Hollywood Open for Business Adjusting to the New Normal
PREMIER INVESTORS
The Chamber would like to thank our generous Premier Investor partners who continue to support our events each year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Hollywoood Open for Business.....................................................5 Hollywood Unites...............................................................................9 Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip...................................................13 Legislative Priorities.........................................................................15 The Walk of Fame Class 2021.....................................................20 Member Spotlights..........................................................................24
By selecting sponsorships in advance, our partners have the opportunity to plan in advance while gaining additional promotion and benefits. To learn more about the Premier Investors Club, please contact Rana Ghadban at rana@hollywoodchamber.net
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President's Message
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e hope you're staying safe and doing well! We understand that these past few months have been a tumultuous time for the business community, as frequently changing government guidelines and requirements have seen businesses struggling to adjust their reopening plans. Following Governor Newsom's order to temporarily close indoor dining and operations for restaurants in nineteen counties barely a month after their reopening, we have seen the devastating impact that these ever-changing plans have had on local businesses. That is why the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, along with thirty-three chambers of commerce and business organizations throughout the state have come together to create the The California Coalition for Safe Re-opening. The intention of the coalition is to formulate a comprehensive proposal for reopening California businesses in a logical and methodical manner that adheres to the safety and health of customers, workers, and the public. The California Coalition for Safe Re-Opening, building on previous efforts, has proposed a Three Point Economic and Public Health Recovery Plan – immediate measures that should be considered prior to any more shutdowns. While business owners understand the necessity and responsibility of ensuring a safe environment, it is necessary for local authorities to work closely with the business community and provide a level of stability to reopening. The starting and stopping of these orders threatens their ability to continue operating and the livelihood of their employees. In the proposed plan, businesses return with COVID-19 related protection practices in place, including enhanced cleaning procedures, distancing, and safe service protocols, while the government invests in resources necessary to ensure that county health measures are being adhered to. In addition, we are calling for adequate access to regular COVID-19 testing and for the state to pass legislation to fund the California COVID-19 Emergency Business Interruption Fund to cover losses related to all government and health department orders including forced closures, social distancing requirements, and gathering limitations. We would like to invite you to join us in support of The California Coalition for Safe Re-opening to ensure that the business voice is heard in all conversations regarding the reopening of California. Warmest regards,
Rana Ghadban President & CEO Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Published quarterly by
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 6255 Sunset Blvd, Ste 150 Hollywood, CA 90028 323.469.8311 hollywoodchamber.net Considerable effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information published, but the Chamber does not guarantee accuracy nor does it assume any liability for the use of any information published. Official positions of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce are taken only as a vote of record of the Board of Directors and clearly referenced as such in the Hollywood Business Advocate.
OFFICERS Dwayne Gathers Donelle Dadigan Nicole Mihalka Mark Echeverria Mark R. Edwards Matt Fritch London Kemp Kim Weedmark Ellen Zaman Sarah Zurell Timothy Grubs Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo Michael Gargano DIRECTORS Paul Audley Cindy Braun Lucy Burghdorf Susan Cabral-Ebert Shawn Covell Brian Folb John Gile Sofia Gresen William Grice Ray Hahn Mike Harriel Michael Hilty HONORARY Oscar Arslanian Glen Becerra Dan Halden Dr. Fariba Kalantari Kris Larson STAFF Rana Ghadban President & CEO Kaylee Kiecker Executive VP Ana Martinez VP of Media Relations Ilia Lopez VP of Programs & Communications Diana Yedoyan Vice President of Public Policy & Economic Dev J.J. Connaughton Director of Membership Services
Chair of the Board Immediate Past Chair Senior Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Richard Howard Bill Humphrey Don Jacinto Yuko Kaifu Ilyanne MordenKichaven Ed Murphy Jerry Neuman Otto Padron Wade Milne Lea Sandoval
Patti MacJennett Marty Shelton Jeff Zarrinnam Estevan Monetmayor Michelle SobrinoStearns Lily Weiner Director of Operations Danila Fraga Director of Communications Carli Olson Director of Public Policy & Economic Dev Chloe Kim Director of Events Vivian Kish WOF Gift Shop Manager Joseph Moon Bookkeeper
INSIDE THE CHAMBER
Hollywood Open for Business
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s we continue to navigate ourselves and businesses through these uncertain and ever changing times, one thing is certain, we at the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce want you to know that we are here for you, providing invaluable resources and information related to COVID-19, including safe ways to reopen and operate your business during this pandemic. Since the original stay at home order in March, our staff has been working tirelessly to ensure that you are staying informed on the latest government updates, business resources, while also staying connected with other members and the Hollywood community.
Each of these are available on demand on our website at https://hollywoodchamber.net/past-hollywood-chamberwebinars/ We are also hosting monthly interactive and engaging networking events, including lunch hustles and mixers to help keep you connected. Our industry-specific roundtable discussions bring together local restaurants, hotels, and property owners providing them a forum to share their concerns and direct access to our local government officials. Our committee meetings also moved online, and have been an essential way our members are continuing to effect change in areas specific to their business and make vital business connections.
We pivoted quickly to a virtual world, while continuing to offer high-quality events, including seven webinars providing pertinent COVID-19 resources and recommended strategies for businesses during the pandemic; nine Leadership in Action Town Halls with thirteen community leaders including Representative Adam Schiff, Senator Ben Allen, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Assemblymembers Bloom, Friedman, and Santiago, Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, LACC President Mary Gallagher, Councilmember Joe Buscaino, LA Controller Ron Galperin, Heart of Hollywood Director Dan Halden, Councilmember-elect Kevin De Leon, and Hollywood Partnership CEO/President Kris Larson. LEFT IMAGE: Hollywood Chamber members holding up their Back to Business Kits provided by the Chamber. RIGHT IMAGE: HEART of Hollywood, Dan Halden, participated in out Virtual Town Hall updating members on the Hollywood Master Plan and community updates.
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Getting Back to Business In order to keep our communities safe and healthy the government is creating a number of new regulations and guidelines that our businesses must implement in order to reopen. The Hollywood Chamber understands that these requirements created some confusion and additional costs to our already overwhelmed businesses. In order to provide some clarity and relief, we have been focusing on ways to help our members get prepared. In June, we launched our Back to Business page https://hollywoodchamber.net/ backtobiz/ providing our members the latest government guidelines, recommendations, resources, and other tools to ensure employers and their employees return to work
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safely and well-informed. Additionally, to help alleviate the costs our members are incurring to make their businesses compliant with the new government guidelines, we are offering our members complimentary Back to Business kits that include mandatory social distancing signage including floor graphics, window clings, and wall decals. So far over 60 members have claimed their kit. If you haven’t claimed yours yet, email us at covid-19@hollywoodchamber.net. Kits will be available while supplies last.
INSIDE THE CHAMBER HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
Upcoming Events Monday, August 10
1 PM - Town Hall with Councilmember O'Farrelll
Tuesday, August 18
4 PM - Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, August 26
1 PM - Re-imaging the Workforce Webinar with Kristel Haddad, J.D.
Thursday, August 27
8 AM - Workforce Development Committee 5 PM - Virtual Member Mixer with Funko
Friday, August 28
1 PM - Town Hall with Councilmember Blumenfield
Thursday, September 3
12 PM - The Entertainment, Arts, and Media Committee
Thursday, September 10
4 PM - Legislative Action Committee
Friday, September 11
1 PM - Town Hall with Councilmember Ryu
Tuesday, September 15
4 PM - Economic Development Committee
Thursday, September 24
8 AM - Workforce Development Committee
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Hollywood Unites Addressing the needs of our most vulnerable residents & businesses
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n March 25, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation launched its Hollywood Unites initiative to address the emerging needs of our most vulnerable residents and businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hollywood Unites initiative supports and connects businesses and nonprofits to meet the pertinent needs of our community. Since its inception, the Hollywood Chamber has connected several larger businesses that currently have underutilized resources to nonprofits in need, including freezer and kitchen space for our food banks, over 200 towels and bedding, 1200 rolls of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and 400 children’s masks to local nonprofit organizations.
“We are inspired and grateful by how our community has supported each other during this crisis, and are committed to continue to respond to our community’s needs with compassion and keep hope alive.” Rana Ghadban, President/CEO, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Unite with us in supporting the Hollywood community and keeping hope alive by donating to the Hollywood Unites Fund at https://www.hollywoodfoundation.org/hollywoodunites/
A special thanks to our volunteers & ambassadors! Volunteers: Christopher Bennett, Helen Bromfield, Fer-
nando Estrada, RC Cepeda, Rich Sarian, Officer Timothy Talman, Officer Justin Ponza, Officer Terrance Criss, Nicole As part of this Initiative, the Hollywood Chamber and its Estrada, and Hunter Vallino. Foundation launched the Hollywood Unites Fund to provide We are inspired and grateful meals each week to those in Chamber Ambassadors: Chair by how our community has need, while supporting our local Alexa Pavlovic, Scott May, Farhana restaurants, helping to preserve Haque, Star Tomlinson, Helen San, supported each other during jobs, and prevent closures during Fred Goldner, and Jeff Napshin. this crisis, and are committed this economic crisis. Since March, we have served over 1500 meals to continue to respond to our to seniors and other vulnerable members of our community, and community's need with passion have provided business to 12 local and keep hope alive. restaurants. LEFT IMAGE: Chloe Kim, Director of Events, holds up a bag of senior meals prepared by Hoy's Wok, one of our amazing business partnerships for the Chamber's Hollywood Unites initiative.
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ABOVE: Vivian Kish shows off the senior meals prepared by Found Oyster, one of our business partnerships for the Chamber's Hollywood Unites initiative.
Nonprofits that have benefitted and continue the remarkable work of taking care of our community include: Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, My Friend's Place, Hollywood Food Coalition, Heaven and Earth Oasis, Empowered Gifts, St. Barnabas Senior Services, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Assistance League, Oasis of Hollywood, The Center Hollywood, Hollywood Housing Coalition, Aviva Family and Children's Services, YMCA Hollywood, Food on Foot, Housing Works, Project Angel Food, St. Anne's, and Uplift Family Services.
ABOVE: Volunteer Rich Sarian holds up senior meals from L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
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ABOVE: Hollywood Unites initiative volunteer LAPD Officer Tim Talman delivers a delicious meal to a happy senior.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
Thank You Hollywood Unites Partners!
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PUBLIC POLICY PUBLIC POLICY
Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip Hollywood Issues Take Spotlight at D.C.
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s part of its annual trip to the nation’s capital, a delegation of representatives from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce visited Washington DC in March to meet with Federal legislators to discuss some of the most pressing issues to the Hollywood business community. This year’s trip was kicked off with an intimate opening dinner with LA City Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell, Monica Rodriguez, and John Lee. The first day of meetings included an extensive briefing from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, focused on federal policy regarding Education and Workforce Development, Transportation and Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Intellectual Property. Our delegation was briefed on the latest efforts being undertaken by the U.S. Chamber to shape federal policy within these issue areas. The delegation also met with the Motion Picture Association to discuss federal policies surrounding the film and television industry. The 2020 Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Washington DC Advocacy Trip Delegation included: Chair of the Hollywood Chamber, Dwayne Gathers President & CEO, Gathers Strategies, Inc.; Immediate Past Chair, Donelle Dadigan - President & Founder, Hollywood Museum at the Historic Max Factor Building; Vice Chair, Sarah Zurell; Vice Chair, Matt Fritch - Executive Director, Global Security, The LEFT IMAGE: From left to right Donelle Dadigan, John Bwarie, Rana Ghadban, & Sarah Zurell head to their next D.C. meeting
MBS Group; Peyton Nealis - Coordinator, Corporate Real Estate, Netflix; & John Bwarie - Founder & CEO, Stratiscope The Delegation was led by Hollywood Chamber President & CEO, Rana Ghadban, who led the conversation on the organization’s top legislative priorities outlined in its 2020 Public Policy Guide. The advocacy trip, which was organized by the Chamber’s Director of Public Policy & Economic Development, Jacob Jauregui, included high level meetings with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Representative Adam Schiff, Representative Grace Napolitano, Representative Jimmy Gomez, and Brad Sherman. “The Chamber’s annual advocacy trips offer our members the unique opportunity to meet with our elected officials to discuss relevant issues and to demonstrate the overall importance of Hollywood as part of the greater Los Angeles regional economy,” stated Jauregui. “This year, our delegation came prepared to present the Chamber’s legislative priorities and we were fortunate to be joined by our Councilmember, Mitch O’Farrell, who spoke on his Chamber-backed initiative, the Hollywood Walk of Fame Master Plan, the ambitious proposal to redevelop the experience on the Boulevard.” If you are interested in participating in future Chamber advocacy trips, please contact Diana Yedogan, Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Development at diana@ hollywoodchamber.net.
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Above: The Hollywood Chamber DC advocacy delegation meets with Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell to discuss the Walk of Fame master plan and other issues concerning the Hollywood community.
Above: The Hollywood Chamber D.C. Delegation meets with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to talk about supporting small businesses.
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PUBLIC POLICY
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
2020 Legislative Priorities
Above: The Hollywood Chamber DC advocacy delegation getting briefed by Fernando Morales of Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell's office.
In what could be one of the most consequential legislative sessions in Sacramento, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has radically transformed its advocacy strategy to more effectively represent its members in the Capitol. Last year, members participated in an extensive “Legislative Priorities Survey,” which allowed the Chamber’s staff and Legislative Action Committee Co-Chairs to update its Legislative Policy Guide. The Guide had not been updated since 2010. This “living document” outlines general policy positions on the major issues impacting Hollywood and guides staff in determining the policies and legislation that the Chamber should weigh in on. On the following pages are official positions taken by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in support or opposition to various pieces of legislation currently moving through the State Legislature. This session, our highest priorities focused on housing and homelessness. With the state already in a housing and homelessness crisis before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic recession, it is crucial that the state focus on providing additional homelessness resources and streamline the construction of additional housing. That is why one of our main goals under “Land Use & Housing” in our Legislative Policy Guide is for the State Legislature to enact California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) modernization legislation to ensure projects are not stalled or permanently halted because of frivolous lawsuits.
HOUSING AB 2323: CEQA Exemptions
Author(s): Assemblymember Laura Friedman Description: Expands the application of CEQA exemptions for housing and other specified projects by permitting community plans, as defined, to serve as the basis for exemption of residential, mixed-use and employment center projects near transit. Eliminates the exclusion of sites within the boundaries of a state conservancy from existing exemptions for affordable agricultural housing, affordable urban housing, and urban infill housing. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to modernize CEQA and to ensure additional housing can be constructed without the threat of frivolous CEQA litigation. Status Update: On July 1, 2020 in the Senate: From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Committee on Environmental Quality. hollywoodchamber.net
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SB 902: Planning and Zoning: Housing Development
Author(s): Senator Scott Weiner Description: SB 902 would authorize a local government to pass an ordinance to zone any parcel for up to 10 units of residential density per parcel, at a height specified in the ordinance, if the parcel is located in a transit-rich area, a jobs-rich area, or an urban infill site. These projects would be exempt from CEQA Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to ensure additional housing is built at lower cost and without burdensome regulations. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee.
SB 939: Emergencies: COVID-19: Commercial Tenancies: Evictions
Author(s): Senator Scott Weiner Description: B 939, an urgency measure,would establish a temporary eviction moratorium and a 12-month rent repayment period,as specified,and procedures for the renegotiating or terminating of certain commercial tenancy leases, as specified, where a commercial tenant is impacted by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This bill failed to move out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Why we opposed it: Would lead to foreclosures and divestment in California by prohibiting commercial evictions and allowing commercial tenants to withhold rent for the entire duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency plus an additional 12 months, as well as unilaterally break leasing contracts. Status Update: On June 18, 2020 in the Senate: June 18 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
SB 995: Environmental Quality
Author(s): Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins Description: This bill would extend the Jobs and Economic Improvement Through Environmental Leadership Act of 2011 (AB 900) until 2025 and would make housing projects that meet certain requirements eligible for certification under the Act. AB 900 established specified administrative and judicial review procedures for the review of the environmental review documents and public agency approvals granted for designated residential, retail, commercial, sports, cultural, entertainment, or recreational use projects, known as Environmental Leadership Development Projects (ELDP). Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to ensure additional housing is built at lower cost and without burdensome regulations. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.
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SB 1085: Density Bonus Law
Author(s): Senator Nancy Skinner Description: SB 1085 would make several changes to the Density Bonus Law and grant additional benefits to housing development projects with a specified percentage of units designated for low and moderate income households, if the rent charged for those units is 30% below the market rate for the jurisdiction in which the development is proposed. Would make a student housing development eligible for one incentive or concession if at least 20% of the units are for lower-income students, as defined. Would also grant a 35% density bonus for a development with 20% of the units for low or moderate income households. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to ensure additional housing is built at lower cost and without burdensome regulations. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee on Housing & Community Development.
SB 1299: Housing Development: Incentives: Rezoning
Author(s): Senator Anthony Portantino Description: SB 1299 would establish a program administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), upon appropriation of funding by the Legislature, to provide grants to cities and counties that rezone idle or underutilized big box retailer or commercial shopping center properties and instead provide for the development of workforce housing, as specified. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to ensure additional housing is built at lower cost and without burdensome regulations. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee on Housing & Community Development.
SB 1385: Local Planning: Housing: Commercial Zones
Author(s): Senator Anna Caballero Description: SB 1385 would enact the “Neighborhood Homes Act,” which establishes a housing development project as an authorized use on a parcel currently zoned for office or retail commercial use, as specified in a local agency’s zoning code or general plan. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goals to ensure additional housing in underutilized spaces without compromising local control. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee on L. GOV.
PUBLIC POLICY
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
HOMELESSNESS AB 3269: State & Local Agencies: Homelessness Plan
Author(s): Assemblymember Miguel Santiago Description: This bill requires the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (Council) to perform a homelessness statewide gaps and needs analysis by July 31, 2021. This includes Identifying programs and services in the state that serve people experiencing homelessness and Identifying the total number and type of permanent housing beds, units or opportunities avail able to persons experiencing homelessness. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goal to identify inefficiencies and needs for our homelessness assistance pipeline. Status Update: On July 2, 2020 in the Senate: From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Committee on Housing.
SB 1065: CalWORKS: Homelessness Assistance
Author(s): Senator Bob Hertzberg Description: Senate Bill 1065 makes a series of changes to the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Homeless Assistance Program (HAP), includingeliminating the once in a 12-month period for temporary shelter assistance and permanent housing assistance, and allowing for a 16-day extension, as specified,to temporary shelter assistance. The CalWORKs program contains a variety of services designed to address homelessness, including Housing Support Program (HSP) and Housing Assistance Program (HAP). HAP provides temporary shelter assistance and permanent housing assistance to CalWORKs recipients and families that are apparently eligible for CalWORKs. Families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness are eligible for HAP. Why we’re supporting it: Falls in line with our goal to create a path to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Status Update: On June 29, 2020 in the Assembly: Referred to Committee on Human Services.
March 19, 2020 (Executive Order N-33-20), except as specified, or who are subsequently deemed essential, to include coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that develops or manifests itself during a period of employment of those persons in the essential occupation or industry. Why we’re opposing it: The bill provides a conclusive presumption that all COVID-19 infections suffered by essential workers on or after March 1, 2020 will be deemed an injury covered by Workers Compensation. This would shift the burden to the employer to provide that the injury was not work related; or the employer's workers compensation will cover the injury. Status Update: On May 5, 2020 in the Senate: From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Committee
AB 398: COVID-19 Local Government and School Recovery and Relief Act
Author(s): Assemblymember Kansen Chu Description: AB 398 would institute a tax of $275 per employee for “an entity, including, but not limited to, a limited liability company, corporation, or limited liability partnership, that has more than 500 employees that perform any part of their duties within the state.” Why we’re opposing it: Unemployment rates are soaring and AB 398 will strongly disincentivize employers to hire beyond 499 employees since employee 500 will trigger $137,500 in additional taxes. Status Update: On July 1, 2020 in the Senate: Re-referred to Committee on Governance and Finance
AB 3216: Employee leave: Authorization
Author(s): Assemblymember Ash Kalra Description: Expands leave and job protections for employees during a state of emergency, including leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), paid sick leave, and rehire rights for workers Why we’re opposing it: This new mandate is in addition to numerous COVID-19 leave requirements recently enacted at the federal, state and local levels, and will further burden California employers at a time they can least afford it. Status Update: On July 1, 2020 in the Senate: Referred to Committee on Public Employment & Retirement
BUSINESS OPERATION AB 196: Workers Compensation: COVID-19
Author(s): Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Description: This bill would define “injury,” for certain employees who are employed in an occupation or industry deemed essential in the Governor’s Executive Order of
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Welcome the Chamber's New Public Policy Team!
Our new Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Development, Diana Yedoyan, and our new Director of Public Policy & Economic Development, Carli Olson will be working together to help us grow our public policy and economic development in order to continue to elevate the voices and interests of the Hollywood's business community not only in local and state government, but nationwide. With their expertise and experience, we know that they will be instrumental in ensuring that Hollywood's experience exceeds its dream! We look forward to you getting to know them better at our upcoming committee meetings and virtual events. DIANA YEDOYAN Vice President of Public Policy & Economic Development Diana Yedoyan is an Armenian American immigrant passionate about public policy and advocacy. An urban planner by trade and having served as Senior Manager of Public Policy for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Diana understands the inner workings of government as well as the importance of businesses and all its stakeholders. Having previously served as policy director for LA City Council District 14, Diana understands the complexities of policy making as well as the nuanced nature of Los Angeles politics. Diana has worked in the political sector for 10 years and is an expert in politics, public policy and government affairs, She is a proud board member of the nonprofit Bridge of Health where they work to bridge the gap of healthcare for children battling cancer in Armenia.
CARLI OLSON Director of Public Policy & Economic Development Carli graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She served as Legislative Aide in Sacramento and Field Representative in Los Angeles/Ventura County for the California State Assembly. She most recently worked in Public Sector Services for Waste Management. Familiar with both the public and private sector, Carli is excited to be joining the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce team and is eager to advocate for a dynamic business climate.
Want to make sure your voice is heard? Join us every second Thursday for our Legislative Action Committee. Throught committee involvement, members have the opportunity to effect change in areas specific to their business and shape the future of Hollywood.
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The Walk of Fame Class of 2021 Congratulations to our New Honorees!
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new group of entertainment professionals in the categories of Motion Pictures, Television, Live Theatre/Live Performance, Radio and Recording have been selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. These honorees were chosen from among hundreds of nominations to the committee at a meeting held on June 15, 2020 and ratified by the Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors. Ellen K, Chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Panel and Radio personality, announced the new honorees with Rana Ghadban, President/CEO for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
In the category of MOTION PICTURE: Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Morris Chestnut, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zac Efron, Giancarlo Giannini, Shia LaBeouf, Jimmy Smits, Naomi Watts and a double star for Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. In the category of TELEVISION: Nick Cannon, Courteney Cox, Marla Gibbs, Jenifer Lewis, Laura Linney, Judge Greg Mathis, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sarah Paulson, Peter Roth and Christian Slater.
In the category of RECORDING: The Chi-Lites, Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Ana Gabriel, Jefferson Airplane, The Judds, The Panel has done an Don McLean, Salt-N-Pepa, Trisha exemplary job in choosing very Yearwood and Charlie Parker (Posthumous). talented people.
The new selections were revealed to the world via the Walk of Fame Facebook page beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. “The Walk of Fame Selection Panel is pleased to announce 35 new honorees to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Selection Panel, made up of fellow Walk of Famers, hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world,” said Chair and Walk of Famer Ellen K, “The Panel has done an exemplary job in choosing very talented people. We can’t wait to see each and every honoree’s face as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history as we unveil their star on the world’s most famous walkway!” Ellen K added. The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2021 are:
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In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Sarah Brightman, Luciano Pavarotti (Posthumous) and August Wilson (Posthumous) In the category of RADIO: Big Boy. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its Walk of Fame Selection Panel congratulate all the honorees. Dates have not been scheduled for these star ceremonies. Recipients have two years to schedule star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire. Upcoming star ceremonies are usually announced ten days prior to dedication on the official website www.walkoffame.com.
WALK OF FAME
HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
A New Digital Experience
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elcome to the new age of the Walk of Fame! This summer, we unveiled our new and improved Walk of Fame website thanks to our Walk of Fame Management Committee, in collaboration with Wowie Co. Together we developed a new comprehensive and user-friendly site featuring the most extensive and accurate information on the Walk of Fame and its honorees. Amongst one of the first improvements to our digital experience was the creation of a simple, online nomination application. Our new website has made it easier and more inclusive than ever before to nominate your favorite star from the ease and comfort of your home. “We want to ensure that anyone can nominate their favorite celebrity, including fans,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “Each year, we receive an average of 300 nominations and with our new application system we hope to receive even more. The Walk of Fame selection panel, which consists exclusively of past Walk of Famers, is excited to select an elite group of personalities to become our newest Walk of Famers
and continue to help make Hollywood the most famous landmark in the world!” added Martinez. And for the first time ever, you can shop for custom Walk of Fame T-shirts, hoodies, hats and more at our newly launched online store! You will feel like you are walking the red carpet while watching your favorite celebrity be honored with their star. Visit www.walkofame.com
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Official Walk of Fame Store
ABOVE: Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, Donelle Dadigan, and Rana Ghadban amongst other Chamber members cut the ribbon to signal the grand opening of the store.
Last February, we celebrated the grand opening of our Official Walk of Fame Gift Shop inside the Hollywood Museum, as part of our Valentine’s Day Member Mixer. A one-of-a-kind shopping experience for the Walk of Fame, the gift shop features custom-designed Walk of Fame and Hollywood Sign merchandise. The Official Walk of Fame Gift Shop was born from a partnership between Donelle Dadigan, President and Founder of the Hollywood Museum, and Rana Ghadban, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, who realized a need for a gift shop that focused on the history and meaning behind the Walk of Fame. To celebrate the grand opening, the Chamber elected to donate all net proceeds from the gift store sales that day to the Hollywood Chamber Community Foundation, which has been supporting and serving the Hollywood community for over 24 years. We’d like to thank the Hollywood Museum for their amazing partnership and providing our shop a home, and eMerchant and A S Novelty Inc for their help in designing a custom backend, a beautifully designed store and unique Walk of Fame merchandise.
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and A S Novelty Inc for their help in designing a custom backend, a beautifully designed store and unique Walk of Fame merchandise.
MEMBER PUBLIC POLICY SPOTLIGHT
Member Spotlights
Celebrity Footage Celebrity Footage is a red carpet video library, production and post production company based in Los Angeles. Their collection spans over 30 years featuring all the top stars at Award Shows, Movie Premieres, Charity Benefits and more. Their unique positioning and use of High Definition cameras provide glamorous footage of celebrities as they pose for still pictures. The CelebrityFootage archive is available at CelebrityFootage.com and allows searching and high res downloading. Many of the world’s leading broadcasters, websites, mobile publishers and production companies rely on CelebrityFootage. Featured events: Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Michael Goldberg, President 320 S Almont Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Call (310) 360-9600 | michael@CelebrityFootage.com www.CelebrityFootage.com
EasterSeals For the past century, Easterseals has provided life-changing services for individuals with disabilities or other special needs, their families and communities throughout the nation. Easterseals connects individuals of all ages and abilities to the resources they need to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California (ESSC)—in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties—make profound and positive differences in people's lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. With 2,800+ employees, 60+ service sites and hundreds of community partnership locations, ESSC assists more than 13,000 individuals, providing adult/senior day services; autism therapy; child development/early education; employment services, veteran employment support; independent living options; and more. The influence of ESSC extends far beyond the diverse individuals and families that the
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organization directly serves. Its broad mission focuses on changing the way people see disability by making profound positive differences in people’s lives every day— so people in Southern California and throughout the nation can understand the human potential of individuals with disabilities. Learn more at easterseals.com/southerncal. Nancy Weintraub, Chief Development Officer 1063 McGaw Avenue, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 Call (714) 834-1111 | nancy.weintraub@essc.org www.easterseals.com/southerncal/
communication, and delivering results. Mr. Monahan is a key legal advisor to leading technology, entertainment, and e-commerce companies. He takes pride in his diverse client base which keeps his eyes sharp for spotting legal issues. Currently, Jeff is negotiating a movie deal and helping a musician organize and monetize his copyright catalog. He recently played an important role in guiding a genetics company through FDA regulations, drafting a wholesaler agreement for a shipping logistics company, and negotiating a social media services contract for the launch of a new brand. Mr. Monahan routinely helps clients form new companies, file trademark applications, write privacy policies for websites and apps, draft and revise contracts, and comply with new laws such as AB5 and the CCPA. If you are worried about protecting your ideas and your pocketbook, Jeff Monahan should be the first person you ask!
Great Impact With over twenty years of experience, Great Impact knows that bringing your brand to life takes more than just putting a logo on a product. That’s why, Great Impact partners with their clients to develop strategies that promote, engage and synchronize brand identities. Great Impact also has the ability to combine their exceptional customer service with custom online stores flexible to each client’s unique branding goals. This approach reduces administrative time and streamlines marketing spending, while increasing employee satisfaction, improving experience and creating a consistent brand everywhere. Whatever your branding goals are, Great Impact is up for the challenge. Tiffany Dulas, Client Relationship Manager 1626 Wilcox Avenue #227 Los Angeles, CA 90028 Call (480) 433-9267 | Tiffany@greatimpactinc.com www.greatimpactinc.com
Jeff Monahan, P.C. 6817 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca 90028 Call (734) 476-9133 | jeff@jeffmonahanlaw.com www.jeffmonahanlaw.com
Jillian Nicole Events Jillian Nicole Events is a premier, full-service event planning and design company based in Los Angeles. We plan a variety of events- whether it be luxurious weddings, kid’s birthday parties, social events, corporate events or even your proposal! Our big picture objective lies in the details – creating events that will have our clients and their guests raving about the event for years! Jillian Nicole, Owner Call (914) 462-9285 | info@jilliannicoleevents.com www.jilliannicoleevents.com
Jeff Monahan Law Jeff Monahan founded his law firm in 2016 and quickly gained notoriety for quick turnaround times, excellent client
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Los Angeles LGBT Center Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
in Los Angeles and beyond. Today, the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world spanning four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. Each month the Center welcomes more than 50,000 visits— which amounts to more than half a million each year—from youth and adults who represent the full diversity of the LGBT community. All of the Center’s services, which are available to everyone, are free or low-cost. The Center is an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world—a world in which LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org. Diego Martinez, Corporate Relations Associate 1118 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038 Call (323) 860-5804 | dmartinez@lalgbtcenter.com www.lalgbtcenter.org
The Sightseeing Pass The Sightseeing Pass offers the best way to explore Los Angeles, featuring more than 20 attractions and tours in Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Malibu, Melrose Place, Downtown LA and Griffith Park. Customers receive admission-free entry to a variety of hop-on, hop-off bus tours, walking tours, transportation to Universal Studios and nearby theme parks, movie star homes tours, sightseeing and happy hour cruises, OUE Skyspace Observation Deck with the thrilling skyslide and much more! Entry into the attractions is easy with a QR code and a comprehensive app. Choose 3, 4, 5 or 6 attractions FLEX Pass and visit any attractions you like for 30 days. Wayne Doyle, Director of Marketing 1430 Broadway, 507, New York, Ny 10018 Call (212) 235 5284 | wayne.doyle@sightseeingpass.com www.sightseeingpass.com/los-angeles
The Olympia Collective SAY HELLO TO YOUR HAPPY NONPROFIT. The Olympia Collective is a powerful assemblage of experts who transform nonprofit organizations to achieve bold revenue goals. Founded and led by veteran nonprofit fundraiser Olympia Ammon (she/her/hers), the Collective specializes in revenue generation, board and staff operations and support, data analysis and insights, and storytelling through communications.
Services include (but are not limited to) fundraising, campaign strategy and execution, donor stewardship and solicitation, CEO support, interim staff support, staff search and onboarding, board operations and engagement, data analysis, reporting and insights, and storytelling.
Storyblaster Storyblaster is the only story-based social media marketing platform proven to help small businesses, creatives, and nonprofits grow their audiences, increase sales, and raise funds. Created by Golden Globe, Emmy and Bafta winning writers and ad agency experts, Storyblaster’s revolutionary 30-day social media templates come pre-filled with story prompts, content guidance, tactics, and built-in agency level ad buying. Based on research and insights from over 300,000 winning social media marketing campaigns and designed to support every phase of your business. Sign up at www. storyblaster.com and input code "HCOC" for one free month of their Standard or Premium Plans. Know exactly what to say, when, where and why on social media to help you achieve your goals.
Olympia Ammon, Founder 1082 S. Point View Street, Los Angeles, CA 90035 Call (713) 410-4906 | oly@theolympiacollective.com www.theolympiacollective.com
Maxine Lapiduss, CEO/Co-Founder 4381 1/2 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604 Call (213) 700-9979 | maxine@storyblaster.com www.storyblaster.com
The mission of The Olympia Collective is to nurture deep, measurable, happy, and valuable relationships between all parts of the revenue ecosystem, empowering clients, the team and partners to deliver maximum impact to the communities they serve.
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n January 25, we kicked off Hollywood Chamber’s first Membership Drive at our Membership Mixer at Yamashiro Hollywood. Four teams composed of and led by current Chamber members competed for prizes and fun. The drive was extended through March because the competition was growing fierce, but was shut down by can you guess...COVID-19. Despite the abrupt ending, we had a lot of fun meeting and cultivating new members at two inperon mixers (remember those?) and two happening happy hours. The drive was a great success bringing in 30 new members! A huge congratulations to our two top teams that recruited 13 new members each, Team Melrose Ave. led by our Ambassadors Alexa Pavlovic, who was also the individual winner bringing in 5 new members, and Mark Fishlowitz with help from their staff liaison Lily Weiner, and Team Hollywood Blvd. led by our Board members Nicole Mihalka and Sarah Zurrell with assistance from their staff liaison J.J. Connaughton. Honorable mention goes out to Team Mulholland Blvd. led by Legislative Action Committee Chairs Marty Shelton and Tim Grubbs and staff liaison Jacob Jauregui who signed up 3 new members, and Team Highland Ave. led by Helen San and Wally Moran and staff liaison Danila Fraga securing 1 new member. Thank you to all of our team members and staff who helped to make the drive a huge success and a Hollywood welcome to our new members Outfest, BRIC Foundation. Easterseals, Building Owners Managers Association (BOMA), Buck Design, Hollywood Handy, Wagstaff Worldwide, Phantom Firm, Geenee, Genius Produced, One Love One Tribe, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Jeff Monahan Law, Valerie Jurado Botanical Design, William Kidston Design, Hoy’s Wok, LAZ Parking, Crush Crush Promos, Hint, This Seems Reel Entertainment, Michael Goldberg-Celebrity Entertainment, Jillian Nicole Events, KarnEVIL, Theom D Sage, Greater Impact, Jon Albert Insurance, Ryan Aliapoulios, Mobile American Notary, The Post Group, and Storyblaster. We hope to see all of our new members at our first virtual member orientation this month!
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER
Thank You To Renewing Member Businesses 1600 Vine Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Academy of Magical Arts, The American Film Institute Amoeba Music Angelica's Daycare Archway Holdings Arslanian and Associates, Inc. Arts for LA AT&T External Affairs - Los Angeles Avon Rent A Car / Truck / Van Bank of America Business Banking BARDAS Investment Group Beauty & Essex Bespoke LA – Tailored IT Services Best Price Language Tutors Big Bus Tours: Los Angeles Campus Hollywood, Inc. Casa de Monte Vista Palm Springs Celebrity Source, The Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council ''Entertainment Industry Committee'' CH Palladium, LLC Chocolate Sundaes LLC Corniche Group, Inc. Craig Lawson & Co., LLC, Land Use Consultants CrisCom Company, The Cross Roads Of The World Directors Guild Of America DJ Complex Lex DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners Dudas, Ms. Mary Lou Edward Jones El Capitan Office Bldg., McGann Asset Mgmt., Inc. Emerson College Los Angeles Episcopal School of Los Angeles Essex Property Trust Family Starz Famous Hollywood Dental Care FilmLA First Choice Bank Food & Bounty Inc Genesis Financial/Creative Employee Benefits, Inc. Haiti International Film Festival Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. Herbrandson, Dean and Kara Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City Hiscox Hollywood Club Crawl Hollywood Food Coalition Hollywood Historic Hotel, Inc. Hollywood Piano Company Hollywood Production Center Hollywood Travelodge Hollywood Urgent Care Hollywood YMCA Hustler Hollywood
iHeartMedia Inkcentric Corp J.H. Snyder Co. Joe Lewis Company Kindel Gagan Kraft-Engel Management, LLC/Cindy K. Braun L.A. Any Day LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions) Law Offices of Derek S. Yee Line 204 LLC Linoleum City, Inc. Los Angeles Culture Festival Los Angeles Dodgers Make-Up Artists & HairStylists - Local 706 IATSE Marathon Communications Matt Fritch May Catering Miceli's Restaurants, Inc. Mickey Hargitay Plants MP Los Angeles Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music Musso & Frank Grill, The National Academy Of Recording Arts Neal Public Relations Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings Original Farmers Market, The Orlando Hotel, The Pablove Foundation, The Paramount Contractors & Developers, Inc. Pavemint, LLC Pinnacle Designs Relevant Group Ricardo Montalbán Theatre Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium SAG-AFTRA Salvation Army Hollywood Corps, The Sarkis Realty, Inc. Serendipity Labs Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Solar Unlimited Inc. Southern California Edison Spectrum Enterprise Spectrum Reach SSI / Advanced Post Services Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theatre - Los Angeles Stratiscope Sunset Gower Studios Sunset Media Center c/o Kilroy Realty Corporation TASHJIAN, BERJ V. Television Center Terri Tilton Management The Paley Center for Media Thomas Safran & Associates Wesley Health Centers – East Hollywood Wilshire Skyline Worchell Properties World of Wonder Productions
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Hollywood Chamber of Cammerce 6255 Sunset Blvd, Ste 150 Hollywood, CA 90028 323.469.8311 hollywoodchamber.net
New Member Businesses Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission - Renewed Hope Art Share Los Angeles AUBRY & CO. Bolour / Carl Immigration Group Broadstone Candara at Hancock Park Buck Design LLC Building Owners and Managers Association Greater Los Angeles Carmel Partners Catalina Jazz Club Celebrity Footage Clear Image Printing Company Crateful Catering CrushCrush Promos Cushman & Wakefield Easterseals Southern California Epiphany Space ESP Management LLC Food on Foot Formosa Group Geenee Inc Genius Produced Great Impact Healthy Spot Hint Hollywood Handy Construction Inc. Hollywood Karnevil LLC Hollywood Recovery Centers Hoy's Wok Hypertec Jeff Monahan Law, PC Jillian Nicole Events Jon Albert Insurance Agency LAZ Parking Levels Audio Post, Inc. Los Angeles LGBT Center
NELA Homes New York Life New York Life ONE LOVE ONE TRIBE APPAREL OnePiece Work Hollywood Outfest Paine Lake Global Phantom Firm Pristine Initiative, LLC Quality Plus Cleaning Solutions, Inc. Ral Pro Entertainment Consulting, LLC Ryan Aliapoulios sarah zurell .inc Saybrook University Step and Repeat LA Storyblaster Superba Food + Bread The Greek Theatre The Olympia Collective The Post Group Tokyo-Battle Cinema, Inc. U-Frame It Gallery US Ecology Valerie Jurado Botanical Design Wagstaff Media and Marketing William Kidston Photography and Video Willy Sanjuan Photography Zen Hollywood
