Regional Efforts

The 1,500 members of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce strongly disagree with the July 20 Commentary by Joel Kotkin, which erroneously implies that businesses are “uninterested or even dismissive of regional efforts.” They have invested in chamber efforts which span Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. And they have invested well.

In May, I traveled along with the chamber’s First Vice Chairman Tom Decker as a member of the advisory committee to the Bay-Delta project. The chamber supports the establishment of a water market to help with the efficient transfer, conservation and allocation of water to satisfy the needs of California environmentalists, agribusiness, industry and the urban populace.

Later, more than 200 chamber members met with members of the Los Angeles City Council during an unprecedented “Legislative Day.” Members asked pointed questions and aired their views on charter reform, the permit review process and airport expansion.

The chamber monitors the budget debates in Sacramento and has taken a stance against cutting the vehicle license fee. We have posted welfare-to-work information on our Web site. These are just some of the myriad of complex issues which demand the involvement of the business community.

Kotkin is correct is his conclusion that diverse groups should link up when they share common interests. Hence the LAACC has instituted a series of collaborations with like-minded business groups, including the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., the Los Angeles Business Advisors, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association and ethnic chambers of commerce. Together we can maximize the influence we carry in the decision-making process.

All the issues we are working on have a direct bearing on sustaining an expansionary business climate well into the future. Participation of LAACC members in our legislative programs is a very critical and worthwhile investment. Our members are extremely interested in the region’s future and the benefits of belonging to a regional chamber of commerce.

EZUNIAL BURTS

President

Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce