LEGISLATIVE

UPDATE

• Health Law Guide tailored for the business community one one website:       www.healthcareguide-
• forbusiness.org

• Tax Hike Initiatives Aim for November Ballot:  Voters may face as many as 3 ballot measures that increase income taxes.  1) Governor Brown's short-term income and sales tax increase to address state budget deficit. 2)  A 12-year income tax increase aimed at supplementing existing education funding and, 3) Two radical government employee unions propose a permanent income tax increased aimed at high-income taxpayers.   
• SB 299 took effect 1/1/12.  Employers with more than 5 employees now required to "maintain an d pay for coverage..." under a group health plan, for the duration of the pregnancy leave, which does not exceed four months within a 12 month-period.  CLICK HERE FOR LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS 

Member Application

Online Directory

The Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a questionnaire to attendees at the Spirit of Laguna and Installation Event asking "what service, product or vision should the Chamber of Commerce consider going forward?"  The results were not surprising and the feedback was extremely useful.  Here is just a sampling...

"website needs updating"

"more outreach to youth"

 " use social media more"

"lead economic development"

"more marketing for Laguna Beach tourists"

"recognize the good that business brings to the local economy"

"be an advocate for new businesses"

"take better care of Broadway, first thing people see entering the city"

These are just a few of the comments.  So far, we are already making progress on many of the suggestions.  I look forward to these challenges and have a team that is committed to seeing a lot of these ideas come to fruition. 

Our committees are moving forward and gaining momentum.  The Government Affairs Council is looking at a list of new goals and objectives to review and a system of reviewing the various City and County committee and task force agendas.  This will allow the GAC to be a more pro-active and responsive committee to our members and provide an "early warning" system to stay informed.  Our Marketing Committee will be sponsoring an updated Social Networking workshop on April 10 regarding how to create "buzz" for your business.  Another QR Code workshop is forthcoming, however we will be offering as a webinar and/or video seminar to make it more convenient for members.  Finally, the Environmental Committee is off to a good start with their first meeting taking place tentatively on the 4th Tuesday of the Month, starting in March.  

Stay tuned for our Member Showcase events and of course, our first "Mega Mixer" coming up at the Montage on April 2 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  I look forward to seeing you there!  

Kristine Thalman,

Executive Director 

Save the Date for our First "Mega Mixer" at the Montage!!! 

This is a new addition to the Business E-News to keep our members informed about upcoming city initiatives, business development and changes in city policies or regulations.

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Upcoming Meetings: 

• City Council Meeting - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - 6pm ,  505 Forest Avenue
•  Transit Funding Report:  Proposed parking meter rate increases, advertising opportunities on city trams, consider charging fares during summer months and additional upgrades to parking meters.  
•   One-time matching grant for Chamber of Commerce Economic Development program and technology/electrical code upgrades 

   Click Here for City Council Agenda  

Upcoming City Commission Meetings/Events:

Click here for City of Laguna Beach Calendar