(August 25, 2007) Florence Firestone, Los Angeles – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard thanked members of six local area chambers of commerce for attending the first strategic planning session of the 34th Congressional District Chamber of Commerce Alliance held at the Florence Firestone Community Service Center. Recognizing the value of strength in numbers, the congresswoman has worked over the last four years with local area chambers of commerce to form the alliance to address common concerns and strengthen the chambers’ influence in the region.  In April, business representatives from 13 local chambers and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce joined her at a roundtable to discuss a range of issues, including the need to reduce crime and improve access to public transportation.  A follow-up to the April meeting, the strategic planning session provided the opportunity for business leaders to establish an alliance action plan for the coming year.  During the session, the group agreed to pursue hosting a regional Business Expo to bring together city, state and federal experts to discuss resources available to assist local businesses.  The alliance also agreed to explore the establishment of economic empowerment zones and enterprise communities to maximize tax incentives and other benefits for local businesses and spur neighborhood revitalization.

Pictured in the group photo from left to right: (seated) Luz Maria Hernandez (community resident); Joyce Smith, Administrator, Florence Firestone Chamber of Commerce; Kara Medrano, Central Water Basin District ; Sofia Gavia, LA County Dept. of Parks & Rec. (Director-Roosevelt Park); Lorna Johnson, President, Florence Firestone Chamber of Commerce (Advanced Family Medical Group, Inc., Los Angeles; Earnestene Wilson, staff assistant to Supervisor, Yvonne Braithwaite Burke; (standing from left to right) Manuel Diaz, Los Angeles resident; Mike McClure, Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce (DJ and Associates in Boyle Heights); Eddie Torres, Past President, East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (East LA Signs); Dennis Grizzle, Executive Director of the Bell Gardens Merchants and Commerce Association; Daniel Valle, National Graphics in Los Angeles; Yolanda Duarte White of the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Acting Director of the Alliance (Provision Services/Supplies in East Los Angeles); Marisa Olguin, Executive Director, Vernon Chamber of Commerce; Joseph Titus, Florence Firestone Brd. Member; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; David Eads, Senior Vice President Membership Division, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; Dr. John Phalen, meeting facilitator and organizational development consultant; Mary Rose Cortese, Brd. Secretary, Florence Firestone Chamber; Dick James, LA Area Chamber (DJ and Associates in Boyle Heights); Peter Ortega, (Ortega Enterprises in Los Angeles); Alejandro Franco (CA Cert. Interpreters in Los Angeles).