May 27, 2016

The following content is from the May edition of the Out and About newsletter. To get Jerry’s updates directly to your inbox, sign up here.

Jerry Sanders, Chamber President & CEO

Dear Chamber members,

The Chamber team returned this week from our annual delegation trip to Sacramento. This year, we brought nearly 70 delegates – representing small business owners, policy officials, and regional business executives – which was a substantial increase from last year. As a result of our two-day trip, we:

• Met with Senator Bob Hertzberg to discuss his proposed comprehensive tax reform to create a substantial and stable revenue source for the State;

• Received an update from Senator Jim Beall on a proposed bill that will fund transportation infrastructure, including highways and local roads;
• Met with the Public Policy Institute of California to discuss evidence-based education reform, and strategies for improving access; graduation, and financing for higher education; and
• Facilitated vital connections between Chamber members and elected officials at the local and state level.

2016 Delegation to Sacramento

As you may remember from last week’s Business Forecast, state legislation has had a major impact on San Diego’s business community. Harmful policies like the new minimum wage hike, for instance, can take a significant toll on hiring, employee hours, and revenue projections – particularly for the hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.

With this in mind, the Chamber team is extremely grateful to our members for lending their voice to our cause, and ensuring that the unique needs of our business leaders are heard. If you’re interested in joining us for the next policy delegation, please save the date for our upcoming Chamber Mission to Washington, D.C. Applications will open at the end of June.

Members of our Sacramento Delegation with California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin De Leon

Also on the policy front, the Chamber team released the 2016 San Diego Voters Guide in May’s issue of the Policy Update. A large part of driving San Diego’s economy forward depends on having the right policy leaders and measures put into place – I invite you to use this guide to educate yourself and others about the business-friendly candidates and propositions that are committed to strengthening our region’s economy. With your help, we can make great strides to ensure San Diego continues to become a place where businesses can succeed and grow while creating jobs, supporting infrastructure, and enriching neighborhoods.

Coming up, we have a Business After Five Mixer on Wednesday, June 8 which will be held at the Center for Creative Leadership’s newest campus. In addition to networking with Chamber Boardmembers and San Diego’s elected officials, guests will also have an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about CCL’s top-10 ranked executive education programs.

Following that, you are cordially invited to join Congressmembers Susan Davis, Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa, and Scott Peters for a Congressional Luncheon, moderated by Chamber Executive VP & COO, Aimee Faucett. Last year, we had nearly 600 business executives and policy leaders, and – with election season upon us – we’re expecting a lively discussion.

Before I let you go – if you’re looking for a new podcast or radio show to get in to – I must recommend the new Live Well Radio Hour from the folks at Real Talk San Diego. They’re doing a really great job of educating their audience and keeping them informed about the real topics that matter to San Diego, and I expect nothing less from their newest segment.

This month, I did a feature on their show to talk about the impact of wellness on San Diego businesses. I encourage you to give it a listen here.

Until next time, enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Best,

Jerry Sanders
President & CEO
San Diego Regional
Chamber of Commerce