May 28, 2009
Cynthia Schneider Receives the Prestigious Small Business Advocate of the Year Award

Each year, the California Chamber of Commerce recognizes small business leaders who have done an exceptional job with their local, state and national advocacy efforts. Last week in Sacramento, at the California Chamber of Commerce Business Summit, Cynthia Schneider, former Corona Chamber Board Chairman and current Chairman of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC) was honored with the prestigious Small Business Advocate of the Year Award.

Cynthia Schneider is the Senior Vice President of American Security Bank and a long-time active member and volunteer leader of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. American Security Bank has 7 full service branches (2 in Apple Valley; 1 in the following: Corona; Laguna Niguel; Lancaster; Newport Beach and Victorville ;) and one loan production office in Palmdale.
 

Cynthia was recognized last week by Allan Zaremberg, President and Chief

Executive Officer of Cal Chamber as a visionary business leader who successfully secured the support of the Corona Chamber Board of Directors in 2006 to make an unprecedented investment in representing the interest of our business community at all levels of government. Since then, the Corona Chamber has built one of the most active and results driven business advocacy efforts.
 

Joining Schneider was her husband David and a host of others: Corona Chamber Chairman of the Board Linda Pearson (Corona Regional Medical Center); Corona Mayor Steve Nolan; Corona Mayor Pro-Tem Karen Spiegel; Former Corona Mayor, Darrell Talbert; Officer and Board Member for Corona Chamber Chris Miller (Thomas Miller Mortuary); Denea Breitenbucher (Corona Chamber Staff) and Corona Chamber CEO / President Bobby Spiegel
 

“Since 2006, our Chamber has activated our local business community on hundreds of legislative proposals impacting Corona,” stated Bobby Spiegel, President and CEO of the Corona Chamber of Commerce.
 

“Cynthia was able to secure hundreds of letters from our business community on each issue, educate them through numerous email ‘Call to Action’ campaigns, and issue annual vote records to hold our Legislators accountable to our positions. In 2007 and 2008, each of our State Legislators voted with the Corona Chamber 100% of the time,” continued Spiegel.
 

Under Cynthia’s leadership, the Corona Chamber has developed a more concise advocacy plan by involving people in our process of developing positions on behalf of our members. Cynthia created subcommittees of the LAC where Chamber members review specific data detail by detail and then report on their discussion at the monthly LAC meeting. This process streamlined the entire decision making process enabling the Corona Chamber to be more productive on behalf of its business community.
 

Cynthia also successfully rallied our business community to support the implementation of the Sunrise Powerlink Project. This Project will help protect the supply of reliable and affordable electricity for Corona and our State. Cynthia built a grassroots network of over 200 local business leaders to actively support the project through letter writing campaigns. She also traveled to San Francisco to be the lead business advocate testifying in support of the California Public Utility Commission’s approval of the project. After hours of testimony and at the urging of many businesses in Corona, the Commission approved the Project.
 

Cynthia is also active in campaigns for elected officials. She works diligently on local campaigns, citing her father’s guidance as a child was to always use her talents to better others. Cynthia brings her creativity, visionary plans and action to local elections.
 

Corona Chamber of Commerce funds the Legislative Action process through its Signature Event, the Annual Magic of Monte Carlo (being held on Friday, June 12 at Eagle Glen in Corona). Funds derived from this event also go towards member benefits including Legislative outreach. None of the dues collected through membership fees are spent on Legislative matters. The Corona Chamber has a membership just shy of 1,000.

May 13, 2009
Submit Your Letter Now: Help Us Stop Another Proposal That Kills Job Creation

Elected officials in Sacramento are considering a proposed law,

AB 1358, that would prohibit any vendor doing business in California from serving prepared food in a polystyrene food container.
 

Why this issue is important to you

AB 1358 would impose new and potentially costly mandates on businesses without any consideration of functionality or cost.

Submitting your letter below will help the Corona Chamber send a message to elected officials in Sacramento that anti-job creating proposals hurt EVERYONE no matter the issue or targeted industry.

Why the Corona Chamber opposes AB 1358

AB 1358 does not address the major issue of whether a “recycling” or “composting” container can be made readily available in a cost effective manner.

Food service containers that are easily “recyclable” and “compostable” are expensive to produce and expensive to purchase. 

March 1, 2009

February 2, 2009

Take Action – Send Your Letter NOW: Help Secure Needed Transportation Funding

Why this issue is important to you! The Corona Chamber of Commerce believes that the time has never been greater for putting California back on the road towards economic prosperity by investing in our state’s transportation infrastructure. Thousands are out of work and the unemployment rate continues to rise, especially in Riverside County. Investing in the state’s transportation infrastructure will put people back to work and update our outdated roadways and highways.

The situation is critical! California faces one of the largest budget deficits in history coupled with a rapidly increasing unemployment rate. We have an opportunity to create jobs right here in Corona. The Corona Chamber needs your help in sending a letter to United States Senator Barbara Boxer urging her to support increasing the investment of federal transportation infrastructure funding from $27 billion to $50 billion.

The current versions of the federal proposals do not invest enough in transportation infrastructure to have a meaningful impact on our state and local economy.

January 5, 2009

December 30, 2008

Corona Chamber Issues Formal Statement on the I-15 / Cajalco Road Interchange Project

The Corona Chamber issued the following statement to the California Department of Transportation regarding the I-15 / Cajalco Road Interchange Project:

The Corona Chamber of Commerce has supported the early efforts of the Mid-County Parkway Project. We will continue to assist the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) by educating our business community on the importance of this major transportation investment. However, we do have some concerns regarding the Interstate 15 Cajalco Road Interchange Project.

It is our understanding that the proposed version of the interchange project would greatly increase the bottlenecking of traffic near the interchange. The Chamber believes that the current decision to construct half-diamond lanes instead of the full diamond lanes would be a major contributor to the bottlenecking. The Chamber is concerned that Corona’s local economy would be severely impacted due to the limitation of consumer access to the I-15/Cajalco exits.

We would ask that you revisit this issue and review other alternatives when constructing the interchange.

December 29, 2008

Corona Chamber Takes Action in 2008

2008 was an active year for the Legislative Action Committee of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. We successfully represented the interests of the Corona business community by lobbying for pro business legislation with representatives at all levels of government. The Chamber spearheaded many countless issues, ranging from solving our state’s water crisis and calling for increased conservation to ending state and federal legislation that mandated millions of dollars in new taxes on businesses.

Click here for more information.

December 28, 2008

New Laws Take Effect on January 1st

The Corona Chamber of Commerce wants you to be aware of new laws, taking effect on January 1, 2009. The mission of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee (LAC) is to assume responsibility for representing the interests of Corona businesses at all levels of government. One of the ways in which we accomplish this is to ensure that you stay on top of changing or new legislation.  Below, we have provided information on new legislation which may impact your business or your ability to create new jobs.

December 23, 2008

Chamber Successfully Secures Reliable Energy Supplies For Corona Businesses

The Corona Chamber of Commerce attended the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) meeting in San Francisco last week to publically testify in support of the proposed Sunrise Powerlink Project. The Chamber officially supported the Project earlier this year.

The Project will help ensure that the Corona business community has reliable electric service. After hours of testimony from members of the public, the Commission approved the Project.

“The Sunrise Powerlink Project is a forward thinking energy solution to our region and will be beneficial to the business community,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Corona Chamber's Legislative Action Committee. “This project is an example of clean energy by using solar and wind technology and will eliminate much of the greenhouse gases that are generated by conventional power plants,” Schneider continued.
 

Why This Is Important To You

Corona's residents and businesses receive their power via a network of interconnected transmission lines that work together to provide reliable electric service to homes and businesses throughout California. A disruption or breakdown of major transmission lines can compromise the entire system and put consumers across the state at risk for blackouts and energy shortages. The Sunrise Powerlink will have enough capacity to power more than 650,000 homes and businesses throughout the Corona region.

The Sunrise Powerlink would also expand access to new supplies of clean solar, wind and geothermal energy in the Imperial Valley that are waiting to be tapped and help California move towards a greener energy future. In this new era of “Green” Energy, the Sunrise Powerlink transmission line is will provide the needed capacity of renewable power to homes and businesses, while at the same time having minimal impact on the environment. This type of project falls in line with AB 32, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 that positioned California as a world leader in effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The following statement was delivered by Corona Chamber Legislative Action Committee Chair Cynthia Schneider at the December 18, 2008 CPUC Meeting in San Francisco:

Good morning (CPUC) President Peevey and Commissioners. My name is Cynthia Schneider and I am chair of the Corona Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Action Committee.

I am here today on behalf of the Corona Chamber of Commerce to urge you to adopt President Peevey’s alternate decision that approves the Sunrise Powerlink transmission line.

Despite the rosy reports, implementation of California’s aggressive plans to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and increase green power usage is going to cost ratepayers – especially small business owners – a lot of money.

In order to implement these clean energy policies – and keep energy costs low - we must invest in cost-effective infrastructure projects like the Sunrise Powerlink. Otherwise, we will continue to drive business out of California to other states where the cost of doing business is much lower.

According to President Peevey’s alternate decision, the Sunrise Powerlink will save ratepayers over $125 million in energy costs. Given the economic downturn we’re facing, this is welcome news.

Please know that the Sunrise Powerlink isn’t just about San Diego or Imperial Valley. This is a power line for all Southern California ratepayers. After all, utilities up and down the state will use the Sunrise Powerlink to access the solar, wind and geothermal energy in the Imperial Valley.

So while the Sunrise Powerlink won’t directly serve Corona, we still stand firmly behind it. Because we know approval of the line will mean businesses in the Inland Empire will also have access to cleaner and more affordable power supplies.
 

This vote today represents a test of the state’s commitment to a cleaner energy future. Failure to approve the Sunrise Powerlink means all this talk about combating climate change and shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of electricity is just that – talk.

On behalf of the thousands of business owners and ratepayers who live and work outside of San Diego, please support President Peevey’s alternative supporting the Sunrise Powerlink. We are counting on you to do what’s right.

Thank you.

November 25, 2008

October 22, 2008

Corona Chamber Takes Action on November Ballot, Recommends Positions

The Corona Chamber of Commerce reviewed six statewide propositions set for the November 4, 2008 statewide ballot, only considering positions on those propositions that would have a specific impact on the Corona business community.

“Statewide propositions have a direct impact on the Corona business community,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee,  “and the Corona Chamber has the obligation to provide the information that may guide our member businesses when they are ready to make their decisions on each proposition,” Schneider continued.

October 20, 2008

Corona Chamber Works and Wins on Behalf of Member Businesses

The Corona Chamber of Commerce is pleased to highlight some of its legislative victories. The Chamber and area businesses helped to stop many proposed laws that would have unreasonably cost employers millions of dollars in new taxes and fees. The victories were made possible by a coalition of individuals, businesses and community members that contributed time and effort to the Chamber’s legislative priorities for the year.

September 30, 2008

Corona Chamber Releases Statement on Financial Crisis

Rachel Rola, Chairman of the Corona Chamber's Board of Directors and Cynthia Schneider, Chairman of the Corona Chamber's Legislative Action Committee issued a letter this morning to United States Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Congressman Ken Calvert in response to the current financial crisis facing our nation:
 

Dear Senator Feinstein, Senator Boxer and Congressman Calvert:

The Corona Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to immediately pass the bipartisan financial rescue package to stem the financial panic. Congress must not adjourn without taking action to stabilize the financial markets.

Yesterday’s failure to approve legislation addressing the financial crisis has resulted in uncertainty and turmoil that have dramatically affected the markets, and lowered equity prices, eroding individual savings and destroying billions of dollars of household wealth. Make no mistake: when the aftermath of Congressional inaction becomes clear, Americans will not tolerate those who stood by and let the calamity happen. If, on the other hand, Congress supports a plan to successfully restore the financial system and preserve the flow of credit to the economy, the American people will recognize that act of courage.

The Chamber urges Congress to immediately pass financial rescue legislation.

Upcoming Event: October 2, 2008

You Are Invited To Meet The Candidates

Rachel Rola, Chairman of the Board, and Bobby Spiegel, President/CEO of the Corona Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to attend a special VIP Reception to Meet the Candidates.

As a leader of our business community, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to meet and chat with all the candidates for our local elections in an informal setting.

All candidates for City Council, City Treasurer, School Board, and Water District Board have been invited and are scheduled to attend.

October 2, 2008

11:00am to 1:00pm

Historic Corona
Civic Center
815 W. Sixth Street
Community Room

This event is complementary, and is by invitation only. Please respond to Denea Breitenbucher at 951-737-3350 or Denea@CoronaChamber.org

A voluntary donation of $40 is requested to benefit Corona-Norco Settlement House. Light lunch-time refreshments will be served, courtesy of As You Like It Catering.

September 29, 2008

September 18, 2008

Act Now ! Help Improve Traffic Throughout The Corona Region

July 18, 2008

Chamber Leads Local Effort to Support Proposals that Reduce Business Costs

The Corona Chamber of Commerce is supporting two proposed laws that will reduce business costs.

The first proposal, SB 691, will specifically impact junk dealers by making it easier for police to check their records for the intake of large amounts of metals and other related materials that may have been stolen.

July 16, 2008

June 25, 2008

TAKE ACTION NOW ! Lawmakers Need To Hear From You On The Issues That Matter Most

The Corona Chamber of Commerce continues to support and oppose proposed legislation that could impact local businesses and regional economy.

The Corona Chamber is committed to fighting legislation that threatens jobs and supporting legislation that secures the economic prosperity of our local businesses.

Through the Chamber's efforts and the responsiveness of our business community, participating in letter writing campaigns ensures our voice is heard in Sacramento.

We must all work together to stop anti-job legislation and secure passage of pro-job legislation so that our region and state can move forward to economic recovery.

June 2, 2008

Corona Chamber Positions on June 3, 2008 Statewide Propositions

Proposition 98

Regulation of Private Property
 

Proposition 98 aims to protect private property, including businesses and farms, from government profiting by seizing property from one private property owner and giving it to another private entity.

Private property may not be taken by eminent domain for private use under any circumstances (e.g. to build a shopping center, auto mall or industrial park).

Proposition 99

Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence
 

Corona Chamber Position:

NO POSITION

Proposition 99 Aims to prohibit the government from using eminent domain to take a home to transfer to another private party.

Will not change state or local rent control laws or ordinances as Proposition 98 would abolish rent control.

Click here for more information on both propositions.

May 29, 2008

Corona Chamber Leads Efforts to Save State Park Funding

Throughout California, 48 state parks have been proposed for closure, including 17 state parks, 17 state historic parks and museums, 3 state beaches, 9 state recreation areas, and 2 state reserves. The 48 parks slated for closure represent 17 percent of the entire state park system.

May 27, 2008

Support Efforts To Decrease Truck Traffic and Increase Movement of Goods By Rail

The Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act (FRICEA) currently being considered by Congress will increase freight rail transportation.
 

Why this is important to you!

It is important for elected officials to enact policies that will save taxpayers’ money, increase opportunities for economic development within our communities, improve our air quality, build a more efficient transportation system, and reduce our dependence on oil.

Under the burden of increased freight truck traffic, our highways are crumbling and are overburdened. These trucks are lengthening our commute times, frequently endangering other highway passengers, and polluting our environment. Railroads have proven to be safer and cleaner.

Click here to take action!

May 16, 2008

Corona Chamber Leads Renewed Effort to Extend Toll Road

The Corona Chamber of Commerce is urging the United States Secretary of Commerce to override the California Coastal Commission’s objection to the proposed SR-241 Toll Road extension. The Corona Chamber supports the Toll Road extension which will provide an alternative to I-5, the only north-south route between the city’s of Los Angeles and San Diego. Click here for more

May 15, 2008

Corona Chamber Supports Proposals to Ease Traffic on SR-91 and I-15

The Corona Chamber of Commerce and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) support two proposed new laws that will help reduce traffic impacts on Corona by expanding SR-91 and I-15.

“Our region needs these improvements to make it easier to commute in and out of Corona,” stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee. “Our region depends heavily on SR-91 and the I-15 as they are vital economic links through our region,” continued Schneider. 

Click here for more

May 5, 2008

Submit Your Letter of Support!

Support Efforts To Expand The 241 Toll Road Improving Traffic Throughout Corona Region

The Corona Chamber is working to urge the United States Secretary of Commerce to override the California Coastal Commission’s objection to the Transportation Corridor Agency’s application for the proposed State Route 241 Toll Road expansion.
 

This is important to you because completing the 241 is critical to the economy of Southern California. It provides an alternative to Interstate 5, the only north-south route between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Traffic on I-5 is already gridlocked and traffic is expected to increase 60 percent by 2025 if the road is not completed. The increase in trade from Mexico and the Far East is imposing enormous demands on the Southern California regional transportation system. The completion of State Route 241 is essential to relieve congestion on I-5 attributable to increased international trade.

Click here to take action!

April 24, 2008

Corona Chamber Supports Governor's Proposed Budget Rainy Day Fund

The Corona Chamber of Commerce supports Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed Budget Stabilization Act. This Act will establish a Revenue Stabilization Fund (RSF), which is simply a savings account for excess revenues taken in by the state each year.
 

This proposal is important to you because it will limit future budget deficits from impacting Corona and our region from drastic cuts in important services such as education and transportation funding.

"California’s economy continues to grow, in spite of the current housing downturn, and the state continues to enjoy overall job growth," stated Cynthia Schneider, Chair of the Corona Chamber's Legislative Action Committee. "However, California still faces a projected $14 billion budget gap that necessitates across-the-board-cuts. Something needs to be done and the Governor's Revenue Stabilization Fund is the right idea at the right time," continued Schneider.

Click here to take action!

April 11, 2008

Submit Your Letter of Support on Two Important Potential Laws Impacting Transportation Throughout Corona

ISSUE 1: AB 1954 is important to you because it will ease traffic congestion in our region and improve the operation and construction of carpool lanes (high-occupancy lanes).

AB 1954 will allow for the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) to apply to the California Transportation Commission in regards to developing and operating high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, including the administration and operation of a value pricing program and exclusive or preferential lane facilities for public transit.

Click here to submit your letter of support on AB 1954!

ISSUE 2: SB 1316 is important to you because it will streamline improvement projects to State Route 91.

SB 1316 will give authority to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) over the existing toll lane on State Highway Route 91 (SR-91) of the Riverside County portion.

This bill essentially eliminates the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) rights and obligations of the riverside portion of SR-91.
 

Click here to submit your letter of support on SB 1316!

April 8, 2008

TAKE ACTION NOW! Submit Your Letter Supporting Meal Period Reform

This issue is important to you because it is a comprehensive solution that serves employers and employees across all industries regardless of size or union status, providing clarification so employees have the opportunity to take meal breaks, enter into on-duty meal period agreements in appropriate situations, and collectively bargain for meal periods.

Click here for more

April 2, 2008

Corona Chamber Continues Effort to Protect Workers Compensation Reforms

As California’s workers’ compensation system continues its historic transformation, employers need to remain vigilant in the legislative, regulatory and legal arenas to protect hard-fought reforms and ensure any future changes promote the reform goals of increased efficiency, less litigation and better outcomes for injured workers. The Corona Chamber has continued to fight against repealing any of the reforms that have allowed the workers compensation system to what it is today.

Click here for more

March 26, 2008

Take Action! Submit Your Letter of Opposition on Another Healthcare Tax
 

This proposal is important to you because it is estimated that it would cost tens of billions of dollars to operate the health care system envisioned by this proposal. These costs would be financed through new health care taxes on consumers, employees and businesses in California.

SB 840 creates a new government run, multi-billion dollar socialized health care system built from a yet to be specified tax increase, and on false premises and failed attempts in past legislative sessions. California voters have twice rejected a government-run health care system – most recently in Proposition 72 in November 2004 and in another initiative in 1994. Focus groups and numerous opinion polls on health care reform have reinforced that California residents do not want a single payer government run system.

March 20, 2008

Take Action! Submit Your Letter of Support on Workplace Flexibility Proposal
 

This proposal is important to you because it allows businesses to offer a flexible schedule in the workplace without having to pay overtime.

The Corona Chamber urges your support of AB 2127, the Small Business Family Scheduling Option of 2008. This state legislative proposal would allow employees and employers flexibility in work schedules to help accommodate employees' diverse family obligations, personal pursuits, commuting issues and environmental concerns by allowing a small business to agree to provide scheduling options requested by an employee.

March 20, 2008

Corona Chamber Supports Clean and Reliable Energy Project

The Corona Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Californians for Clean and Reliable Energy Coalition which supports the Sunrise Powerlink Project. The Sunrise Powerlink Project will help ensure that the business community and the region have reliable electric service.

February 22, 2008

Corona Chamber Supports Redistricting Reform Concept

The Corona Chamber of Commerce supports the California Voters FIRST Act concept which seeks to reform the way state legislators are elected. Every 10 years, after the census, new boundary lines for the United States Congress and California Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization districts are drawn. Currently, the California State Legislature draws those lines.

Click here for more

February 14, 2008

Corona Chamber Defeats Mandated Healthcare Tax

A highly controversial proposed healthcare reform failed to pass the State Senate - ending a year-long debate over how to fix California’s failing healthcare system. The Corona Chamber of Commerce voted to oppose the Governor’s proposal when, in the fall of 2007, he called a special session of the legislature to deal with the reform proposals.

Click here for more