Dear California Businesses For Enterprise Zones Coalition Members and EZ Supporters:

For those of you who recently joined CalChamber’s California Businesses for Enterprise Zones coalition, we would like to extend a warm welcome, and for those who are continuing members, thanks for your continuing support of EZs!

We just wrapped up the Legislative Session for 2009, which is in recess until January 2010. However, legislative activity concerning EZs has been scheduled to continue throughout the legislative recess months, including informational hearings and work on legislation. It will be important for EZ supporters to stay engaged, as we work to protect the strength and integrity of the EZ program.

The Assembly Committee on Jobs and Economic Development has hearings scheduled for the month of October in both Northern and Southern California:

Northern California:
Thursday, October 8, 2009
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
San Jose, California
This hearing focused on the role of EZs as a facilitator of global innovation and manufacturing

Southern California:
Wednesday, October 14 hearing
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
San Diego, California
This hearing will focus on workforce development and measuring success of the program

Public comments will be taken at both hearings. We are encouraging EZ supporters to attend the hearings in your respective geographical areas and speak during public comment period, which have been scheduled to take place during the lunch hour to facilitate members of the public’s work schedules.

In particular, businesses with success stories about the program are encouraged to attend. If you are or know of a business with a success story (whether attending or not), please contact me at amy.mmagu@calchamber.com.

We will continue to be in touch regarding further EZ developments.

Thanks!

Amy C. Mmagu