Sen. Dianne Feinstein Addresses Local Business Leaders

A Leaders Forum hosted by the Valley Industry and Commerce Association last week drew San Fernando Valley businesses, chambers of commerce and local elected officials to hear Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) address a packed room at the Marriot Hotel in Woodland Hills.

With election day 2012 quickly counting down, the senator spoke on a variety of pertinent issues to an audience that included among its members Sen. Fran Pavley (D-CA), Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer and local business leaders.

“I’m excited to hear what our state senator has to say,” said Traci Bradbury of Northstar Moving Co. “Of course, we want to see California grow, and employment soar, to make sure our youth have a better place tomorrow.”

Touching upon many issues relating to businesses big and small during the course of her speech, it was the economy on which Sen. Feinstein expressed a optimistic outlook when she said, “I truly believe that we are on our way out of the recession.”

Indicators that her assertion is true range from the national level, as L.A. Times reports that 171,000 new jobs were added in October, to the local level in L.A., where jobs have grown by one percent in the last year, according to a report by Colliers International.

In an effort to strengthen job growth in California, the senator is in the process of drafting a bill entitled, Strengthening 21st Century Manufacturing Act, which is designed to to cut corporate taxes by 20 percent on sales of patented products manufactured in the U.S. 

The economy was a topic many VICA members were eager to hear about, but with elections just around the corner, it wasn’t the only subject looming in the minds of voters.

“I hope she talks about the presidential race as well as her own, which is I think is a done deal,” said Renee Young of Sage Advisors. “What I’m really interested in hearing her talk about is the likelihood of getting [both parties] to work together. Last time I saw her she expressed her frustration so I hope she touches base on that.”

It’s an issue the four-term senator has adressed several times since first taking office in 1992, and one on which she did not disappoint. “Now is the time that we need to come together,” she said to the crowd.

She also presented US Senator Dianne Feinstein Stellar Student Awards to two area students; Jenny Chi of El Camino Real High School and Jordan Susskind of Taft High School.

The non-partisan event is a fundraiser for VICA, an organization dedicated to promoting business growth in the San Fernando Valley. Its members range from Boeing Pace and Intelligence Systems, who sponspored the luncheon, to local entities like the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission.

The event gives attendees the opportunity to dialogue with political leaders in an intimate setting, said Lisa Ferreras, communications manager for VICA.

“Featured guests discuss the issues that are of importance to the business community and take time to answer members' questions,” Ferreras said. “In the past, VICA has welcomed U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and GOP Senate candidate Carly Fiorina.”

A previous event held at the beginning of October drew state Lt. Governor Gavin Newson.  
 
“Knowing what’s going on the community is important to me and VICA does a great job of that,” said Wade Trimmer, a representative for the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission. “I also like to hear the perspective of elected officials--that’s important.”

For more information on VICA, click here. To learn more about Sen. Feinstein and her stance on the issues, visit her web site by clicking here.