Emeryville Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

California Chamber of Commerce Takes Strong Stand Against Proposed Enterprise Zone Changes

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CalChamber Opposes Sweeping Changes to State Enterprise Zone Program ?(March 1, 2013) The California Chamber of Commerce and a large coalition of businesses and employer groups are opposing sweeping proposed changes to California’s enterprise zone program in a regulatory reform package developed by the state Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). In a recent letter to HCD, the coalition explains that as currently written, the proposed regulatory changes will be detrimental to the enterprise zone program and will undo many years of policy precedent. The intent of the enterprise zone program is to help create and spur economic expansion in some of the state’s most distressed areas by assisting minority and underserved communities attract private investment, retain employees and create jobs. Since its inception, the enterprise zone program has helped millions of Californians re-enter the workforce by overcoming barriers to employment, such as recent unemployment, receiving government assistance, long-term unemployment or returning from military service. Specific Concerns Specifically, the coalition is concerned with HCD’s draft regulations to limit hiring credits. Companies can earn $37,440 or more in state tax credits for each qualified employee hired over a five-year period (up to $11,700 during the first 12-month employment period). The new conditions proposed by HCD may drastically reduce the number of businesses, particularly small businesses, that would be eligible for the credit by setting even stricter constraints on the amount of time an employer would have to apply for the credit, making it impossible to claim in some circumstances. The proposed regulatory change will single out one program for unequal and inconsistent treatment in the tax code while maintaining the state’s power to audit for a full four years. The coalition believes California should be making it easier for businesses to keep their doors open, not more difficult. Targeted Employment Areas HCD’s management memorandum regarding Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) is a blatant policy shift for populations that are well below the state’s median income, such as residents of rural counties (for example, Fresno, Imperial, Merced, San Joaquin and Siskiyou) that already battle record unemployment and high poverty rates. The management memo reverses the long-time policy of allowing local enterprise zones to compare the income of specific census tracts to their respective county median or state median incomes, the coalition letter states. Employment Verification In addition, the coalition believes that the W-4 should be restored as documentation for employment verification. By eliminating the use of the W-4, which is documentation accepted by both the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board, HCD is undoing more than five years of practice. During that period, HCD itself determined the W-4 form was the best way to determine eligibility for enterprise zone benefits. Eliminating use of the W-4, the coalition letter states, unfairly targets low-income individuals who may live in a home with multiple families or have limited methods of providing identification. Instead of helping low-income workers find stable employment, the proposed regulations will convolute the enterprise zone categories for dislocated workers and those who are economically disadvantaged by increasing burdens on the very people the program is meant to help: the unemployed and low-income individuals, making it more difficult for potential employees to re-enter the workforce. The coalition believes consideration should be given to restoring and protecting the Dislocated and Economically Disadvantaged Workers category to ensure these individuals get fair consideration for employment. Strengthening EZ Program In closing, the coalition letter expresses coalition members’ commitment to strengthening the enterprise zone program with meaningful reforms that will improve the state’s economic future by increasing businesses’ ability to retain and hire hardworking Californians.

Chamber of Commerce Testifies Against Proposed Regulatory Changes to State Enterprise Zone Program

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, February 20th, Bob Canter, President & CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce, delivered a statement before the CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in opposition to proposed HCD regulations that would greatly weaken the State's Enterprise Zone program. The full text of Canter's remarks follow. STATEMENT OF THE EMERYVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON PROPOSED REGULATORY CHANGES TO THE STATE ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM February 20, 2013 The Governor’s proposed regulations of the State Enterprise Zone Program would limit one of the few remaining tools that cities communities have to attract business and improve economic health as they struggle to pull out of the recession. State government should be devoting itself fully and completely to adopting laws and initiatives that are focused on job growth and economic develop, NOT attacking one of the successful economic development tools cities still have to keep their communities economically viable. 1. The California Enterprise Zone is one of California’s most successful economic growth programs. • It provides incentives for businesses to locate, remain in and expand in California and specific Enterprise Zones in communities with significantly higher unemployment rates rather than other states or locations. • The enterprise zone program provides a specific incentive for hiring new employees, especially in economically-depressed areas. 2. Proposed Reforms to Weaken the Program: 1) Eliminate Retroactive Vouchering: HCD’s draft regulations limit the so-called “look back” of retro-vouchering to one-year from the eligible employees hire date. Vouchering Efforts should be expanded, NOT contracted. For example, the tax code allows taxpayers four years to amend their taxes. The proposed regulatory change would single out one program for unequal and inconsistent treatment in the tax code while maintaining the State’s power to audit for the full four years. This proposal is a step toward WEAKENING a very successful program and is exactly the opposite direction the state should be taking. 2) Targeted Employment Area (TEA) Vouchering: HCD has proposed the elimination if the Internal Revenue Service (I-9 Form) and Franchise Tax Board (W-4 Form)-accepted documentation for employment verification. The change, if adopted, unfairly targets low-income individuals who may live in a home with multiple families or have limited identification methods. Since the W-4 must be signed under penalty of perjury and is accepted by the federal government for similar applications, eliminating its use is just another example of how the proposed regulations are counter to streamlining the program and making it more business friendly. 3) Targeted Employment Area Requirements (TEA): HCD’s proposed new regulations undue more than 15 years of policy precedent on how TEAs are designated. Currently the department allows Enterprise Zones to compare the income of specific census tracts to the respective county median or state median incomes. The proposed regulations reverse this policy and only allow TEAs to be defined by county median using questionable data. 3. Emeryville was officially included in Oakland’s Enterprise Zone in June of 2012 – less than one year ago. • We have been aggressively promoting the benefits of the Enterprise Zone in conjunction with the City of Oakland since has June of 2012. Several major Emeryville employers, such as Every Dog Has Its Day Care, have taken advantage of the Enterprise Zone Program, and many others are interested and have requested information. With this high level of interest, this is not the time to make arbitrary changes to a successful Program that will weaken it and not result in any tangible benefits. California currently has an unemployment rate of over 9.7% -- well above the national average. Why would the State desire to weaken a strong and successful program to help combat unemployment at this time when jobs and companies are leaving this State for other states where the cost of conducting business is much lower? Background: California Enterprise Zone • This is one of the State’s premier community development programs. The State of California Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program targets economically distressed areas using special state and local incentives to promote business investment and job creation. By encouraging entrepreneurship and employer growth, the program strives to create and sustain economic expansion in the communities. Most importantly, Enterprise Zones play a key role in linking newly created jobs with individuals in the community who are either underemployed or unemployed. • A 2006 report by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) evaluated the success of the Enterprise Zone Program and found that on average, within Enterprise Zones between 1990-2000: o Poverty rates declined 7.35 percent more than the rest of the state. o Unemployment rates declined 1.2 percent more than the rest of the state. o Household incomes increased 7.1 percent more than the rest of the state. o Wage and salary income increased 3.5 percent more than the rest of the state Oakland Enterprise Zone • Oakland’s Enterprise Zone was established in 1993 and in January 2009 was re-designated another 15 years. The zone covers most of the City west of Interstate 580. Oakland’s EZ is one of 40 statewide. Most of Emeryville was added to Oakland’s Enterprise Zone in June of 2012. Oakland EZ Has Regional Impact • In 2009, Oakland’s zone was expanded into Berkeley to cover the property of Bayer, a leading biotechnology company, which was considering leaving Berkeley. Mayor Dellums, City Councils in Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville – as well as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office and Pacific Gas and Electric – were credited with quickly putting together a package attractive enough to retain the Bayer plant, which produces a blood-clotting treatment used by hemophiliacs. The expansion will generate a yearly administrative fee from the City of Berkeley to operate the newly expanded EZ. • Bayer’s inclusion in the Enterprise Zone is expected to save the company more than $13 million over 10 years, allowing it to begin a $100 million investment in its Berkeley campus. The move saved 2,000 jobs, including those of 200 Oakland residents and created additional revenue for the EZ Program from the City of Berkeley to administer the newly expanded EZ. • In addition, it saved Bayer’s participation in the BioTech partners program at Oakland Technical and Berkeley high schools, which places high school and community college students in education programs and biotech jobs with career potential. • Through the East Bay Green Corridor Partnership, (a regional collaboration of eight (8) mayors, University of California, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California State University East Bay, and the Peralta and Contra Costa Community College Districts), the cities are committed to working with Bayer to promote its expertise and commitment to economic and workforce development in the region. Also, the East Bay Green Corridor Partnership is positioned as an existing incentive, and in conjunction with the expanded Enterprise Zone can bring additional businesses and job opportunities. • In July 2012 Oakland’s Enterprise Zone was expanded to include potions of the City of Emeryville, helping attract new businesses, keeping existing ones strong in a challenging economy and creating jobs for residents of Oakland and nearby areas. The expansion will generate a yearly administrative fee from the City of Emeryville to operate the newly expanded EZ. The Demise of Redevelopment Makes the Enterprise Zone Program Even More Important ? In 2012 the Governor and State Legislature abolished the State’s highly successful Redevelopment Program which had been in existence since 1946. Emeryville’s use of Redevelopment was cited nationally as the model of urban renaissance and renewal. The very short-sighted move by the Governor and Legislature to abolish this remarkably successful economic development program has cost the City of Emeryville irrevocable economic harm and has resulted in lost jobs, lost tax revenue and badly needed capital improvement projects stopped dead in their tracks, greatly scaled back or cancelled altogether. At a minimum, State government needs to stop the onslaught on local government economies and at a minimum owes it to local governments to leave the Enterprise Zone Program alone and not compound the damage that you have already done with the unwise abolition of Redevelopment. February 20, 2013 For additional information, contact: Bob Canter, ACE President & CEO Emeryville Chamber of Commerce (510) 652-5223; bob@emeryvillechamber.com

Chamber of Commerce Adopts Economic Health as Priority Focus for 2013 - 2014

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously approved a new Economic Health Program Paper at its meeting of February 5, 2013, and voted to adopt Economic Health as the Chamber's program priority for 2013 and 2014. "With Redevelopment now gone and the State and Federal governments' ability to assist in economic growth severely limited, cities are left more than ever to their own devices to grow and expand the local economy," said Chris Coan, Dean of Students at Ex'pression College for Digital Arts and Chairman of the Board of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. "We felt that it was incumbent upon the Chamber of Commerce to come forward with a forceful, positive statement that leaves no doubt about where we stand in terms of growing a stronger local economic base. Our Focus on Economic Health position paper does exactly that." The Chamber's Focus on Economic Health position paper will be sent to the Mayor and all members of the Emeryville City Council and senior city staff members. Copies of the position paper are available to anyone upon request to the Chamber of Commerce office. "This expansion of the Economic Health portion of our Healthy City Initiative Program makes a very strong statement," said Bob Canter, President & CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. "The paper contains eight specific policy and program points that we intend to pursue with our partners in City government, our business members and in some cases with the State Legislature. We also feel that the Focus on Economic Health position paper continues to signify, in real terms, the Chamber of Commerce's leadership role in Emeryville." The Economic Health position paper will also be presented to the new Emeryville City Manager in the Spring of 2013. The eight policy points contained in the paper are: 1. Adoption of this slogan = “A vibrant economy is the foundation of a healthy community” 2. Guiding book for reference and source of ideas: The Coming Jobs War by James Clifton. 3. Support for State legislation that would make it easier to create Infrastructure Financing Districts. 4. Advocate as an overall program goal the maximization of tax and job-generating developments. 5. Advocate for a complete economic analysis of prospective developments in Emeryville. A “Complete” economic analysis means projections on prospective sales, property, business license and utility users taxes; EmeryGoRound assessments, Arts in Public Places fees, Measure A assessments and one-time fees. 6. Reinforce that Emeryville has adopted the East Bay EDA’s “Open for Business Pledge” and publicize the elements of the Open for Business pledge in business recruitment efforts. 7. Lobby for a renewal of the Chamber’s Economic Development contract with the City for 2013-2014. 8. Establish the Emeryville Leadership Council, a small group of Chamber of Commerce business leaders to meet monthly with the City Manager and City Council members in small group settings to continually communicate to key local government decision-makers the need to stay focused on job creation and local revenue generating developments. Copies of the complete position paper are available upon request at the Chamber of Commerce office.

The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

There is an increasing body of professional research and survey data that show the value of joining your local Chamber of Commerce.

This report from the Schaprio Group is especially enlightening.

The Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Deborah Budd Assumes Presidency of Berkeley City College

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Deborah Budd Assumes Presidency of Berkeley City College

Dr. Deborah Budd has been appointed president of Berkeley City College, Chancellor Wise E. Allen announced. Budd has served as vice chancellor of educational services for the Peralta Community College District, which includes Berkeley City College, Laney College, Merritt College, and College of Alameda. Budd replaces Dr. Betty Inclan, who has served as Berkeley City College’s president since 2008 and will retire at the end of the spring 2012 semester.

Allen praised Inclan’s tenure at the college.

“I am very much appreciative of the outstanding work Dr. nclan has done for over four years as President of Berkeley City College. Throughout her tenure there, she has worked forcefully to make it the outstanding institution of higher learning that it is,” he said.   “All of us in the Peralta community are grateful to Dr. Inclan for the way she shaped Berkeley City into what it is today, and we wish her the best for her future.”

Budd, who begins her tenure on June 4, 2012, has more than 16 years of administrative and nine years of teaching experience.

“Dr. Budd is a talented and experienced educator and administrator,” Allen said.   “She has a great deal of experience with enrollment management, grants, and facilities bond implementation and has worked with faculty to develop innovative programs to increase student success.”

Prior to working at Peralta’s district office, she served as vice president of instruction for Berkeley City College. Before moving to the Peralta district she was vice president of educational resources and instruction for Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, and, prior to that, served for six years as the dean of applied health, physical education and community affairs for Chabot College.

In addition to her community college experience, Budd has been both a teacher and administrator at the middle and high school levels. Her recent dissertation, Institutional Effectiveness and the Relationship to African American and Latino Transfer Rates, highlights her extensive knowledge relating to the integration of planning and budgeting, accreditation, and suggestions for beginning to close the opportunity gap.

“Berkeley City College is an innovative and exciting place, and I’m thrilled to return to lead the faculty and staff and to partner with the city’s thriving business community,” Budd said. “I am committed to developing a student-centered environment that includes programs to address all students, and helps to increase the success of underrepresented populations.”

Budd received her bachelor’s degree in business economics and physical education from University of California at Santa Barbara, her master’s degree in education from Stanford University and her doctorate in educational leadership from San Francisco State University.

She and her family reside in Oakland.

Shirley Fogarino
Public Information Officer
Berkeley City College
(510) 981-2852

Dr. Deborah Budd Assumes Presidency of Berkeley City College

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Emeryville Police Chief Ken James Receives Prestigious Statewide Award

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Police Chiefs Award Prestigious Joe Molloy Award to Emeryville Police Chief Ken James The California Police Chiefs Association awarded its most prestigious award, the Joe Molloy Award, to Emeryville Police Chief Ken James March 14th at the Installation Banquet in Sacramento, during its 35th Annual Training Symposium. CPCA President Dave Maggard, Chief of the Irvine Police Department, presented Chief James with the award for his dedication and service to law enforcement and to the California Police Chiefs Association. This award embodies the characteristics represented by the late Chief Joe Molloy of Anaheim: professionalism, leadership, energy, and commitment to the mission of the Association. What makes this special is that the award is usually presented to the outgoing President of CPCA or a past board member. On this occasion, CPCA President Chief Maggard wanted to recognize Chief James for all of the hard work he did on the "Open Carry" bill. Chief Maggard said the selection of Chief Ken James to receive this award was an easy one to make. “Chief James has served the association as the chair of our Firearms Committee for many years and had tirelessly advocated on our behalf on all of the firearms legislation that has been introduced.” “Additionally,” emphasized Chief Maggard, “Chief James fought successfully – against great odds—last year to have Cal Chiefs “Open Carry” bill, AB 144, get to the Governor’s desk and be signed into law. He led this year’s fight not only on behalf of our members, but on behalf of public safety and the safety of those in our communities. His tenacity on this issue is what enabled the bill to pass. Through it all he has steadfastly stood for what is best for the safety of our communities.” Chief James’ record of commitment and contribution on a statewide level is greatly appreciated. He is highly respected within the law enforcement community, and I was honored to present Chief James with the award for the work he has done for Cal Chiefs, for law enforcement, and for public safety.” Bob Canter, President & CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce remarked, "We are delighted -- but not necessarily surprised -- to hear that Chief Ken James has received this very special honor. The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce has long recognized that we have a superb Police Department, and while there is never any single reason for this level of excellence, clearly Ken James' leadership and dedication to the law enforcement profession is one of the primary reasons our residents, businesses and visitors feel safe in Emeryville." Canter continued: "I talk to businesses of all sizes -- small retailers to Fortune 500 corporations and all in between -- every day. Not once in the past decade have I heard a single business ever tell me that crime was a major problem or a deterrent to doing business in Emeryville. We salute Ken James to his life-long commitment to the Emeryville Police Department and to protecting our community." The California Police Chiefs Association represents the state’s municipal police chiefs whose agencies protect over 78 percent of the citizens of California.

Chamber of Commerce Publishes 2020 Vision and Strategy Paper; Offers to Partner with City Government

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

EMERYVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2020 VISION PLAN AND STRATEGY FOR EMERYVILLE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Introduction. In this document, the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce presents a 7-part Vision Plan and Strategy. We are presenting this Plan to the Emeryville City Council, the business community, residents, our school district and regional government, business and civic leaders in the spirit of a shared vision of partnership while moving forward together. By action by the State Legislature, the saga of Emeryville’s highly successful Redevelopment Agency officially came to an end on February 1st, 2012, and needs not be recounted here. The question now becomes: What do we need to do to seize control of our own economic destiny to keep our City moving in the positive direction that it has for the last 35 years? The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce recognizes that we are in the throes of major economic and political upheaval in California. While serious challenges confront us, the Chamber recognizes the seriousness of the situation and accepts the challenge of partnering with our allies in City government and the community to chart a new economic direction for all us. 2020 Vision Plan and Strategy for Emeryville. With this in mind, the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce is proud to present our 2020 Vision Plan and Strategy for Emeryville. The Chamber’s Vision Plan and Strategy encompasses the following elements: 1. Strategic Partnerships are More Vital Than Ever. Where politically and economically feasible, Emeryville must continue to look to form regional and subregional strategic alliances that can strengthen our economic base, both directly, through business locations here; and indirectly through businesses located in neighboring communities which will produce “spin off “ economic benefits for us. Emeryville has already undertaken several innovative and productive initiatives in this regard, including: (A) The East Bay Green Corridor Partnership, (B) Working with the East Bay EDA on its “Building on Our Assets 2011”: and (C) A home-grown initiative, the BioTech Corridor, a collaboration among our Chamber, the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and both cities’ Economic Development departments, to create and market a zone extending from Bayer’s complex in West Berkeley. In these times of diminished resources, strategic partnerships with surrounding jurisdictions must be explored. The Chamber strongly urges you to consider searching for similar partnerships, and we pledge our full support to help facilitate these efforts. 2. Two Critical Infrastructure Projects: Citywide Broadband and Water Infrastructure. (A) Citywide Internet Broadband Connections. Citywide internet broadband connections are absolutely essential if Emeryville is to remain a viable business location. We are aware of at least two Bay cities – San Mateo and San Leandro – which have undertaken initiatives to upgrade broadband access in their cities. Emeryville cannot afford to fall behind in this area. Emeryville’s small, compact size makes our City an ideal location to undertake such an initiative. The Chamber of Commerce has excellent contacts in both San Leandro and San Mateo that we can access for information and contacts which we can use for the basis for a similar effort in Emeryville. The Chamber is confident that we can find a local broadband internet provider who will work with us to pursue this critically important project. (B) Upgrading Water Infrastructure. There is nothing less interesting or exciting than a city’s water infrastructure. There is also nothing more important for us to focus on. As stated in a recent article by Ken Orski, “…when water and sewer systems begin to fail our very civilization is at risk.” The complete text of Mr. Orski’s perceptive article, which highlights the importance of sewers and water infrastructure upgrades, is attached as an appendix to this document and stresses the need for localities to take the lead in funding water infrastructure upgrades, and to not count on the Federal government for this funding. Upgrading our sewers and water infrastructure is essential to accommodate our business and residential growth as anticipated in Emeryville’s recently-approved General Plan. Infrastructure Financing District. In this vein, the Chamber of Commerce formally requests that the City Council begin to explore the creation of an Infrastructure Financing District to fund a citywide upgrade and expansion of Emeryville’s water infrastructure. 3. Become the East Bay Home for New and Emerging Technologies. Fast-growing companies in the biotech, clean tech, nanotech and stem cell research industries present the single most exciting segment of business growth both in California and nationwide. Emeryville has already undertaken one significant effort in this regard, the East Bay Biotech Corridor, a project we applaud and in fact are a partner with you. We suggest that we not stop here. Let’s take advantage of the resources around us to undertake an effort to create for Emeryville an image and a brand as a center for New and Emerging Technology companies, similar to what San Jose has done as the capital of Silicone Valley. 4. Pursuit of our Enterprise Zone. With the demise of Redevelopment, our long-awaited Enterprise Zone now takes on increased importance. The Chamber stands ready to work closely with your economic development staff to promote our Enterprise Zone as a powerful vehicle for business attraction. 5. Marketing Emeryville as a Destination Location for Travelers/ Business. It is our view that Emeryville has been undermarketed as a travel destination, especially for business, government and small-group travel. While we cannot accommodate large conventions, a la the Moscone Center in San Francisco, the Chamber believes that Emeryville must now take a serious look at the business, geographic and hospitality assets that we possess and begin a formal and sustained business-destination marketing program. We now have in our City, or are surrounded by, impressive travel-related assets that can form the foundation for a permanent travel promotion program. Consider the following: • Four hotels; 925 hotel rooms • Plentiful restaurants and shopping • Close proximity to both the Oakland and San Francisco International Airports • An Amtrak Station with convenient bus connections to San Francisco • Free Emery Go Round Service to BART • Easy access to and from four major Interstate freeways and State highways. • Proximity to UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The Americas Cup sailing races are coming to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013. The Chamber believes this presents the perfect opportunity for us to launch a permanent, sustained effort to capture the travel market. Emeryville is surrounded by cities with permanent travel marketing programs. It is time we got off the sidelines and into the game. The potential boost to our City’s economy from hotel and sales tax revenue cries out for us to take action. Again, the Chamber and our hospitality industry members stand ready to work with you, now, to begin to explore the best course of action for us. 6. Strengthen Relationships with UC and LBNL. We have long known that Emeryville enjoys substantial economic benefits as a result of our proximity to two major economic engines that are on our doorstep: UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. We know that our four hotels already realize healthy spikes in occupancy during major UC events, such as graduation in May and Big Game Weekend in November. At a minimum, we need to reinforce and strengthen this relationship. However, the economic contributions of UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory extend beyond hotel stays. For example, we know that UC students are big fans of Bay Street Emeryville and frequent the AMC movie theaters there. Our restaurants and shopping venues benefit from our proximity to Cal and the Lab, and UC Berkeley purchases over $1.5 million annually in goods and services from Emeryville-based businesses. We propose that the City and the Chamber of Commerce work together to explore how we can reach out to the UC administration and various departments to more aggressively market Emeryville and our businesses with UC Berkeley and the LBNL. 7. Endorsing the Chamber’s Healthy City Initiative Program. The Chamber would like to make a separate presentation to you in the near future on our Healthy City Initiative Program. However, for the purposes of this paper we want to make the point of how we can use Emeryville’s compact size to our advantage. Conclusion. Now in our 26th year, the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce is proud of our record of a quarter century of business and civic leadership. We submit this slate of ideas to the City Council and the community in the spirit of partnership, a shared vision, and building a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community. We invite open debate and thorough discussion of all of the ideas and elements presented here. Civic amenities are a key part of the quality of life we enjoy in Emeryville. We all want them and support the creation of more of them. But these amenities must be paid for. Tax revenue is required to build, and maintain them. The business community clearly plays a crucial role here. The business community generates 70% of the city’s general fund revenues, mandating – in our view -- a balanced approach by Council in land use decisions and public policy direction. But agree or disagree, we submit that now is the time for bold and decisive action to chart the next course of Emeryville’s economic future. The future will belong to the visionaries and risk-takers who have the vision, courage and passion to seize the opportunities that surround us, and to create those opportunities where they do not exist. These are exciting times, and in Emeryville’s long history our government and business leaders have continually demonstrated a willingness to work in close partnership to create a better and more prosperous City. It is in this vein that that Emeryville Chamber of Commerce presents this 2020 Vision Plan and Strategy for Emeryville. We look forward to working together with you to begin creating the next phase of Emeryville’s economic future. FOR THE EMERYVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ______________________________________________ Chris Coan, Ex’pression College for Digital Arts Chairman of the Board, Emeryville Chamber of Commerce ______________________________________________ Bob Canter, ACE President & CEO Emeryville Chamber of Commerce February 28, 2012 Updated March 8, 2012

Holy Names University Breaks Barriers Blocking Urban Students from College

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Holy Names University Breaks Barriers Blocking Urban Students from College OAKLAND, California; June 07, 2011 – Starting this fall Holy Names University (HNU) will guarantee that freshmen high school students ( ninth graders) who meet certain conditions and graduate from high school, are already accepted as college freshmen at HNU with a scholarship. Participating high school freshmen will be from the Oakland Unified School District, the West Contra Costa School District and partner schools within the Oakland Catholic Archdiocese. The HNU “Early Admit Program (EAP)” stipulates that if students take and pass a prescribed list of high school courses, maintain a minimum of a 2.7 grade-point-average (GPA), take advantage of pre-collegiate counseling, and graduate from high school, then they can choose to enter HNU as college students with a minimum scholarship of $9,000. These students will not have to take national standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT. The President of Holy Names University, Dr. William J. Hynes explains, “We want to eliminate three significant barriers between urban students and their ability to go to college. The first and most inhibiting barrier is the perception that they cannot ever get into college. Second, we wish to mitigate the economic barrier that can block them from going to college by offering a guaranteed scholarship and eliminating the cost and time of the national tests which many educators think are biased against urban students.” Hynes continues, “Because Holy Names University has been breaking down such barriers in Oakland since 1868 - first for women, then for men, and now for a very diverse student body – we have some experience in these matters. That is why half of our students are the first generation in their families to go to college, and why Holy Names consistently rates among the top five small universities in the West for diversity.” This past fall, the East Bay Community Foundation in Oakland, serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and the CEOs for Cities sponsored a conference that sought concrete ways to raise the graduation rate for all schools in the area by one percent. This alone would add some $20 billion to the local economy. The Foundation’s President and CEO, Nicole Taylor, said, “This HNU program opens a new door for youth in our urban centers to get a college education and gain the increased economic opportunity that goes along with it. We think it’s going to be a game changer.” Brian O’Rourke, Dean of Admissions and Recruitment at HNU, stated, “How do we change this perception about one’s ability to go to college? We aren’t saying ‘Do this and you will be eligible to apply to college.’ We’re saying, ‘You’re already accepted into a college, now hold up your end of the bargain to stay there! This is yours to lose!’ Because HNU is using the same pre-collegiate list of high school courses that are recommended by the University of California and State University of California systems, as well as many private institutions of higher learning, these successful high school students will also be very attractive prospects to many other schools besides Holy Names.” O’Rourke adds, “Students who are especially successful in high school, as reflected in a higher GPA or other honors and who demonstrate particular financial need will likely qualify for additional HNU financial aid. Unlike student loans, this financial aid does not have to be paid back. We ask only that students pay us back by helping others to pursue a college education and by making a personal commitment to serve the needs of the community." As part of the EAP program, participating high schools’ college and career centers will partner initially with similar HNU counseling efforts to provide college preparatory programming as well as mentoring and tutoring programs. Beginning in the 12th grade, counseling assistance will also be provided for career planning, college searching, and the financial aid application process. Holy Names University is among the first private universities in the United States offering an EAP. For more information about this program, contact Tammy Dain, 510-436-1368 or dain@hnu.edu. #### HNU is located on sixty acres in the Oakland Hills at Highway 13 and Redwood Road. Founded in 1868, HNU is a co-educational institution offering more than 25 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and various certificates and credentials. Lesley Sims, Holy Names University, 510-436-1405 or sims@hnu.edu

The Other Chambers of Commerce

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Not all Chambers of Commerce are the same.

That is the theme of an excellent essay on the role and history of local Chambers of Commerce by Chris Mead, which appeared in Newgeography.com on November 18th, 2010.

In spite of the similarity of the name -- "Chamber of Commerce" -- each Chamber of Commerce in the USA is independently operated. There are similarities, of course, but each Chamber has its own brand, culture and values, and we are NOT a "division" of the U.S. or State Chamber of Commerce.

Local Chambers of Commerce have long played an important leadership role in America's economic history. Click on the "Newgeography.com" link at the bottom of this page for the full text of Chris Mead's excellent essay.

IKEA to Install Solar Panels on U.S. Stores

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

IKEA TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON EIGHT CALIFORNIA LOCATIONS; NEARLY 90% OF ITS PRESENCE IN STATE (SEVEN STORES, ONE DISTRIBUTION CENTER)

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, announced plans to install solar energy panels on eight of its California locations.

Pending governmental permits, installation can begin in late Fall, with completion expected in early
2011. Collectively, the eight buildings comprise nearly 90% of the IKEA presence in California, and will total 4.5 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity, nearly 20,000
panels, and an annual output of 6.65 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.

This effort represents the equi-valent to reducing 5,268 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in California –
equaling the emissions of 914 cars or providing 580 homes electricity yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

IKEA will be installing panels at its three stores in Northern California (East Palo Alto, Emeryville and West Sacramento), four stores in southern California (Burbank, Costa Mesa,
Covina and San Diego) and at its distribution center in Tejon – one of the top ten largest rooftop commercial systems in the U.S.

Specific information about each project is below:

 Burbank store – opened in 1990; store size: 242,000 SF on 6.4 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 35,000 SF at 290 kW; 1,260 panels generating 421,300 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 334 tons of CO2, 58 cars’ emissions or powering 37 homes.

 Costa Mesa store – opened in 2003; store size: 308,000 SF on 24 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 30,000 SF at 248 kW; 1,078 panels generating 353,800 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 280 tons of CO2, 49 cars’ emissions or powering 31 homes.

 Covina store – opened in 2003; store size: 325,000 SF on 12.5 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 54,000 SF at 451 kW; 1,960 panels generating 651,800 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 516 tons of CO2, 90 cars’ emissions or powering 57 homes.

 East Palo Alto store – opened in 2003; store size: 290,000 SF on 10.5 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 36,000 SF at 302 kW; 1,316 panels generating 427,900 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 339 tons of CO2, 59 cars’ emissions or powering 37 homes.

 Emeryville store – opened in 2000; store size: 274,000 SF on 15 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 65,000 SF at 537 kW; 2,338 panels generating 760,300 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 602 tons of CO2, 104 cars’ emissions or powering 66 homes.

 San Diego store – opened in 2000; store size: 198,000 SF on 10 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 30,000 SF at 251 kW; 1,092 panels generating 366,400 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 290 tons of CO2, 50 cars’ emissions or powering 32 homes.

 West Sacramento store – opened in 2006; 265,000 SF on 21 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 69,000 SF at 573 kW; 2,492 panels generating 795,500 kWh/year. Equivalent to reducing 630 tons of CO2, 109 cars’ emissions or powering 69 homes.

 Tejon distribution center – opened in 2000; DC size: 1.8 million SF on 60 acres. SOLAR PROGRAM: 216,000 SF at 1,800 kW; 7,980 panels generating 2.8 million kWh/yr.
Equivalent to reducing 2,278 tons of CO2, 395 cars’ emissions or powering 251 homes.

“We are excited about this investment by IKEA in using renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprint, and improving the lives of the many people,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S
president. “This approach is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices and we are thrilled that our evaluation determined these projects to be feasible for IKEA. We always are open to ideas for incorporating key environmental technologies and look forward to considering other opportunities as they arise.”

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, strives to be a good business while doing good business and reflects an operating model designed to minimize
impacts on the environment.

Other sustainable efforts include:
--Integrating innovative materials into the production process;
--Working with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources;
--Flat-packing our goods for an efficient distribution system;
--Recycling approximately 75 percent of waste (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); and
--Incorporating environmental measures into the construction of our buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construc-tion materials, low volatile organic compound emitting paint, skylights in our warehouse, and water-conserving restrooms.

For the seven stores, IKEA contracted with Gloria Solar – the US Systems Integrator of the E-Ton Solar Group that recently completed a 600 kW program at IKEA Tempe, AZ and
currently is constructing the largest US commercial project, a 5MW land mount in Arizona.

For the Tejon distribution center – the largest IKEA U.S. building – IKEA contracted with REC Solar for the second largest single-roof commercial system in California. REC Solar is one of the largest U.S. solar installers, with more than 5,000 systems nation-wide including 16MW in the retail sector the past two years. Both contracted companies are California-based.

In the United States, IKEA already has: solar energy systems operational in Brooklyn, NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Tempe, AZ; solar water heating systems in Charlotte, NC; Draper, UT; Orlando, FL; and Tampa, FL; and a geothermal system has been incorpor-ated into the store under construction in Centennial, CO.

There currently are more than 300 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the U.S.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, has offered home furnishings and accessories of good design and quality at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. TIME listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies. IKEA incorporates sustain-able efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.

SCORE Business Counseling Now Available at the Chamber

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to annouce that we now offer free SCORE business counseling at the Chamber.

Two appointments are available on Wednesday evenings, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. with veteran SCORE counselor Gary Flaxman. SCORE counseling is FREE and is available to anyone who either has an existing business and wants business help, or is thinking about starting a... business. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED -- NO WALK-INS!

Contact the Chamber office at 510-652-5223 or info@emeryvillechamber.com to schedule an appointment.

Workplace Impact Program Now Available

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Gertonson Institute Creating Wellness in the Workplace Impact Program is Now Available to Healthy City Initiative Partners!

The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a new workplace wellness program being offered by Emeryville Chamber of Commerce Healthy City Initiative partner Dr. Lori-Ann Gertonson of The Gertonson Institute: A Creating Wellness Center.

Dr. Gertonson's “Workplace Wellness Impact Program” is now available to Emeryville Chamber of Commerce Healthy City Initiative Partners, another exclusive benefit of the Chamber's Healthy City Initiative Program.

There are at least two reasons why this new program can will be of interest to your health and to the health of your business.

The recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (the federal “Health Reform Law”) is mandating sweeping changes in how health care is delivered. The new law places more responsibility on individuals and businesses to participate in their own health maintenance, not only to increase personal well-being, but to curb the alarming higher costs of sickness care.

Dr. Gertonson's “Workplace Wellness Program” helps to serve both goals: promoting individual wellness, while at the same time helping to decrease business-related health care costs, including the cost of absenteeism and increase in health care premiums based on claims cost.

Dr. Gertonson’s “Workplace Wellness Impact Program” offers employers a comprehensive, 9-part employee wellness program that is easy to use and is linked to personalized internet wellness pages for each participant.
The program offers these advantages:

• Reduction of employer and employee stress and absenteeism
• Increased employee production and morale
• Complete customized on-line monitoring and information for each employee enrolled in the program
• Coaching and consulting by certified health care practitioners
• Commitment of The Gertonson Institute to make each program compliant with the Federal Health Reform Law.

For information on the “Workplace Wellness Impact Program” please contact Dr. Lori-Ann Gertonson at 510-558-9355 or drloridc@thegertonsoninstitute.com. More information is also available by clicking on "The Gertonson Institute" link at the bottom of this page.

For more information on the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce Healthy City Initiative Program, visit www.healthycityinitiative.com or contact Bob Canter at the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce, bob@emeryvillechamber.com or 510-652-5223.

New Governor's Office of Economic Development Opens

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Thursday, April 8, 2010
Contact: Aaron McLear
Andrea McCarthy
916-445-4571

Governor Schwarzenegger Establishes Office of Economic Development

Signs Executive Order, Appoints Director, Launches Web Site to Improve Communication between Businesses and State

On Thursday, April 8, 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order establishing the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GoED), a one-stop shop to help businesses acquire the direction, information and resources they need to invest, succeed and expand in California.

The Governor appointed Joel Ayala, former president and chief executive officer of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, as director of the new office.

"California is the best place in the world to do business, and by cutting red tape and streamlining functions, my Office of Economic Development will make the state an even better partner to the economy," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "This office is exactly what businesses need to navigate through state requirements and take advantage of state resources, and Joel Ayala is exactly the person to head it up. He knows what it takes to create jobs and bring businesses to our state, and I am looking forward to working with him to boost California's economy."

Those who want to do business in California must interact with the state in many ways, such as establishing, registering and maintaining their businesses, obtaining permits and licenses, reporting required information and paying taxes. The state also has more than 100 individual economic development programs and services available to businesses. At GoED, experienced staff will guide businesses through the various state requirements and help them access state resources.

The idea of creating a one-stop shop to cater to California businesses needs was originally suggested as a part of the Governor's 2004 California Performance Review and again in a February 2010 Little Hoover Commission report. The office will have three defined functions: to promote California as a place to do business; to support businesses interested in starting, growing, financing, expanding or relocating in California; and to help those businesses facing challenges to operating in California.

GoED will be open for business beginning April 8, 2010 and can be contacted toll free at 877-345-GoED (877-345-4633) or at www.business.ca.gov.

GoED is being established, staffed and housed using existing state resources. The Administration is currently in the process of drafting legislation that will make GoED a permanent entity in state government.

Joel Ayala has been appointed to lead GoED as the director. Since 2007, he has been president and chief executive officer of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Previously, Ayala served as president and chief executive officer for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2007 and school director for adult education and corporate training at the Career Management Institute from 1994 to 2001. He was deputy probation counselor for the Orange County Probation Department from 1985 to 1993. Ayala is a member of the Orange County Presidents Council and a previous member of the Santa Ana Workforce Investment Board, Anaheim Workforce Investment Board, University of California, Irvine Alumni Association Board of Directors and the California Task Force for Small Business Department of General Services.

Ayala, 44, of Anaheim, earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and social ecology from the University of California, Irvine. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $138,000.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Governor, businesses and the people of California to improve the economy and get people back to work," said Joel Ayala. "The development and growth of businesses is more important now than ever due to the economic hardships so many communities face. Improving California's business climate will attract new businesses and allow greater prosperity for businesses that are already here."

Click on the "Governor's Office of Economic Development" link below for a connection to the new Economic Development website.

Free Cultural Arts Postings on 510Arts.com

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Emeryville cultural and performing arts organizations and artists can now directly post their events and announcements at www.510Arts.com.

On the homepage under either Upcoming Events or News, just click on the blue plus sign in the events or news sections to post your Emeryville event or news item.

The East Bay Culture Corridor is collaboration between the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Richmond. The forward-thinking partnership reinforces the role of the arts in each community as both a proven catalyst for economic development and as a model for improving quality of life and community sustainability. The project increases the visibility, accessibility and sustainability of our arts communities. By fostering relationships between the diverse arts communities of the cities, the East Bay Cultural Corridor builds new audiences and resources for the arts here.

Become a Fan of the Chamber on Facebook!

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Fans of the Emeryville of Commerce can now show their Chamber of Commerce connection, support and business leadership by getting a Chamber Facebook Fan Badge!

EVEN MORE recognition, connectivity and exposure for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS or organization.

Simply click on the "Facebook Fan Badge" page below to get started!

Chamber CEO Bob Canter Earns Professional Accreditation

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

LOCAL CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL RECEIVES HONOR AT ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Emeryville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bob Canter was recognized as an Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) at the W.A.C.E. Convention on Feb. 3-5, 2010.

The designation is awarded to only those chamber executives who meet stringent criteria set by the association’s board of directors.

Canter was one of 6 Chamber of Commerce executives awarded accreditation in 2010 at the association’s annual conference in Burlingame, CA.

The accreditation program was first awarded in 1993 to encourage chamber executives to upgrade and expand their skills through continuing education and training programs in the chamber management and business fields. There are currently a total of 43 ACE recipients active in chambers of commerce in the West.

Recipients of the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) must apply for re-accreditation every five years in order to retain the designation.

W.A.C.E. is an association of approximately 800 chamber executives and staff professionals with members in fourteen Western states. The association’s mission is to promote and enhance the professional development of Chamber of Commerce executives. W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Canter has been in Chamber of Commerce management since January, 2000 and was named as the first-ever President & CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce on July 17, 2001.

"I was greatly honored to receive the ACE accreditation," Canter said after accreditation ceremony. "I have worked hard to improve myself as a Chamber of Commerce executive and hope to parlay my accreditation to the benefit of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce, our members and our community."

"I want to especially thank our Board of Directors and our Chamber Office Manager, Orah Goldman, for their support in helping achieve this milestone. I could not have done it without their assistance, support and encouragement."

Emeryville Urged: Foster New Development; Avoid Bankruptcy

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Professor Charles W. Baird, a professor emeritus of economics at Cal State East Bay, issued a dire warning to the City of Emeryville: Foster new development, resist excessive public sector union wage and retirement demands, or face bankruptcy.

Baird's warning was published in the October 10th, 2008 edition of the East Bay Business Times, the final version of that paper in its current format. Effective Monday, October 20, 2008, the East Bay Business Times will merge with the San Francisco Business Times, both owned by the same parent company. The San Francisco Business Times will expand its coverage to inclue the East Bay.

Click on the East Bay Business Times link below for the full text of Prof. Baird's column.

Baird concludes: "Emeryville can learn from Vallejo’s lesson and prevent bankruptcy. It must embrace structural budget reform and maintain its friendly, welcoming relationship with commercial developers in order to find effective solutions to local budget problems, especially given these strained financial times. Hopefully through Vallejo’s pain, cities like Emeryville will gain the useful insight and make the needed reforms."

Chamber's Healthy City Initiative Featured

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce's Healthy City Initiative was featured in the Spring, 2008 edition of the StopWaste.org e-newsletter.

StopWaste.org focuses on business, government, and consumer recycling and waste reduction throughout Alameda County and was one of the initial Chamber Healthy City Initiative partners.

Click on the StopWaste.org News link below for the full text of the article.

"We're delighted that StopWaste.org has joined us as an HCI partner," said Bob Canter, President and CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. "StopWaste is a highly reputable organization with a high level of credibility. Its mission fits perfectly with the objectives of our Healthy City Initiative and we're proud to have them on board with us and work with them to promote the Environmental Health component of our HCI."

It's Official: Big Quake Likely Headed Our Way

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

California faces an almost certain risk of being rocked by a strong earthquake by 2037, scientists said in the first statewide temblor forecast.

New calculations reveal there is a 99.7 percent chance a magnitude 6.7 quake or larger will strike in the next 30 years. The odds of such an event are higher in Southern California than Northern California, 97 percent versus 93 percent.

"It basically guarantees it's going to happen," said Ned Field, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Pasadena and lead author of the report.

Click on the Yahoo News link below for the full text of the article.

"This story only further reinforces what we already know: that this is earthquake country and we must be prepared," said Bob Canter, President & CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. "The Chamber has made Disaster Preparedness one of its major program priorities, and we will continue to provide news, information and resources to the entire Emeryville community on the need for emergency preparedness and making sure everyone has a disaster plan and survival kit."

Chamber's "Healthy City Intiative" Featured

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Looking to give real meaning and vision to the term "quality of life," the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce formally unveiled its "Healthy City Initiative" in a guest editorial which appeared in the February 23, 2007 East Bay Business Times.

"We're proud to announce this initiative, which will give real direction and meaning to everything we do at the Chamber," said Bob Canter, President & CEO. "Now, every Chamber event, program, publication, committee, and meeting will be tied to some element of the Healthy City Initiative."

The Intiative contains six distinct "Healthy" elements: Physical, Environmental, Educational, Economic, Civic, and Arts/Culture. Each element will involve distributing information and resources Citywide to every Emeryville business and resident. Several elements of the program are already in development and more will be forthcoming soon.

Jason Crouch, Broker/Owner of All Emeryville Properties and Chairman of the Board of the Chamber said: "This Initiative is one of our proudest achievements and clearly marks the Chamber as a leadership organization in the East Bay."

More information will be forthcoming over the next several months. The Chamber will work to forge stratetgic alliances and partnerships with credible partners in the private, public, academic and non-profit sectors who want to join in this effort.

Retailers Reminded of New Credit Card Regulations

Fri, 10 Oct 2003 04:00:00 GMT

SUMMARY OF NEW CREDIT CARD PRIVACY LAW REGULATIONS, EFFECTIVE 1-1-04

In 1999 the California Legislature amended the Song-Beverly Credit Card Act. Specifically the Legislature added Civil Code Section 1747.9, regarding the printing of credit card numbers on customer receipts. Here is a summary of the new law and points for retailer compliance:

• Effective 1/1/04, electronically generated receipts given to customers cannot include more than the last five digits of the cards’ account number
• Effective 1/1/04, electronically generated credit card receipts cannot list the cards’ expiration date.
• Receipts retained by merchants and not given to customers can include full credit card account numbers and expiration dates.
• Section 1747.9 applies only to electronically generated receipts; not to handwritten receipts or other means that imprint the copy of the credit card, such as the carbon copy receipts produced by a manual credit card imprinter.
• The new requirements already apply to all cash registers and machines put into service after January 1, 2001.
• Any equipment in use prior to January 1, 2001 must comply with the new requirements no later than January 1, 2004. Effective January 1, 2004, older equipment will no longer be exempt from the new regulations.

Contact the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce for the full text of Civil Code Section 1747.9.

 DISCLAIMER: This summary is provided as a service of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce and is not intended to be construed as a substitute for professional legal guidance. Always consult with professional legal counsel regarding questions or before making any major changes to your operations.