San Luis Obispo Business
August, 1999

Committee Roundup

The Legislative/Economic Action Committee, chaired by Dave Cox, switched to a new format this year with monthly luncheon meetings where various topics relating to business and governmental affairs have been discussed. Members have heard about the future plans of both Cal Poly and Cuesta College, they've explored the controversial 40-hour overtime rule (AB60), heard pros and cons of expanding parking in downtown San Luis Obispo and met and heard from several decision-makers including Assemblyman Abel Maldonado, and the newest members to City Council, John Ewan, Jan Howell Marx and Ken Schwartz.

The Legislative Issues Evaluation Committee, chaired by Jeff Buckingham, led the campaign to get the federal per diem rate for San Luis Obispo raised to a more competitive level and continues to work toward accomplishing several goals including: analyzing and monitoring open space issues, evaluating the impact of e-commerce on local tax revenues, working on county redistricting in the year 2000 and monitoring city zoning and planning policies.

The Parking and Access Task Force, chaired by Pierre Rademaker, continues to focus its efforts on the issue of parking and access in San Luis Obispo. The task force is in the process of evaluating and advocating for effective parking in the downtown area and is also advocating for the combination of SLO transit and County transit into one seamless regional system.

The Economic Development Committee, chaired by Jack Penrod, has a full plate this year. Several works in progress include: efforts towards the annexation of the airport area; analysis of the Marketplace, the proposed retail development the Dalidio property; advocacy for additional air service; and coordination of business retention and recruitment efforts with the City's Economic Development Manager and the Economic Vitality Corporation.

The Water Task Force, chaired by Pierre Rademaker, is working towards enhancing relationships with North County agencies regarding water, working with the North County on water issues and advocating for additional sources of water for the City of San Luis Obispo.

Members of the Tourism Council, chaired by Bob Griffin, have been successful in their efforts to improve relations with Hearst Castle and worked hand-in-hand with the Issues Evaluation Committee to get the federal per diem rate for San Luis Obispo raised. The committee has also produced a beautiful new San Luis Obispo logo which is featured on t-shirts now sold at the Visitors Center and is working on ways to increase promotion of the wine industry by working with the local Vintners Associations.

The Diversity Council, chaired by Anita Robinson, successfully completed a survey of Chamber members which addressed their thoughts and needs pertaining to diversity in the workplace. The committee continues to support workshops that encourage the benefits of diversity programs and is looking to attract new members from under-represented groups.

Education Partnerships Committee, chaired by Dave Juhnke, produced the first-ever Education Recognition Event in which several educators and businesses in the community were honored for their innovative ideas in linking education and business. The committee is currently working on the production of a new education-to-career network website as well as the production of an Internet resource guide.

The Ambassadors Committee, chaired by Rafael Alvarez, continues to focus its efforts on educating current and potential members on the value of membership in the Chamber. Committee members are helping the Chamber to reach an all-time high 1,300 members by spreading the word on the Chamber's mission, goals, benefits and events.

The Small Business Task Force, chaired by Lee Ferrero, this year introduced a new format for their one-hour seminars. "Coffee Talk" made its debut this year and has been extremely successful in educating members on various topics including Doing Business on the Internet, and Business Planning for Success. The committee also conducted a survey of members asking them what topics they'd like to see covered and is working toward planning future topics around member's requests. A small business column, which features a guest columnist and teases upcoming topics, has been implemented in San Luis Obispo Business.

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