In this Issue 2 New Legislation May Impact Your Business 4 Q & A with Boardmember Josh Owen 5 CalChamber’s Statewide Vote Record

ADVOCATEYOUR

An award-winning quarterly publication of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Winter 2015

Chamber’s Vote Record Holds Officials Accountable The Chamber Keeps Members Informed on How Elected State Officials Voted For or Against Business in Long Beach

Key: NOT VOTING = Elected official did not vote. ABSENT = Elected official did not vote. SIGNED = Legislative proposal became law.

Please join us for the International Business Association’s “State of Trade & Transportation” luncheon, and welcome Congresswoman Janice Hahn as she delivers the address for the region.

Congresswoman Hahn founded and co-chairs the PORTS Caucus, a bi-partisan group of repre-sentatives working to highlight the economic importance of America’s ports and how we can

better ensure their security. Congresswoman Hahn sits on the House Transportation and

Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Small Business Com-mittee. She serves as Ranking Member on the Small Business Sub-committee on Health and Technology, and was on the 2013 Select Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation. She is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Development, and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

A special thank you to our Title Sponsor Moffatt & Nichol! For advertising opportunities please contact Judy Nelson at (562)

432-8128, jnelson@lbchamber.com or visit www.lbchamber.com

The Chamber and Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at CSULB invite you to their 5th annual Living Ethics Every Day Seminar on February 27, 2015, Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 7:15-9:45 a.m.

The Ukleja Center will posthumously honor Louis Zamperini with its Nell and John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award. The seminar will feature a presentation by Louie’s son, Luke, along with business leaders sharing practical ways to face ethics challenges.

Louie Zamperini’s life story has become known worldwide through the movie Unbroken. His family moved from New York to Torrance, California in 1919. They spoke no English which made Louis a target for bullies, but his brother Pete helped him focus his trouble-making impulses on track, and his world interscholastic record 4:21.2 minute mile won him a scholarship to USC. In 1941 Louie enlisted in the US Airforce, and on a mission to search for a lost aircraft and crew, his B-24 crashed into the Pacific, killing eight of the eleven men aboard. The sur-vivors spent 47 days on a raft before being captured, imprisoned, and tortured. He came home a hero, but was plagued by horrific memories. Louie turned his life around through the transformational power of forgiveness—his leadership message for all of us.

Advertising and event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact Samantha Cardenas at (562) 432-7830 or scardenas@lbchamber.com or Jane Roeder at jane.roeder@csulb.edu.

VETOED = Legislative proposal did not become law.N/A = Elected official did not have an opportunity to vote on the proposal

or in the case of the Governor the proposal did not reach his desk.

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce focused its efforts in 2014 on 26 potential state laws that may impact the regional business community in one form or another. The Chamber’s Government Affairs Council (GAC) met monthly to discuss and work together to support or oppose these laws and communicated each position to local legislators.

“Our vote records underscore the need for us to remain vigilant in communicating our positions to our legislators,” stated Ken Houp, Principal Partner with UHS Insurance Agency and The Chamber’s Vice- Chairman of Public Policy and Chairman of the Government Affairs Council. “Our legislators need to know how their decisions in Sacramento impact economic conditions in Long Beach and the bottom lines of our businesses,” continued Houp.

“This was another important legislative year for Long Beach as the Chamber took positions on critical pieces of legislation such as job creation, and restrictive, burdensome regulations on our business

Louis Zamperini To Be Honored at 2015 Living Ethics Every Day Seminar

community,” stated Randy Gordon, President/CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.“We held our state legislative representatives accountable once again this year by encouraging them to support pro-business legislation,” Gordon continued.

The Chamber lobbied during the 2014 legislative year for legislators to OPPOSE 11 potential laws that would negatively impact business and to SUPPORT 15 legislative proposals that would have helped the business community in a variety of ways.

The Chamber will continue to raise awareness on particularly harmful new laws by issuing call to action eALERTs and informing members via its website, social media outlets, quarterly newsletters and frequent updates at the Chamber’s monthly GAC meetings.

The Long Beach Area Chamber is one of a handful of chambers statewide that releases annually its own vote record on how local legislators voted with the Chamber.

AB 337 (Allen T. – R) Economic Developments: International Trade: Investments Support Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 690 (Campos – D) State Government: International Relations Support Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 1522 (Gonzalez – D) Employment: Paid Sick Days Oppose Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 1634 (Skinner – D) Occupational Safety and Health: Violations Oppose Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 1645 (Alejo – D) Business Entities: Minimum Franchise Tax: Annual Tax Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 1764 (Olsen – R) School Curriculum: Mathematics: Computer Science Support Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 1897 (Hernandez R. – D) Labor Contracting: Client Liability Oppose Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 2030 (Campos – D) Employee Time Off Oppose N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2079 (Grove – R) Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2095 Wagner – R) Employee Compensation and Itemized Statements Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2189 (Garcia – D) Water Replenishment Districts: Replenishment Assessment Oppose N/A N/A N/A Not Voting N/A

AB 2330 (Mullin – D) Income Taxes: Credits: Research Activities Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2416 (Stone – D) Liens: Laborers and Employees Oppose Support Support Support Support N/A

AB 2448 (Jones – R) Employment: Flexible Work Schedules Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2604 (Brown – D) Workers Compensation Proceedings and Payment Delay Oppose N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2618 (Perez J. – D) Property and Business Improvement Areas: Assessment Support Support Support Support Support Signed

AB 2688 (Brown – D) Employment: Violations: Good Faith Defense Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

AB 2723 (Medina – D) Administrative Procedure: Small Businesses Support Support Support Support Support Vetoed

SB 397 (Hueso – D) Vehicles: Enhanced Driver’s License Support Support N/A Support N/A N/A

SB 511 (Lieu – D) Trade Promotion of State Ports: Export Finance Office Support Not Voting N/A N/A N/A N/A

SB 935 (Leno – D) Minimum Wage: Annual Adjustment Oppose Support N/A N/A N/A N/A

SB 998 (Knight – R) Taxes: Exemption and Credits: New Aerospace Projects Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

SB 1000 Monning – D) Public Health: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Warnings Oppose Support N/A Support N/A N/A

SB 1021 (Wolk – D) School Districts: Parcel Taxes Oppose Support N/A N/A N/A N/A

SB 1132 (Mitchell – D) Oil and Gas Well Stimulation Treatments Oppose Not Voting N/A N/A N/A N/A

SB 1451 (Hill – D) Environmental Quality: Judicial Review: Standing Support N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

2014 Voting Record—In Depth by Office

The State Assembly Assemby Assemby Governor Chamber Senator Member Member Member Jerry Ricardo Isadore Bonnie Anthony Brown ISSUE Lara Hall Lowenthal Rendon

The State of Trade and Transportation Luncheon

Listed in order from highest to lowest FOR pro-jobs AGAINST jobs Percentage FOR percentage FOR pro-business legislation legislation legislation pro-jobs legislationAssembly Member Isadore Hall, III 5 4 56%Assembly Member Anthony Rendon 5 4 56%Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal 6 5 55%Governor Jerry Brown 4 4 50%State Senator Ricardo Lara 6 7 46%State Senator Roderick D. Wright* 0 0 0%

Voting Record Score Card

Friday, January 23, 2015 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach

To reach the “Percentage FOR pro-business legislation,” The Chamber tallied the number of times the legislator’s final vote aligned with the chamber’s position (FOR pro-business legislation) on each proposal and divided that total by the total number of proposals tracked by The Chamber in which each legislator actually voted. A legislative proposal is not figured into the vote record percentage if a legislator, for whatever reason, did not vote, was absent, or if the proposal failed before the legislator had an opportunity to vote. The Governor’s final decision on whether or not the legislative proposal becomes law is also included.*Former State Senator Roderick D. Wright was suspended March 28, 2014.

Photo courtesy of the Port of Long Beach

Board of DirectorsLeadership Cabinet

Chairman of the BoardDiana HendelChief Executive OfficerLong Beach Memorial Medical Center/ Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach/ Community Hospital Long Beach

Chairman-ElectKristi AllenVice President, Hotel Operations, Ensemble Hotel Partners

Immediate Past ChairmanLaDonna DiCamilloRegional Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs, BNSF Railway Company

Chief Financial Officer Jon DeusenberryDirector of Finance, West Region, UPS

Vice-Chairman of Community DevelopmentJeff EvansPlant Manager, AES Alamitos, LLC

Vice-Chairman of Economic DevelopmentKent PetersonVice President & Chief EngineerP2S Engineering, Inc.

Vice-Chairman of Membership ServicesDeborah Golian CastroPresident/CEO, Creative Productions

Vice-Chairman of Public PolicyKen HoupPrincipal, UHS Insurance Agency

At Large MemberJavier AnguloPublic Affairs & Government RelationsWalmart Stores, Inc.

At Large MemberPhil JonesPresident, Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance Realty

At Large MemberJoshua OwenPresidentAbility/Tri-Modal Transportation Services, Inc.

At Large MemberRon PiazzaOwner, Piazza Family Restaurants

At Large MemberJim ZehmerGeneral Manager, TABC, Inc./Toyota

Legal CounselRobert StemlerPartner, Keesal, Young & Logan

President & CEORandy Gordon

Ena AlcarazState Farm Insurance

Lou AnthonyJetBlue Airways

John BakkerCity National Bank

Jane Close ConoleyCalifornia State University, Long Beach

William BettisonEnterprise Rent-A-Car

James R. CallahanNautilus International Holding Corporation

Ruth CanloboDENSO Products & Services Americas, Inc.

Kenneth DamiTesoro Refining and Marketing Corporation

Ivonna EdkinsDeVry University Long Beach

Stephen FaichneyValero Energy

Thomas FieldsQuarto Partners

John FreebornRK Properties

Drew GagnerSt. Mary Medical Center Foundation

Ronald GarciaSouthern California Edison

Craig ImaWindes

Gail KodamaCharter Communications

Jim McCluskieMoffatt & Nichol

Bill McFarlandOXY Long Beach, Inc.

Michael MillerInternational City Bank

Mitra NovinThe Boeing Company

Eloy OakleyLong Beach City College

Anthony OttoLong Beach Container Terminal Inc.

Andy PerezUnion Pacific Railroad

Debra RussellSignal Hill Petroleum Inc.

Pam RyanRenaissance Long Beach Hotel

Dave SakamotoFarmers & Merchants Bank

Clay SandidgeMuni-Fed Energy, Inc.

Doug SheaINCO Commercial

Wayne SlavittMobul, LLC

Michael SoltCalifornia State University, Long Beach

Phil SteuberAlta Service/Foodcraft Coffee Service

Travis TaylorAECOM

Sheneui Weber Long Beach City College

Lesley WilleKaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center

Nick WorthingtonWorthington Ford

ADVOCATEYOUR

by Diana HendelCEO, Long Beach Memorial

Medical Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, Community Hospital Long Beach

Chairman’s Message

Chamber Informs Businesses of New Laws in 2015

We believe it is important for our members and the Long Beach

regional business community to be informed and up-to-date on

important new laws.

As we begin the New Year, a number of legislative and regulatory changes will take effect in 2015 that may impact operations and planning for our local businesses. Some of the new laws, such as mandatory paid sick leave, also make significant changes to California’s legal landscape. We believe it is important for our members and the Long Beach regional business community to be informed and up-to-date on important new laws.

Mandatory Paid Sick LeaveThe biggest news in the leaves of absence

arena is mandatory paid sick leave. AB 1522, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to any employee who worked in California for 30 days at an accrual rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers are allowed to limit an employee’s use of paid sick leave to 24 hours or three days in each year of employment and may put a maximum cap on total accrual of 48 hours or six days. The effec-tive date for employers to begin providing the paid sick leave benefit is July 1, 2015. The law contains many different nuances, such as de-tailed record keeping and notice requirements, including a new poster requirement. The law also contains penalties for noncompliance.

Time Off for Emergency Duty: Expanded Category

AB 2536 adds new personnel to the list of employees eligible for protected time off for emergency duty. AB 2536 also requires an employee who is a health care provider, as defined, to notify his/her employer when he/she is designated as emergency rescue person-nel and also to notify the employer at the time that the employee learns that he/she will be deployed for emergency duty.

Protections for Unpaid Interns and Volunteers

AB 1443 adds unpaid interns and volun-teers to the list of individuals protected from harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals in an unpaid internship or another limited duration program to provide unpaid work experience for that person, and extends religious belief protections and religious accommodation requirements to anyone in an apprenticeship training program, an unpaid internship or any other program to provide unpaid experience for a person in the workplace or industry.

Nondiscrimination: Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Persons

AB 1660 makes it a violation of FEHA for an employer to discriminate against an individ-ual because he/she holds or presents a driver’s license issued to undocumented persons who can submit satisfactory proof of identity and California residency. Such discriminatory actions will constitute national origin discrimination under FEHA. These driver’s licenses are often referred to as “AB 60 driver’s licenses,” after the name of the bill passed last year. AB 60 driver’s licenses are scheduled to start being issued on January 1, 2015. AB 1660 clarifies that actions taken by an employer that are required to comply with federal I-9 verification require-ments under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) do not violate California law.

Immigration-Related ProtectionsAB 2751 expands the definition of an unfair

immigration-related practice to include threat-ening to file or filing a false report or complaint with any state or federal agency. Current law extended the protection only to reports filed with the police. AB 2751 also clarifies that an

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One World Trade Center, Suite 206 Long Beach, CA 90831-0206 n PH (562) 436-1251 n FAX 436-7099n www.lbchamber.com n www.longbeachadvocacy.biz

The Chamber is the winner of:The California Chamber of Com-merce’s Advocacy Partner of the Year Award 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Political Partner of the Year 2008 and President’s Circle Award 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014Cover Photos: The Lighthouse at Shoreline Village; Naples Boat Parade; Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse

Chamber Staff:Randy Gordon . . . . . . (562) 436-6723 President/CEOJeremy Harris . . . . . . (562) 983-1241 Senior Vice PresidentAjmaa Heggie . . . . . (562) 437-8823 ControllerJudy Nelson . . . . . . . . (562) 432-8128 Vice President, Business CouncilsSamantha Cardenas (562) 432-7830 Vice President, Special EventsCatherine Armstrong (562) 590-9234 Vice President, Membership

DevelopmentKatrina Neumann . . . (562) 436-1251 Membership Coordinator

Dorothy Wineman . . (562) 377-0307

Newsletter Editor

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seaside PrintingAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PathPointMembers wishing to submit articles, press releases, or member news items for upcoming issues of Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s Your Advocate, please fax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Dorothy Wineman, or e-mail

dorothywineman@me.com.

Circulation: Your Advocate is mailed

directly to more than 1,600 members

and businesses.

Our Mission The Chamber is the platform for business to provide leadership, education and advocacy so that the Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century. Our Vision The Chamber will be the acknowl-edged leader in creating community consensus to support local,regional, and international business.Our Core Competenciesn Economic Development:

Creating a Strong Local Economyn Public Policy: Representing the Interest of

Business with Governmentn Community Development: Promoting

the Communityn Membership Services: Providing

Networking Opportunities

employer can’t discriminate against or retaliate against an employee who updates his/ her per-sonal information “based on a lawful change of name, social security number, or federal employment authorization document.”

Prohibition of Discrimination Against Public Assistance Recipients: Public Reports

AB 1792 prohibits discrimination and retaliation against employees receiving public assistance; which is defined as meaning the Medi-Cal program. AB 1792 also requires state agencies to prepare an annual list of the top 500 employers with the most number of em-ployees enrolled in a public assistance program. The reports will be made public and will be prepared starting in January 2016. “Employer” is defined by the law as an individual or organi-zation with more than 100 employees that are beneficiaries of the Medi-Cal program.

Harassment Prevention Training: Prevention of Abusive Conduct

AB 2053 requires employers that are subject to the mandatory sexual harassment prevention training requirement for supervisors to include a component on the prevention of “abusive conduct,” beginning Jan. 1, 2015. “Abusive conduct” is specifically defined by the new law.

This new law does not mean that an employee can sue for abusive conduct in the workplace unless, of course, the conduct becomes discrimination or harassment against a protected class. The law merely requires training on prevention of abusive conduct.

Increased Liability for Employers that Contract for Labor

AB 1897 imposes liability on employers who contract for labor. The purpose of the law is to hold companies accountable for wage-and-hour violations when they use staffing agencies or other labor contractors to supply workers. In brief, if a labor contractor fails to pay its workers properly or fails to provide workers’ compensation coverage for those employees, the “client employer” can now be held legally responsible and liable. The law contains specific definitions and exclusions.

ADVOCATEYOUR

Hong KongMay 18-26, 2015

$2,795

India September 4-13, 2015

$2,999

Switzerland September 10-19, 2015

$3,749

Iceland September 20-18, 2015

$4,469

Join The Chamber Travel Tours to:

Tours are open to members, non-members and friends. Contact Catherine Armstrong, Vice President, Membership Development, (562) 590-9234 or carmstrong@lbchamber.comTo see all Chamber Tours visit lbchamber.com/tours

• Only a small deposit to secure your spot. Sign up today at www.lbchamber.com.

• All tours include round-trip air, hotels, meals, tours, taxes/surcharges

Continued on page 5

2014-2015Chairman’s Circle

President’s Message

Chamber Welcomes New Long Beach Police Chief and Congratulates New Los Angeles County Sheriff

There is a new Sheriff in Los Angeles County and a new Police Chief in Long Beach! The Chamber wishes to congratulate Sheriff Jim McDonnell and Chief Robert Luna for two of the most important top cop jobs in Southern California!

As many expected, former Long Beach Chief of Police Jim McDonnell became the new Sheriff of Los Angeles County last November with almost 75% of the voters showing confidence in him.

He becomes the first elected sheriff from out - side the department in 100 years. McDonnell was a very popular chief who had many accom-plishments during his tenure and was always a heavy favorite to win the election. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, the City Council, and City Manager Pat West moved very quickly to announce Deputy Chief Robert Luna as the new chief after McDonnell was elected.

Luna, who was sworn in last November, is 48 years of age and becomes the 26th Chief of Police in Long Beach’s history. He becomes the first Latino to hold the top job in the 106 year history of appointing police chiefs. Luna is a 29 year veteran who started with the depart-ment in 1985 as a reserve officer and was hired on full time in 1987. He most recently was in charge of the patrol division as well as acting as McDonnell’s second in command.

Creating a Strong Local Economy

by Randy GordonPresident and CEO

3

was poor because his my mom did an awe-some job. As a youth, he watched television and police shows which drew him towards a life of service in the police department.

During his time with the Long Beach Police Department, Luna had very diverse work assignments that included: patrol, metro division, drug investigations, detective division, field support division, homicide detail and SWAT. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1997 and was assigned to the field support division, where he oversaw SWAT, K-9, air support, street enforcement detail and marine patrol units. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, he was promoted again in 2001 to commander and was charged with leading the gangs and violent crime divi-sion, north patrol division and was the chief of staff for the office of police chief. Luna was then promoted once again in 2004 and led five divisions within the patrol bureau and field support.

Diamondn BNSF Railway Company n City National Bank n Long Beach City College/Small Business Development Center n Long Beach Memorial Medical center/Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital/Community Hospital Long Beach n Moffatt & Nichol n St. Mary Medical Center n Tesoro Refining & Marketing Corporation

Platinumn Hotel Maya n Hyatt Regency Long Beach n Hyatt The Pike n JetBlue Airways n Keesal, Young & Logan n P2S Engineering, Inc. n TABC,Inc./Toyota n Valero n Walmart Stores, Inc./Sam’s Club

Goldn AES Alamitos, LLC. n California Resources Corporation n Creative Productions n Epson America, Inc. n Hilton Long Beach/EMC n Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center n Mitsubishi Cement Corporation n SAVOR n Union Pacific Railroad n Verizon

Silvern Ability/Tri-Modal Transportation Services, Inc. n California State University, Long Beach n Charter Communications n DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc. n DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management n DirecTV – California Broadcast Center n Farmers & Merchants Bank n hibu n Kaiser Permanente n Long Beach Business Journal n Long Beach Container Terminal n Marriott/Renaissance Properties n Press Telegram n SCAN Health Plan n Signal Hill Petroleum n Southern California Edison n UHS Insurance Agency n United Parcel Service n The Westin Long Beach n Windes

Bronzen Aquarium of the Pacific n The Boeing Company n Catalina Express n Coldwell Banker Commercial Coastal Alliance Realty n Downtown Long Beach Associates n Edgemoor Infra structure & Real Estate n Enterprise Rent-A-Car n Guzman & Gray, Certified Public Accountants n Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP n HR NETwork, Inc. n IMC Municipal Consulting/INCO Company n International City Bank n Kingdom Partner Solutions, LLC n Long Beach Register n Oxbow Carbon & Minerals LLC n Rio Tinto Minerals n Seaside Printing Company, Inc.

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) 436-6723 or email rwgordon@lbchamber.com for details.

Support Local Businesses and Save with the Chamber’sRestaurant Loyalty Program

The Restaurant Loyalty Program is a benefit available to all Chamber members, and gives you an opportunity to support local restaurants and fellow Chamber members, and save on your dining expenses. Simply present your Card to receive a 10% discount on the food bill. Some restaurants offer up to 25% off!

For more information about the restaurants participating in the program, visit our website at lbchamber.com and look under the Business Resources tab.

555 East 10%

Alondra Hot Wings 10%

Ascari (Hilton LB) 10%

Asian Chef 10%

Baja Sonora 10%

Buono’s Pizzeria 10%

Chartroom CSULB 10%

Chick-fil-A – Long Beach Towne Center 20%

Corrigan’s Tex-Mex Kitchen & Sports Bar (LB Marriott) 10%

District Wine 10%

Eggs, Etc. 10%

Forbidden City 10%

The Chamber wishes to congratulate

Sheriff Jim McDonnell and Chief Robert Luna for two of

the most important top cop jobs in Southern California!

Luna had this to say about his new job: “I want to thank the Mayor, the city manager

and the City Council for all their support, not just for me but for the entire police department. When you decide to take a job, you want to know who you’re going to work for, and I can say these people all think of the city of Long Beach first.” Luna continued, “It will be an honor and an absolute privilege to lead the

men and women of this police department. That’s one thing you’re going to see more of—the men and women of this police department. I can’t thank them enough…together we carry a great tradition of

professional law enforcement service that’s going to be visible, accessible, responsive and transparent, never losing focus that the com-munity is our greatest asset.”

Mayor Garcia said he was pleased Luna had been selected and that the internal search for a successor went very smoothly. “We couldn’t be more proud of Chief Luna…I want to thank him for his service.” Garcia went on to say, “The Long Beach Police Department has grown and adapted over the years to become a very strong department. We are at a 41 year low in crime rates, and have become one of the safest big cities in California. Chief Luna has a good heart…I look forward to working with him.”

A very humble man, Luna said he learned a great deal working with former chief McDonnell and looked forward to working with him in the future in their new roles. Luna grew up in unincorporated East Los Angles and said he identifies with communities and individuals in Long Beach who do not trust law enforce-ment. He recalled his upbringing, growing up below the poverty level, but he never knew he

The Chamber can’t think of a more experienced candidate than Robert Luna to lead our police department, and congratulates the Mayor, City Council and city manager for their selection. We also want to congratulate our new LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell and wish him the very best of luck as he leads one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States.

Dignity Health St. Mary Medical CenterCelebrates More Than 92 Years of Healing Ministry

1050 Linden Avenue Long Beach, CA 908131-888-4STMARY1-888-478-6279www.stmarymedicalcenter.org

• 1970 – The ­ rst hemodialysis unit in Long Beach opens at St. Mary Hospital. • 1974 – The ­ rst CAT (computer-aided tomography) scan unit in Long Beach is launched.• 2012 – Dedicated to serving the community, St. Mary Medical Center provided $47 million in uncompensated and charity programs to the Long Beach region in 2011-2012.• 2014 – Now in its 33rd year, the St. Mary Foundation’s Annual Auction and Dinner is one of the premier events in Long Beach, raising $12 million for the hospital over the years.

Sisters’ new hospital on 10th Street in 1937. Evalyn and Modestus Bauer. Bauer Professional Building 1974.

Vince Esposito, M.D., with Sister Mary Alphonsus Tallon.

Sister Alphonsus prepares the emergency room suite.Grand opening of St. Mary 1923. Temporary hospital after the 1933 earthquake.

The Mobile Care Clinic vehicle is part of the new St. Mary Breathe Easy Mobile Outreach Program launched thanks

to an $834,000 grant from the Port of Long Beach.

Hospital Highlights

• Grand opening of St. Mary 1923.• Long Beach Earthquake on March 10, 1933 destroys old hospital.• Grand opening of Sisters’ new hospital on July 1937.• 1955 – St. Mary Hospital performs the ­ rst cardio catheterization in city history.• 1958 – First arti­ cial kidney treatment in Long Beach is provided by St. Mary Hospital.• 1959 – St. Mary Hospital performs the city’s ­ rst open heart surgery using a heart pump. • 1968 – The ­ rst Coronary Care Unit in Long Beach opens at St. Mary Hospital.

St Mary’s commitment to excellence includes a Siemens 64 slice CT scanner.

To request a Restaurant Loyalty Card, please contact Katrina Neumann at kneumann@lbchamber.com or 562-436-1251.

Fuego (Hotel Maya) 10%

Garden Terrace Café (LB Marriott) 10%

George’s Greek Café 10%

Gladstones 10%

The Grill Restaurant and Bar (The Westin LB) 10%

Hokkaido Seafood Buffet 10%

Islands Restaurant 20%

Jersey Mike’s 15%

Johnny Rockets 15%

La Strada 20%

La Traviata 10%

The Local Spot 10%

Michael’s on Naples Ristorante 10%

Naples Rib Co. 10%

Nugget Grill & Pub CSULB Campus 10%

Original Park Pantry Restaurant 10%

Outback Steakhouse 10%

Panorama Grill (Holiday Inn Long Beach) 10%

Parkers’ Lighthouse 10%

Picarelli’s Cucina Italiana 10%

Renaissance Bar & Grill 10%

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 10%

Ruby’s Diner 10%

Sgt. Pepper’s Dueling Pianos 25%

Stefano’s Pizza & Pasta 10%

The Sky Room 10%

Tavern on 2 10%

Tides Restaurant (Hyatt Regency Long Beach) 15%

Tilted Kilt Long Beach 10%

ADVOCATEYOUR

The new year typically brings about thoughts of renewal and resolutions for many, as they set out to start a new work-out routine or eat healthier. Children struggling with mental illness, however, hope to achieve simple things like sleeping through the night or getting through a school day. Children like Gloria, a client of The Guidance Center, struggle year-round to perform ordinary activities such as playing with friends or going to the neighborhood park, because of her debilitating anxiety condition. Her inability to concen-trate at school and the isolation associated with her condition led Gloria’s family to The Guidance Center, where Emily, one of our trained child and art therapists, helped her develop techniques to navigate through her episodes of anxiety.

The Guidance Center has been providing help and hope since 1946. Our mission is to provide comprehensive mental

Your Advocate would like to give you an inside glimpse of some of the board members who serve with The Chamber. Chamber President & CEO Randy Gordon interviewed Board Member Josh Owen.

Where were you born and raised?Long Beach Community Hospital. Raised in Bixby Knolls

and Park Estates.

Where did you go to college and why did you choose that university?

San Francisco State University for undergrad. BA in Film Production. I originally wanted to make documentary films and Verite Cinema. San Francisco had a more independent vibe than other film schools. I also have my Masters in International Logistics from Georgia Tech. A former customer of mine was a Georgia Tech alumni and suggested the program.

You are President of Ability/Tri-Modal Transportation Services, Inc. How long have you worked at this career? What are some of your job duties?

I began working for Tri-Modal when I was seven years old. Summers lacquer-ing flatbed trailers with my dad. Sweeping freight

terminals. Dock worker. I was driving forklifts at 13 years old. Moved up the ranks. Spent seven years in film and video pro-duction. Then came back to Tri-Modal in 2000 as Vice President of Business Development. I’ve been President for about five years now. I like to consider myself like the character Bandit from the film “Smokey and the Bandit.” I’m out in front try-ing to remove the obstacles so that my operations can run as smooth as possible. Which is why I’m so involved with politics and government. California is highly over regulated and legis-lated to death! I don’t want government getting in the way of running my business. I’ll fight the politics and regulations so my operations can focus on servicing our customers.

What do you like best/least about your job?I like the people I work with. Being a third generation owner

of the company and working since I was a kid; my employees are more like family to me. I grew up with everyone I work with. So they’re more like aunts and uncles and cousins. What I like least is travel and politics. I like “being” where I’m going, but “getting there” can be taxing on the patience. And having to deal with politics can also be extremely frustrating. Especially in

Tell us about one of your favorite non- profit organizations and why you are involved.

I think the boards at Long Beach State are my favorite. This is the opportunity to work directly with our future leaders. Our mayor and third district city councilwoman are former CSULB ASI Presidents! I love being in the university setting because it is all fresh and open minded. Too often in our pro-fessional lives we find ourselves in ruts, and our thinking can become jaded. The university is an opportunity to constantly hit the reset button and find new ways to see the world.

What are you hobbies? What do you do for fun?Mostly golfing nowadays. Swimming. Pretty much anything

related to water; fishing, boating, surfing, body surfing, skiing and wakeboarding. Now that my kids are getting a little older, I have the excuse to do more of these hobbies with them!

Tell us about your family My wife Tessa and I have two kids; Brody is nine and

Piper is six going on fifteen. Both of our parents and siblings live within about a three mile radius, so we have lots of opportunities to spend time with our families.

Creating Change One Child at a Time

Q&A with Chamber Board Member Josh Owen

4

State of the County

I’m out in front trying to remove the obstacles so that my operations can run as smooth as possible. Which is why I’m

so involved with politics and government.

health treatment to our community’s most disadvantaged children and their families struggling with mental illness and abuse, leading them toward a positive and productive future. We envision a community where all children have the help they need to be healthy and happy. Our wide range of specialized services include Evidence-Based Practices and Youth Mental Health First Aid, and we have a presence in nearly 40 schools in both the Long Beach and Paramount Unified School Districts. We serve nearly 3,000 children and families each year in Long Beach and its surrounding communities.

All of us at The Guidance Center are proud to play a part in the growth of the children and families we serve. After a year of therapy, Gloria has made great strides in conquering her fears. She is sleeping through the night, has made friends at school and has several new hobbies. She is brave and confident. She is proud, and says “I am in charge now.”

We are pleased to be able to help children like Gloria and the many families who come to The Guidance Center. Through generous donations from advocates and friends in our com-munity, we are able to provide critical mental health services to those who might not otherwise be able to obtain them. Please help us continue to provide these vital services and increase awareness about this serious illness by going to our website at tgclb.org and clicking the “Donate” button on our home page.

California where “common sense” and “business friendliness” are rarely seen in government these days.

Other than The Chamber board, what non- profit boards do you serve on?

Fisher House at the Long Beach VA Hospital. Westerly School Advisory Board. Several boards at Long Beach State University, including ASI, Operations & Supply Chain Manage-ment through the CBA, and the Center for International Trade and Transportation.

Why did you join The Chamber board and what do you enjoy the most about being a member?

I originally became involved with The Chamber through the Government Affairs Council. I really enjoy GAC and being on the board because of the people. I have had the opportunity to work with and be around some of the greatest leaders in our community through The Chamber.

Newly elected Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell introduced Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Knabe, and Chamber Chairman-Elect Kristi Allen welcomed attendees to the 8th annual event.

With typical enthusiasm, Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe presented his 8th annual State of the County address.

(L-R) John Jenkins Jr, General Manager of the Queen Mary, Everette Hoard, Honorary Commodore of The Queen Mary and Supervisor Knabe.

More than 1,100 people attended the 8th annual State of the County luncheon at the Long Beach Convention Center—considered the largest luncheon in Long Beach.

US Vets Executive Director Christy Day (left) and Women’s Program Clinical Supervisor Sara Sedlik (center) are presented with a $5,000 check by Supervisor Don Knabe and Chamber President/CEO Randy Gordon.

Long Beach Ronald McDonald House’s Founding President Ron Piazza (far left), Board President Jill Rosenberg and Executive Director Cheri Bazley are presented with a $5,000 check by Supervisor Don Knabe and Chamber President/CEO Randy Gordon.

by Patricia Costales Executive Director,

The Guidance Center

Sign up online at www.saveatofficedepot.com/longbeach

or contact Enid Hunsberger

enid.hunsberger@officedepot.comcontact Enid Hunsberger at enid.hunsberger@officedepot.com

Representing the Interest of Business with Government

5

Signature Events

SenateBerryhill,Tom (R) 17-0 Fuller, Jean (R) 17-0 Gaines, Ted (R) 17-0 Huff, Bob (R) 17-0 Knight, Steve (R) 17-0 Morrell, Mike (R) 17-0 Nielsen, Jim (R) 17-0 Vidak, Andy (R) 17-0

Anderson, Joel (R) 16-1 Cannella, Anthony (R) 16-1

Walters, Mimi (R) 15-0

Wyland, Mark (R) 15-2

Galgiani, Cathleen (D) 13-4 Roth, Richard (D) 13-4

Correa, Lou (D) 12-5

Torres, Norma (D) 9-8

Block, Marty (D) 7-10 Hernandez, Ed (D) 7-10 Hill, Jerry (D) 7-10

Hueso, Ben (D) 6-11 Wolk, Lois (D) 6-11

Beall, Jim (D) 5-12 Lieu, Ted (D) 5-12

Lara, Ricardo (D) 4-12

Evans, Noreen (D) 4-13 Liu, Carol (D) 4-13 Padilla, Alex (D) 4-13 Pavley, Fran (D) 4-13

Corbett, Ellen (D) 3-14 de León, Kevin (D) 3-14 DeSaulnier, Mark (D) 3-14 Jackson, Hannah-Beth (D) 3-14 Leno, Mark (D) 3-14 Mitchell, Holly (D) 3-14 Monning, Bill (D) 3-14 Steinberg, Darrell (D) 3-14

Hancock, Loni (D) 2-14

Calderon, Ron (D)* 0-0 Wright, Roderick D. (D)* 0-0 Yee, Leland (D)* 0-0

AssemblyAchadjian, Katcho (R) 14-0 Chávez, Rocky (R) 14-0 Gorell, Jeff (R) 14-0 Maienschein, Brian (R) 14-0 Olsen, Kristin (R) 14-0 Wilk, Scott (R) 14-0

Conway, Connie (R) 13-0 Dahle, Brian (R) 13-0 Hagman, Curt (R) 13-0 Linder, Eric (R) 13-0 Logue, Dan (R) 13-0 Melendez, Melissa (R) 13-0 Waldron, Marie (R) 13-0

Allen, Travis (R) 13-1 Gaines, Beth (R) 13-1 Grove, Shannon (R) 13-1 Jones, Brian (R) 13-1 Mansoor, Allan (R) 13-1 Wagner, Donald P. (R) 13-1

Bigelow, Frank (R) 12-0

Daly, Tom (D) 12-2 Donnelly, Tim (R) 12-2 Nestande, Brian (R) 12-2

Harkey, Diane (R) 11-0

Patterson, Jim (R) 9-1

Frazier, Jim (D) 11-3

Perea, Henry T. (D) 10-3

Cooley, Ken (D) 10-4 Fox, Steve (D) 10-4

Gray, Adam (D) 9-5 Quirk-Silva, Sharon (D) 9-5

Buchanan, Joan (D) 8-5

Salas, Rudy (D) 8-6

Alejo, Luis (D) 7-7 Brown, Cheryl (D) 7-7 Dababneh, Matt (D) 7-7

Ridley-Thomas, Sebastian (D) 6-7

Levine, Marc (D) 6-8 Rodriguez, Freddie (D) 6-8

Eggman, Susan Talamantes (D) 5-8 Gordon, Rich (D) 5-8 Yamada, Mariko (D) 5-8

Bonilla, Susan (D) 5-9 Bradford, Steve (D) 5-9 Calderon, Ian (D) 5-9 Medina, Jose (D) 5-9 Muratsuchi, Al (D) 5-9 Pan, Richard (D) 5-9 Quirk, Bill (D) 5-9

Ammiano, Tom (D) 4-10 Atkins, Toni (D) 4-10 Bloom, Richard (D) 4-10 Bocanegra, Raul (D) 4-10 Bonta, Rob (D) 4-10 Campos, Nora (D) 4-10 Chau, Ed (D) 4-10 Dickinson, Roger (D) 4-10 Fong, Paul (D) 4-10 Garcia, Christina (D) 4-10 Gatto, Mike (D) 4-10 Gomez, Jimmy (D) 4-10 Gonzalez, Lorena (D) 4-10 Hernández, Roger (D) 4-10 Holden, Chris (D) 4-10 Jones-Sawyer, Reggie (D) 4-10 Lowenthal, Bonnie (D) 4-10 Mullin, Kevin (D) 4-10 Nazarian, Adrin (D) 4-10 Pérez, J. A. (D) 4-10 Pérez, V. M. (D) 4-10 Rendon, Anthony (D) 4-10 Skinner, Nancy (D) 4-10 Stone, Mark (D) 4-10 Ting, Philip Y. (D) 4-10 Wieckowski, Bob (D) 4-10 Williams, Das (D) 4-10

Hall, Isadore (D) 3-9

Chesbro, Wesley (D) 3-10 Weber, Shirley (D) 3-10

80% or more with CalChamber 60%-79% with CalChamber 40%-59% with CalChamber Less than 40% with CalChamber

California Chamber Best Business VotesThe Long Beach Area Chamber is republishing the CalChamber vote record so members can view and compare how Long Beach

area legislators voted with the state chamber. Long Beach legislators boxed in and noted in bold. Legislators are listed in descending order according to how often they voted in accord with the California Chamber of

Commerce position (first number) versus how often their votes were not in accord with the CalChamber position (second number) in 2014. Total votes may not match the vote record because the tally for not voting or absent is not included in this list. Votes when a legislator was absent are not included in calculating percentages.

(L-R) LBYP President-elect Bijan Noori, International Business Association (IBA) President Sheneui Weber, WBC President Ena Alcaraz, and GBC President Clay Sandidge.

(L-R) Ron Piazza, founding President of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House with its Executive Director Cheri Bazley, and Chamber President and CEO Randy Gordon.

(L-R) State Senator Ricardo Lara and Councilwoman Stacy Mungo participated in the live auction with Women’s Business Council (WBC) President Ena Alcaraz and Green Business Council (GBC) President Clay Sandidge.

Long Beach Young Professional (LBYP) member and raffle winner Alexis Amato looks on as numbers are called. The event raised more than $4,000 for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

(L-R) Keynote speaker Jerry Schubel, President & CEO, Aquarium of the Pacific, discussing sea level rise, and Speaker Don DiConstanzo, co-founder/CEO, of the electric bike company Pedego.

(L-R) Speakers Mateo Neri, co-founder & COO and Grant Delgatty, co-found-er and CEO, URB-E introduced the URB-E Commuter and URB-E GP. These scooters are fun to ride and take only one second to convert from something the size of carry-on luggage to a ‘go anywhere’ personal e-vehicle!

Chamber Holiday Mixer and Long Beach Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser

Green Business Council Luncheon

* Suspended March 28, 2014

New Laws Chairman’s Message continued from page 2

Protections for Complaints Under the Labor Code

AB 2751 clarifies that the $10,000 penalty against an employer who discriminates or retaliates against an employee who complains of Labor Code violations will be awarded to the employee or employees who “suffered the violation.”

Time Frame for Recovery of Wages: Liquidated Damages

AB 2074 states that a lawsuit seeking to recover liquidated damages for minimum wage violations can be filed any time before the expiration of the statute of limitations that applies to the underlying wage claim, which is three years. Some re-cent court cases had held that liquidated damages claims had to be filed within one year.

Child Labor Law Violations: Increased RemediesAB 2288, the Child Labor Protection Act of 2014, provides

additional penalties for violations of California laws regard-ing employment of minors, including a penalty of $25,000 to $50,000 for “Class A” violations involving minors 12 years of age or younger. In addition, the statute of limitations for claims that arise from violations of employment laws is tolled, in other words, delayed or suspended, until the minor is 18 years of age.

Foreign Labor ContractorsSB 477 is noteworthy for employers that use foreign labor

contractors to recruit foreign workers for California assign-ments. The new law, in part, requires foreign labor contractors to meet registration, licensing and bonding requirements by July 1, 2016. Employers are prohibited from using non-regis-tered foreign labor contractors to supply workers in California.

Prevailing WagesA number of bills signed this year relate to prevailing

wages. Employers who provide services or construction work on public works projects for the government or public entities must pay the prevailing wage, which is usually significantly higher than the minimum wage. One notable bill, AB 1939, allows a contractor to bring an action against “hiring parties” to recover any increased costs (including labor costs, penalties and legal fees) incurred because of a determination that the work performed on the project was a covered public work and is subject to prevailing wage laws.

Criminal History Information in Public ContractsAB 1650 requires contractors who bid on state contracts

involving on-site construction-related services to certify that they will not ask applicants for on-site construction-related jobs to disclose information concerning criminal history at the time of an initial employment application.

Email for Workplace Safety ReportsAB 326 allows employers to email their reports of a

work-related serious injury, illness or death to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Previously, the Labor Code required an immediate report by telephone or telegraph. The reference to telegraph is removed and replaced with email.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plans: HospitalsSB 1299 requires Cal/OSHA to adopt standards by January

1, 2016, that require specified types of hospitals, including general acute care hospitals or acute psychiatric hospitals, to adopt workplace violence prevention plans as part of the hospitals’ injury and illness prevention plans. The intent is to protect health care workers and other facility personnel from aggressive and violent behavior.

6

Catalina Island Conservancy Elizabeth Whitted-Dawson (562) 437-8555 x238 catalinaconservancy.org Non-Profit OrganizationsCesar’s Bistro Tony York (562) 656-6646 cesarsbistro.com Restaurants

Coast to Coast Senior Shari Sunada (800) 526-9555 coasttocoastsenior.com Health and WellnessDTap Tavern Co. DBA 4th and Olive Dan Tapia (424) 260-3261 dtaptavernco.com Restaurant and BarEmbroid Me Mary Doyle (562) 276-2361 embroidme-longbeach.com Retail Specialty ShopEnrique’s Mexican Restaurant Enrique & Michelle Perez (562) 498-3622 enriqueslongbeach.com RestaurantsEric D. Hollis–Fraser Financial Group Eric Hollis 323-965-6412 financialguide.com/Eric-Hollis Financial Services & AdvisorsHarbor Green Grain Company Zach Xu (310) 609-1095 harborgreengrain.com Agriculture

Jarnigan & Jarnigan, Inc. Jamie Jarnigan (310) 529-4629 Insurance and Financial ServicesJeunesse Global Vasula Samarasinghe (714) 240-5508 dimali.jeunesseglobal.com Health & BeautyJW Franchising Jahleel Wilson (310) 963-6582 jwfranchising.com Consultants - Business/Technology/ DevelopmentKD Avenue Kay Dryer (562) 999-2757 kdavenue.com Real EstateKpasta Enrique & Michelle Perez (562) 494-8500 kpastalongbeach.com RestaurantsLong Beach Segway Tours by Wheel Fun Rentals Sheena Walenta (805) 650-7770 LongBeachSegwayTours.com Stores & RetailersLucy Guillen, Representing Gallup Lucy Guillen 818-357-6131 gallup.com Consultants–ManagementNamaste Holistic Health Koko Lieppman-Collado, MS (562) 900-2325 namasteholistichealth.com Health and Wellness

New Image Emergency Shelter for the Homeless, Inc. Brenda Wilson (562) 983-7480 newimageshelter.org Non-Profit Organizations

Orkin Richard Mitsuda (877) 250-1652 orkin.com/locations/california-ca/ long-beach Pest Control

Polished Rx Skin Couture Michelle Kauffman (562) 688-4921 PolishedRx.com Health & Beauty

Powerstorm Capital Kirstin Gooldy (424) 327-2991 powerstormcapital.com Energy Production/Technologies

Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools Heather Ramirez 310-791-1101 rollinghillsprep.org Education

The Paw Spa Sharon Tardie (714) 393-3660 thepawspa.com Pet Care & Boarding

Susan Adair Malecki, MBA Susan Malecki (562) 597-8620 susanmalecki.com Consultant

True Brass Choir Deborah Horrilleno (562) 481-1439 truebrasschoir.org Non-Profit Organizations

JANUARY 2015

23 LBACC State of Trade and Transportation Luncheon (562) 432-8128

29 Port of Long Beach State of the Port Breakfast (562) 283-7702

29 CSULB Dirtbags Lead-off Dinner (562) 985-7976

31 Memorial Medical Center Foundation 7th Annual Dancing for Our Stars (562) 933-1955

FEBRUARY

2 Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach Fore the Kids Golf Tournament (562) 595-5945

5 Long Beach City College State of the College Address (562) 933-9326

11 Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Heart Healthy Dinner

28 Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach Golden Getaway Gala (562) 595-5945

14 Long Beach Symphony Orchestra POPS! Ode to Ella and Gershwin (562) 436-3203

19 CCEJ Interfaith Intercultural Breakfast (562) 435-8184

19 Boy Scouts of America, Long Beach Council Eagle Recognition Dinner (562) 427-0911 x280

19 Downtown Long Beach Associates 4th annual Celebrate Downtown Mixer (562) 436-4259

20 CSULB Casino Night supporting Women’s Basketball (562) 985-7976

20 International City Theatre Gala (562) 436-4610

27 LBACC Living Ethics Every Day Breakfast (562) 432-7830

28 Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach Golden Getaway Gala (562) 595-5945

28 CAMEO Fashion Show Carnaval Luncheon (562) 627-5650

MARCH

14 Lowell Elementary Auction ways@lowellpta.com

14 Special Olympics Southern California World of Difference Gala (562) 501-1135

18-19 Downtown Long Beach Associates Taste of Downtown – East Village (562) 436-4259

26 American Red Cross Greater Long Beach 11th annual Hometown Heroes Awards Ceremony (562) 595-6341

28 Long Beach Symphony POPS! Rhythms of the Night (562) 436-3203

30 CSULB Men’s Volleyball Golf Tournament (562) 985-7976

APRIL

3 YMCA 47th Annual Good Friday Breakfast (562) 279-1625

11 20th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball (310) 510-1445

12 Long Beach Ronald McDonald House Walk for Kids (562) 285-4350

13 Grand Prix Foundation Charity Golf Tournament (562) 490-4509

16 Downtown Long Beach Associates Thunder Thursday (562) 436-4259

17 Grand Prix Foundation Charity Gala (562) 490-4509

17-19 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (562) 981-2600

23 LBACC City National Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Luncheon (562) 432-7830

26 Long Beach Symphony Crescendo Gala (562) 436-3203, ext. 224

29 Port of Long Beach Pulse of the Port (562) 283-7702

27 Food Finders FORE! Food Rescue Golf Tournament (562) 283-1400

MAY

2 Long Beach State Athletics Jewels of the Night (562) 985-74412 Precious Lamb Art Gala (562) 243-17152 Long Beach Day Nursery Tea for Tots

Luncheon & Fashion Show (562) 591-05093 CSULB Men’s & Women’s Water Polo

Black & Goal Dinner (562) 985-79769 Long Beach Symphony POPS! (562) 436-32039 Westerly School Annual Dinner and Auction

(562) 981-3151

Nonprofit Event Master Calendar

Welcome New MembersWe are pleased to welcome our newest investors in The Chamber who joined during the months of November and December.

9 Memorial Medical Center Foundation Tour of Long Beach (562) 933-1676

11 Rotary Club of Long Beach Golf Tournament (562) 436-8181

13 Long Beach Yacht Club 51st Annual Congressional Cup (562) 598-9401

21 CCEJ 52nd Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner (562) 435-8184

30 Leadership Long Beach IDEA Fest: Long Beach (562) 997-9194

30 Museum of Latin American Art Gala (562) 437-1689

30 Downtown Long Beach Associates Bike Fest (562) 436-4259

JUNE

3-4 Downtown Long Beach Associates Taste of Downtown – Pine Avenue (562) 436-4259

5 Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation Golf Tournament (562) 494-0576

13 Special Olympics Southern California Breakfast with Champions (562) 502-1135

13 Long Beach Cancer League Gala (562) 437-0792

13 Aquarium of the Pacific Blue Whale Gala (562) 590-3100

14 Rancho Los Alamitos Cottonwood Awards Luncheon (562) 431-3541

18 LBACC Annual Gala (562) 432-783027 Arts & Services for Disabled, Inc. 3rd Annual

Artbeat for Humanity Gala (562) 982-024729 New Life Beginnings Dinner and

Benefit Auction (562) 590-1538

JULY

4 Queen Mary All American 4th of July (877) 342-0738

4 Aquarium of the Pacific July 4th Late Night and BBQ (562) 590-3100

AUGUST

8 Musical Theatre West Broadway in the Park (562) 856-1999

26-27 Downtown Long Beach Associates Taste of Downtown – Waterfront (562) 436-4259

We are pleased to feature a calendar listing major fund raising events for our nonprofit members in the greater Long Beach area. If you would like to promote a nonprofit event and help prevent scheduling conflicts, contact Samantha Cardenas at scardenas@lbchamber.com or (562) 432-7830

Members Reveal Positive Returns on Their Investment inThe Chamber

ADVOCATEYOUR

For more information about the LBYP, please contact Catherine Armstrong, VP of Membership Development at carmstrong @lbchamber.com (562) 590-9234.Associate Management Resources, Inc. Jenay Zahler (866) 417-3991 Business ServicesEric D. Hollis with Fraser Financial Eric Hollis (323) 965-6412 Financial Services & AdvisorsGallup Lucy Guillen 818-357-6131 Consultants - ManagementKD Avenue Ashley Dryer (562) 999-2757 Real EstateMental Health America of Los Angeles Silvia Miramontes (562) 285-1330 x233 Mental Health ServicesMental Health America of Los Angeles Leslie Giambone (562) 284-0108 x248 Mental Health ServicesMobul, LLC Juan Pacheco (562) 343-7333 Home Medical Equipment Retailer

As a new 2nd Street business owner, joining the Chamber was one of the most important decisions that I made. I utilized their marketing gateway to advertise for my Grand Opening and the VP of Membership, Catherine Armstrong, provided me with more support than I could ask for. She came to conduct the ribbon cutting ceremony and made the event special for all of us at Creamistry. I feel confident that I can call anytime I need business solutions and direction.

Nagla Ameerally Owner, Creamistry

I had the honor of attending the State of the County luncheon in November. The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce continues to create platforms to connect with community leaders, business owners and large corporations. In my industry (trash/solid waste), relationship building is critical to sustaining and earning new contracts. I was able to meet with both present and potential Republic Services customers. The Chamber’s events are amazing networking opportunities.

Travon Grant Municipal Relationship Manager, Republic Services

It was exhilarating to participate in the recent Long Beach Young Professionals Social “speed-networking.” LBYP provides a fertile environment to connect with other leaders from a vast array of professional backgrounds. I enjoy being a part of this dynamic group!

Jeannine Meyer, LCSW Social Services, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center

The Chamber’s Office Depot Program has allowed Moffatt & Nichol to save thousands of dollars in office supplies. Since we signed up we have saved more than our annual membership dues for the Chamber. I would recommend the program to any size company.

Jim McCluskie Business Unit Leader, Moffatt & Nichol

Three Chamber Members Among Amazing Women Honorees

Press-Telegram’s Amazing Women gala and awards dinner recently honored three Chamber members. The newspaper recognized the contributions of women in five categories: arts and culture, business, community service and volunteerism, education, and health and wellness. Organizers narrowed the nearly 100 submissions to 22 finalists, and of those, seven winners were chosen. Chamber members Jeri Kusar and Deborah Castro were both finalists, and Julie Larkins was selected as the “Amazing Woman” for the business category.

Julie Larkins, the CEO of CDR Financial Services, believes in making a difference in the lives of others through her Long Beach busi-ness. She once hired a mother of seven children on welfare who had been unemployed for a decade. The opportunity allowed the woman to build a career, going from minimum wage

to earning $25 an hour by the time she left CDR to work for an insurance company.

Deborah Castro started her first small busi-ness at the age of 17 distributing health and energy products, and went on to establish her first agency in the 1990s. Today, the company has grown to a multi-million dollar business boasting clients such as Toyota, Goodwill SOLAC and Sync Beatz Entertainment for

Bandai Japan, and netting more than 250 awards for advertis-ing, marketing, web development and promotions.

Jeri Kusar, President and CEO of Kusar Court Reporters and Legal Services, Inc., started out as a court reporter herself and now employs a staff of 100 court reporters. Kusar also launched Long Beach Video Conferencing Center and established Table 8, an international network of court reporting

and videography services.

Providing Networking Opportunities

Chamber Members Making NewsThe Members Making News section is an opportunity for you to share exciting or noteworthy news and to connect with your Chamber community. Whether your business is big or small, we’d like to hear from you. Just send your 75-word statement along with a photo or company logo to Dorothy Wineman at dororothywineman@me.com.

7

Fairfield Family YMCA Names New Executive Director

Leticia Leos will become the next Execu-tive Director of Fairfield Family YMCA. Leticia was chosen in collaboration with the Fairfield Selection Committee, chaired by Mike Kulakowski, after an extensive national search

and vetting of candidates both inside and outside the YMCA.Leticia is an experienced, results-driven, visionary leader

who has a clear passion for the YMCA’s work. Leticia’s profes-sional career includes extensive experience within the YMCA movement, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Copley Family YMCA in San Diego County. While at Copley she provided leadership to a successful $34 million capital campaign that resulted in a 53,000 square foot new full facility YMCA. Leticia also had a strong track record for con sistently balancing the budget, exceeding campaign and engaging the community. Prior to that, Leticia served as the Executive Director of the Border View YMCA in San Diego where she successfully led the inner-city store-front branch drawing on her creativity, community resources and local facilities for programming challenged by space constraints.

Leticia brings knowledge, new ideas and proven business acumen to her position, and will use those skills to help grow and build upon the foundation of the Fairfield Family YMCA.

Bryant L. Francis Appointed Director of Long Beach Airport

City Manager Pat West announced that Bryant L. Francis, C.M., an aviation expert with over 18 years of industry experience, will become Director of Long Beach Airport, effective January 5, 2015.

“Mr. Francis is a dedicated, accomplished professional who will provide strong leadership and strategic planning for Long Beach Airport,” West said. “He will reach out and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the community, tenants and our commercial and general aviation partners.”

Francis served as Director of Airports for the Shreveport Airport Authority in Louisiana since 2012. Previously he was Deputy Director, Properties & Business Development of the Boise Airport in Idaho; Director, Aviation Real Estate for the Wayne County Airport Authority in Detroit, Michigan; and Deputy Director of Aviation–Marketing, Communications and Air Service Development for Palm Springs International Airport. He holds a B.S. degree in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, and is a Certified Member (C.M.) of the American Association of Airport Execu-tives (AAAE). He is currently a member of the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA) Board of Directors as well as Chair of the AAAE Diversity Committee.

Francis is replacing Mario Rodriguez, who resigned as Director in May 2014 to accept a position as Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

Jet Blue Names New General ManagerLou Anthony has been appointed General

Manager for Jet Blue Long Beach.Lou’s aviation career began at Eastern

Airlines in 1978 at Syracuse Airport, working in Buffalo and Savannah before joining Northwest Airlines in 1989. In 1997, after working every aspect of the operation at Northwest, Lou was

promoted to General Manager for Syracuse. Since joining JetBlue in 2004, Lou has served as the GM in

Rochester (2004-2008) and in Syracuse (2008-2010), and has also worked at LSC on the Airport’s CSS Development Team. Since 2010, he has been the General Manager for West Palm Beach. Lou’s extensive experience in the Northeast and South Florida make him an excellent choice to lead LGB!

Kaiser Permanente South Bay Awards $362,000 to Community Organizations

The South Bay Medical Center recently awarded $362,000 in grants and donations to local non-profit organizations focused on addressing access to care, preventive care, violence prevention, and obesity prevention. Thirty-two local organiza-tions serving residents of the Long Beach, Harbor and/or South Bay areas received grants of up to $20,000, in some cases with a multi-year commitment of additional funds.

“Grant-making is a critical component of Kaiser Perman-ente’s mission to improve the health of the communities we

serve,” said Lesley Wille, RN and executive director

of the South Bay Medical Center. “Like our approach to medicine, our work in the community takes a prevention-focused, evidence-based approach. To be healthy, people need access to healthy and nutritious food, clean air, successful schools, and safe parks and playgrounds.”

For the 2014-2015 cycle, grantees serving Long Beach include Black Beauty Shop Health Ambassador Project, California Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center, The Children’s Clinic—Serving Children and Their Families, City of Long Beach Dept. of Health and Human Services, Elevate Your G.A.M.E., The Foodbank of Southern California, Gang Alter-natives Program, Harbor Interfaith Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Long Beach Bar Foundation and United State Veterans Initiative (US Vets).

New Partners at Onisko & Scholz Provide Expertise in Private Sector Services

Onisko & Scholz announced in September that Steven D. Eperthener, CPA and William McConnell, CPA, have joined the firm, making it the second largest accounting firm in Long Beach. They bring with them particular expertise in certi-fied audits, preparation of financial statements and forecasts, litigation support, estate planning and representation before IRS and state tax authorities. Clients include companies in the aviation, manufacturing, distribution real estate and construc-tion industries throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

“Privately-owned companies and their owners comprise an important part of our client base, and Steven and William’s expertise adds value to the services we offer these sophisticated clients,” said Paul Scholz, CPA, and Managing Partner.

Eperthener is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of CPAs. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University, Long Beach.

McConnell is a former adjunct professor of accounting at Fullerton College. He also served as a faculty member for the California Society of CPAs for over eighteen years. He is a mem-ber of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Santa

Ana Boys and Girls Club, and is an Audit Committee Member of Arts and Services for Disabled, Inc. located in Long Beach.

Long Beach Chief of Police Robert LunaOn November 22, 2014, Robert G. Luna

began his term as Chief of Police for the City of Long Beach. As the former Deputy Chief of Police, Chief Luna has 29 years of experience with the Long Beach Police Department, and has shown outstanding integrity, skill, and professionalism throughout his career.

Chief Luna’s service includes 13 years in executive manage-ment, including overseeing the Patrol Bureau and serving as second in command to Chief Jim McDonnell. Chief Luna has led numerous innovative efforts at the department aimed at building positive relationships between the Police and the Long Beach community, managing reductions driven by budget cuts, and ultimately decreasing crime in the City.

Chief Luna holds a Master of Public Policy and Administra-tion and a Bachelor of Science from California State University Long Beach. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and the Delinquency Control Institute at the University of Southern California.

Eloy Oakley of LBCC appointed to UC Board of Regents

Long Beach City College superintendent-president Eloy Ortiz Oakley will be the first community college executive to join the University of California Board of Regents. Governor Jerry Brown announced the appoint-

ments of Oakley and California Assemblymember John A. Perez to the board that governs the UC system.

Oakley said he hopes that he can bring the success of the Long Beach education map, namely the Long Beach College Promise, to the table and impress the importance of similar strategies to help improve educational opportunities for students statewide. Oakley currently serves on several boards and committees, including the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and the Campaign for College Opportunity.

LaserFiche Founder RememberedNien-Ling Wacker, the innovative

software developer and successful businesswoman who founded Laserfiche, died of breast cancer on October 19.

The Long Beach-based company scans and indexes documents using optical

character recognition technology that allows users to search all the text on each page. LaserFiche’s domestic and international clients include government agencies, educational institutions and private businesses, and have included the U.S. military, the Secret Service, CIA, FBI and Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security.

“Close to 35,000 organizations, equal to 5 million people, use Laserfiche,” said Chris Wacker, Laserfiche executive vice president and Nien-Ling’s husband of 20 years. “The Press-Telegram has about 1.5 million pages of back issues on Laserfiche,” Wacker said.

Nien-Ling (which means “smarter every year” in Chinese) was committed to excellence. Her mantra was ‘We make software that people love to use.’

“She was very unassuming. You would never guess she was such an accomplished woman,” Wacker said. “Nien-Ling was the essence of humility.”

In 2009, Nien-Ling was named the City National Bank Entrepreneur of the Year.

In Memorium

Signal Hill Petroleum Wins Company of the Year Award

Signal Hill Petroleum, Inc. has won the TEEMCO E&P Company

of the Year Award at the 2014 West Coast Oil and Gas Awards. SHP won the award for demonstrating impressive operational performance, commercial success, shown efforts to minimize any environmental impact and outstanding CSR initiatives.

“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award,” said SHP President and CEO Craig Barto. “I’d like to thank the dedicated employees of Signal Hill Petroleum for their commitment to sustainability, community, and technology-driven innovation that have brought us to where we are today.”

An innovator in the area of urban oil operations, Signal Hill Petroleum owns and operates approximately 95% of the wells in the Long Beach/Signal Hill Oilfield. During its three decades of operation, SHP has developed a unique expertise not only in urban oil and gas production operations, but also in urban drilling and seismic exploration.

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Find out about these upcoming events and more at www.lbchamber.com or call (562) 436-1251.

Plan Ahead…

State of Trade and TransportationJanuary 23, 2015

Living Ethics Every DayFebruary 27, 2015

World Trade WeekMay 26, 2015

Find out about these upcoming events and more at www.lbchamber.com or call (562) 436-1251.

City National Bank Entrepreneur of the YearApril 23, 2015

124th GalaJune 18, 2015

Shaun Lumachi Memorial Golf ClassicSeptember 24, 2015

Winter 2015