Two powersuits are charging together through the dusty, sun-dappled gloom, pursuing some running Na'vi hunters.
Something slams into one of the suits, tackling it out of frame. The other trooper whirls and sees-- The most awesome land predator the universe has ever conceived. The MANTICORE crouches over the fallen powersuit, growling like a panther the size of a switch engine. Its mantis-like front limbs grip the struggling powersuit trooper like a vice.
The standing trooper can't fire with out hitting his buddy. He can only stare. And so he has time to see the figure on the back of the beast. A blueskinned woman. The manticore rips the powersuit's gun arm off with its massive distensible jaws. Then the scorpion tail arcs through the air, driving the stinger down like a piledriver. It punches through the canopy. The struggling suit goes still.
The standing trooper raises his cannon but-- The manticore leaps, blindingly fast... impossibly fast for something that size and-- WHAM!! It has him in its mantis grip. He is face to face with its nightmare jaws, right outside his canopy-- The tail rises, poising to strike-- K-CRACK!! Zuleika drops the powersuit like a pile of junk and turns her demon mount. The manticore bounds into the foliage to stalk the other powersuits.
Nearby the armored footsoldiers see living shadows flow out of the gloom around them. The VIPERWOLVES race among them with flashing jaws. The troopers fire wildly as they go down, hitting each other. The survivors break and run as more viperwolves come out of the shadows after them.
THE AIR BATTLE RAGES. Quaritch, directing operations from the Dragon, has lost track of a lot of his ships among the floating mountains. The Na'vi are fighting a dirty guerrilla war, luring his ships into single combat and ambushing them.
He snaps the targeting system down over his eyes and takes over the gun system of the Dragon. He tracks a banking rayrider and blows him out of the sky. Targets another. P-POOM! Josh, flying his demon mount, looks around to see-- A FLOTILLA OF MEDUSAE emerging around the flank of Mons Prometheus. The enormous gas-jellyfish glitter in the sun, big as ships.
CLOSER ON THE MEDUSAE. A second leonopteryx sweeps into view, ridden by Tsu Te. He signals to a Na'vi hunter who rides the top of the lead medusa. The female hunter has her queue plugged into a nervecenter at top dead center of the thing's huge bell. She directs it to turn, and it pulses, coming slowly around. The other medusae are not ridden, but they follow mindlessly.
A Scorpion, banking around the flank of the Big Rock-Candy Mountain, finds itself tangled in a curtain of rubbery tentacles a hundred meters long. The pilot tries to pull free as he looks up-- In time to see more of the gas-bags converging, their bells pulsing vigorously. More stringy tentacles wind over the Scorpion. It twists and turns, trying to get free.
Tsu Te rides up near the unmanned medusas which are gripping the Scorpion. He waits until the tentacles have drawn it up near the gas bags, then fires a flaming arrow into the middle of them. KA-BOOM!! They go up like the Hindenburg in an enormous fireball which engulfs the Scorpion. The gunship drops, bathed in fire and giant-jellyfish parts. It hits the rocks below and the fuel explodes.
A pair of Samsons pursue half a dozen rayriders through the intermittent clouds which wreath Big Rock-Candy Mountain. They suddenly find themselves in a swarm of medusae. The Samsons slow down, looking for a way out of the pack of giant balloons. The rays peel away, disappearing.
The pilots see a flash of red wings, an arc of fire, and then the balloons around them explode... each detonating the one next to it. The Samsons are consumed in an inferno of exploding hydrogen.
IN THE LAB back at base, the controllers watch in amazement as the medusae explode. They see the Samsons fall like burning toys. A SECFOR trooper strides in, shutting down the big monitor. He tells them to go to quarters until the emergency is over.
Hegner clubs him from behind with a computer keyboard. The other controllers jump in, wrestling him down. Spindly Norm Cheeseman grabs the guy's gun and runs for the door, yelling.
THE LINKROOM door is hurled open and the controllers charge in, led by Cheeseman. Hegner barricades the door at the end of the connecting corridor, then falls back to the linkroom. He seals the door there, and pushes lab equipment against it. The controllers scramble into their link chairs, pulling the helmets down.
THE FOREST IS A SMOKY HELL. Fires seem to burn all around. The troopers are separated and disorganized. Shooting at shadows.
Na'vi run along massive tree boughs, like walkways through the canopy. They fire arrows down at two powersuits walking below. The arrows are tipped with bladders of sticky liquid, which break over the powersuits.
A beat, while the troopers inside try to figure out what's going on. Then a flock of stingbats descend on them, drawn to the attractant. They swarm so thickly around the bubble canopies that the troopers are blinded. One of them blunders into a ravine. The other fires around him wildly, panicking.
SPLAT!! Bladders of attractant burst among a squad of regular troopers and volunteers. Within seconds a swarm of HELLFIRE WASPS, big as sparrows, is zipping around them. The squad scatters, screaming. A couple of them fall and don't get up.
Lyle, nearby, is yelling on his intercom for a report. Who's screaming? What's going on. A regular trooper near him jerks back as a SLINGER DART appears in his chest, piercing his ballistic armor.
A scream on his left and another man is taken down by a leaping SLINTH. Lyle sees its striking head snap forward into the man's chest and knows he is dead. Lyle fires his cannon. The slinth flips convulsively amid flying earth and splintered bark.
Lyle stands there panting, looking around wildly, wondering what's going to come out of the jungle next.
AT THE BASE Norm Cheeseman's avatar sprints with powerful strides across the compound.
Inside, a SECFOR security squad blasts open the door to the corridor connecting to the linkroom. They enter the corridor, advancing warily with their guns aimed.
K-RUNCH!! A bulldozer blade rips through the wall from outside. The corridor is flooded with lethal Pandoran air. The SECFOR guards are overcome, hacking and coughing. They retreat, staggering back the way they came.
OUTSIDE Norm pivots his bulldozer and advances on the SECFOR offices. He revs the giant machine and crashes straight into the wall. The SECFOR OPERATIONS CENTER, from which the battle was being coordinated, is breached. Selfridge gapes as toxic air swirls in. Alarms go off. The technicians flee their stations, abandoning the radar and communication equipment. They all make it out, sealing the door behind them. Selfridge stands in the corridor, gasping. His world unraveling. Norm, really enjoying this, gives it the gas and drives right into the Ops Center, turning the equipment to rubble.
IN THE JUNGLE regular troopers and volunteers run to the ramp of the Valkyrie shuttle which was their landing craft. They are pursued by viperwolves, some of which follow the last men into the ship.
The pilot hears screaming and yelling from the back compartment. He panics, and starts an emergency takeoff. The huge ship rises into a hover and accelerates forward. Out of the trees comes a shiny black shape which leaps onto the nose of the shuttle. The Manticore fills the ship's front windows. The pilot screams as the tail slams right through the canopy, shattering it.
OUTSIDE we see Zuleika and the manticore drop off the accelerating ship from a height of 20 meters. The manticore crashes down through foliage and lands agilely. The shuttle accelerates out of control-- It climbs out of the forest-- Inside, the pilot is dead at the controls, the co-pilot gagging on the poisonous air.
The shuttle hits the underside of Mons Veritatis. It explodes, and hundreds of tons of flaming debris drop back into the forest.
Quaritch watches the wreckage falling. He orders the other shuttle to get out of the battle area. It is their only way of getting back to Prometheus... the ticket home. And then he turns back to the battle. And you see in his face that he is over the edge. There is no logic in his brain now. Only death.
Tsu Te glides his leonopteryx just beneath the cliffwall of the Big Rock-Candy Mountain. He passes a broad waterfall... a shimmering curtain.
The Dragon gunship explodes out of the veil of water, bearing down on Tsu Te with thundering turbines. Quaritch opens up with the cannon as Tsu Te banks his mount. The rounds rip across the leo's wing, and the dying animal flutters like a broken kite down into drifting clouds. Josh, circling above, sees Tsu Te get shot down.
The dying leonopteryx crashes down through the trees, lodging in branches high above the ground. Tsu Te falls the rest of the way, clutching at vines as he tries to break his fall. He hits the ground, and lies there... badly injured.
Josh's leonopteryx drops like a Mig 29, slamming into the Dragon with an earsplitting screech. The Dragon lurches, but is not toppled like the Scorpions. It shakes off the stunned leonopteryx, and banks around to fire.
Josh dives and the chase is on. They jink and turn, dive and climb. Josh dodges a fusillade of cannon fire and air-to-air missiles, more by luck than skill. He dives for the sheltering trees. They zigzag through the obstacle course under the canopy of foliage. Josh leads the Dragon into a net-trap. The Na'vi drop the net after he passes-- And the Dragon rips right through it like lace.
Josh looks back. Uh oh. He climbs hard, and the Dragon follows, ripping up the jungle around him. Josh pushes the leo hard, climbing into a cloud bank. The Dragon follows. They bank along a cliff wall, almost brushing the rock. The pilot of the Dragon loses sight of Josh amongst a set of rocky spires. Quaritch is scanning, looking for his target.
Josh finishes his tight bank above the gunship and dives toward its broad back. He pulls out, skimming over the ship. Uncoupling his neural link, he rolls backward off the leonopteryx's back. Josh hits, skidding, on the hull of the Dragon.
Quaritch sees the leonopteryx zoom overhead and flap away from them. He sends a missile after it and the scarlet demon vanishes in a fireball.
The huge gunship hovers, pivoting slowly as it scans for another target. Josh runs along the back of the thing, pulling two grenades from the bandolier. He pulls the pins with his teeth. Then hurls them into the intakes. BOOM! BOOM! The explosions rip through the gunship's guts. It drops like an elevator. Josh clings to a gunturret. Out the side of the bubble canopy, Quaritch sees Josh clinging to the ship ten feet from him. The pilot tries in vain to regain control.
The gunship blunders down through the treetops. Josh runs, diving out into space with everything he has-- Grabbing an armful of lianas-- He plunges down, ripping painfully along the vines as-- The gunship crashes down through the trees and-- Josh breaks his fall, hanging in a tangle of vines as-- The gunship slams down into a small lake with a white explosion of water far below.
BACK AT THE BASE Selfridge is at the end of his rope. He orders his ragged SECFOR guards to blow up the linkroom. Rob Parrish puts a gun to Selfridge's head and tells them all to drop their weapons.
Selfridge can't believe Parrish has suddenly decided to become a man of principle. Why start now? But Parrish has had enough of feeling sick at heart, and Selfridge has gone way too far. He tells him to keep his money. The guards lower their guns on Selfridge's orders.
AT THE JUNGLE LAKE the Dragon gunship lies half submerged. Out of the water in the foreground. a shape rises. It is Quaritch, wearing a powersuit. He strides up out of the water, covered with mud. His face, behind the canopy, is bloody and his eyes burn. Quaritch strides into the forest, looking for something to kill. He opens fire with the GAU 90, blasting the trees around him into kindling. He starts literally cutting a swath through the jungle in a killing rage.
TSU TE lies in a gasping heap. He has some broken bones. He looks up, grimacing, as a powersuit looms over him. It is Lyle.
Wainfleet looks down at the fallen hunter. He reaches down and grabs Tsu Te by his queue, lifting him painfully. Then he draws a huge knife with his other hydraulic hand.
He cuts Tsu Te's queue off near the base... scalping him. Tsu Te screams in agony, his nervous system exploding on overload. Lyle holds up the hair... Tsu Te's only connection to the world-consciousness which is his life's blood.
Lyle hears a chilling roar and a splintering crash. He looks around in time to see a blurred black shape leap toward him in an explosion of foliage.
Zuleika's manticore is on him in one bound. It grips him, and the stinging tail rises up. With blinding speed it strikes over and down. K-CRACK! Right through the bubble canopy. Lyle is skewered, pinned to the back of his cockpit. The venom goes through him, locking all his muscles in agonizing contraction. Zuleika drops him. She looks down at Tsu Te who, mercifully, is dead.
Zuleika hears firing nearby. She charges forward to meet the alien enemy. On a collision course with-- QUARITCH, in his powersuit, moving relentlessly through the jungle. His hydraulic boots clomp past the bodies of Na'vi direhorses, a bansheeray.
He sees something through the dense foliage. Moves to get a better look. It is the SHACK. He is in the Na'vi stronghold. The defenders are dead. Quaritch closes in on the shack.
INSIDE THE SHACK Josh is tranced out, under the link. Through a window we see Quaritch's powersuit step into the clearing outside.
QUARITCH levels his GAU 90 at the shack-- His finger goes to the firing button-- WHAM!! A six-legged black demon tackles him. Quaritch pivots as he falls, firing the cannon. It misses Zuleika by inches. He grapples with the manticore, keeping its mantis forelimbs from locking onto him.
The two titans twist and struggle. Zuleika strikes with the tail. CRACK! It pierces the canopy but misses Quaritch. He grabs a quick breath, holding it before the Pandoran air comes in.
Quaritch slams the manticore back against a treetrunk, almost crushing Zuleika. Then he twists violently, hurling the manticore off. It lands, twisting back on itself almost like a snake-- Zuleika gathers for a leap as-- Quaritch raises the gatling gun and-- The manticore launches at him and-- P-P-P-POOM!! The GAU 90 rips into its belly. Quaritch holds the trigger down, drilling hundreds of round into the thing, all the way up its chest to the fearsome head.
The manticore slumps to the ground, pinning Zuleika's legs under its great bulk. She is trapped.
Quaritch grabs his breathing mask and takes a gulp of air. Then he looks down at Zuleika. He aims the cannon at her, but when he fires it rotates harmlessly, empty. He steps toward her and-- A figure drops from a limb above, between him and Zuleika. It is Josh.
The renegade avatar charges straight at the powersuit, which towers over him. In hand to hand combat Josh and Quaritch fight to the death.
It is a knockdown drag-out fight. Josh has the speed and agility, but Quaritch has the power, and he moves well in the suit. Josh is pummeled. At one point the battle takes them near the shack. Josh swings a log like a club, knocking Quaritch back. The powersuit crashes against the shack, shaking it violently. Inside, Human Josh is jarred so hard the link is momentarily broken. Josh/Avatar drops like a puppet with the strings cut.
Human Josh pulls the headset back down and re-establishes the link. The avatar rolls away just as a hydraulic boot slams down. He springs to his feet only to duck a pile- driver punch.
Zuleika struggles to free herself from beneath the manticore's body. Josh and Quaritch grapple, and the powersuit finally pins Josh against a rock. Quaritch pulls back his arm for a crushing blow-- Zuleika leaps into shot, grabbing the arm-- Josh's hand flashes up, hitting the rescue-release-- The canopy pops and Josh forces it open-- He hits the power switch and the suit goes dead.
One powerful avatar arm grabs Quaritch and yanks him out like a soft oyster from a shell. Quaritch stares at him through his breathing mask. Waiting for the killing blow.
But Josh just cocks his head. Listening. He hears something in the forest nearby.
He sets Quaritch down, and the SECFOR commander staggers back. Josh motions for him to go. And Quaritch runs. He crashes through the foliage like the demons of Hell are after him.
Which, unfortunately, they are. Quaritch sees the viperwolves flowing from shadow to shadow behind him, around him. Two come out onto the trail ahead of him. The circle closes in. The viperwolves bare their glass-like distending fangs. Hideous hyena laughter, then a blur of motion.
Josh and Zuleika hear the scream through the trees. Then silence, except for the normal sounds of the forest. They hug each other. The battle is over. They have won.
AT HELL'S GATE the avatars have secured the base and established control. They stand guard with weapons as the human survivors of the battle are marched onto the shuttle.
HUMAN JOSH watches as Selfridge and his whole corrupt outfit board the shuttle.
Josh has given as edict: The base is being closed. When the humans are all back on Prometheus the last shuttle will be destroyed so no-one can come back. Prometheus will go back to Earth.
So it is a time for goodbyes. And decisions. Josh has decided to stay, and so have several of the other controllers. Giese is leaving. And all the other humans are being told to leave. Thanks. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
Marcia does her last downlink to Earth. Josh, on camera, tells whoever is watching that the natural defenses, the immune system, of Pandora will not allow humans to set foot here again. Just like the cold and flu counterviruses were created, a new virus will be created.
It will be a virus lethal to humans. An airborne hemorrhagic fever. A flesheating virus from Hell. If it gets back to Earth as a result of future expeditions here, the whole human race will die screaming. Pandora is off- limits for all time.
Marcia and Trudy hug Josh and head for the airfield. The shuttle takes off, its sun-bright lance of fire climbing into the evening sky.
NORMAN CHEESEMAN There's not really a virus like that is there? JOSH (with a little smile) It could happen.
NIGHT AT THE WELL OF SOULS. The willows glow softly. Hundreds of torches light the gathered congregation of clans. Mo'at stands at the central willow, in communion with Gaia. The Na'vi sit in their concentric rings, also connected.
The camera starts wide, seeing the hundreds of softly chanting figures in the great circle. It swoops in toward the center, until it is hovering... looking down at two figures lying on the ground.
Josh and his avatar lie head to head. Human Josh is wearing a mask, connected to a rebreather which is lying beside him. Both figures are still, with hands folded on their chests. The silken threads cover them both. They lie cocooned like moths.
We see Zuleika, Grace and N'deh standing near the bodies. At the edge of the inner circle, the other controllers sit, crosslegged, watching intently.
As the camera moves in Zuleika moves forward, kneeling next to Josh's human form. Now we see only Zuleika and the two Joshes. She gently removes the mask from the human Josh's face. He is not breathing. She bends and kisses him.
The camera drifts down past her, centering on Josh's avatar. Moving in to full close-up. Zuleika moves next to Josh's avatar. Her hand comes into frame, stroking his cheek.
TIGHTENING slowly to extreme closeup until-- His eyes open.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
lachamber5
Southern California Visionaries
This distinguished awards luncheon honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in civic leadership and celebrates those whose vision has inspired action, collaboration and positive community outcomes.
World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast
Bringing together Southern California’s international trade community, this kickoff breakfast rewards excellence in trade companies and presents scholarships to students pursing careers in world trade.
It was like the Super Bowl of business eaders at the Beverly H :o
last night where the Chamber held its 119th IdUgL i ~i D ii i~i.
Partners and Affiliates
Chamber members benefit from the programs and initiatives of our strategic partners and affiliates.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP NETWORK
Chamber partner working to train and develop exemplary and diverse leaders
Chamber affiliate facilitating education
and workforce development programs
I •MobiLity
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
TRANSPORTATION COALITION
Chamber-led regional coalition dedicated to the development of solutions to the transportation issues facing Southern California
WorldTrade
Week I est. 1926
An Initiative of the
LA. Area Chamber
Chamber-founded program celebrating international trade in Southern California
Los Angeles
IZ County
Fed Business
Federation
Strengthening the Voice of Business
Chamber co-founded grassroots alliance of L.A. County business organizations dedicated to mobilizing the collective voice of business
I -— Research shows, affiliation with the Chamber translates into
business results2. Join the more than 1,600 members who benefit from the Chamber’s business development, advocacy and costs-savings programs. Whether a large corporation or a small business, there’s a Chamber membership level right for your organization.
Membership Benefits
STANDARD
• Access to business development and networking events
• Access to Chamber discount and rebate programs
• Access to Chamber referrals and referral network
• Access to professional development programs
• Access to Public Policy Committees and Industry Councils
• Company listing in Chamber business directory (online and print)
• Complimentary certificates of origin
• Complimentary notary services
• Complimentary one-year subscription to the Los Angeles Business Journal
• Complimentary ribbon cutting ceremony
• Complimentary SCORE counseling
• Cost-effective advertising opportunities in Chamber publications
• Discounted leadership programs
• Invitations to Chamber signature events
• Invitations to Access Event Series
• Proud member logo available for use on Web site
• Room rental discount
• Subscriptions to Chamber publications
All standard benefits included in all levels _____
BRONZE
E Standard benefits
E Unlimited number of company contacts for Chamber communications
E Identified as Circle Level Member and up to four listings in Chamber business directory
o Priority listing in online directory
o One CD-ROM business directory
o Priority seating at Chamber signature events
o Invitations to exclusive V.I.P. receptions
O Access to Accenture Pancakes & Politics Breakfast Speaker Series
0 Invitations to President’s Welcome Luncheon
SILVER
0 Bronze benefits
D Invitations to semi-annual economic forecast
0 Invitations to special public policy briefings
0 Recognition at Inaugural Dinner
0 Recognition in annual report
GOLD
o Silver benefits
E Direct access to Chamber public policy counsel
0 Invitations to President’s dinner
PLATINUM
0 Gold benefits
E Chamber representation at legislative hearings
0 Priority sponsorship at signature events
DIAMOND CLUB
0 Platinum benefits
o Customized benefits package
o Nomination to Chamber Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Chevron
MAJESTIC REALTY Co.
A ~1Sempra Energy company
Diamond Club Members
The Chamber gratefully acknowledges the support of our largest member investors, the Diamond Club, for their help in fulfilling the Chamber’s mission.*
Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce
Member Services 350 5. Bixel St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.580.7500
www.lachamber.com
This distinguished awards luncheon honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in civic leadership and celebrates those whose vision has inspired action, collaboration and positive community outcomes.
World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast
Bringing together Southern California’s international trade community, this kickoff breakfast rewards excellence in trade companies and presents scholarships to students pursing careers in world trade.
It was like the Super Bowl of business eaders at the Beverly H :o
last night where the Chamber held its 119th IdUgL i ~i D ii i~i.
Partners and Affiliates
Chamber members benefit from the programs and initiatives of our strategic partners and affiliates.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP NETWORK
Chamber partner working to train and develop exemplary and diverse leaders
Chamber affiliate facilitating education
and workforce development programs
I •MobiLity
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
TRANSPORTATION COALITION
Chamber-led regional coalition dedicated to the development of solutions to the transportation issues facing Southern California
WorldTrade
Week I est. 1926
An Initiative of the
LA. Area Chamber
Chamber-founded program celebrating international trade in Southern California
Los Angeles
IZ County
Fed Business
Federation
Strengthening the Voice of Business
Chamber co-founded grassroots alliance of L.A. County business organizations dedicated to mobilizing the collective voice of business
I -— Research shows, affiliation with the Chamber translates into
business results2. Join the more than 1,600 members who benefit from the Chamber’s business development, advocacy and costs-savings programs. Whether a large corporation or a small business, there’s a Chamber membership level right for your organization.
Membership Benefits
STANDARD
• Access to business development and networking events
• Access to Chamber discount and rebate programs
• Access to Chamber referrals and referral network
• Access to professional development programs
• Access to Public Policy Committees and Industry Councils
• Company listing in Chamber business directory (online and print)
• Complimentary certificates of origin
• Complimentary notary services
• Complimentary one-year subscription to the Los Angeles Business Journal
• Complimentary ribbon cutting ceremony
• Complimentary SCORE counseling
• Cost-effective advertising opportunities in Chamber publications
• Discounted leadership programs
• Invitations to Chamber signature events
• Invitations to Access Event Series
• Proud member logo available for use on Web site
• Room rental discount
• Subscriptions to Chamber publications
All standard benefits included in all levels _____
BRONZE
E Standard benefits
E Unlimited number of company contacts for Chamber communications
E Identified as Circle Level Member and up to four listings in Chamber business directory
o Priority listing in online directory
o One CD-ROM business directory
o Priority seating at Chamber signature events
o Invitations to exclusive V.I.P. receptions
O Access to Accenture Pancakes & Politics Breakfast Speaker Series
0 Invitations to President’s Welcome Luncheon
SILVER
0 Bronze benefits
D Invitations to semi-annual economic forecast
0 Invitations to special public policy briefings
0 Recognition at Inaugural Dinner
0 Recognition in annual report
GOLD
o Silver benefits
E Direct access to Chamber public policy counsel
0 Invitations to President’s dinner
PLATINUM
0 Gold benefits
E Chamber representation at legislative hearings
0 Priority sponsorship at signature events
DIAMOND CLUB
0 Platinum benefits
o Customized benefits package
o Nomination to Chamber Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Chevron
MAJESTIC REALTY Co.
A ~1Sempra Energy company
Diamond Club Members
The Chamber gratefully acknowledges the support of our largest member investors, the Diamond Club, for their help in fulfilling the Chamber’s mission.*
Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce
Member Services 350 5. Bixel St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.580.7500
www.lachamber.com
LAchamber4
Chamber members can sign-up to receive a weekly political commentary from
Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben.
World Trade Week Calendar
The World Trade Week online calendar at worldtradeweek.com allows members to promote international trade related events.
lathdr.lbe .uum
Chamber members are profiled in the Chamber’s online Business Directory, which generates thousands of referrals every year. Member companies receive hyperlinks to their Web site from lachamber.com, which receives more than
20,000 unique visitors per week.
Chamber Advertis~ng
The Chamber’s affordable advertising programs deliver
4 members’ messages to potential new customers in
Chamber publications including Chamber Voice,
L.A. Business This Week and Los Angeles Business.
lachamber.com provides additional advertising opportunities.
Fri. ‘cation &..Wc~kforceDeveloprnent
By 2025, two of every five California jobs will require workers with a college education.’ The Chamber is a leading advocate for education reform and provides programs to help businesses connect to schools, expand college access and develop the future workforce.
Connect to Schools
Small Learning Communities
Together with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the Chamber helps businesses partner with small learning communities to provide applied learning through job shadowing and internships, theme-based projects and educator development.
Job Shadowing
In partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern California, the Chamber matches businesses and high schools in job shadowing opporWnities intended to give students an up-close look of a real work environment.
Principal for a Day and Executive for a Day
The Chamber connects more than 150 business executives and public school principals for a hands-on exchange designed to build relationships between businesses and schools.
Expand College Access
Cash for College
The Chamber hosts the annual College and Career Convention and Financial Aid Workshops, which provide more than 15,000 students and families each year with college-access information and hands-on assistance completing financial aid forms.
Develop the Future Workforce
HIRE LA’s Youth
In partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Chamber convenes businesses that are
committed to hiring young adults through the HIRE LA’s Youth program, which connects
10,000 local youth to jobs each year.
L.A. Youth at Work Job Skills Workshops
The Chamber hosts free workshops throughout the year for youth to become job-ready by learning interviewing techniques, resume writing, workplace ethics and job retention skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Work Readiness Certification
The Chamber pre-screens and certifies young job-seekers to help provide employers with access to a qualified pool of candidates through its Work Readiness Certification program.
‘Public Policy Institute of California. (2007). Can California Import Enough College
Graduates to Meet Workforce Needs?
___Signature Events
The Chamber hosts a number of high-profile business, industry and civic awards events throughout the year for members and the public.
Cash for College Convention
One of the biggest events of its kind in the nation, the college and career convention expands access to education for all L.A. students and families.
Construction Industry Awards Luncheon
Each year, the Chamber honors individuals who have left their mark on the built environment in Los Angeles.
Golf Classic
Designed as an opportunity for the Chamber’s major investors to entertain senior executives or major investors during an exclusive golf excursion.
Holiday and V.I.P. Receptions
The Chamber’s annual holiday party brings members together for an evening of
celebration. V.I.P. receptions are hosted throughout the year.
Inaugural Dinner
Attracting a who’s who of state, county and local political, civic and business sectors, the Chamber’s annual gala installs the new Chair of the Board and honors extraordinary businesses with distinguished awards.
Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit
Mobility 21, the Southern California regional transportation coalition, hosts an annual event to bring national attention to regional transportation and infrastructure issues.
Principal for a Day Luncheon
Celebrating business leaders, elected officials and community leaders participating in the Chamber’s Principal and Executive for a Day programs, the luncheon inspires future business leaders to get hands-on experience leading a public school.
Small Business Awards
Presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the awards luncheon recognizes the Small Business Person of the Year and other champions of Los Angeles’ small business economy.
Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben.
World Trade Week Calendar
The World Trade Week online calendar at worldtradeweek.com allows members to promote international trade related events.
lathdr.lbe .uum
Chamber members are profiled in the Chamber’s online Business Directory, which generates thousands of referrals every year. Member companies receive hyperlinks to their Web site from lachamber.com, which receives more than
20,000 unique visitors per week.
Chamber Advertis~ng
The Chamber’s affordable advertising programs deliver
4 members’ messages to potential new customers in
Chamber publications including Chamber Voice,
L.A. Business This Week and Los Angeles Business.
lachamber.com provides additional advertising opportunities.
Fri. ‘cation &..Wc~kforceDeveloprnent
By 2025, two of every five California jobs will require workers with a college education.’ The Chamber is a leading advocate for education reform and provides programs to help businesses connect to schools, expand college access and develop the future workforce.
Connect to Schools
Small Learning Communities
Together with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the Chamber helps businesses partner with small learning communities to provide applied learning through job shadowing and internships, theme-based projects and educator development.
Job Shadowing
In partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern California, the Chamber matches businesses and high schools in job shadowing opporWnities intended to give students an up-close look of a real work environment.
Principal for a Day and Executive for a Day
The Chamber connects more than 150 business executives and public school principals for a hands-on exchange designed to build relationships between businesses and schools.
Expand College Access
Cash for College
The Chamber hosts the annual College and Career Convention and Financial Aid Workshops, which provide more than 15,000 students and families each year with college-access information and hands-on assistance completing financial aid forms.
Develop the Future Workforce
HIRE LA’s Youth
In partnership with the City of Los Angeles, the Chamber convenes businesses that are
committed to hiring young adults through the HIRE LA’s Youth program, which connects
10,000 local youth to jobs each year.
L.A. Youth at Work Job Skills Workshops
The Chamber hosts free workshops throughout the year for youth to become job-ready by learning interviewing techniques, resume writing, workplace ethics and job retention skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Work Readiness Certification
The Chamber pre-screens and certifies young job-seekers to help provide employers with access to a qualified pool of candidates through its Work Readiness Certification program.
‘Public Policy Institute of California. (2007). Can California Import Enough College
Graduates to Meet Workforce Needs?
___Signature Events
The Chamber hosts a number of high-profile business, industry and civic awards events throughout the year for members and the public.
Cash for College Convention
One of the biggest events of its kind in the nation, the college and career convention expands access to education for all L.A. students and families.
Construction Industry Awards Luncheon
Each year, the Chamber honors individuals who have left their mark on the built environment in Los Angeles.
Golf Classic
Designed as an opportunity for the Chamber’s major investors to entertain senior executives or major investors during an exclusive golf excursion.
Holiday and V.I.P. Receptions
The Chamber’s annual holiday party brings members together for an evening of
celebration. V.I.P. receptions are hosted throughout the year.
Inaugural Dinner
Attracting a who’s who of state, county and local political, civic and business sectors, the Chamber’s annual gala installs the new Chair of the Board and honors extraordinary businesses with distinguished awards.
Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit
Mobility 21, the Southern California regional transportation coalition, hosts an annual event to bring national attention to regional transportation and infrastructure issues.
Principal for a Day Luncheon
Celebrating business leaders, elected officials and community leaders participating in the Chamber’s Principal and Executive for a Day programs, the luncheon inspires future business leaders to get hands-on experience leading a public school.
Small Business Awards
Presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the awards luncheon recognizes the Small Business Person of the Year and other champions of Los Angeles’ small business economy.
LAChamber3
Business Matchmaking and Trade Missions
The Chamber arranges one-on-one meetings between foreign business delegates and local U.S. companies and supports trade missions that match Southern California businesses with potential partners overseas.
Certificates of Origin, Free Sale and Activity
Chamber members receive free certificates of origin, which are required by certain foreign countries. In addition, the Chamber provides certificates of free sale and activity.
Roundtable Discussions
The Chamber hosts intimate discussions with ambassadors, trade ministers and high-level officials on trade issues and opportunities.
Trade Briefings
These quarterly briefings connect local businesses with export/import representatives, trade consuls and diplomats from featured nations and provide exposure to new market opportunities in hot industries.
Export Seminar Series
The Chamber’s six-part export series covers the basics of exporting techniques and teaches participants how to assess and maximize their own export potential and programs.*
International Trade Activities Calendar
The calendar of international trade activities keeps the trade community abreast of important events in Southern California.
World Trade Week
In partnership with World Trade Week, the Chamber hosts a series of educational events and activities highlighting the benefits and importance of international trade to our region during the month of May.
Open to registered participants only and discounted for Chamber members.
Resources
The right skills and tools can make all the difference. The Chamber’s professional development programs and other resources help give members an edge in today’s competitive business environment.
The Connection Point
The Connection Point is a series of programs that empowers members with skills and techniques to network and market their way to the top of their industry.
Economic Outlook Briefing
The Chamber offers an economic briefing from top economists to keep members engaged on issues affecting L.A.’s economy. The briefing is open to Diamond Club, Circle Level and Board members.
SCORE Counseling
Free one-on-one business counseling services are available to Chamber
members by appointment through our partnership with the Service Corps of
Retired Executives (SCORE).
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
The Chamber provides complimentary participation in member ribbon cutting ceremonies to help support the growth of business in our community.
Most consumers think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.
- American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Leadership Development
Together with our partner, the Southern California Leadership Network, the Chamber offers members the opportunity to participate in the top leadership programs in our region—Leadership L.A. and Leadership Southern California.
Leadership L.A.
Leadership L.A. embodies the values of community citizenship, experiential learning and exposure to public policy issues in L.A. County. Chamber members receive a discount on this nine-month leadership program for individuals with expanding leadership roles in their organizations and communities.
Leadersh Southern California
Leadership Southern California embodies the values of regional stewardship, experiential learning and a deep exposure to regional public policy issues throughout the Southern California region. Chamber members receive a discount on this 10-session leadership program for individuals who hold active leadership roles of regional significance in their civic and/or professional lives.
Alumni Network
Southern California Leadership Network alumni stay engaged through Conversations with Leaders—quarterly briefings that bring together leaders from the business, government and nonprofit sectors to discuss relevant topics and reflect on leadership in intimate settings. Alumni also reconnect with colleagues and meet new leaders at leadership networking events such as the Southern California Visionaries annual awards luncheon, and through exclusive access to the online leadership directory.
— Every year Southern California Leadership Network
graduates more than 100 alumni who go on to serve on civic boards and commissions, and hold elected office and business and community leadership throughout Southern California.
The Chamber’s award-winning publications and exclusive marketing opportunities help our members stay informed and reach new customers.
Los Angeles Business
All Chamber members are included in the Chamber’s Annual Magazine and Member Directory, Los Angeles Business, distributed to 15,000 business leaders, government officials and Chamber members.
Cidiber Voice
Chamber members receive Chamber Voice, the award-winning quarterly newsletter of the L.A. Area Chamber.
Cur irnijr~it Calem~dr
The Chamber’s online community calendar at lachamber.com provides a vehicle to promote educational forums and seminars held in the community.
L.A. Bus.ness ‘ilis Week
Chamber members can sign-up to receive a weekly email newsletter highlighting
Chamber activities and important policy developments of the week.
busness Perspective
The Chamber arranges one-on-one meetings between foreign business delegates and local U.S. companies and supports trade missions that match Southern California businesses with potential partners overseas.
Certificates of Origin, Free Sale and Activity
Chamber members receive free certificates of origin, which are required by certain foreign countries. In addition, the Chamber provides certificates of free sale and activity.
Roundtable Discussions
The Chamber hosts intimate discussions with ambassadors, trade ministers and high-level officials on trade issues and opportunities.
Trade Briefings
These quarterly briefings connect local businesses with export/import representatives, trade consuls and diplomats from featured nations and provide exposure to new market opportunities in hot industries.
Export Seminar Series
The Chamber’s six-part export series covers the basics of exporting techniques and teaches participants how to assess and maximize their own export potential and programs.*
International Trade Activities Calendar
The calendar of international trade activities keeps the trade community abreast of important events in Southern California.
World Trade Week
In partnership with World Trade Week, the Chamber hosts a series of educational events and activities highlighting the benefits and importance of international trade to our region during the month of May.
Open to registered participants only and discounted for Chamber members.
Resources
The right skills and tools can make all the difference. The Chamber’s professional development programs and other resources help give members an edge in today’s competitive business environment.
The Connection Point
The Connection Point is a series of programs that empowers members with skills and techniques to network and market their way to the top of their industry.
Economic Outlook Briefing
The Chamber offers an economic briefing from top economists to keep members engaged on issues affecting L.A.’s economy. The briefing is open to Diamond Club, Circle Level and Board members.
SCORE Counseling
Free one-on-one business counseling services are available to Chamber
members by appointment through our partnership with the Service Corps of
Retired Executives (SCORE).
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
The Chamber provides complimentary participation in member ribbon cutting ceremonies to help support the growth of business in our community.
Most consumers think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.
- American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Leadership Development
Together with our partner, the Southern California Leadership Network, the Chamber offers members the opportunity to participate in the top leadership programs in our region—Leadership L.A. and Leadership Southern California.
Leadership L.A.
Leadership L.A. embodies the values of community citizenship, experiential learning and exposure to public policy issues in L.A. County. Chamber members receive a discount on this nine-month leadership program for individuals with expanding leadership roles in their organizations and communities.
Leadersh Southern California
Leadership Southern California embodies the values of regional stewardship, experiential learning and a deep exposure to regional public policy issues throughout the Southern California region. Chamber members receive a discount on this 10-session leadership program for individuals who hold active leadership roles of regional significance in their civic and/or professional lives.
Alumni Network
Southern California Leadership Network alumni stay engaged through Conversations with Leaders—quarterly briefings that bring together leaders from the business, government and nonprofit sectors to discuss relevant topics and reflect on leadership in intimate settings. Alumni also reconnect with colleagues and meet new leaders at leadership networking events such as the Southern California Visionaries annual awards luncheon, and through exclusive access to the online leadership directory.
— Every year Southern California Leadership Network
graduates more than 100 alumni who go on to serve on civic boards and commissions, and hold elected office and business and community leadership throughout Southern California.
The Chamber’s award-winning publications and exclusive marketing opportunities help our members stay informed and reach new customers.
Los Angeles Business
All Chamber members are included in the Chamber’s Annual Magazine and Member Directory, Los Angeles Business, distributed to 15,000 business leaders, government officials and Chamber members.
Cidiber Voice
Chamber members receive Chamber Voice, the award-winning quarterly newsletter of the L.A. Area Chamber.
Cur irnijr~it Calem~dr
The Chamber’s online community calendar at lachamber.com provides a vehicle to promote educational forums and seminars held in the community.
L.A. Bus.ness ‘ilis Week
Chamber members can sign-up to receive a weekly email newsletter highlighting
Chamber activities and important policy developments of the week.
busness Perspective
LAChamber2
Public Policy Counsel
The Chamber provides public policy consulting to Gold, Platinum and Diamond Club members on specific issues impacting their business.
The Los Angeles County Business Federation
The Chamber is a founding member of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), a grassroots alliance of business organizations formed to mobilize the collective voice of the L.A. business community on key issues.
Connections
When it comes to growing your business...it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. From referrals, to networking functions, to business matchmaking, the Chamber’s many business development programs provide opportunities to connect with potential purchasers and build business relationships throughout the year.
Ambassador’s Club
The Chamber’s Ambassadors are member volunteers who engage other members in Chamber programs at events and networking sessions. Through their engagement, the program provides significant personal and professional development opportunities for the volunteers.*
Business After Hours Mixers
These popular mixers bring together a cross-section of business and industry sectors allowing Chamber members to network, connect and
build relationships.
Chamber Referrals
The Chamber receives hundreds of product and service inquiries and
makes more than 40,000 referrals to our members each year.
Member Orientation and Reception
New Chamber members are invited to attend a member orientation and reception to learn more about the Chamber’s benefits and opportunities, while connecting with fellow members.
ower Hour Breakfast Series
This series offers insightful presentations from industry leaders on
successful business practices to help members grow their business.
Receptions and Special Events
The Chamber hosts many special receptions and events throughout the year providing even more opportunities to make connections.
Referral Network Breakfast
The bi-monthly referral forum enables members to expand their contacts, develop strategic relationships and exchange legitimate business leads.
Participation by application
Los Angeles County is the small business capital of the world with more than 200,000 small businesses. The Chamber supports small business through our ongoing business and professional development programs as well as programs tailored to meet the needs of small business owners.
Smal Business Council
The Small Business Council helps to set the Chamber’s advocacy agenda and develop new programs and services for small business members.
Small Business Owners Roundtable
Designed to connect small business owners, the roundtable provides a forum for Chamber members to build meaningful relationships, discuss issues, and share challenges and solutions to further develop their business.
The Chamber offers many more programs and opportunities for small businesses including:
) Bottom-Line Benefits
) Business After Hours Mixers
) Power Hour Breakfast Series
) Referral Network Breakfast
) SCORE Counseling
) The Connection Point
) And much more
Reducing costs is a concern for every business. The Chamber’s cost saving programs offer tangible discounts on office products and services to meet the needs of every business.
Bottom- me Benefits
The Bottom-Line Benefits program helps lower overall costs by offering substantial discounts on shipping, parking and office supplies.
Los Angeles Business Journal Subscriptions
New Chamber members receive a complimentary one-year subscription to the Los Angeles Business Journal, the city’s leading business newspaper.
Member Advantage
The Chamber’s member-to-member discount program allows members to save money on the products and services of fellow members. Participation also provides a valuable promotional channel to increase exposure for products and services.
Notary Public
The Chamber provides complimentary notary services to members.
Rebate Programs
Members save on utility costs with Chamber member utility companies
including the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, the Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California, Southern California Edison and
The Gas Company.
Room Rental Discounts
Members receive discounted rental rates on meeting rooms in the
Chamber building.
International Trade
Southern California is the largest international trade center in the United States, and the Chamber represents a significant number of trade-focused businesses. For these members, we offer customized programs to build international relationships and expand global reach.
The Chamber provides public policy consulting to Gold, Platinum and Diamond Club members on specific issues impacting their business.
The Los Angeles County Business Federation
The Chamber is a founding member of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), a grassroots alliance of business organizations formed to mobilize the collective voice of the L.A. business community on key issues.
Connections
When it comes to growing your business...it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. From referrals, to networking functions, to business matchmaking, the Chamber’s many business development programs provide opportunities to connect with potential purchasers and build business relationships throughout the year.
Ambassador’s Club
The Chamber’s Ambassadors are member volunteers who engage other members in Chamber programs at events and networking sessions. Through their engagement, the program provides significant personal and professional development opportunities for the volunteers.*
Business After Hours Mixers
These popular mixers bring together a cross-section of business and industry sectors allowing Chamber members to network, connect and
build relationships.
Chamber Referrals
The Chamber receives hundreds of product and service inquiries and
makes more than 40,000 referrals to our members each year.
Member Orientation and Reception
New Chamber members are invited to attend a member orientation and reception to learn more about the Chamber’s benefits and opportunities, while connecting with fellow members.
ower Hour Breakfast Series
This series offers insightful presentations from industry leaders on
successful business practices to help members grow their business.
Receptions and Special Events
The Chamber hosts many special receptions and events throughout the year providing even more opportunities to make connections.
Referral Network Breakfast
The bi-monthly referral forum enables members to expand their contacts, develop strategic relationships and exchange legitimate business leads.
Participation by application
Los Angeles County is the small business capital of the world with more than 200,000 small businesses. The Chamber supports small business through our ongoing business and professional development programs as well as programs tailored to meet the needs of small business owners.
Smal Business Council
The Small Business Council helps to set the Chamber’s advocacy agenda and develop new programs and services for small business members.
Small Business Owners Roundtable
Designed to connect small business owners, the roundtable provides a forum for Chamber members to build meaningful relationships, discuss issues, and share challenges and solutions to further develop their business.
The Chamber offers many more programs and opportunities for small businesses including:
) Bottom-Line Benefits
) Business After Hours Mixers
) Power Hour Breakfast Series
) Referral Network Breakfast
) SCORE Counseling
) The Connection Point
) And much more
Reducing costs is a concern for every business. The Chamber’s cost saving programs offer tangible discounts on office products and services to meet the needs of every business.
Bottom- me Benefits
The Bottom-Line Benefits program helps lower overall costs by offering substantial discounts on shipping, parking and office supplies.
Los Angeles Business Journal Subscriptions
New Chamber members receive a complimentary one-year subscription to the Los Angeles Business Journal, the city’s leading business newspaper.
Member Advantage
The Chamber’s member-to-member discount program allows members to save money on the products and services of fellow members. Participation also provides a valuable promotional channel to increase exposure for products and services.
Notary Public
The Chamber provides complimentary notary services to members.
Rebate Programs
Members save on utility costs with Chamber member utility companies
including the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, the Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California, Southern California Edison and
The Gas Company.
Room Rental Discounts
Members receive discounted rental rates on meeting rooms in the
Chamber building.
International Trade
Southern California is the largest international trade center in the United States, and the Chamber represents a significant number of trade-focused businesses. For these members, we offer customized programs to build international relationships and expand global reach.
LaChamber1
Los Angeles Area
Chamber of Commerce
As the largest and most influential business association in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in our region. For nearly 120 years, the L.A. Area Chamber has served the needs of business through our programs and advocacy initiatives. Join us as we help create a better L.A.
For nearly 10 years in a row the Los Angeles Business Journal has ranked the L.A. Area Chamber as the #1 chamber of commerce in the Southern California region.
MISSION:
The mission of the L.A. Area Chamber is to ensure full economic prosperity and quality of life in our region by being the voice of business, promoting collaboration and helping our members grow. In achieving this mission, we help to create jobs, a thriving economy, and protect the current and future welfare of the greater L.A. area.
HISTORY:
Founded in 1888, the Chamber has helped to shape the region we live in today. The Chamber has been a key driver of powerhouse industries ranging from agriculture, to manufacturing, to international trade. We’ve played a critical role in the development of our region’s most significant projects including our deep-water ports, water resources and freeway system. And this is just the beginning.
MEMBERSHIP:
Today, the Chamber serves a diverse membership of businesses of every size, from nearly every industry, in every community across L.A. County.
The Chamber represents...
• The interests of more than 235,000 businesses in L.A. County
• More than 1,600 member companies
• More than 722,430 employees
• Small, medium and large-sized companies
• Businesses from more than 35 industry sectors
And, each year we deliver...
• More than 40,000 referrals to member companies
• 120 plus business and professional development programs
• More than 25 advocacy and signature events
• Nearly 100 graduates participating in our Leadership programs
• More than 10,000 job opportunities and internships for L.A. youth
• And much more
Access
The Chamber is your introduction to local, state and federal lawmakers and elected officials. Our advocacy programs provide opportunities for members to meet and mingle with policymakers and engage civic leaders in meaningful dialogue surrounding the issues most important to your business.
Accenture Pancakes & Politics Breakfast Speaker Series
Distinguished panelists discuss timely political issues at the monthly breakfast series open to Diamond Club, Circle Level and Board members. Each breakfast program provides an intimate
forum for dialogue with lawmakers on specific business topics.
Past speakers have included:
) Rep. Henry Waxman ) L.A. city controller Laura chick
) Assembly Speaker Karen Bass ) Gov. Michael Dukakis, former Massachusetts
) Former Assembly Speaker Fabian NGnez governor and 1988 Democratic
presidential nominee
) Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State
of california Jack O’connell ) Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan
Access Event Series
The Chamber’s Access events are the region’s premier advocacy trips bringing together participants and partners from across the county to advance a shared pro-business agenda. Access events allow members to meet elected officials and policy makers at the local level at Access L.A. City Hall, the state level at Access Sacramento and the federal level at Access Washington, D.C.
Past meetings with lawmakers have included:
) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ) U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy
) california Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ) U.S. Secretary of commerce
) U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein carlos M. Gutierrez
) U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer ) L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
) Members of the L.A. city council
A BETTER L.A. Chamber 2007 Board Chair David Fleming, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben discuss health care with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after a Capitol news conference on Sept. 17, 2007. MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD. More than 200 business and civic leaders came together for the annual Access Washington, D.C. trip April 15-18,2008 to spread the message of ‘Building America Together.’ U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34) addresses the media with the delegation, including L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Santa Monica Mayor Herb Katz, Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook and other regional elected officials.
Government regulations increasingly impact your ability to do business. As the leading advocate on business issues in the L.A. region, the Chamber works to create and sustain a favorable business environment at the local, state and federal level. Working with you and for you, we make certain the business perspective is heard.
Industry Councils
Chamber members assist in developing targeted programs that stimulate business growth within key industry sectors through their involvement in
Chamber Industry Councils.
Political Action Committee
The Chamber’s L.A. JOBS Political Action Committee supports business friendly candidates and makes political contributions to key initiatives at the local and state levels.
Public Policy Committees
Chamber members help shape the Chamber’s overall advocacy agenda and effect policy decisions through participation in our public policy committees. Chamber Public Policy Committees take action locally, statewide and at the federal level.
The Chamber’s committees include:
) Aviation ) Health care
) Business Growth & Tax Policy ) International Trade & Investment
) Education & Workforce Development ) Land Use, construction & Housing
) Energy, Water & Environment ) Transportation & Goods Movement
Chamber of Commerce
As the largest and most influential business association in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in our region. For nearly 120 years, the L.A. Area Chamber has served the needs of business through our programs and advocacy initiatives. Join us as we help create a better L.A.
For nearly 10 years in a row the Los Angeles Business Journal has ranked the L.A. Area Chamber as the #1 chamber of commerce in the Southern California region.
MISSION:
The mission of the L.A. Area Chamber is to ensure full economic prosperity and quality of life in our region by being the voice of business, promoting collaboration and helping our members grow. In achieving this mission, we help to create jobs, a thriving economy, and protect the current and future welfare of the greater L.A. area.
HISTORY:
Founded in 1888, the Chamber has helped to shape the region we live in today. The Chamber has been a key driver of powerhouse industries ranging from agriculture, to manufacturing, to international trade. We’ve played a critical role in the development of our region’s most significant projects including our deep-water ports, water resources and freeway system. And this is just the beginning.
MEMBERSHIP:
Today, the Chamber serves a diverse membership of businesses of every size, from nearly every industry, in every community across L.A. County.
The Chamber represents...
• The interests of more than 235,000 businesses in L.A. County
• More than 1,600 member companies
• More than 722,430 employees
• Small, medium and large-sized companies
• Businesses from more than 35 industry sectors
And, each year we deliver...
• More than 40,000 referrals to member companies
• 120 plus business and professional development programs
• More than 25 advocacy and signature events
• Nearly 100 graduates participating in our Leadership programs
• More than 10,000 job opportunities and internships for L.A. youth
• And much more
Access
The Chamber is your introduction to local, state and federal lawmakers and elected officials. Our advocacy programs provide opportunities for members to meet and mingle with policymakers and engage civic leaders in meaningful dialogue surrounding the issues most important to your business.
Accenture Pancakes & Politics Breakfast Speaker Series
Distinguished panelists discuss timely political issues at the monthly breakfast series open to Diamond Club, Circle Level and Board members. Each breakfast program provides an intimate
forum for dialogue with lawmakers on specific business topics.
Past speakers have included:
) Rep. Henry Waxman ) L.A. city controller Laura chick
) Assembly Speaker Karen Bass ) Gov. Michael Dukakis, former Massachusetts
) Former Assembly Speaker Fabian NGnez governor and 1988 Democratic
presidential nominee
) Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State
of california Jack O’connell ) Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan
Access Event Series
The Chamber’s Access events are the region’s premier advocacy trips bringing together participants and partners from across the county to advance a shared pro-business agenda. Access events allow members to meet elected officials and policy makers at the local level at Access L.A. City Hall, the state level at Access Sacramento and the federal level at Access Washington, D.C.
Past meetings with lawmakers have included:
) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ) U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy
) california Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ) U.S. Secretary of commerce
) U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein carlos M. Gutierrez
) U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer ) L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
) Members of the L.A. city council
A BETTER L.A. Chamber 2007 Board Chair David Fleming, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben discuss health care with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after a Capitol news conference on Sept. 17, 2007. MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD. More than 200 business and civic leaders came together for the annual Access Washington, D.C. trip April 15-18,2008 to spread the message of ‘Building America Together.’ U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-34) addresses the media with the delegation, including L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Santa Monica Mayor Herb Katz, Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook and other regional elected officials.
Government regulations increasingly impact your ability to do business. As the leading advocate on business issues in the L.A. region, the Chamber works to create and sustain a favorable business environment at the local, state and federal level. Working with you and for you, we make certain the business perspective is heard.
Industry Councils
Chamber members assist in developing targeted programs that stimulate business growth within key industry sectors through their involvement in
Chamber Industry Councils.
Political Action Committee
The Chamber’s L.A. JOBS Political Action Committee supports business friendly candidates and makes political contributions to key initiatives at the local and state levels.
Public Policy Committees
Chamber members help shape the Chamber’s overall advocacy agenda and effect policy decisions through participation in our public policy committees. Chamber Public Policy Committees take action locally, statewide and at the federal level.
The Chamber’s committees include:
) Aviation ) Health care
) Business Growth & Tax Policy ) International Trade & Investment
) Education & Workforce Development ) Land Use, construction & Housing
) Energy, Water & Environment ) Transportation & Goods Movement
LABioMed 50 Years
Five Decades of LA BioMed Achievements
From creating the paramedic model to developing diagnostic tests that remain the standard today, LA BioMed researchers are constantly exploring advances in health care that can transform the lives and the health of all of us. Here’s a look back at some of the most significant achievements.
1960s LA BioMed scientists achieved successful fertilization through artificial implantation of the ovum, a breakthrough that would lead to the world’s first ovum transfer birth some 20 years later. The Institute’s investigators created the paramedic model for emergency care that is now a life-saving standard nationwide and identified the genetic basis for the skin disease, x-linked ichthyosis.
1970s LA BioMed’s renowned developmental biology research team discovered the key to stimulating human growth. Other teams of LA BioMed investigators pioneered diagnostic tests that remain the standard today, including the modern cholesterol test, a test to detect Tay-Sachs disease carriers and a thyroid deficiency test for infants now used in most of the industrialized world to help prevent irreversible developmental disabilities. The Institute also patented an implant that helped surgeons reconstruct severely injured jaws.
1980s Enormous technological advances and growth for the campus came in the 1980s, including the establishment of a Perinatal Clinical Research Center, one of eight in the United States dedicated to research involving mothers and infants. LA BioMed investigators helped develop refined synthetic surfactants that have saved the lives of thousands of premature babies, and they evaluated vaccines for influenza, herpes simplex and much more. They also performed the first ovum transfer, laying the groundwork for a procedure that’s resulted in more than 47,000 births to infertile couples in the U.S. alone.
1990s Continuing to pioneer treatments and technologies to improve human health in the 1990s, LA BioMed advances included the use of new, non-invasive techniques for detecting breast cancer, the development an inexpensive treatment for eye diseases that’s saved the sight of thousands of children in underdeveloped nations, the use of antiviral medications to treat HIV infections and an enzyme replacement therapy to help young victims of a devastating genetic disorder, Hurler-Scheie disease. The Institute’s scientists played key roles in the development of innovative approaches to prenatal care which have virtually eliminated in this country maternal-fetal transmission of the virus which causes AIDS and the innovation of stent technology to treat surgically devastating abdominal aneurysms.
2000 LA BioMed investigators developed new rehabilitation strategies for millions of sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
and other disorders. The Institute spawned four new biotechnology startups, which are already generating $6 million in economic activity in the region. As the Institute enters the next decade, its 150 researchers continue the quest for new treatments and cures. The Institute’s investigators are engaged in more than 1,000 studies including a major effort to develop the next generation of antibiotics, new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to lung disease, refining methods for earlier identification of Type II diabetes, studies in the relationship between cardiovascular and kidney diseases, development of enhanced breast cancer detection technology, a novel therapy to treat sickle cell disease, the prevention of blindness in children in developing nations, advances in male infertility treatments and male contraceptives and much more.
For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.orci
From creating the paramedic model to developing diagnostic tests that remain the standard today, LA BioMed researchers are constantly exploring advances in health care that can transform the lives and the health of all of us. Here’s a look back at some of the most significant achievements.
1960s LA BioMed scientists achieved successful fertilization through artificial implantation of the ovum, a breakthrough that would lead to the world’s first ovum transfer birth some 20 years later. The Institute’s investigators created the paramedic model for emergency care that is now a life-saving standard nationwide and identified the genetic basis for the skin disease, x-linked ichthyosis.
1970s LA BioMed’s renowned developmental biology research team discovered the key to stimulating human growth. Other teams of LA BioMed investigators pioneered diagnostic tests that remain the standard today, including the modern cholesterol test, a test to detect Tay-Sachs disease carriers and a thyroid deficiency test for infants now used in most of the industrialized world to help prevent irreversible developmental disabilities. The Institute also patented an implant that helped surgeons reconstruct severely injured jaws.
1980s Enormous technological advances and growth for the campus came in the 1980s, including the establishment of a Perinatal Clinical Research Center, one of eight in the United States dedicated to research involving mothers and infants. LA BioMed investigators helped develop refined synthetic surfactants that have saved the lives of thousands of premature babies, and they evaluated vaccines for influenza, herpes simplex and much more. They also performed the first ovum transfer, laying the groundwork for a procedure that’s resulted in more than 47,000 births to infertile couples in the U.S. alone.
1990s Continuing to pioneer treatments and technologies to improve human health in the 1990s, LA BioMed advances included the use of new, non-invasive techniques for detecting breast cancer, the development an inexpensive treatment for eye diseases that’s saved the sight of thousands of children in underdeveloped nations, the use of antiviral medications to treat HIV infections and an enzyme replacement therapy to help young victims of a devastating genetic disorder, Hurler-Scheie disease. The Institute’s scientists played key roles in the development of innovative approaches to prenatal care which have virtually eliminated in this country maternal-fetal transmission of the virus which causes AIDS and the innovation of stent technology to treat surgically devastating abdominal aneurysms.
2000 LA BioMed investigators developed new rehabilitation strategies for millions of sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
and other disorders. The Institute spawned four new biotechnology startups, which are already generating $6 million in economic activity in the region. As the Institute enters the next decade, its 150 researchers continue the quest for new treatments and cures. The Institute’s investigators are engaged in more than 1,000 studies including a major effort to develop the next generation of antibiotics, new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to lung disease, refining methods for earlier identification of Type II diabetes, studies in the relationship between cardiovascular and kidney diseases, development of enhanced breast cancer detection technology, a novel therapy to treat sickle cell disease, the prevention of blindness in children in developing nations, advances in male infertility treatments and male contraceptives and much more.
For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.orci
About LaBioMed
About LA BioMed
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) is one of the largest independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes in the country. It conducts biomedical research, trains young scientists and provides community services, including childhood immunization and nutrition assistance.
Fast Facts
~ More than 150 researchers
~ More than 1,000 ongoing studies
~ Founded more than 56 years ago
~ Academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Inventions
~ The modern cholesterol test
~ The thyroid deficiency test
~ A test to determine the carriers of Tay-Sachs disease, an inherited fatal disorder
~ An enzyme replacement therapy for Hurler-Scheie Disease
~ Artificial lung fluids that saved the lives of thousands of premature babies
~ Stent technology to surgically treat devastating abdominal aneurysms
~ New approaches to exercise rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
~ The paramedic model for emergency care, transforming emergency medical services
~ The world’s first ovum transplant, laying the groundwork for a procedure that’s resulted in more than 47,000 births to infertile couples in the U.S. alone
Ongoing Studies
~ A major effort on the next generation of antibiotics
~ New therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to lung disease
~ Refined methods for earlier identification of Type II diabetes
~ The relationship between cardiovascular and kidney diseases
~ Development of enhanced breast cancer detection technology
~ A novel therapy to treat sickle cell disease
~ Preventing blindness in children in developing nations
~ Advances in male infertility treatments and male contraceptives
For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.org
Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) is one of the largest independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes in the country. It conducts biomedical research, trains young scientists and provides community services, including childhood immunization and nutrition assistance.
Fast Facts
~ More than 150 researchers
~ More than 1,000 ongoing studies
~ Founded more than 56 years ago
~ Academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Inventions
~ The modern cholesterol test
~ The thyroid deficiency test
~ A test to determine the carriers of Tay-Sachs disease, an inherited fatal disorder
~ An enzyme replacement therapy for Hurler-Scheie Disease
~ Artificial lung fluids that saved the lives of thousands of premature babies
~ Stent technology to surgically treat devastating abdominal aneurysms
~ New approaches to exercise rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
~ The paramedic model for emergency care, transforming emergency medical services
~ The world’s first ovum transplant, laying the groundwork for a procedure that’s resulted in more than 47,000 births to infertile couples in the U.S. alone
Ongoing Studies
~ A major effort on the next generation of antibiotics
~ New therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to lung disease
~ Refined methods for earlier identification of Type II diabetes
~ The relationship between cardiovascular and kidney diseases
~ Development of enhanced breast cancer detection technology
~ A novel therapy to treat sickle cell disease
~ Preventing blindness in children in developing nations
~ Advances in male infertility treatments and male contraceptives
For more information, please visit www.LABioMed.org
Thursday, September 3, 2009
SAT Vocab Day 2
Vocab
affable (laugh able): friendly, pleasant
An affable person is approachable and has many buddies.
corroborating (core rob burr rating): confirming, bolstering, supporting.
If someone doesn’t believe your story, you need to present corroborating evidence.
dissertation: a formal & lengthy treatise on a subject.
A person who is trying to get a Ph.D. writes a dissertation on her topic.
treatise: formal article/book on a subject.
The long report you’ve spent all summer researching and writing is a treatise.
erstwhile (first while): former.
Threaten your current boyfriend by telling him he’s gonna be your erstwhile sweetie.
hiatus (why hate us): a break or a gap.
You take a hiatus from your studies when you amble over to the fridge to look for a snack.
irony (i Ronnie): a circumstance that’s the opposite of what may be expected.
The classic example of irony is if the firehouse burns down.
lobbyist (hobby ist): a person acting for a special interest to influence decisions.
If you’re sent to the school board to plead the case for vending machines in your school cafeteria, you are a lobbyist.
pragmatic (hag matt ick): practical.
While everyone loves to become wealthy by winning the lottery, most are pragmatic enough to realize chances are pretty slim and that they’d better plan on getting jobs.
proffer (proff her): offer.
When you offer someone your friendship, you proffer it.
promulgate (prom mull gate): to publish or make known officially.
If your girlfriend is truly furious at you, she may promulgate the fact by writing an article in the school newspaper.
protocol: the code of ceremonial forms and courtesies accepted as proper for dealings between officials.
Protocol is basically the proper manners or etiquette in official situations.
punctiliously (punk till he us lee): careful about every detail of behavior; exact.
You are punctilious if you mind your manners so well you’d make your mother proud.
1. talisman a. pertaining to beauty
2. chaff b. manly
3. gingerly c. a narrow-minded teacher
4. emulate d. dazzling
5. articulate e. strolled
6. scintillation f. gentleman's clothing store
7. aesthetic g. carefully, cautiously
8. resplendent h. sparkle, flash
9. virile i. able to speak clearly
10. sauntered j. imitate
11. pedant k. good-natured teasing
12. haberdashery l. a magic charm
All President and Accounted For
President Craig Kessler surreptitiously stole a glance at the beautiful lobbyist who was walking into the Oval Office, then looked down and pretended to be working on some papers at his desk, following protocol by waiting for the aide to introduce the lady.
“Mr. President, may I present Dr. Wisniewski,” the aide said.
Craig stood up punctiliously. “No need for introductions, Julie; I’ve known Joy since high school.” He proffered his hand and motioned toward the chairs. “Sit down and let’s catch up. Well, well, who would have thought all those years ago that you’d become a famous surgeon and the president of the American Medical Association, no less, and that I, well, that I’d be here!”
Joy gave a modest laugh. “Famous is too generous of a description of me, Mr. President, but it’s nice to know you haven’t changed from your old affable self. I’m hoping you’re as pragmatic as you were in high school and can see the practical importance of this new health-care bill.”
President Kessler leaned back in his chair. “You’re still all business, aren’t you? So much for small talk. Yes, I was told by my advisors that you want me to promulgate a plan letting all high school seniors take two weeks off as mental health days just before the SAT. Tell me your reasons for this hiatus.”
“Mr. President, I present not just a theory but corroborating evidence that students get little to no real schoolwork done in the weeks leading up to the SAT. Even students with outstanding academic records let their work slip at that time. Why not allow the students to take the time off?”
President Kessler said, “Do you see the joy of cutting school to study for a test to get you into school? I have serious concerns about this proposal.”
Joy leaned forward, flirting a bit with her erstwhile schoolmate. “Surely the most powerful man in the world can get a little bill like this passed!”
The president grinned, realizing exactly what his friend was trying to do. “It’s true, I could get the bill passed, but I’ll need more information. Tell you what, if you’ll write up a brief report — a brief report, Joy, not a dissertation! — I’ll read it and make my decision later.” With that the president leaned forward to shake Joy’s hand, signaling the meeting had terminated.
“Why Mr. President, I know you have better manners than that.” Craig looked startled, but Joy continued, “When you are saying goodbye to a lady, you should get up. Get up. Get up!”
“Whaaaa?” Craig lifted his head groggily to find his friend Joy shaking him. “Craig, lift your head off that Calculus book and get up. You fell asleep and are drooling all over the book. It’s time to get to class — get up!”
Testinq Your Mettle with an Exercise
1. pragmatic a. a break or a gap
2. promulgate b. a formal treatise on a subject
3. protocol c. exactly, scrupulously
4. hiatus d. friendly
5. dissertation e. publish or make known officially
6. erstwhile f. former
7. lobbyist g. confirming, bolstering, supporting
8. proffered h. a person working to influence a decision
9. irony i. offered
10. corroborating j. circumstances opposite of what is expected
11. affable k. code of ceremonies
12. punctiliously l. practical
Vocab
agitate (badge it ate): to upset or disturb.
You’re agitated when you find out that your teacher is giving a pop quiz on material you haven’t even read, let alone studied.
blanch (rhymes with, ranch): turn white.
When you blanch, all the blood leaves your face, and you turn pale (usually with fear or shock).
copiously: abundantly, a lot. You have a copious amount of homework right before the end of the semester.
curtail (rhymes with, shirt tail): shorten. “cut the tail” off to shorten it.
You ask your friend to curtail her story about her date when your dad tells you to get off the phone because dinner is ready.
dubious: doubtful.
dub means doubt; —ous means full of.
You are wise to be dubious when a TV ad says that a certain product will make you lose ten pounds “without any exercise or diet!”
You may think a painting is “of dubious authenticity,” when you’re not sure whether it’s a forgery.
exculpate (ex culp ate): remove guilt or blame from; get off the hook.
prefix ex— means out of or away from;
the root cuip means guilt or blame.
You exculpate yourself when you prove you didn’t do something your mom is trying to blame you for.
frank: openly, honestly, candidly. When you want a frank response to a question, you want your buddy to tell you the truth, not just say what he thinks you want to hear.
frenzied (friends heed): hyperactive, upset, running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The last day of school, all of the seniors are frenzied, zooming up and down the halls, unable to concentrate on anything.
glower (rhymes with, shower): glare, look angrily. You glower at someone who takes the parking spot you’re waiting for.
solicitously (sole is it us lee): concernedly, showing care and compassion. You are solicitous toward a friend who has just been dumped, asking, “So are you feeling any better now?”
ultimate (rhymes with, cult tim ate lee): final, conclusive.
The ultimate word on a topic is the last word.
Penultimate word is the next-to-last word.
antepenultimate? Ante means before;
the antepenultimate word is the “before the second to last word,” meaning the third to last word.
Attack of the Killer SAT Book
“That is sooooo lame!” Josh glowered at me, as if it were my fault that the SATmath had so many tricks in it. “I can’t believe you actually did that to me!”
“Hey, don’t blame me!” I said, trying to exculpate myself. “I don’t write the test; I just teach you how to recognize and avoid the traps that are lurking there waiting for you. Come on, settle down, and let’s do the next question. You’ll love it: It’s even nastier!”
When Josh missed the second problem, his choleric temper got the better of him. He picked up his book in both hands and slammed it down on the table repeatedly. After the third slam, the book slipped out of his hands, and flew across the desk — slamming into my forehead! The edge of the book cut my temple, and blood starting gushing out. Head wounds bleed copiously, and it was only a few seconds before I had what seemed like a geyser of blood flowing down my face.
Josh freaked out. “Oh my gawd — are you okay?” He blanched and looked so pale that I thought for a minute he was going to pass out. He ran to the telephone, and I heard him call 911. I went over and grabbed the phone out of his hand.
“Josh, it’s just a cut, no big deal. I’ll put some ice on it, and the bleeding will stop. There’s no need to panic and call 911, for heaven’s sake.” In the meantime, the 911 operator was saying solicitously, “Ma’am, are you all right? Do you want me to send an ambulance? Are you able to talk? Is someone threatening you?”
This was getting crazy. I had a frenzied teenager running around, and a 911 operator thinking I was being beaten and unable to talk frankly in front of my “assailant.” I forced myself to calm down and explained everything to the operator. It took some doing, but I finally convinced her everything was okay, and no ambulance — or police! — needed to come. That done, I turned to Josh.
“Josh, please put some ice cubes in a towel and give them to me. All I have to do is stop this bleeding. I’m fine, so please stop being so agitated. Really, it’s just like a paper cut, except it’s on my temple.”
I could tell by the dubious look Josh gave me that he didn’t believe me, but he did as I asked. In just a few minutes, the bleeding had stopped. We started working again, but as soon as I put my head down to read a question, the wound started bleeding again. Josh jumped up and said, “I’m going to call my dad; he’ll know what to do!” Josh’s dad was a physician. I tried to wrestle the phone out of Josh’s hand, but he was a burly kid and managed to hang on to the receiver. When he told his dad what had happened, his father wanted to talk to me.
I explained everything to Dr. Jones, who insisted I go to the emergency room of the hospital to get some stitches and a head X-ray and have it charged to him. I thought that was really insane, total overkill, but the doctor said, “Look, not only do we care about your health, we don’t want you suing us later on!”
To curtail a long story, I went to the emergency room. The doctors didn’t even bother with stitches; they just put a bandage on my head. I refused to let Josh go with me; I made him go home to calm down. Of course, I accepted his apology. . . but I couldn’t resist having some fun with the guy.
The next time he came over, a few days later, I had wrapped an entire roll of gauze around my head and looked like someone from a World War II hospital ward! Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep a straight face and was laughing from the moment Josh walked in the door. But he had the ultimate word. He looked at me and said, “I don’t know which is sicker, you or the SAT!”
Exercising Your Options
1. blanched a. openly, honestly
2. frenzied b. upset, disturbed
3. solicitously c. final
4. curtail d. shorten
5. exculpate e. glared
6. agitated g. hyperactive
7. copiously g. hyperactive
8. ultimate h. abundantly
9. glowered I. remove guilt from
10. frankly j. turned white
11. dubious k. concernedly
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