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Every Tuesday                     The Weekly Online Publication of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce                   July 27, 2010

Working for YOU ...

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is always actively looking out for the interests of our members and promoting Hollywood.  Here are a few of our activities from the last week:

Thousands flocked to Hollywood for the Walk of Fame 50th Anniversary on Sunday, July 25th, The public celebration started with a star ceremony for the late Louis Prima and continued with a day-long celebration across the famous Boulevard. Photos by Bob Freeman

• Thousands of Angelenos came to Hollywood on Sunday to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the Walk the Walk Festival, organized by the Chamber and sponsored by the Hollywood Historic Trust.

• The Chamber secured a continuance on the issue of banning supergraphic signs in Hollywood.  The Planning Commission will take up the issue again on August 26^th.

• Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler participated on a tourism panel before the Los Angeles chapter of the Hospitality Marketing Association (HSMAI).

• The Chamber Community Foundation approved grants to Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibits, better known as LACE, and to the Special Olympics for a program at Selma Avenue Elementary with special needs children.

• Emerson College cleared another hurdle in their proposed new campus in Hollywood, when they received a vote of support from the Planning and Land Use Management Committee at City Hall.  The Chamber spoke strongly in support of the project.

• The Hollywood Chamber participated in the annual L.A.’s Largest Mixer, at the Shrine Auditorium, spreading the good word about Hollywood to several thousand attendees.

• The Board of Directors voted final support of Chamber positions on the CRA’s Historic Resources Survey and the Hollywood Blvd. District and Franklin Ave. Urban Design Standards.

Learn about the Chamber's Trip to The Greek Islands and Turkey in March 2011 on July 29th

If you are interested in the Chamber's trip to the Greek Isle and Turkey, be sure you don’t miss the orientation meeting on Thursday, July 29th, 5:30pm at the Hollywood Chamber, 7018 Hollywood Blvd.

The Hollywood Chamber is planning a trip to the Greek Islands and Turkey, March 30 through April 8, 2011. The Chamber Business Mission Cruise Tour offers a great experience the culture and history of the Greek Islands and Turkey.  Travel on this once-in-a lifetime cruise tour and visit six fantastic ports that were once the landing places for an endless tide of invaders from far-off lands.  Enjoy the ancient city of Athens, land of the gods, full of legend and history.  Mykonos features traditional Greek hospitality, beautiful beaches, quaint seaside villages and an active nightlife.  The fascination of Istanbul is sure to please, as it’s the only city in the world built on two continents (Europe and Asia).  Every stone you turn here tells a story of the Ottoman Empire, the unlimited wealth of the Sultans and their harems.  Visit Kusadasi, a major Aegean resort town.   Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the house of the Virgin Mary, Miletus, Didyma or simply relax and shop for handmade Turkish carpets.  The incredible medieval city of Rhodes brings a strong history of the crusades and the Knights of St. John as well as beautiful, long sandy beaches, azure seas and Mediterranean breezes.  See the breathtaking views of the volcanic island of Santorini and its neighboring islands, whitewashed houses and the best sunsets in the world.

The Chamber will be having a special presentation for interested persons on Thursday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber.  This is an exciting cruise with plenty to see.  Don’t wait – sign up early to avoid missing the “boat”.  The form is attached.  Call Vivian Kish of our staff for further information and to reserve for the briefing on July 29th.

Chamber Mixer to Partner with Bank of America and Highlight Business Lending Opportunities at Rise, The Highlands

Bank of America is hosting an opportunity to make new business connections while learning more about business benefits from the federal Stimulus Bill and updates to the various SBA lending programs. On August 12th, at Rise in Hollywood & Highland enjoy great food and beverage, network, and hear from Certified Development Corporation (CDC) Small Business Finance experts about the current status of the Stimulus Bill, and how it can help your business grow. Last year, over one hundred Hollywood Chamber members and business friends attended a similar event hosted by Bank of America, so don’t miss out on this one! Bank of America’s Hollywood Business Banking team will also provide an update on the bank’s new supplier/vendor commitment, progress towards their small business lending goals, and other programs to help the Chamber’s small businesses grow. Perfect for a summer evening, the mixer will be held on the patio of Rise Restaurant from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday August 12th. A beautiful venue, Rise Restaurant boasts an impressive ambience with panoramic views and an upscale modern décor. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for future members, and includes delicious food and beverages. Rise is located in The Highlands at Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, 4th Floor. Parking is $2 for four hours with validation. RSVP to rsvp@hollywoodchamber.net or go to www.hollywoodchamber.net.

Join Us for a Cool Ride & Hot Summer Fun at July Chamber Mixer!

On July 28^th Chamber members are invited to enjoy a more casual mixer than usual with hosts iFLY Hollywood and Samba Brazilian Steakhouse and Lounge.  Located in Universal City Walk, iFLY and Samba have planned a fun and relaxed evening for Chamber guests with two parts. The opportunity for a free ride ($60 value) on the exciting IFLY Hollywood Indoor Skydiving ride is already sold out. Call (818) 985-4359 or visit www.iFLYHollywood.com. If you signed up for the iFly experience, please remember that being on time for your check in is required to ensure you make your flight time.

Remember to bring your networking gear and enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of Brazil at Samba!  Call (818) 763-0101 or visit www.sambarestaurants.com. Casual, summer dress is encouraged. The mixer will be held on the Samba patio Wednesday July 28^th, with iFLY skydiving beginning at 4:15 p.m., and the Samba reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Cost to attend will be discounted to just $5 for members, and $10 for future members in consideration of the $14 self parking fee at Universal City Walk. Park in the Curious George lot, enter to CityWalk and turn right, proceed to follow the walkway around the bend – Samba is on the left and iFLY on the right. Admission includes iFLY skydives with prior reservation, Samba’s delicious hors d oeuvres, two refreshing beverages, and entertainment from traditional Brazilian Samba dancers! RSVP to rsvp@hollywoodchamber.net or visit www.hollywoodchamber.net.

Walk of Fame 50th Anniversary Celebration Continues as Actor Mark Wahlberg Receives 2,414th Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Mark Wahlberg will be honored with a star in the Motion Picture category at 6259 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Dillon’s Irish Pub on July 29, at 11:30 a.m. The star ceremony coincides with the release of Sony Pictures’ action-comedy The Other Guys, in which Wahlberg stars opposite Will Ferrell and will open nationwide on August 6. Director David O’ Russell will be guest speaker at the event. Wahlberg earned Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominations for his standout performance in Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed drama The Departed. A committed philanthropist, in 2001 he founded the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation which benefits inner-city youth. Follow wofstargirl on twitter to get the latest news on more Walk of Fame star ceremonies.

Chamber Speaks Out on Proposed Ban on Supergraphics

The Hollywood Chamber Board of Directors voted last week to oppose a proposed ban on supergraphic signs in Hollywood.  Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler attended a hearing before the L.A. City Planning Commission and requested a continuance of the proposal in order to allow more time to study the impact.  He asked that the City’s new Office of Economic Analysis be directed to research how a ban might impact the city and noted that the City should not be giving up an economic development tool in the midst of the worst recession in our lifetimes.  He noted that part of the problem in Hollywood was created by the City’s lack of enforcement of its regulations.  The Planning Commission responded by delaying action until a special meeting that will be held on August 26^th.  They directed city staff to gather information on how an outright ban would impact development in Hollywood.  The Chamber will be working with the staff and also has requested a meeting with Council President Eric Garcetti to discuss steps short of a total ban that might be able to answer the concerns that have arisen about supergraphics.

Chamber Plans The Official Hollywood Walk of Fame Reception Guide

As the Walk of Fame celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Chamber is initiating special programs, including the Official Hollywood Walk of Fame Reception Guide. For the first time ever, Chamber members will have an opportunity to advertise their venue and services directly to the Walk of Fame recipients. Please click to see a sample of the Official Hollywood Walk of Fame Reception Guide the and learn what the Chamber is doing to help promote your company and how you can capture the attention of the Walk of Fame honorees! For more info, please contact Kaylee Kiecker, VP of Marketing and Business Development, at kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net

JPI Celebrates Jefferson at Hollywood Grand Opening

As part of the grand opening celebration, JPI presented a $5,000 contribution to the Hollywood Police Activities League, a community-based crime prevention program that serves hundreds of children and young adults on a weekly basis.

Hollywood Chamber member JPI, a multifamily real estate development firm, and its equity partner Fidelity Real Estate Group celebrated last week the grand opening of its new luxury mixed-use building, Jefferson at Hollywood. Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, city and community stakeholders as well as Chamber board members and staff helped celebrate this event at the complex’s pool and lounge area. Jefferson at Hollywood is a transit-oriented development that offers 270 apartments, 8,500 sq.ft. of ground-floor retail space, and underground parking including 285 spaces for public use. The project is located at the southeast corner of Highland Avenue and Yucca Street across from the Hollywood and Highland Center and Renaissance Hotel. Twenty-seven of the units are reserved as affordable for very low, low and moderate income households.  Also included are eight live/work homes located along Yucca Street and McCadden Place.  The apartment community is located within walking distance of restaurants, movies, shopping and entertainment and a Metro Red Line station.  JPI welcomed its first residents in late June. “We are tremendously excited to officially open the doors of our newest community,” said Heidi Mather, senior area vice president and development partner at JPI.  “This is a neighborhood of great importance to the city, and the addition of Jefferson at Hollywood will broaden the housing options offered and provide an upscale living environment in an urban community. We worked with the Council President’s office, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Hollywood community to create a project that responds to the demand for quality apartments, makes the streets more pedestrian friendly than the previous use, and invests in the future of Hollywood.”

Check out Jefferson at Hollywood amenities and schedule a tour at www.jeffersonathollywood.com.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Blood Drive
Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Dunn Theater Lobby
1313 Vine Street, LA 90028

Please log onto www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code AMPAS to make your life-saving appointment.

Contact Heather Cochran at (310) 247-3000 for more information.
All presenting donors will receive a $5 gift certificate for
Daphne’s Greek Café and will also be eligible to enter in the
regional Free Gas Drawing to receive a $500 gift card for gas.
Identification is required.

Save with the Chamber Office Depot Program!
*Log on to Hollywood Chamber BSD account to receive this offer*

Most of you use HP Toners, so why not take advantage of this amazing offer.  All you have to do is login to your Office Depot account at business.officedepot.com, and insert the coupon code at the bottom of the checkout screen. Toners never go on sale!  You can buy as much as you can before the offer expires on Friday, July 2nd. 

Not yet a member? Click here to sign up for the program.

Take Advantage of Hollywood Chamber's
Award-winning Free Business Counseling Service offered by Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Richard Krelstein, a retired business turn-around specialist
Consulting services will be available most Fridays 10 a.m. - 12 Noon
By appointment only. Call Vivian at (323)469-8311.