retreat also considered the following issues:

Public Policy Strengths• Website;• Willingness to take leadership in the community;• Advocacy Staff;• Strong Spokesman for Long Beach Business

Community;• Written Policy;• Reputation;• Collective knowledge of GAC members;• Supportive Board of Directors

After developing the above group consensus of theGAC’s strengths, Mr. Kilby surveyed the group on whereThe Chamber needed work, in terms of advocacy. From thisconversation, it was resolved that The Chamber wouldestablish three strategically imperative areas to focus on:

• Capacity for depth—Develop a long-term public policy and political strategy to effectively representthe interests of business with government;

• Building and maintaining relationships—Create a collegial and professional working-relationship withelected officials;

• Envisioning Long Beach in 2010 and beyond—Increase capacity of issues through research and community outreach.

Capacity for Depth• Does The Chamber need to invest in a method to

collect empirical data (polling, etc.)?• Are we doing too much?• Does the GAC need more time to talk about the big

issues?• Would it be helpful to create a consent calendar item

on each GAC agenda to free up time?• Should the GAC disseminate into permanent

sub-committees to increase core competencies bydelving into issue areas?

Relationships with Elected Officials• Which industry groups could we enlist as allies to

build coalitions?• How could we build a relationship through existing

relationships? • How do we expand beyond business owners?• How do we broaden our message beyond

“business?”• How do we build a matrix of personal relationships

and home addresses in order to raise the conversa-tion to the next level?

A Long-Term Public Policy and PoliticalStrategy• How do we chart the future for our long term vision?• What tools do we have to get ahead of the city?• What will Long Beach look like in 2010?• What sort of document can help Long Beach chart

the future?

Chamber Applauds Council VoteSupporting Home Depot ProjectThe Chamber is delighted to learn that after five hours of testimony the Long Beach City Council voted 6-3 (Bonnie Lowenthal, Suja Lowenthal, DeLong, Richardson, Uranga and Lerch voting in favor) of the development plans for a new Chamber-supported Home Depot. Although the commercial development willbe located on Studebaker and Loynes, it will benefit the entire city of Long Beach with increased tax revenue;moreover, it will create quality jobs for the citizens of Long Beach.

We are pleased to see that the City Council was resolute in their decision-making, rather than cave to thecalls of those that claimed nebulous environmental issues should hold up the Home Depot development fromcontinuing. While we appreciate the multiple suggestions for the usage of the land; we concur with the Councilthat none of these were sufficient enough to stop the three and a half-year planned project from continuing on.Home Depot representatives have altered the plans over the years to adhere to the demands made by the public regarding environmental concerns. Additionally, they donated millions of dollars to the conservation ofthe wetlands.

We concur with Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal;all parts of the city should be treated equally while preventing any more sales tax dollars from goingto Signal Hill or elsewhere. Statistics have shownthat every year millions of Long Beach dollars

have gone to area Home Depot stores. By building a Home Depot in Long Beach not only will the money stayin our city but the new building will provide 250 jobs that average $30,000 a year and full benefits for everyemployee.

Finally, we look forward to working with Councilman DeLong and the residents of the eastside in creatinga master plan for the third district. We applaud the leadership of Mayor Foster and his colleagues on the CityCouncil that are serious about job creation. With the tax dollars that this Home Depot will generate and thenew job opportunities it offers, this is a great victory for the economy and general well being of the Long Beach area.

“The Public Policy Platform… now includesamong other things, a green-port policy.”

“…this is a great victory for the economy andgeneral well being of the Long Beach area.”

www.longbeachadvocacy

.bizDaily. Interactive. Relevant

Providing daily, interactive public policy tools relevant to business

for our membership and the Long Beach region.

A valuable resource and membership benefit—log in today!

Highlighting the Membership

LONG BEACH BUSINESS5

St. Mary Medical Center is seeking to address the rising epidemic of obesity by opening the Center forSurgical Treatment of Obesity. More than 60 percent ofthe American population is overweight and 30 percent isobese, says Dr. Mal Fobi, clinical director of the new obe-sity center. The most commonly requested procedure atthe center is the Fobi Pouch Gastric Bypass, a surgerypioneered by Fobi, which entails cutting the stomach intwo and creating a 15- to 20-cubic centimeter pouch tobe hooked up to the small bowel, thus limiting foodintake and appetite. In addition to the Gastric Bypass,other types of surgical options are available to patients.The Center is located at 432 E. 10th Street. For moreinformation, call (562) 491-7935.

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Farmers & Merchants Bankhas named James McWalters firstvice president business develop-ment. McWalters will be responsi-ble for establishing and managinga business development team.

Prior to joining Farmers & Merchants, he served as exec-utive vice president and chief credit officer at GMI CapitalCorporation/Pangaea Trading Corporation. McWaltersearned an MBA and a bachelor’s in finance and appliedeconomics from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Hop on the OpaTrolley! With two loca-tions in Long Beach,George’s Greek Café

has found a way to bring “a little piece of Greece to thestreets” by facilitating easy travel to its Pine Avenue location. The trolley makes stops at the Long BeachConvention & Entertainment Center, Long BeachCourthouse, Landmark Square and the World TradeCenter every 15 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m., Monday through Friday. “The trolley will allow morepeople to enjoy our downtown café and experienceGreek charm while in transit,” said co-owner JimmyLoizides. For more information about the courtesy shut-tle service, call (562) 437-1184.

Visit the Philippines for four weekson Rotary! If you are a business orprofessional person between theages of 25 and 40 who is not related

to a Rotarian, you could be selectedfor an experience of a lifetime—an all

expenses paid, four-week trip to the Philippines. RotaryDistrict 5320 Governor Lane Calvert has established theGroup Study Exchange (GSE) with District 3830, thePhilippines. Leaving for the Philippines on February 25and returning on March 25, 2007, the GSE team will beled by a Rotarian leader and consists of four non-Rotarians between the age of 25-40 years old and activein a business or profession. The GSE team members willstay in homes of Rotarians while on tour, make visits tosimilar businesses and professions they are involved in aswell as touring sites and learning about life in thePhilippines. The four members will be selected by aninterview process on Saturday, November 18, 2006.Apply at www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/gse.For more info, call (562) 436-8181.

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Matthew Kinley, Esq. hasbeen named managing partner ofTredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle,LLP. He joined the firm in 1989.With over a decade of litigationexperience in state and federalcourts on behalf of individuals andentrepreneurial businesses, Mr.

Kinley has developed a successful track record in realestate, business and corporate disputes. He also has sub-stantial experience in arbitrations and alternative disputeresolution. In 2005, the California Chamber of Commercerecognized Mr. Kinley with its Small Business Advocate ofthe Year Award. The award was given in recognition ofMr. Kinley's continued advocacy for small businesseswithin the state. He has been very active with the LongBeach Area Chamber of Commerce serving on theLeadership Cabinet in several different capacities. Heserved as Vice President of Public Policy, Chair of theGovernment Affairs Committee, and currently as Chair-elect. His chairmanship will commence in July 2007.

Los Angeles County SupervisorDon Knabe has been elected thenew Chair of the I-710 ExecutiveCommittee which provides policyguidance and general direction tothe I-710 Corridor ImprovementProgram. The project will be a difficult undertaking that seeks to

make major refurbishments to the 710 Freeway and itssurrounding environment that connects the County’s twoseaports to the rest of the region. This 20-mile stretch offreeway is a vital part of the trade capacity of the entireregion. In other Don Knabe news, the Supervisor hasunveiled www.Knabe.com, a new website designed toprovide a vast array of information and new services tothe residents of the Fourth District.

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Ford West celebrates anothermilestone, grossing over 1.3 milliondollars in parts and service for onemonth. This family owned and

operated dealership prides itself in having the best ratingsin the industry. The Automobile Club of So. Cal. givesFord West a “99%” Customer Excellence Rating out ofthe 600 Authorized AAA repair facilities in the region,and the Better Business Bureau awarded Ford West witha “Double AA” rating for Truth in Advertising, CustomerService, and Satisfaction. Ford Motor Company rewardedthe Dealership with their highest honor, The PresidentsAward, again for Service and Satisfaction. On any givenday you’ll see owner Steve Wood greeting people in theservice drive and the customer lounge. Steve explains alarge part of our success has been attributed to team-work and having the best technicians in the region.

ThankYou toCommunity Hospital of Long Beach

for hosting The Chamber’s October Board of Directors meeting!

LONG BEACH BUSINESS6

Promoting the Economy

Chamber Joins City & State Officialsin Lauding New Enterprise Zone Law

T he Long Beach Area Chamber ofCommerce recently joined with Secretaryof Business, Transportation & HousingSunne Wright-McPeak, Senator AlanLowenthal, Asm. Betty Karnette, JuanArambula, and Long Beach Mayor BobFoster at a press conference in praisingGovernor Schwarzenegger for signing AB1550 (Karnette/Arambula) into law. Thepanel also convened a roundtable onenterprise zones to discuss the successesof the administration of the Long Beachenterprise zone program. The programwas held at “Red Barn,” a recipient ofEnterprise Zone tax credits.

“I am pleased to hear about GovernorArnold Schwarzenegger’s legislativeactions to continue to create new jobs.Last week’s announcement that GovernorSchwarzenegger has signed AB 1550(Karnette/Arambula) into law is welcome news for theLong Beach business community,” stated Blake Christian,The Chamber’s Vice Chair for Economic Development.

“Once again, the Governor has stepped up to the plateto protect jobs in the Long Beach region. Still, this effortwould not have materialized without the legislative advocacy of Long Beach’s own Assemblywoman BettyKarnette. We applaud Assemblywoman Karnette as wellas Assemblyman Arambula for drafting this legislation,”Christian continued.

AB 1550 will aid in the improvement of the LongBeach area’s job generating tax incentive programs,known as Enterprise Zones (EZ Zones), which are so vitalto the state’s most distressed areas. Initially, TheChamber was the only non-statewide entity to join a

statewide coalition of business interests, including theCalifornia Chamber of Commerce and the CaliforniaRestaurant Association. Through this coalition, TheChamber was an active participant in the AssemblyHearings held throughout this legislative session. The Chamber applauds Governor Schwarzenegger’sleadership, and validation of these efforts.

“Although we believe that additional changes areneeded to provide zone businesses with certain tax benefits as originally intended, we find AB 1550 to be asignificant first step toward meaningful improvement andare committed to preserving the integrity of and improv-ing these important economic development programs.Overall, Enterprise Zones throughout California areadministered with the utmost professionalism and integrity. They have proven to be successful inretaining and creating jobs for the disadvantaged,spurring business investment, and revitalizing depressed communities,” Christian added.

For information on The Chamber’s Enterprise Zoneefforts, visit: www.longbeachadvocacy.biz/economicdevelopment.htm

“Enterprise Zones… have proven to be suc-cessful in retaining and creating jobs for the

disadvantaged, spurring business investment,and revitalizing depressed communities.”

Long Beach isPro Business

Blake Christian, CPA, The Chamber’s Vice-Chairof Economic Development

B usinesses currently operating within the City ofLong Beach, or considering re-locating to our dynamiccity, have a number of reasons to be very pleased withthe current business environment.

Long Beach is the fifth largest city in California, andwith over 482,000 residents, a strong and ethnicallydiverse employee base, convenient airport, expandingresidential and business districts, the future is lookingbright for local businesses, employees and residents.

In addition to being strategically situated along thebeautiful coastline between Orange County, SantaMonica and Downtown L.A., Long Beach offers localbusinesses the following benefits:• An overall business-friendly environment that earned

the city a ranking as one of the “Most Business-Friendly Cities” in Los Angeles County. An awardbestowed by the Los Angeles Economic DevelopmentCorporation (LAEDC) to the top five cities—out of the88 total cities in Los Angeles County;

• 26 Square miles of Enterprise Zone which allows busi-nesses and/or owners to dramatically reduce theirCalifornia tax burden with Employee Hiring Credits($10,000 per qualified employee) and Sales/Use TaxCredits (8.25% of qualified manufacturing, process-ing, pollution control or data collection equipment);

• A competitively low business (“City License”) tax thatis based on employee headcount, rather than grossrevenue;

• Proximity to the largest port complex in the world;• Competitive rents compared to other coastal areas;• Excellent city infrastructure, including award winning

restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping areas;• Nationally recognized healthcare, schools, technolo-

gy, defense and manufacturing operations• Long Beach has come a long way in the past 15

years, and with the aforementioned benefits, busi-nesses, employees and residents can look forward toan even more prosperous future.The Chamber Board and staff look forward to assist-

ing all area businesses in reaching their goals.

For all your personal and business banking needs.

State and City officials gather with business leaders and Chamber boardmembers during a press conference at Long Beach-based Red Barn to praiseGovernor Schwarzenegger for signing the Enterprise Zone Measure AB1550 into law.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS7

Supporting Katrina Relief Efforts

L ong Beach, Mississippi, a city of17,000 residents and 10 squaremiles located about 75 miles east ofNew Orleans was hit on August 29th,2005 by a savage hurricane. Over1,075 properties were 100% destroyed

and 850 other homes and businesses suffered major damage.Many small businesses were completely wiped out.

In October 2005, thanks to the efforts of then MayorBeverly O’Neill and councilmember Frank Colonna, thecity council officially adopted a resolution to start LongBeach Cares, an organization of Long Beach, CA helpingour sister city Long Beach, MS recover from HurricaneKatrina. More than 1⁄2 million was raised in the first waveof giving in 2005 given through a variety of agencies.Long Beach city staff raised almost $200,000 for reliefdonated through the American Red Cross Long BeachChapter. The City of Long Beach provided a web portalwww.longbeachcares.org for Long Beach, MS thanks tothe great efforts of Lorenzo Gigliotti. He chronicled therecovery efforts for over a year and continues to host thesite! The Long Beach Cares campaign raised money fromseveral events in 2006 to assist in recovery efforts focusedspecifically on assistance for the City of Long Beach, MS.

A group of concerned business leaders formed acommittee to assist the recovery efforts thanks to FrankColonna and George Economides, publisher of the LongBeach Business Journal. Three members of the committee:Dave Neary of Westland Construction; Gregg Williams ofBlair Commercial Real Estate; and Lindsay Shields, director ofLong Beach Cares visited Long Beach, MS last March tosee first hand how our city could help.

In August, our new Mayor Bob Foster visited LongBeach, MS and presented their Mayor Billy Skellie with a $42,000 check. I visited the city on October 4th and

presented Mayor Skellie with a $5,000check on behalf of Long Beach Cares.In addition, I presented a $1,000 checkto my counterpart Millie Olcut at theirchamber of commerce. The money willgo towards business incentive grantsand signage for businesses that wereforced to relocate away from their for-mer downtown location on the Gulf.

Mayor Skellie, a remarkably strongleader whose grace and calming man-ner was most impressive, gave me apersonal tour of the devastation. Heshowed me several blocks near theGulf with nothing but concrete foun-dations remaining. He pointed out only two homes nearthe Gulf that survived Katrina because they were builtfrom a concrete structure. One such home also survivedthe 1969 Camille hurricane . Almost all of the residentsevacuated except for some stubborn ones. The Mayorand I pulled up to one of these homes and he told me astory of four elderly residents who survived by climbingup to the attic and had water up to their waist from a 25foot wave from the Gulf. Ironically, the Mayor was at thishome pleading with the owner to leave just hours beforethe huge wave—the same house where the owner’sgrandmother had perished in hurricane Camille in 1969!All four survived but unfortunately six other residentsdied who refused to leave.

I was just awestruck at the sight of retail shoppingcenters and fast food restaurants just completely wipedout…with only a very tall McDonald’s sign remaining.Quite frankly, the only thing remaining within four blocksof the Gulf were concrete foundations and huge oaktrees. The Mayor explained that the trees survivedbecause there was more water than wind during the hurricane. Some of those oak trees date back 600 years!

The recovery has begun and most of the debris hasbeen removed and a few homes are being rebuilt. But Iwas told that contractors are very hard to find and they all

have more work than they can handle. Another challengethe homeowners face is obtaining flood insurance whichis almost impossible to get, and the insurance rates arefour times the amount prior to Katrina.

The hospitality bestowed on me was quite over-whelming and the appreciation that flowed from the eyesof the Mayor and my counterpart was incredibly heartwarming. These hard-working people love their city andthey will no doubt rebuild it. Even though about 2,000residents have not yet returned home, no one I met gaveme any indication that they were leaving town. It mighttake decades to get back to what it was pre-Katrina, butthe optimism that these community leaders displayedwas truly inspiring.

On my way out of the Mayor’s office I noticed thewords of the motto on their city flag “The friendly city.”For those of you who aren’t familiar with the motto on ourcity flag, it reads in Latin “Vrbs Amicitiae” which meanscity friendship. How fitting I thought.

To date almost $1,000,000 in cash, in-kind services,materials, and equipment have been donated to therecovery efforts. Our friends in Long Beach, MS still needhelp and if you would like to donate or assist in some way please call me at (562) 436-6723 or email me atrwgordon@lbchamber.com.

What I Learned on My Visit to Long Beach, MississippiRecovery of Gulf region affected by Katrina will take decades, but community leaders optimisticBy Randy Gordon, President/CEO, The Chamber

It might take decades to get back to what itwas pre-Katrina, but the optimism that thesecommunity leaders displayed was truly inspiring.

An aerial photo shows debris from Hurricane Katrina burning in the backgroundof an area damaged by the hurricane in Long Beach, Mississippi. Photo credit: APphotographer David J. Phillips.

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 416LONG BEACH, CA

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206

Upcoming EventsNovember 2006

See Enclosed Flyers

Vote on Election Day!TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006

Polls open at 7:00 A.M and close at 8:00 P.M.

Principal for a DayTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2006Judy Donley jdonley@lbchamber.com

Good Morning Long Beach Holiday Celebration

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 20067:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.

The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St.Kelly Stortz (562) 590-9234 • kstortz@lbchamber.com

Annual Holiday Mixer & Tree Lighting CeremonyWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2006

5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.Aboard the Queen Mary, Britannia Salon

Bobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118bspohn@lbchamber.com

Joint Holiday Party With Airport Area Business Council,

Int’l Business Association, and Tech PointFRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2006 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Judy Nelson (562) 432-8128 • jnelson@lbchamber.com

2007 State of the City LuncheonFeaturing Mayor Bob FosterTUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 200711:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom

Elisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 • emargoni@lbchamber.com