Membership Benefits and Hollywood Chamber Advocacy

Ten Ways Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business in the last Two Months

• July/August 2008

• March/April 2008

• January/February 2008

• November/December 2007

• September/October 2007

• July/August 2007

• May/June 2007

• March/April 2007

• January/February 2007

• November/December 2006

Membership Benefits
Top 10 Reasons to Invest in the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

1. Political and Legislative Advocacy
   Representation on issues that affect your bottom line.
    
2. Economic Development
   Promoting growth & investment in Hollywood.
    
3. Networking
   Make new contacts to help your business grow.
    
4. Promotion and Publicity
   Reach thousands of potential clients thru member exclusive advertising.
    
5. Tourism Department
   Marketing and exposure for Hollywood’s vital tourism and hospitality businesses.
    
6. Information
   Stay informed about issues impacting your ability to do business.
    
7. Discounts
   Save on products & services useful to your business.
    
8. Referrals
   New business referral program exclusively for Chamber members.
    
9. Community Involvement
   Help make Hollywood a better place to live, work & play.
    
10. Credibility
    Join hundreds of other committed “corporate citizens” by investing in the Chamber - and your community!

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July-August 2008: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce works to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Shared Plans of “Taking Hollywood to the Next Level” at the Hollywood Economic Development Summit 2008
   Nearly 400 movers and shakers attended the much anticipated Hollywood Economic Development Summit 2008 to hear about the plans of “Taking Hollywood to the Next Level.” Attendees were presented with the much-anticipated Hollywood Economic Development Update, an annual map which lists the latest developments around Hollywood area.

2. Supported Central Park Coalition in its Final Set of Community Meetings
   Two community meetings were held to provide final input to consultants from EDAW as they finalize the feasibility study on the proposed Hollywood Freeway Central Park. Consultants expect to finalize the report this fall. Don Scott, chair of Hollywood Freeway Central Park Coalition expressed appreciation to Laurie Goldman of GO! Goldman Organization for taking the lead in organizing the two community meetings. Scott also reported that the Central Hollywood Coalition has voted to endorse the project, adding to the impressive list of supporters. Contributions are still being sought to help move the project forward.

3. Testified at METRO Hearing on Priorities
   METRO Board of Directors held a hearing on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for Los Angeles County. The Chamber’s vice president of public policy, Nicole Shahenian, was present to speak on behalf of the Chamber in support of funding for the Westside subway extension and the completion of the Expo Line Expo Line to Santa Monica. The LRTP includes essential programs for Los Angeles such as light rail transit projects, road interchange improvements, road enhancements, grade separations and expansion of the Metro Rail system. Additionally, the LRTP could reduce 14 tons of pollution and 725 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually by improving bus passenger time and increase transit capacity by 25 percent. The Metro Board also considered a proposal to place an initiative on the November ballot that would ask voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to be used as a funding stream for projects in the LRTP. The Board voted to defer adoption of both the Transportation Plan and the Sales Tax initiative until a later date. METRO will be holding a series of meetings soliciting community feedback on the sales tax initiative in July.

4. Testified in Support of CRA Five-Year Plan
   Chamber Vice President of Public Policy Nicole Shahenian represented the Chamber at a hearing by the Community Redevelopment Commission to approve the Five-Year Plan for the Hollywood Project Area. Shahenian praised the agency for the work that it has done in Hollywood over the last 21 years, and noted that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce played a major role in bringing the CRA to Hollywood. The Chamber urged the commission to adopt the plan but to add a clause emphasizing the need to create jobs and bring new office space to Hollywood in order to maintain Hollywood as an important employment center. The Chamber also asked that plans for the proposed Vine Street parking garage be called out in the plan.

5. Participated in Tour of Permanent Supportive Housing
   A delegation of Hollywood business community leaders visited the Santa Monica’s Step Up on Second facility as part of an on-going effort to find innovative approaches to combat homelessness in Hollywood. The facility serves as permanent housing for 36 individuals and offers on site services to help residents acquire and maintain independent living. The program is based on a “housing first” approach to homelessness which recognizes the effectiveness of permanent supportive housing over the more historical approach of asking the homeless to navigate their way through a complex web of isolated housing, feeding, and other service programs. The group also participated in the Project YIMBY Homeless Connect Day at the Music Box Theater, an annual event which provides much needed services to Hollywood’s homeless population. For information on how to get involved call Hollywood Chamber at (323)468-1373.

6. Presented Valuable Information at Chamber Enterprise Zone Breakfast
   Enterprise Zone and Tax consultant Nojan Boloorchi, President of Tax Incentive Solutions, was joined by L.A. Community Development Department Business Development Manager Patricia Spinneberg at the Chamber’s Enterprise Zone orientation breakfast. Boloorchi and Spinneberg provided information about how to take advantage of the tax savings afforded with the Los Angeles Enterprise Zone. As many as 30,000 businesses in Los Angeles are eligible for thousands of dollars in tax savings and opportunities to save as much as $37,000 for qualified new employees.

7. Co-Hosted Infrastructure Symposium with ULI
   The Hollywood Chamber co-hosted a forum with the Urban Land Institute at the Chamber conference room on the subject of Infrastructure Investment in the U.S.  Attendees learned that the United States is falling behind other advanced economies in the world in investing in infrastructure.  The U.S. is spending only 40 percent of what is the annual requirement just to maintain the country’s infrastructure, falling $170-billion short yearly. There are also unclear lines of responsibility in managing infrastructure needs. For example, there are 108 separate programs that fund surface transportation projects in the federal government. The ULI is in the process of visiting 30 cities around the nation to educate key opinion leaders on the problem and to build support for addressing what may become an important competitive issue for the nation.

8. Briefed New Members on Chamber Advocacy and Activities
   Chamber Chair Mark Panatier and President Leron Gubler were on hand for the Chamber’s quarterly President’s Luncheon.  The luncheon is held to brief members on the activities of the Chamber. Members are also asked to identify issues that they would like the Chamber to address.

9. Promoted Hollywood and Honored New Stars on the Walk of Fame
   New stars were added to the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame Boulevard in the past two months. These ceremonies bring Hollywood icons to the Boulevard and worldwide attention to Hollywood as a global tourist destination.
   Actress Holly Hunter was honored with the 2,363rd Star in front of the Roosevelt Hotel. Ed Harris, director Steven Spielberg, actress Kate Capshaw, tennis star Billie Jean King and the cast of TNT’s Saving Grace, were on hand to celebrate this event.
   From Harlem to Hollywood, Sean Combs received 2,362nd Star in the music category. A self-made entrepreneur, Combs was named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential businessmen in the world. Actor Jamie Foxx was on hand to help Combs celebrate the occasion.
   Michael Eisner, former head of the Walt Disney Company and Paramount Pictures, was honored with a 2,361st star. Actor John Travolta, and Disney President and CEO Bob Iger were on hand for the ceremony, along with the Disneyland band and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
   Also, the Hollywood Historic Trust celebrated 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Dodgers with an Award of Excellence Star, a special recognition on their 50th anniversary of moving to L.A.

10. Raised $100,000 at Women of Distinction 2008
    The Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation honored four distinguished women and set a new record by raising more than $100,000. Amy Wakeland, Carolyn Dye, Hilary Royce and Laura Dodson were honored at the 15th Annual Women of Distinction at The Globe at Universal. Michael Taylor was honored with the Golden Award and former Miss America and actress Lee Meriwether was honored with the prestigious Mary Pickford Award. The Foundation has given out more than $450,000 of grant money to Hollywood charities since its inception in 1998.

March-April 2008: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce works to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Got Rousing Community Support at Outreach Meeting for Central Freeway Park
   There was an impressive show of support for the proposed Hollywood Central Park at the first community outreach meeting held at Selma Avenue Elementary. More than 125 community members turned out to voice their opinions, and the result was overwhelming support for a park. Members of the public also had the opportunity to provide input on what they would like to see in the park. Notes were taken and will be given to the consultant, EDAW, that will be performing the feasibility study. Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge attended the meeting as did three Assemblymembers – Kevin DeLeon, Michael Feuer, and Karen Bass. The meeting was organized by the Hollywood Central Park Coalition, with support from the Council offices, Mayor and CRA. Special thanks to Selma Avenue Elementary School for making the space available and to the proposed Selma Avenue Hotel for helping to underwrite the event. Additional community outreach meetings will be held to keep the community involved in the planning process.

2. Joined Efforts as Garcetti Plans Entertainment Industry Technology Zone
   Chamber officials were on hand at a meeting with Council President Eric Garcetti to begin planning for an Entertainment Industry Technology Zone that would combine existing tax credits and other new programs to encourage the entertainment industry to locate in Hollywood, North Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. Garcetti stressed his commitment to making the zone a reality and noted that it could be a model for other industries to follow.

3. Hosted Transportation Advisory Committee
   Council President Eric Garcetti’s Transportation Advisory Committee wrapped up eight months of work at a meeting held at the Hollywood Chamber, where reports were given to the Councilman. As a result of efforts of the group, composed of Hollywood stakeholders, several initiatives are underway. Resolving the many issues that have arisen with valet companies as Hollywood has become a nightclub magnet was one topic discussed. A meeting was suggested with the various City agencies that deal with valet companies to hammer out a new policy for Hollywood. Also discussed was how to move forward to make it possible for people to hail taxis in Hollywood. The Hollywood Entertainment District has proposed a joint website, NavigateHollywood.com to provide an interactive parking map and trip planner and information on street closures and has raised funds to underwrite the project. Finding more parking was also discussed as a top priority, with the possibility of a public-private partnership suggested by Richard Heyman to deck the City’s Schrader-Wilcox parking lot. Progress was also reported on building the long-awaited Vine Street parking garage. Plans for the garage have been expanded from a 450-car garage to 730 spaces at a cost of about $25-million. All but $3-million in funds have been identified, and Garcetti pledged to make it a top priority to close the gap. “We’re at the five-yard line to making it happen,” he said.

4. Sold Out State of Hollywood Luncheon as Garcetti Addressed a Packed House
   L.A. Council President Eric Garcetti delivered his seventh State of Hollywood address to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce before a packed house at the Roosevelt Hotel. He cited a litany of accomplishments in what he called a “watershed year” – noting that an investment of $700-million in public funds in Hollywood had attracted more than $5.5-billion in private sector investment. Garcetti said the most beautiful sight in Hollywood today is the construction cranes at Hollywood and Vine. He noted the progress that has been made on the proposed freeway cap park this year and committed to make it a reality. He also detailed some new initiatives he is pursuing – including the so-called “12 to 2” program to reduce the number of city agencies with which developers must deal, and an effort to create the first Entertainment Technology District in Hollywood. He also announced a program, called “At the Park, After Dark” that he hopes to bring to Hollywood this year to provide safe evening activities for local youth. He dedicated his speech to the late Johnny Grant, who he said had dreams for Hollywood, and got them done through hard work. He challenged the audience to dream big. “Our dreams must be big enough to honor Hollywood’s history and to write the next chapter,” he concluded. “Don’t just stand there. Get in there.”

5. Discussed Beautification at East Hollywood BID Board
   The Board of the East Hollywood Business Improvement District met at their quarterly meeting to hear updates from the Hollywood Beautification Team about efforts to improve the appearance of the district and to discuss additional steps that might be taken. The board is considering a program to paint all of the light poles a consistent color, and authorized the planting of 121 street trees to fill tree wells where trees are missing. They were also briefed on a project by the CRA to beautify the traffic island at Vermont and Hollywood Blvd. In additional action, they adopted a logo for the district, and began planning for a mixer later this year for the property owners to be held in conjunction with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

6. Advocated Policies as City Reduces Business Taxes by Another 4 Percent
   Effective January 1st, the City of Los Angeles approved another four percent reduction in the gross receipts tax for 260,000 businesses in the City in 2008. This is the third rate reduction, following a 3.1 percent decrease and a four percent decrease in prior years. In addition to this, any small business with total annual gross receipts under $100,000 will pay no tax provided the annual tax return is filed by February 29, 2008. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was part of a business coalition that worked for several years to secure the reductions in the business tax, which was championed by Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel.

7. Worked with the Coalition as L.A. Biz Fed Kicked Off
   The Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) kicked off with its grass roots alliance of L.A. County business organizations. To date, more than 40 organizations, including the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, have joined the coalition. They represent more than 70,000 businesses. A year in the works, BizFed will for the first time ever allow business groups to work together on issues of concern to business within Los Angeles County. For further information about BizFed, please visit www.bizfed.org.

8. KCET Aired Feature on Hollywood Sign
   KCET aired Huell Howser’s popular California Gold program with a special on the Hollywood Sign in February. “Members of the Sign Trust helped provide information and background for the special,” said Chris Baumgart, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust.

9. Promoted Hollywood with New Walk of Fame Stars
   The Hollywood Chamber honored the memory of Suzanne Pleshette with a star on the Walk of Fame. The beloved actress, who was best known for playing the school teacher wife to Bob Newhart’s psychologist character in The Bob Newhart Show, passed away only two weeks before the ceremony. Lucho Gatica, the “King of Bolero” music, was also honored with a star. Gatica, who hails from Chile, is considered one of Latin America’s most romantic balladeers. Capitol Records was the first label to release his music in North America.

10. Offered Networking and Promoting Opportunity at Café LaBoheme
    Hollywood’s young professionals met at the Chamber’s A-LIST mixer at Café LaBoheme at 8400 Santa Monica Blvd. The A-LIST is a program to encourage involvement by the young professionals in the community. The Chamber also presented two $2,500 grants from its Foundation to Hollygrove and to the LACER after school program.

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Jan.-Feb. 2008: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce works to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Helped Finalize Task Force Recommendations to Improve Business Climate
   The Los Angeles Business Retention and Attraction Task Force finalized recommendations to the City Council on how to improve the business climate in Los Angeles. Hollywood Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler served on the committee this past year as the representative of Council District 13 and Council President Eric Garcetti. Gubler said he was particularly pleased with the recommendation to create an L.A. Entertainment Technology Development Zone to bundle city benefits and programs to attract and retain entertainment firms in the Hollywood area. Other issues that the committee addressed include further business tax cuts, reforms and simplification of the City’s development process; reforming L.A.’s Business Team to increase its effectiveness; and investment in the Port of Los Angeles and LAX. The report of the task force will be presented to the new Jobs, Business Growth & Tax Reform Committee of the City Council in January.

2. Testified in Support of Sunset-Gordon Project Clearing Another Hurdle
   Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler testified before a Joint City Departments hearing in support of Gerding-Edlen’s proposed mixed-use project on the site of the former Spaghetti Factory at the corner of Sunset and Gordon. The project includes 40,000-sq.ft. of creative office space, 13,500-sq.ft. of retail space, 311-for sale condos of which 60 units will be targeted at the underserved mid-market segment, and a half-acre park. As part of the project, the Old Spaghetti Factory building, which has been deemed historic, will be preserved.  The proposed development will next move to the full Planning Commission on January 10, 2008 for approval.  Developers hope to break ground on the 23-story project next spring.

3. Hosted Luncheon on Culture, Transportation and Tourism with Councilman Tom LaBonge
   Fourth Council District Representative Tom LaBonge held his annual briefing with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and brought along three City experts to talk about culture, transportation and tourism - Michael Collins of L.A. Inc., Ogla Garay of the Cultural Affairs Dept., and Zaki Mustafa of the Dept. of Transportation. Garay told the Chamber that the City had secured a $1.9-million grant from the State to assist in the restoration of Hollyhock House in Barnsdall Art Park. Collins spoke about the importance of the Hollywood brand to the city, and reported that L.A. had the fourth highest room occupancy average of all cities in the U.S., only exceeded by Las Vegas, New York and Honolulu. Mustafa reported that seven permanent changeable message signs will be installed in the next several months at Hollywood gateways to advise the public of traffic conditions. LaBonge reported that the Highland and Franklin intersection was the busiest in the City and that the first phase of street improvements at that intersection was nearly complete.

4. Reached the Community through the Chamber’s New Hollywood Shopper Mailer
   The first edition of the Hollywood Shopper direct mail piece which went out this past November was a great success. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce sent this new coupon book to 30,000 Hollywood-area residents prior to the holiday season giving Chamber members a chance to advertise their products and services.

5. Organized the 14th Annual Police and Firefighters Appreciation BBQ
   Several hundred public safety officers for Hollywood were fed at the annual Police/Fire Appreciation BBQ that was organized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. What started 14 years ago as a small barbecue on the roof of the police station for one shift of officers has grown into probably the largest community appreciation activity in the City for public safety officers. All three shift of LAPD’s Hollywood Division are fed as well as firefighters from all Hollywood stations. The event was coordinated this year by Chamber Vice President of Marketing Kaylee Kiecker. The major sponsor of the event was Andrews International Security, with others including Charcoal, Joel Fisher, the Avalon Nightclub, the Church of Scientology, First Presbyterian Church, the Roosevelt Hotel and Francesca Verdugo.

6. Delivered New Business Resource Book to Members
   The 2007-2008 edition of the Hollywood Business Resource Book was mailed directly to all chamber members. The 108-page book is an eight-month project of the Chamber staff and Imperial Publishing. This year, as an added benefit, members also received a digital version of the book.  The award-winning publication includes information on the Chamber’s projects and activities, demographic data, a list of Hollywood’s top employers, governmental representatives, and guides devoted to visitors and accommodations, cultural arts and entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, and film, TV, and music. It also includes a directory of member businesses and a directory of who’s who in Hollywood.  The directory is distributed to 10,000 businesses within the greater Hollywood area.

7. Decorated Hollywood with Holiday Decorations
   The annual holiday decorations on Hollywood Blvd. were in place in time for Thanksgiving to set the mood for the holiday season in the community. Long organized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the decorations were expanded this year with a contribution from the Hollywood Entertainment District.  A total of 75 palm trees along the famous Boulevard were wrapped with rope lights and another 22 star decorations were installed near the intersections of Highland and Vine Street. 

8. Co-Sponsored Holiday Movie as a Gift to the Community
   More than 350 people, mostly from the Hollywood community, turned out for a free screening of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” at the Egyptian Theatre. The event was co-sponsored by the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation, Iron Mountain Film & Sound Archive and by American Cinematheque. The free movie was billed as a gift to the community from the Chamber. American Cinematheque officials were pleased by the response, with nearly half of the patrons having never previously visited their theatre.  The Chamber is also appreciative to the Musician’s Institute for providing a combo to play holiday music as the public assembled for the movie.

9. Hosted Open House for Chamber Members
   The Hollywood Chamber hosted an open house for the Chamber membership at the Chamber offices. This was an opportunity for many members to see for the first time where the chamber does its work and to meet with the staff.  The event was sponsored by Iron Mountain Film & Sound Archives and hosted by new Chamber member Soul, a great new restaurant opening next spring at the corner of Hollywood and Sycamore.

10. Organized Toy Drive and Awarded Grants at Annual Holiday Mixer
    The Hollywood Chamber’s annual holiday mixer at the Music Box @ Fonda helped to spread cheer in more ways than one.  Members were generous in donating unwrapped toys for the L.A. Fire Department to distribute to the needy.  The LAFD was appreciative of the toys, since their donations were down this holiday season. In addition, Chamber Chair Jeff Briggs presented three $2,500 Chamber Foundation Grants to local organizations. The Hollywood Police Activities League, represented by Kerry Morrison, will use their grant to fund the crime prevention program to provide young people with positive alternatives.  Mark Supper of the Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing noted their grant would partially underwrite the development and implementation of a supportive services program, while Friends of RSVP, represented by Norma Foster, will use their grant to purchase supplies for their crafts program.

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Nov. - Dec. 2007: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce works to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Testified on Runaway Production and Presented a Panel of Legislative Leaders who warned that Sacramento’s Inaction Hurts Entertainment Industry
   Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler testified before the Assembly Select Committee on the Preservation of California’s Entertainment Industry about the impact of runaway production. The hearing was held at IATSE Local 80. Gubler noted that there is not a business in Hollywood that is not impacted directly or indirectly by productions leaving the state for filming. He said that the Chamber has been traveling to Sacramento and Washington for more than ten years seeking action, and he noted that he had never seen the business community so discouraged as this year by the inaction of the State Legislature. He asked the committee to work with the industry to clear the roadblocks in the legislature to secure passage of meaningful legislation. The hearing was attended by numerous entertainment representatives, who pointed out the loss of revenue to workers as well as the loss of tax revenue to the State. This issue was further explored at the Hollywood Chamber’s annual Entertainment Industry Luncheon at the Roosevelt Hotel where representatives from industry and the legislature spoke on a panel about potential solutions to the problem. It was noted that 37 states have approved tax incentives as an inducement for movies to be shot in their domain, while California has done nothing. Stan Brooks of the California Film Commission said, “We don’t need a level playing field in California. We just need something.” Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, who chairs the Select Committee on the Preservation of the Entertainment Industry, referred to the State’s current budget crisis and said, “Maybe we would be in less of a crisis if we had done the right thing ten years ago.” He pledged renewed efforts to convince the legislature that tax incentives for film production will generate more revenue than they cost the State and that they should be enacted. The Hollywood Chamber will continue to press for action on this important issue.

2. Held the First Series of ‘Ask The Expert Breakfast’ on SEZ
   Hollywood Chamber hosted a panel of experts in the first series of ‘Ask The Expert Breakfast’ on the Hollywood State Enterprise Zone sponsored by Capital Credits Consulting, LLC, advising attendees of the importance of the State Enterprise Zone and the advantages of SEZ tax benefits.

3. Joined L.A. County Business Federation
   The Executive Committee of the Hollywood Chamber voted to become a charter member of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed).  This new organization, which is currently in the formative stages, will strengthen the grassroots voice of L.A. County businesses on issues at the local, state, and federal level. More than 20 associations representing 45,000 businesses have already signed up as members of BizFed.

4. Hosted Construction Meeting and Studied PWRS
   The Hollywood Chamber played host to Council District 13’s Hollywood & Vine Construction Meeting and the Council office will be facilitating ongoing monthly meetings to resolve construction-related issues and better coordination between the various parties. Developers participating in the meeting included Gatehouse and Legacy Partners (who are developing Hollywood & Vine), the Clarett Group (building Boulevard 6200), Camden Development (Whole Foods), and Palisades Development (PaliHouse). The City also demonstrated its Public Way Reservation System PWRS, that allows anyone to go online to see what construction is authorized in any given area. Lem Paco of the Bureau of Engineering demonstrated PWRS online at www.lacity.org. The committee was impressed with the detail of information that is accessible to the public and will consider sponsoring a workshop at a later date for Chamber members to learn to use the City website.

5. Endorsed Automated Parking Ordinance Approved by City Council
   The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance that will allow developers to consider mechanical car lifts and robotic parking structures in order to meet their parking requirements. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce endorsed the measure as a step that will give developers the flexibility they need to meet City parking requirements. The Chamber’s expert on automated parking technology, Frank DeFoe of Ramsey-Shilling Real Estate, went to New Jersey where he observed the latest advancements in technology that make automated parking more attractive as an alternative.

6. Represented and Promoted Hollywood in Berlin
   Hollywood Chamber representatives Michael-Jon Smith, former Chamber Chairman, and Todd Lindgren, Senior Vice President, returned from Berlin, Germany, where they participated in events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Los Angeles-Berlin Sister City relationship. Approximately 20 people comprised the L.A. delegation, led by City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who serves as the President of Los Angeles Sister Cities, and former Governor Gray Davis, who participated on behalf of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.  One of the highlights of the five-day trip was the chance to present the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star plaque on behalf of the Chamber.

7. Promoted Hollywood Retail Opportunities in San Diego
   The Chamber’s Team Hollywood promotional group set up a booth in San Diego at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Western Dealmaking Conference.  This is the premiere organization in the country representing retailers and a great opportunity to pitch Hollywood for retail sites. The Hollywood Chamber was the only chamber of commerce represented at the conference.

8. Generated Worldwide Attention to Hollywood Glitz with Stars on Walk of Fame
   Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx, Alan Ladd Jr., Television Producer Vin DiBona, Hollywood Giant Lew Wasserman, Ricky Martin and ‘Bonded’ Roger Moore were some of the star ceremonies which attracted worldwide media attention and brought thousands of fans to the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

9. Promoted Members and Offered Networking Opportunities
   Chamber’s mixers are a great opportunity to meet new contacts and build professional relationships while enjoying one of the areas hippest new venues and Hollywood Chamber member businesses. The Red Pearl Kitchen Hollywood played host to the A-LIST, the Chamber’s monthly mixer for young professionals and Ritual Supper Club hosted October mixer.

10. Awarded $13,000 in Grants through Chamber Foundation
    The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation awarded more than $13,000 in grants to worthy Hollywood organizations. Grants will go to the Los Angeles City College Foundation, the Assistance League, the Police Activities League, Hollywood Heritage, the L.A. Fire Department, and American Cinematheque.

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Sept. - Oct. 2007: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has supported our mission to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life. Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Co-sponsored Anti-Piracy meeting with U.S. Chamber and discussed serious threats to Entertainment Industry
   The Chamber cosponsored a Town Hall meeting and press conference with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to focus attention on the growing problems of piracy for the entertainment industry which costs L.A. firms $5.2-billion in lost business. The Chamber also co-hosted a meeting with with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation to discuss the needs of Hollywood’s visual effects industry, the stiff competition from other states and the need for State incentives.

2. Reviewed Progress on New Boutique Hotel
   The Chamber’s Hotel Task Force, chaired by Dave Gajda, reviewed progress at encouraging new boutique hotels to locate in Hollywood. Developer Richard Heyman briefed the committee on his firm’s plans to convert an existing two-story parking garage on Selma Avenue near Cahuenga into a 100-room hotel. Several others in attendance at the meeting also reported on other projects in the development pipeline that would add hotel rooms to the Hollywood market.

3. Hosted Leadership L.A. Class Case Study
   The Chamber hosted the Leadership L.A. Class of 2007 as they did a case study of the revitalization of Hollywood. Leadership L.A. is a program to train future leaders on the issues facing the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The 25 attendees received an in-depth look at the Hollywood experience, the factors that led to the decline of the community and how it has fought its way back to become a success story.

4. Assisted with LAFD Evacuation Exercise
   The Chamber participated in an evacuation exercise by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the first test by the LAFD with residents of the Oaks neighborhood to test city resources in the event that an emergency, such as the recent fires, necessitated a total evacuation of a hillside neighborhood. The Chamber hosted a table at Cheremoya Elementary School, the designated evacuation site, with information about the proposed Hollywood Freeway Cap Park.

5. Participated at LA’s Largest Mixer IX
   The Chamber participated in LA’s Largest Mixer IX, the Ultimate Business Networking Event. The Shrine Auditorium played host to thousands of guests, Los Angeles area chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus and other organizations. The Chamber provided information about Hollywood Chamber events and programs to a plethora of interested attendees.

6. Approved $10,000 in Foundation Grants
   The Board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation approved $10,000 in grants to deserving local nonprofit agencies. Aviva Family and Children’s Services received a grant to provide a job training program for at-risk foster children. PAWS received a grant for their precedent-setting kennel that is being established at the PATH homeless center to provide a place where the pets of homeless people can be kept. HALSA will use their grant to provide services to help persons who are ill from being evicted from their homes. Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) will create cooking classes for special needs tenants with their grant. Jeff Briggs, President of the foundation, said that the Chamber is pleased to be able to assist so many worthy and creative programs.

7. Discussed Inclusionary Zoning with L.A.Voice
   Chamber Board members Marty Shelton of NAI Capital and Don Scott of First Financial Bancorp, along with President & CEO Leron Gubler met with representatives of LA Voice, a coalition of 25 religious congregations working to create better communities throughout Los Angeles. Members of L.A. Voice met with City officials on July 16 to request the City to be more proactive in protecting renters rights, to fully fund the City’s Housing Trust Fund, and to develop a citywide mixed income housing policy. L.A. Voice was interested in the Chamber’s perspective on inclusionary zoning. The Chamber representatives explained why voluntary incentives are more effective in achieving a city’s goals to develop more affordable housing and how mandatory requirements can be counterproductive. Hollywood has an excellent track record of encouraging developers to include an affordable element in their projects. The first project aimed at developing workforce housing for middle income residents is in the works by developers Gerding Edlen.

8. Supported Key Projects to Move Forward
   Support by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was important to two local development projects. Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler testified in support of the Hollywood & Vine Project before the Central Area Planning Commission regarding the final open issues remaining for the project, which broke ground in February. The commission voted unanimously to approve the applications. The Chamber also wrote a letter of support for Brentwood Capital’s proposed 60,000-sq.ft. office condo project at Selma and Wilcox in conjunction with their renovation of the Citizen News Building.

9. Educated TTMA About Hollywood Comeback Story
   Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler spoke to the Travel & Tourism Marketing Association (TTMA) at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel to brief them on the history of Hollywood’s comeback and to educate them on new tourism attractions planned for the community as well as other developments that will make Hollywood an attractive tourist destination. The TTMA is composed of professionals in the tourism marketing industry in Southern California.

10. Discussed Loss of Layover Zones with Tour Bus Companies
    The Chamber participated in a meeting with local tour bus operators and the office of LA City Council President Eric Garcetti to discuss the imminent loss of tour bus layover zones along McCadden Place and Orange Ave. north of Hollywood Blvd. The action is necessitated by the beginning of construction on Madame Tussauds Museum and an apartment building being erected by JPI Development, expected in September. The loss of the parking spaces is expected to create a real problem for these firms that rely on tourists. Among the options that are being investigated is to find a remote layover site, such as the Hollywood Bowl, where buses could lay over after depositing their visitors on Hollywood Blvd. The Chamber agreed to work with the Council office and tour companies in finding a solution to the problem.

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July - August 2007: 10 Ways the Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has supported our mission to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Updated a record-crowd on Hollywood’s Economic Development
   The Chamber’s sold-out 2007 Hollywood Economic Development Summit at the ArcLight Cinemas attracted record attendees for the second year in a row with a crowd in excess of 400 people. This year’s event focused on the more than $2-billion in investment pouring into the Sunset Blvd. corridor. A panel of developers addressed specific projects, while major addresses were delivered by L.A. City Planner Gail Goldberg and CRA CEO Cecilia Estolano. A special Sunset-themed video was prepared by a committee headed by Laurie Goldman, Dave Gajda and Tony Michelman.  The event was co-chaired by Brent Folb of Paramount Contracting and Ira Dankberg of Bond Companies. A coveted update of all the major development projects was also distributed during the event.

2. Urged City to Discuss Utilizing Taxicabs to Improve Hollywood Traffic
   With growing traffic concerns on its agenda, Hollywood Chamber urged the City Department of Transportation to investigate how to make it possible for people in Hollywood to hail a taxi like in most major metropolitan cities across the country. Council District 13’s Parking Advisory task force met with representatives of the taxi industry and the City’s taxicab administrator to discuss how better utilize taxicabs in Hollywood. 

3. Advocated to Realize an East Hollywood BID and Elect its First Board
   Following the Chamber’s successful advocacy for creating an East Hollywood BID, Chamber staff worked closely with the City to execute the BID Administration Contract and get the board’s members elected and monies allocated to the District. Board members are as follows: David Aberson, Temple Knesseth; David Ambroz, LA City College Foundation; Glenn Crabtree, Kaiser Permanente; Wil Haick, property owner; Victor Israel, property owner; Ellen Zaman, Children’s Hospital; Jeff Zarrinnam, Ramada Hollywood Near Universal Studios. Todd Lindgren, Chamber Sr. Vice President, serves as the BID’s Executive Director. The goals of the BID are primarily “clean and green,” which entail litter, debris and graffiti removal, washing of sidewalks, physical improvements and landscaping.

4. Hosted Capacity-Crowd Pre-Bidders for the Buzzing Hollywood Freeway Central Park
   After working with CRA/LA to initiate RFP, the Chamber hosted a capacity-crowd pre-bidders conference for a study that will look at the feasibility of constructing Hollywood Freeway Central Park atop the 101 Freeway in a park-poor section of Hollywood.  Prospective bidders from some of the top engineering and design firms across the United States came to ask questions and listen to comments by the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge, who are working in concert to make the park project a reality.  For a project that will be providing upwards of 24 acres of new park space in Hollywood, engineers, planners, and landscape architects are buzzing about the golden opportunity to make the most famous city in the world a better place to live, work and play.

5. Endorsed Sunset & Gordon New “Green” Project
   The Chamber endorsed the environmentally sensitive Sunset & Gordon project, the first Leed Gold certified building in Hollywood proposed by developers Gerding Edlen. The project will include 301 condos, 40,000-sq.ft. of creative office space, and 13,500-sq.ft. of neighborhood serving retail, as well as a half-acre park with pedestrian-friendly significantly wider sidewalks. The project will have 20 percent of the units dedicated as workforce housing to serve clientele such as teachers, police and firefighters. The existing Old Spaghetti Factory building will be restored to its historic 1920s appearance as the Peerless Motor Cars showroom. The developers are hoping for a groundbreaking in the first quarter of 2008.

6. Supported and Testified on Behalf of Hollywood Projects to Clear Existing Hurdles
   The Chamber supported Madame Tussauds project at the CRA Board to clear and approve the signage plan hurdles on the development that will be housing the international tourist attraction. Madame Tussauds is proposing to construct a three-level, 44,274-sq.ft. building in the parking lot to the west of the Chinese Theatre. As for Hollywood & Vine project, although the $600-million development is already under construction, various entitlements for the key catalytic project are still under review by the City of Los Angeles. Chamber Senior Vice President Todd Lindgren testified in support of the development’s conditional use permit to permit the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, a permit for a dance floor in the W Hotel’s proposed night club, and for the sign program that had previously been approved by the CRA. These requests will next go before the Area Planning Commission on July 10th.

7. Adopted Health Policy Guidelines and Voiced Concerns over Governor’s Proposal
   The Chamber adopted some guiding principles relative to health policy.  They included support for the principle of achieving reform through a comprehensive public/private partnership and shared responsibility that includes all parties – both public and private sector and individuals.  In addition, the Chamber supported the expansion of the California Healthy Families program. A position of concern was adopted relative to the Governor’s proposal requiring a four percent business payroll fee from businesses that do not provide health care coverage for their employees. 

8. Promoted New and Existing Businesses in Hollywood
   The Chamber continues its mission to promoting businesses in the community through numerous ribbon cutting ceremonies, grand opening and signage in Hollywood. Chamber staff and Hollywood’s Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant celebrated with K&L Wine Merchants the opening of its 1400 Vine Street location with a wine-tasting and festivities. Sandy, "The Lighting Girl, which offers energy saving lighting, held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location on 1727 N. Vermont Ave. The Patrón Spirits Company held a sign lighting ceremony to illuminate the new neon billboard sign on the roof of the former Equitable Building, now known as The Lofts @ Hollywood and Vine. The neon message was selected by The Patrón Spirits Company specifically to help support the revitalization of Hollywood an extension of Patrón’s “Simply Perfect” global advertising campaign. Copymat Hollywood also celebrated its grand re-opening, following extensive renovations at its 6464 Sunset Blvd. location which they undertook as their commitment to do their part in improving the image of quality of life in Hollywood.

9. Reinstated the Free Business Counseling Service at the Chamber
   After a lapse of more than two years, the Chamber reinstated a service to assist small and start-up businesses offering free business counseling at the Chamber. Offered by the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the service takes advantage of the expertise of retired business executives.  Richard Krelstein, a retired business turn-around specialist with both domestic and international experience, has volunteered to assist Hollywood-area businesses. He also has experience with not-for-profit groups, as an executor and with alternative dispute resolution.  Already some 20 businesses have taken advantage of Krelstein’s consulting services, which is available most Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, call Vivian at the Chamber (323)469-8311.

10. Raised Record-Breaking Funds and Offered Grants to Community Organizations
    The 14th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon raised more than any single Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation event is history.  More than $100,000 was raised to support and advance local educational, cultural and economic programs in the Hollywood area. As such, the Foundation endowed Musicians Foundation, the non-profit fundraising entity of Musicians Institute, with $10,000 for scholarships providing an annual scholarship of $2,500/year over the next four years for qualified MI students. The Foundation also awarded three new $2,500 grants to community organizations: LAPD to assist with presentation of National Night Out, a community outreach effort to be held in August to rally area residents on the need to fight crime; People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) for emergency services to assist the homeless; Social Services at Blessed Sacrament Church to assist 500 homeless persons and needy families with food, hygiene materials and clothing items.

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May - June 2007: How the Chamber Helped Your Business
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has supported our mission to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life.  Here’s a quick list of just a few ways we’ve helped improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Lobbied for parking in Hollywood.
   The Chamber, led by a strong board of directors passionate about addressing the need for parking in Hollywood, lobbied the City of Los Angeles for better planning and more adequate public parking in the nation’s most famous cinematic home.  As a result, Council President Garcetti convened a work group of business members and city leaders in April to discuss ways to address the parking issues facing the community as major construction begins. The Chamber will continue to work steadfast on the community’s top business concern.

2. Educated over 100 members on the benefits of business investment in Hollywood.
   In an effort to reduce your bottom-line, the Hollywood Chamber led the way to encourage local businesses to take advantage of recently approved tax incentive opportunities to spur economic growth at a forum that was held on March 23rd at the Paramount Pictures studio lot.  The seminar drew more than 100 Chamber members who learned about the tax benefit of Enterprise Zones. 

3. Testified at City Hall for important investments in Hollywood.
   As always, the chamber is your voice at City hall. In just the past two months, Chamber representatives testified for four development projects in Hollywood—all, with successful outcomes. This includes the Bond Companies’ mixed-use residential-retail complex at 5555 Hollywood, CIM’s catalytic 6904 Hollywood Blvd. retail transformation, Continental Development’s Paseo Plaza mixed-use project at Santa Monica Boulevard, and JPI’s Jefferson at Hollywood development.

4. Hooray for Hollywood! Lobbied Hollywood priorities in Congress with growing delegation.
   Hollywood Chamber leaders were in Washington, DC last March with the largest delegation in chamber history to lobby for the area’s top priorities of funding Hollywood Freeway Central Park, educating lawmakers on the need for mass transportation and to discuss anti-piracy and runaway production efforts.  Tourism, immigration, and homelessness were also key topics of discussions with members such as Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressman Henry Waxman, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Congresswoman Diane Watson, as well as others. 

5. Voiced concern on proposed measures that would increase costs of doing business in the region.
   Hollywood Chamber Vice-President of Public Policy, Rochelle Silsbee testified at a hearing regarding proposed air quality control measures that would unnecessarily increase natural gas costs to business members. Silsbee warned that although the business community strongly supports efforts to increase the air quality in Southern California, control measures should be fully vetted, as cost-effective as possible, and encourage market penetration of already clean fuels, engines and other products which could provide substantial further emission reductions at lower costs.

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March/April 2007 | 10 Ways Hollywood Chamber Helped Your Business
In addition to efforts in Washington, DC, Sacramento, and City Hall, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce supported our mission to improve the area’s economy, tourism and quality of life. Here are just a few ways we’ve helped you improve your overall business climate in just the past two months.

1. Lead Outreach Effort to Save You $$ Thousands in Taxes.
   In an effort to reduce your bottom-line, the Hollywood Chamber is leading the way to encourage local businesses to take advantage of recently approved tax incentive opportunities to spur economic growth at a forum on March 23rd (location TBD). The new Enterprise Zone approved for Hollywood last December will offer great opportunities for Hollywood businesses in the way of tax credits such hiring tax credits, operating loss carry forward, net interest deductions, and sales or use tax credits for investment. Contact the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for more information about this important event.

2. Advocated for Waiver of Street Widening Mandate.
   As the Chamber works with City Agencies to encourage consistency with the new Hollywood Community Plan that will waive mandates to widen Highland Avenue and many adjoining streets in lieu of developer widening sidewalks and creating landscape buffers, projects such as JPI’s project on Highland, south of Yucca continue to require case-by-case testimony to proceed. Brian Folb, Chamber Director testified at JPI’s February 7th Public Works hearing to this regard and the Public Works Committee agreed to waive this mandate, continuing to move this project one step closer to groundbreaking.

3. Testified at City Hall to allow $$ Multi-Million Investments in Hollywood.
   A contingent of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce representatives testified at the City planning Commission in support of the Clarrett Hollywood project, envisioned for both the north and south sides of Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street that will entail a 1.13 million square foot mixed-use development. The Commission approved the project with a 5-1 vote, with only a few minor changes. This project is expected to greatly enhance not only an important Hollywood gateway, but in particular, the theatre atmosphere surrounding the historic Pantages Theatre now hosting Wicked, the Musical.

4. Held Department of Transportation Accountable.
   The Chamber engaged in vigorous campaign to urge the Department of Transportation (DOT) to comply with its promise two years ago to finish construction on the garage with the completion of Encore Hall that took up half of the surface lot on Vine Street adjacent to the Nosotros Theatre (formerly Doolittle). Contact the Chamber today to see how you can become part of the coalition that will hold DOT accountable.

5. Promoted Hollywood as a Worldwide Tourist Destination.
   In a great opportunity to publicize the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, OPI Nail Polish, a company famous for tying nail color names to fantastic destinations, has chosen Hollywood for its 2007 Holiday collection, featured in nearly every major fashion magazine, and has enlisted the support Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to help facilitate initial discussions with Hollywood’s greatest icons. Give the gift of Hollywood nail polish this holiday season.

6. Attracted world-wide media attention.
   On February 22nd and 23rd, the Hollywood Chamber hosted its 5th Annual Awards Media Center to give an opportunity to the Hollywood business community to put its best foot forward with local, national, and international media and to pitch them stories about Hollywood. The center attracted approximately 100 members of the press over the two days prior to the Academy Awards® weekend.

7. Expedited Repairs on the