BusinessNovember 2005

Vol. 12 No.8L O N G B E A C H

YMCA Embarks on Capital Campaign Detailed Vote Records Sloan Awards for Workplace Flexibility

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

The interests of Long Beach businesses are at the fore-front of The Chamber’s priorities as the April 2006 Cityelections draw near. The Chamber continues to serve theLong Beach Business community as the leading chamberof commerce in California effectively representing busi-ness interests. The Chamber's three political action com-mittees have a long history of endorsing both Democratsand Republicans raising funds to support pro-businesscandidates for a vibrant Long Beach job climate.

This year, the Long Beach Area Chamber ofCommerce Political Action Committee (LBACC-PAC) haschosen to begin the endorsement process almost sixmonths prior to the election. Expediting this process willallow the LBACC-PAC the opportunity to aggressivelyassist the endorsed candidates.

The Chamber is pleased to announce the endorse-ments of the following candidates this coming April:

Chamber Endorses in Long Beach City RacesFoster Endorsed for Mayor; Cherin, DeLong, Kell and Lerch for Council

“The Long Beach Chamber strives to advocate forlocal businesses,” said Randy Gordon, President andCEO of The Chamber and Secretary of the Chamber’sPolitical Action Committees. “The Chamber effectivelyrepresents the interests of our businesses with govern-ment—our endorsements continue our effort to fight forour business community.”

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’sGovernment Affairs Council (GAC) voted unanimously inearly 2005 to track 44 potential laws (bills) that mightimpact Long Beach businesses.

www.longbeachadvocacy.biz/2005bills.htm showsThe Chamber’s official positions on each of the 44 billsincluding summaries and explanations of why TheChamber opposed and supported each bill. TheChamber lobbied tirelessly during the 2005 legislativesession for our legislators to OPPOSE 26 bills and SUPPORT the 18 bills.

stated Larry Whitley, Chairman of the Long BeachChamber Board. “We will continue to advocate next yearwith the same intent, to cease our legislators’ votes insupport of anti-business and anti-jobs legislation.”Summary of How the Long Beach Legislators Voted in 2005

To reach the following vote percentages supportingpro-jobs for each local legislator, The Chamber tallied thenumber of times our representatives voted in agreementwith The Chamber’s position and divided that total by thenumber of chances each of the three elected official had

“We worked very hard again this year to communi-cate with our local representatives on our membership’spriorities,” said Randy Gordon, President and CEO ofThe Chamber. “The GAC decided to almost double theamount of bills as the previous legislative session.“

Long Beach’s local legislators, State Senator AlanLowenthal, Assemblymember Betty Karnette, andAssemblymember Jenny Oropeza, received letters on all44 bills tracked by The Chamber.

“The Chamber believes very strongly that our electedofficials need to be held accountable for how they vote,”

Local Legislators Continue Anti-Business VoteThe 2005 Vote Record: The 44 Bills Tracked by The Chamber and How State Senator Alan Lowenthal, and Assemblymembers Betty Karnette and Jenny Oropeza Voted

Vice Mayor Jackie KellRe-election Candidate for City Council, 5th District

Alex CherinCandidate for City Council, 7th District

Councilman Val LerchRe-election Candidate for City Council, 9th District

Prosecutor Tom ReevesRe-election Candidate for City Prosecutor

Bob FosterCandidate for Mayor

Gary DeLongCandidate for City Council, 3rd District

The Long Beach Chamber reviews candidates whodeclare either their candidacy or the possibility of running for elected office. Upon receipt and review of aquestionnaire, The Chamber holds in-person interviewsto evaluate each applicant. The Chamber only interviewscandidates who fill out the questionnaire and are supportive of the business community.

“The Chamber membership is a very diverse group of businesses throughout Long Beach and its region,”stated Dave Neary, Chairman of the Long BeachChamber Political Action Committees. “Every politicalaffiliation is represented in our membership.” TheChamber PAC Board of Directors decided to withholdendorsing candidates in the following races at this time:City Council District 1; City Auditor; and City Attorney.

Following is background on each of the candidatesendorsed by the LBACC-PAC:Bob Foster, Candidate for Mayor

Bob Foster is a leader in the business community,with over twenty years experience in the private, public,and non-profit sectors. Foster is not only a pro-businesscandidate, but he has also dedicated his time and effortto many organizations within the City of Long Beach as amember of California State University Board of Trustees,Aquarium of the Pacific, Memorial Miller Children’sHospital, Library Foundation Advisory Board and theContinued on page 4

Continued on page 4

You have probably heard that The Chamberregistered its opposition to establishing a HousingTrust Fund as originally presented to the LongBeach City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The rec-ommendation is for the city attorney to prepare anordinance establishing an HTF for the City of LongBeach with recommended terms and conditions,including a condominium conversion fee ordi-nance. The ordinance will then be referred to thePlanning Commission for review and recommen-dation to City Council.

We opposed the HTF establishment primarilybased on the increased cost burden it places ondevelopers and builders. This additional burdenon the business community requires a significantincrease in the price to be charged to prospectivehome owners. You can review the issue at TheChamber’s Web site at www.lbchamber.com, andthen click on LongBeachAdvocacy.biz. In fact, allof the issues that The Chamber has taken a stanceon and why those issues are important to you andthe other 1,800 member businesses can bereviewed at that Web site.

On another subject, I mentioned in my last col-umn that I had spoken at the 6th AnnualCelebration of the Cambodian American Chamberof Commerce on behalf of The Chamber inSeptember. On October 13, I had the honor ofspeaking at the 2nd Annual Regional HispanicChamber of Commerce’s Business Conference andwelcome attendees to Long Beach and talk abouthow business issues are the same for small or largebusinesses. The conference included many high-ly regarded managers of government and privatebusiness-generating organizations, and attendeeswere informed in a number of areas regardingbusiness opportunities and operations.

This activity is aligned with our intention toseek alliances and coalitions for business advocacywhere such teaming efforts would make sense.We are planning a plenary session to bring togeth-er the leadership of the Cambodian American,Regional Hispanic and African American Chambersalong with other business entities, to review howbest to align our efforts. The focus will be on pro-moting and building an environment that is con-ducive to business stability and growth opportuni-ties. We’ll keep you apprised of our progress andelicit your comments and counsel.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS2

Chairman’s Message Larry WhitleyBoeing IntegratedDefense Systems

“We opposed the HTF establishment primarily based on the increased

cost burden it places on developers and builders.”

2005-2006 Chairman’s CircleDiamond

DeVry University ■ Hilton Long Beach ■ Long Beach Memorial Medical Center ■ Port of Long BeachPress-Telegram ■ Verizon

PlatinumLong Beach City College ■ The Boeing Company

GoldCity National Bank ■ Community Hospital of Long Beach ■ Epson America, Inc. ■ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP ■ Hyatt Regency Long Beach ■ Keesal, Young & Logan ■ NextelSt. Mary Medical Center ■ Seaside Printing Company, Inc. ■ Sound Energy Solutions

Toyota Affiliated Companies ■ Universal Care

SilverBP Products North America, Inc. ■ California State University, Long Beach ■ Catalina Express

Denso Sales California, Inc. ■ Lennar Corporation ■ Long Beach AirportLong Beach Business Journal ■ Long Beach Ice Dogs ■ Long Beach Towne Center

Marriott/Renaissance Properties ■ Sea Launch ■ Southern California Edison ■ Tredway Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLPWestland Construction, Inc. ■ Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation

BronzeAEG Home Depot Center ■ Aquarium of the Pacific ■ Boeing Realty/Douglas Park ■ Brookfield Homes

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. ■ Center for Judicial Advocacy ■ Camden Development ■ Charter CommunicationsColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage ■ Color Broadband ■ Comerica Bank ■ Construction Consultant Services, Inc.

Davis Group ■ DDR/City Place/The Pike ■ DirectTV-California Broadcast Center ■ Earth TechEnsemble Investments LLC ■ Ford West ■ Genesis Real Estate ■ Guzman & Gray, CPAs ■ HR-Network

Long Beach Armada Baseball Team ■ Long Beach Convention & Entertainment CenterLaserfiche Document Imaging ■ The Marketing Arm ■ Matson Navigation Company, Inc. ■ Moffatt & Nichol Engineers

Paragon Steel ■ Parkers’ Lighthouse ■ The Queen Mary ■ Spirit Cruises ■ Tax Technology ResearchTHUMS Long Beach Company ■ Urban Pacific Builders ■ Via Media Graphic Design

Water Replenishment District of Southern California ■ Watson Land Company ■ The Westin Long Beach

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

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

Stand Out from the Crowd with ChamberPak

ChamberPak, the collection of flyers and brochures inside your edition of Long Beach Business every month, is one of the best marketing tools available. Do you want to promote a special event, seminar, or volunteer drive? Is there a new product or special offer you want tell people about? Or just simply get the word out aboutyour business?

Advertise in the mailing piece that people want to open. It’s this easy:• Contact The Chamber to reserve your space;• Print 2,400 flyers or brochures, any color;• Deliver them to The Chamber office, along with $250 by

Friday, December 2…And leave the packaging, addressing, and mailing to us!You marketing piece will reach the entire Chamber member-ship and more. The next ChamberPak will be part of the combined December 05/January 06 issue of Long BeachBusiness mailed by the 15th of December.

Contact Bobbie Spohn at (562) 436-1251 ext. 118 or emailbspohn@lbchamber.com for more information or to reserveyour space in ChamberPak. (Nonprofit rate is $195.)

It’s wise to advertise with ChamberPak!

Creating a Stronger Community

LONG BEACH BUSINESS3

A s the YMCA’s chiefexecutive, Alan Hostrup’smain task is to manage the human and physicalresources of the YMCA ofGreater Long Beach, whichserves more than 845,000residents in 11 communitiesthat include Long Beach,

Signal Hill, Lakewood, Bellflower, Paramount, Artesia,Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos,and Rossmoor. More importantly, he has the challengingrole of making sure that the YMCA maintains the fiscalresources with which to fulfill their mission of servingmore than 35,000 individuals and 10,000 families whoavail themselves of its year-round services.

With an annual budget of $15 million, the YMCA ofGreater Long Beach offers a wide spectrum of programsand services such as Healthy Lifestyles which focuses onstopping the rate of inactivity that leads to obesity and

illness, Youth Development Programs that give youngpeople the values and tools that open doors to anexceptional life, Child Care & Parent-Child Programswhich provide Before/After School Enrichment Programswhere children receive caring adult supervision and positive role models, and Family Camp Services in Camp Oakes.

The YMCA has always maintained a low profile in ourcommunity and has consistently gone about its ownquiet way of continuously providing the type of servicesand programs that benefit Long Beach residents. Thefact is the YMCA has been in the Greater Long Beacharea for more than 122 years and, over those years, theyhave made a positive impact in the lives of thousands.

YMCA Embarks on Capital Campaign to Build Future

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Staff:Randy Gordon . . . . . . President & CEO . . . . . . . . . (562) 436-6723Judy Donley . . . . . . . . Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . (562) 437-8823Janet Nguyen. . . . . . . VP Government Affairs . . . . (562) 983-1241Shaun Lumachi . . . . . . Advisor, Government Affairs (562) 843-0947Jackie Kuhl . . . . . . . . . Consultant, Publications. . . . (562) 843-0951Elisa Margoni . . . . . . . VP Special Events . . . . . . . . (562) 436-2810Judy Nelson . . . . . . . . VP Business Councils . . . . . (562) 432-8128 Michael Johnson . . . . VP Member Services . . . . . . (562) 590-9234Kelly Stortz . . . . . . . . . Assistant to the President . . (562) 432-7830 Bobbie Spohn . . . . . . Asst. to VP Member Services . (562) 843-0959Karen Vaughn. . . . . . . Information Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . ext 100Linda Izzo . . . . . . . . . . Member Relations Executive . . . . . . ext 101

Just ask around, Alan says, because “If you or yourimmediate family has never participated in any of ourprograms, I’m sure that you know of someone close toyou who has directly benefited from our services.” Someof the most influential community leaders in Long Beachwho are committed to making this community a betterplace in which to live and raise families serve on theYMCA board of directors and the organization is proudof having more than 3,500 generous donors and over1,000 dynamic volunteers.

Alan religiously repeats, ”We are the oldest andlargest volunteer-driven and community-based youthand family serving organization in Long Beach and wecould never have lasted this long had it not been for theexemplary support of our residents and community lead-ers”. He explains that “We continue to renew our com-mitment to ensure that our services become available forthe future generations of our community”.

In order to sustain those services, the YMCA is in theprocess of raising $1 Million from their Annual SustainingCampaign and will soon embark on an ambitious capitalcampaign to raise $20 Million to upgrade their facilities.Alan Hostrup says, “The YMCA was founded in 1884when the City of Long Beach was still known as WilmoreCity and since then, generations of the families whohelped establish our community-based association havecontinued to support our mission. Like most other non-profit organizations that rely on the generosity of theirdonors, we are confident that the community of GreaterLong Beach will support our immediate goals”.

For more information on how you can help supportYMCA, please contact Alan C. Hostrup, President &CEO, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, at 3605 Long BeachBoulevard, Long Beach CA 90807 or call (562) 279-1700.

“We are the oldest and largest volunteer-driven and community-based youth and family

serving organization in Long Beach”

Alan Hostrup

You’ve made a commitment to your health.

So have we.

For more information, contact your broker or Universal Care at 800-380-2522.

Serving as the Voice of Business

LONG BEACH BUSINESS4

Chamber Endorses in Long Beach City RacesContinued from Cover

to vote on the Assembly or Senate floor. During the2005 legislative session, State Senator Lowenthalvoted on 20 bills; 13 bills were proposed for Assemblymember Karnette’s vote; and 16 bills for Assemblymember Oropeza’s vote.

California Institute. His willingness to take a strong lead-ership role to work with the city council members andknowledge of the state and federal government willensure that the City of Long Beach will move forward tobecome a strong economic city within the region.

“We can not have a healthy and prosperous LongBeach without a healthy and prosperous business com-munity. I have been a small business owner myself, andI know how important it is for there to be a relationshipof mutual trust and respect between the business com-munity and municipal government. I am very pleased tohave the support and confidence of the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce” said Bob Foster, candidate forMayor. www.foster2006.comGary DeLong, Candidate for City Council, 3rd District

Gary DeLong is an experienced, business-friendlycandidate. Gary is the President & CEO of the RTPGroup, Inc, a telecommunications consulting and soft-ware development company based in Long Beach. Heserves several organizations and boards within the city,including the Economic Development Commission of theCity of Long Beach, a commission appointed by MayorBeverly O’Neill to help create and foster business devel-opment. Gary will oppose any new taxes or fees for theresidents and businesses within the city. www.DeLongfor3rdDistrict.com

“It is an honor to have The Chamber’s endorsement,”DeLong said. “The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerceis the leading chamber in the State of California and isknown for its ability to effectively represent the interestsof the business community. I am pleased that they have recognized my commitment to job creation, jobprotection and economic development, and I look forward to working with The Chamber to assist the business community in the 3rd District and citywide.”Vice Mayor Jackie Kell, Re-election Candidate for City Council, 5th District

Vice Mayor Kell has a positive record of supportingpro-business issues within our city. She spearheaded afight to pass the Local Preference Initiative; this initiativegives local businesses a preferential opportunity toreceive contracts with the City of Long Beach. This hashelped the keep the tax base within the city. Vice MayorKell is committed to continue to cut the red tape at City

Hall in order to attract new businesses to our city and create jobs. Specifically, Vice Mayor Kell will continue to oppose tax increases as a solution to our city’s direfinancial situation.

Vice Mayor Jackie Kell, who represents the Fifth City Council District said, “I'm honored to receive thisendorsement from our Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to continuing to work together supporting ourlocal businesses, as well as creating new and better business and job opportunities in Long Beach.”Alex Cherin, Candidate for City Council, 7th District

Alex Cherin was born and raised in the City of LongBeach. He is currently a member of the Long Beach BarAssociation, Long Beach Bar Foundation, Leadership ofLong Beach, Volunteer in Parole, Downtown BuffumYMCA, and the Economic Development Commission ofthe City of Long Beach where he works to sustain localjobs and promote businesses within the city. Alex is committed to bringing and fostering local businesses tobenefit the city. He will bring fresh ideas and oppose alltaxes and fees. www.voteforalex.com

“I want to thank you again for The Chamber’sendorsement. In my capacity as both a lawyer and community activitist, I have long admired the dedicationand professionalism of The Chamber and its diversemembership. I look forward to The Chamber's continuedinvolvement in many issues including locating and retain-ing quality businesses for the 7th District and throughoutthe City,” commented Alex Cherin, candidate for the 7thDistrict. Councilman Val Lerch, Re-election Candidate for City Council, 9th District

Councilmember Lerch has proven to be instrumentaland influential as a member of the City Council. He is astrong, pro-business councilmember who has garneredbroad-based support within the community. He hasfocused his work on job creation and business retention.The Chamber has appreciated his tireless efforts onbehalf of our business community. He has also been an advocate for new businesses personally involving himself in the recruitment of new business to his district.Councilmember Lerch will take a leadership role in finding compromise to the issues facing the City of LongBeach and its future.

“I’ve always been a friend of business and it is sincerely an honor to be endorsed by The Chamber whois by far the leading business organization,” commented

Councilman Val Lerch, re-election candidate for the 9thDistrict.Prosecutor Tom Reeves, Re-election Candidate for City Prosecutor

Prosecutor Reeves has proven during his office to befair, competent and engaged in the community. He wasinstrumental in implementing the bad check program.Tom understands the importance of keeping crime offthe street to protect the residents but also benefit thebusiness community as well. The Chamber has appreciat-ed his tireless efforts in keeping crime off our streets.

“I am very pleased to have the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce endorse me for re-election as City Prosecutor. The Chamber and I share the samepriorities—identify the key problems facing our neigh-borhoods, integrate government and private resources,and work with community leaders to improve our qualityof life.” said City Prosecutor Tom Reeves, candidate forre-election.

Local Legislators Continue Anti-Businesses Vote Continued from Cover

Long Beach Legislator Karnette Oropeza Lowenthal

Total In Accord with 4 4 4The Chamber

Total Against 12 12 16The Chamber

Supporting Pro-Jobs 25% 25% 20%Legislation Percentage

SUMMARY

Serving as the Voice of Business

LONG BEACH BUSINESS5

Detailed Vote Records for Your State Legislators44 Total Legislative Bills Tracked by The Chamber • The First 13 Bills Reached the Governor’s Desk

Bill Summary Chamber Lowenthal Karnette Oropeza Governor

AB 48 (Lieber) This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to increase the minimum wage OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Minimum wage effective on and after January 1, 2006.

AB 89 (Jerome Horton) This bill would require all applicants for healthcare benefits under Medi-Cal to OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Health care: employer identify their employer. Further, the bill would require the Dept. of Health Services to coverage: disclosure send a report to the Legislature identifying all employers with 25 or more employees

who have had employees apply for these programs.

AB 169 (Oropeza) This bill would increase the damages an employee may obtain if successful in bringing OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Gender pay equity a civil action against an employer who has violated existing law.

AB 280 (Oropeza) This bill prohibits a person from knowingly possessing specified weapons and other SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT APPROVED

Harbor facilites: crimes items within any sterile area, as defined, of an airport and a passenger vessel terminal, as defined, except as specified.

AB 391 (Koretz) This bill would allow an otherwise eligible locked-out worker, as defined, to receive OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Unemployment compensation unemployment compensation benefits, even if the worker is locked out as a result of a benefits: locked-out workers trade dispute with worker’s employer.

AB 761 (Jones) This bill would require general acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, and special OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT FAILED TO

Health facilities: staffing. hospitals, to consider any guidelines developed by relevant professional associations, if PASS

available, in determining staffing, with the exception of staffing for licensed nurses, to LEGISLATURE

annually review its worker injury rates and patient injury rates, and to submit to the department a written annual report.

AB 1406 (Karnette) This bill would require the Office of Homeland Security (OHS), on or before June 1, 2006, OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Ports and harbors: to determine the amount of funding necessary to meet federal port security requirements freight security fee. as established under federal law for ports located in California based on estimates prepared

by the United States Department of Homeland Security and Area Maritime Security Committees.

SB 101 (Battin) Employee This bill would require, by 1-1-08, any governmental entity, to use no more than the last SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT APPROVED

compensation 4 digits of the employee’s social security number on a check, draft or voucher when paying the employee’s wages.

SB 174 (Dunn) This bill will provide new incentives for plaintiffs and their attorneys to file lawsuits on OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

Minimum Wage minimum wage and overtime by creating two new types of class action “sue your boss” lawsuits.

SB 399 (Escutia) Health This bill would revise these 3rd-party claim procedures. The bill would revise the provider OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT VETOED

services: 3rd-party liability lien procedures to instead authorize the lien for the reasonable and necessary charges for services provided to the beneficiary against the portion of any judgment, award, or settlement relating to past medical expenses in the action or claim brought against a 3rd party.

SB 833 (Bowen) Unsolicited This bill places onerous administrative and economic burdens on associations by requiring OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT APPROVED

advertising faxes express written consent from their own members prior to sending a fax advertisement. Historically, communications between associations and its members were protected as an “established business relationship.”

SB 1105 (Speier) This bill would prohibit an insurer from taking specified actions relating to issuing, SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT APPROVED

Life insurance: travel renewing, or rating a life insurance policy based upon the applicant’s or insured’s past or future lawful travel destinations.

AJR 8 (Canciamilla) This measure would urge the Congress of the United States to ratify treaty provisions SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT APPROVED

Marine pollution known as Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to pursue the creation of a North America Sulfur Emission Control Area.

For a complete list of all bills tracked by The Chamber log on to http://www.longbeachadvocacy.biz/2005bills.htm

LONG BEACH BUSINESS6

Focusing on Small Business

Sloan Awards to Recognize Excellence in Workplace Flexibility National Award Will Honor “Win-Win” Flexibility Practices of Businesses in Long Beach Area

Employers in the greater Long Beach area are invitedto apply for the annual Alfred P. Sloan Awards for BusinessExcellence in Workplace Flexibility, a prestigious awardhonoring small, medium and large organizations in thepublic and private sector that successfully use work-place flexibility to meet both business and employeegoals. Applications are now being accepted online atwww.whenworkworks.org through November 28, 2005.

Why Flexibility?Globalization, technology, and an aging workforce—

these are just a few of the trends transforming today’sworkplace and workforce. In the face of fierce competi-tion, increasingly complicated jobs, and changing work-force demographics, it is more challenging than ever for employers to recruit top talent, engage and retainworkers, and maximize productivity. Employees too feelthe crunch, with more and more feeling stretched thinbetween their responsibilities at home and at work.

Flexibility is a dual-agenda strategy that can benefitboth employers and employees. It can aid employerswith recruitment and retention while also helpingemployees manage workload and meet personal

responsibilities. Families and Work Institute describesflexibility as a way to define how and when work getsdone and how careers are organized. Research from FWIshows that employees who work in flexible workplacesare more likely to:• be engaged in their jobs and committed to helping

their organizations succeed;• plan on staying with their employer;• be satisfied with their jobs; and• exhibit better mental health.

Workplace flexibility can include: • having traditional flextime (setting daily hours with

in a range periodically);• having daily flextime; • taking time off during the work day to address

family matters; or care for a sick child;• being able to work some regular hours at home; • being able to adjust break time;• having control over one’s work schedule; • being able to work part-time in one’s current position; • being able to work a compressed work week; and • being able to work part-year in current position.

About the AwardsThe Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence

in Workplace Flexibility are part of When Work Works, a nationwide initiative to highlight the importance of workforce effectiveness and workplace flexibility as strategies to enhance businesses’ competitive advan-tage in the global economy and yield positive businessresults. The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is part-nering with the When Work Works team to present theSloan Awards to employers in the greater Long Beacharea—one of sixteen select communities nationwide.

Winners will be honored within the community asemployers of choice and will also receive nationalrecognition. Past recipients in metro Long Beach are:D&B; PeacePartners, Inc.; and Ward’s Furniture.

To apply for the Sloan Awards and for tips on howworkplace flexibility can help you and your organization,please visit www.whenworkworks.org.

modeConsultancyManagement and Organization Development Excellence

Developmental Consulting Services Tailored to Your Organization’s Needs• Leader & Organization Development• Team Building• Diversity Management• Sexual Harassment & Workplace Violence Prevention

Contact Karl A. Strandberg, Ph.D.562/598-5852 or modecon@earthlink.net

Map Out NewBusiness!It’s coming soon—an exciting new map for2006-2007 to showcase the Long Beach com-munity. Again this year, The Chamber and theLong Beach Area Convention and VisitorsBureau will co-sponsor the Long BeachArea Map, allowing members a uniquemarketing opportunity with tremendousexposure.

A map successfully brings new business tomember firms. Everyone appreciates maps. In fact, newcomers and visitors to the community find it hard to get along without one!

The map is always the most requested publication by the public. As an effective marketing tool, this new image piece will help members reach new members, residents and businesses throughout the year. Being seen on the popular, official Long Beach Area Map will also help member businesses receivemore of the visitor dollars that are spent in the community each year.

Because there is not enough room for all the members to be on the map, it sells out quickly. First chance at the limited number of spaces will be acceptedaccording to the earliest fliers returned from this chamber mailing. To make it convenient for chamber members, credit cards will be accepted this year.

Long time member firm, award-winning Century Publishing’s map division, MapMasters, will again create the new Long Beach Area Map. Terry Shapiro will againhelp members achieve their individual marketing objectives. Send in the enclosedflier and be seen on the exciting new 2006-2007 Long Beach Area Map.

Better Business in 90 Minutes SeminarState and Federal HR Law Changes Affecting Your Business

Did you know that by January 1, 2006, all California employers with 50 employs ormore must provide supervisors with two hours of sexual harassment training every twoyears? Not all sexual harassment training courses meet California’s new legal requirements?

These are just a couple of the many HR issues that will be discussed at the nextBetter Business in 90 Minutes Seminar—FREE for all Chamber Members—onWednesday, November 30, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the RenaissanceLong Beach Hotel. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served.

Our industry experts will share with you the many changes in state and federal HRlaws that you, as employers, need to be aware of. Michele Patterson, a partner with theLaw Firm of Tredway, Lumsdaine, and Doyle LLP along with Audrianne Adams-Lee,president of HR NETwork Inc. will lead the informative discussion.

Space is limited, so please reserve your place in this free seminar today by calling Bobbie Spohn at (562) 436-1251 Ext. 118 or sending an e-mail toBSpohn@lbchamber.com. You can also register online at www.lbchamber.com.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS7

Volunteer Opportunities

WC Furthering its Mission

Women’s Council is furthering its mission to providea supportive environment for business professionals tonetwork, to achieve personal growth and to contributeto the betterment of the community. Our work thus farhas laid a solid foundation for exciting opportunities toimprove both our businesses and our community.

If you need help lightening up your business or personal responsibilities, our monthly networking lunch-eon on November 17 may be just the answer you havebeen seeking. The luncheon’s workshop will featureColette Carson, a personal and professional coach, whowill share her stress reducing techniques with us. OurHoliday Luncheon on December 8 promises to be anelegant occasion. The cultured ambiance of the Museumof Latin American Art will be the setting for an affair toremember.

The Women’s Outreach Committee of Women’sCouncil has arranged for our sponsorship of FoodFinders. Food Finders is an organization that providessupport ranging from clothing and toiletries to food foremployment challenged and homeless individuals, manyof whom are single parent women with children. Ourcontribution to this group is made possible only throughyour generous support. Thank you.

We need all of your assistance and support toadvance Women’s Council’s mission. If you have notalready done so, please renew your membership today,and encourage a friend to join. To reserve your tickets to the events mentioned above, call Judy Nelson at(562) 432-8128 or e-mail jnelson@lbchamber.com. I lookforward to seeing you all soon at our upcoming events.

InternationalBusinessAssociationPresident, Terry GeilingProfessional Business Services

Women’sCouncilPresident, Ivy GoolsbyInternational Realty &Investments

Tech PointTechnologyCommitteeMarketing Chair, Mark ScholarMicro Data Solutions

The one source for occupational health services with two Long Beach locations.

Memorial Occupational Medical Services Memorial Maritime Clinic450 E. Spring, Ste. 8 150 S. Pico Ave.(562) 933-0085 (562) 432-2821

Buffum Medical Pavillion Port of Long BeachLong Beach Memorial Medical Center

LONG BEACH MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTEROCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

“The Women’s Outreach Committee ofWomen’s Council has arranged for our

sponsorship of Food Finders.”

Something is Different This Year

You can tell there is a touch of autumn in the air.Pumpkins on front porches, corn stalks in store windows,and turkeys on sale at Ralphs. But something is different.Fall doesn’t seem quite the same this year. Oh, now Iknow—there are hardly any ships stacked up outside thebreakwater, there are not as many 16 wheelers stackedup on the 710 and there are not as many containersstacked up in the rail yards. What a difference one yearcan make. Congratulations to the terminal operators,truckers, railroads and everyone else involved in movingthe freight. They all got their act together so all the goodboys and girls will be able to find a healthy supply of game boys, ipods and X boxes under the tree this holiday.

And…speaking of holidays, the good little boys andgirls of the IBA will be having a joint Holiday Party withthe Airport Area Business Council and TechPoint onFriday, December 9. You are all welcome to join us as wecount our blessings and celebrate another great year.And while you have your calendar out, be sure to blockout Friday, January 27 as the date the IBA will hostExecutive Director Dick Steinke’s annual State of the Port address. Call or e-mail Judy Nelson (562) 432 8128,jnelson@lbchamber.com for details on all of these “notto miss” events.

“Congratulations to the terminal operators,truckers, railroads and everyone else involved

in moving the freight. “

Working Hard, Playing Harder

Thanks to all who attended the September 30th TechPoint mixer at Laugh is Hope Comedy Club. The net-working was great, followed by great stand-up comedy!Tech Point is teaming up with IBA and Women’s Councilto cross promote and attend each others events. SeveralTech Point members attended and joined the fun at theWomen’s Council October mixer at CasaVino Wine Bar.We are all looking forward to our Holiday Luncheon withIBA and the Airport Area Business Council in December.

Our Cabrillo High Community Technology Project isprogressing through the requisition part of Phase 1, andadditional sponsors are needed for Phase 2. We arealways looking for additional sponsors for this worth-while project. Inside Technologies and WSI Milestoneare new sponsors for Cabrillo. Please see www.lbtech-point.com for additional sponsorship opportunities.

Stay tuned for a possible business networking lunchwith a speaker from JPL. In January, we are anticipatingthe Microsoft® Across America truck for our members toexplore with its state-of-the-art truck for live productdemonstrations.

Please encourage your IT Managers and staff to joinTech Point and become part of our technology resourcedatabase. One major benefit—Tech Point membersreceive business leads and requests via email that do not go to our general email list. We are offering specialpricing for any additional listing for members in ourdatabase.

For more information on membership, please contact Edwina MacKay at Edwina@lbtechpoint.com orcall (562) 936-0070.

“In January, we are anticipating theMicrosoft® Across America truck for our

members to explore…”

ThankYou to

Flight Safetyfor hosting The Chamber’s October Board of Director’s meeting.

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 416LONG BEACH, CA

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

Upcoming EventsNovember 2005 See Enclosed Flyers

Help put veterans back to work! How? By working with VETERANS INDUSTRIES!Veterans Industries can place veterans at your worksite or perform the work at our onsite sheltered workshop. How can working with Veterans Industries benefit you?• Reduces your costs because there is no workers’ compensation, social security, medical insurance, vacation/sick pay

or other “employee” costs.• Performs assembly, packaging, sorting, labeling, and other jobs at our workshop.• Provides you with a pool of pre-screened workers.• Lowers your costs while meeting your production needs.• Brings together qualified veterans and employers for the benefit of both.• Competitive bids without cost or obligation.

For more information please contact Cheryl Iwata

(562) 826-5590 e-mail: cheryl.iwata@med.va.gov.

Visit our national websitewww.va.gov/vetind.

Better Business in 90 MinutesSeminar (FREE!)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 20058:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.

Renaissance Long Beach Hotel111 East Ocean Blvd.

Topic: State/Federal Law Changes Affecting Your BusinessBobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118

bspohn@lbchamber.com

Annual Holiday Mixer & TreeLighting Ceremony

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 20055:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Aboard the Queen Mary, Britannia SalonBobbie Spohn (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118

bspohn@lbchamber.com

Joint Holiday PartyWith… Airport Area Business Council, Int’l Business Association & Tech Point

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 200511:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

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

State of the City LuncheonTUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006

11:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.Long Beach Convention Center Grand BallroomElisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 • emargoni@lbchamber.com

IBA LuncheonState of the Port Address

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 200611:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

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