Long Time Hollywood Business Leader Bill Hertz Passes Away

Bill Hertz, corporate consultant with Mann Theatres, passed away last Tuesday.  He was a prominent business leader in Hollywood for several decades.  Bill was the most senior past president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, having served as its leader from 1979 to 1980.  Bill also was a past chair of the Chamber’s Walk of Fame Committee, and a past board member of the Hollywood Entertainment District.  A very beloved member of the business community, Bill always was cheerful and willing to help out with community projects.  He was honored several years ago by Mann Theatres with his own hand and footprints ceremony at the Chinese Theatre.  Even though Bill was far past retirement age, he kept involved in the Hollywood that he knew and loved.  He was in his mid-80s at the time of his passing.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Bill’s family.  He will definitely be missed here in Hollywood!

Chamber Discusses Ideas to Help Small Businesses

Chamber leaders met last week to brainstorm on programs the Chamber could offer its members to help them through tough economic times.  They met with Richard Krelstein, the Chamber’s SCORE counselor, who is available weekly to offer free business advice at the Chamber office. The ideas that were floated included expanding the programs he offers, including seminars and idea exchanges. Other suggestions were to institute a Small Business Committee to put more focus on small business issues, to create a signature event to market Hollywood, and to increase our focus on pitching positive stories about Hollywood to the news media.  The Chamber Board plans to continue dialogue on the topic and to move some of these ideas forward.  We’ll keep you posted as we begin to implement suggestions.

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Encourages Governor Schwarzenegger to sign important Park Bond Measure

In a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce encouraged the Governor to sign Assembly Bill 31  (AB 31),  a park bond measure that, if passed, would provide Hollywood with potential access to much needed funds for investment in local park space.  

The California Legislature recently approved Assistant Majority Leader Kevin de León’s AB 31, which would prioritize $400-million of Proposition 84 park funds, the largest investment in local parks in the nation, to underserved and park-poor communities throughout California.  If signed into law by the Governor, AB 31 would establish a competitive grants program, to be administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), targeting $400-million of Proposition 84 park funds to underserved communities statewide suffering from significant park and economic poverty—largely communities of color, suffering from high rates of crime, unemployment, poverty, school drop-outs, and health ailments such as obesity and asthma. According to health studies, providing green space and places to play has broad cumulative impacts on communities.

“This bill is extremely important to the Hollywood community,” said Mark Panatier, Board Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, “Hollywood has one of the lowest park per resident ratios in Los Angeles. If passed, AB 31 would allow Hollywood an opportunity to seek funding for the creation of new parks in our community including the proposed Hollywood Freeway Central Park, a 42-acre ‘cap’ park on Hollywood 101 Freeway from Hollywood Blvd. on the north and Santa Monica Blvd. on the south. I strongly encourage all of our members to contact the Governor and urge that he signs AB 31 into law.”

Complete and sign this sample AB 31 support letter and fax to (916) 319-2145.
For more information on what you can do to help support AB 31 please contact the Chamber’s Vice President of Public Policy, Nicole Shahenian at Nicole@hollywoodchamber.net.

Mixer Highlights East Hollywood BID and Local Health Resources

Summer in the Park, a “table top” mixer organized on August 20th by the East Hollywood Business Improvement District and the Hollywood Chamber’s Health Care committee, was a great success. Attendees were provided with information about health resources at both local and state levels, as well as information about future growth and current businesses in the East Hollywood area. “We were delighted to team with the East Hollywood BID to highlight the valuable healthcare resources available in this community. The mixer also provided a great opportunity to learn about the important work that the newly established BID has been doing throughout East Hollywood,” said Sam Smith, Healthcare Committee co-chair. The Chamber extends special thanks to the following sponsors without whom the event would not have been possible: BREATHE California of Los Angeles County, Cen-Fed, Ltd / Wilshire Pacific Investors,  Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, the East Hollywood BID, Famous Hollywood Dental Care, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Premiere Events, Ramada Hollywood near Universal Studios, and the Saban Free Clinic.

Members are Invited to Take a Tour of 717 Olympic

717 Olympic would like to invite members of the Hollywood Chamber to discover LA Diving in high definition at the newest luxury leasable high-rise. With its landmark architecture, 717 OLYMPIC offers the fine art of relaxation, modern convenience, and the exquisite amenities of a boutique hotel combined with the design and comfort of a stylish modern home. Some of its amenities include pedestrian access to LA's premier performance venues, panoramic views, dedicated concierge, valet and bell captain services, premier resident services, 8th floor outdoor orbit lounge, rooftop plunge spa and more. Enjoy 360 degree views, mingle at the sky lounge, sip on cocktails and dine on delights
Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
717 W. Olympic Blvd., Downtown, Los Angeles (across from L.A. Live)
Complimentary valet parking
Limited Space. RSVP is requested. Call 213.624.8439 or email rsvp@717olympic.com

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KBKG reduces taxes with Enterprise Zone Tax Credits

Members Take 15-20% Off with I&A Dry Cleaners: Call 323-953-9988

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Free business counseling at the Hollywood Chamber
Offered by the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Richard Krelstein, a retired business turn-around specialist
Consulting services will be available most Fridays 9:30 - 11:30am 
To schedule an appointment, call Vivian at (323)469-8311.