Posts Tagged ‘Economy’

Small-business owners struggling

Glendale News Press | 08-12-2010

David Cain launched Buff Buddies Fitness in La Cañada six years ago, and even though business has grown, he is struggling. Banks have slashed his credit lines. Government loans are hard to get. Schools that might partner with his youth fitness programs don’t want to play ball.

Cain was one of hundreds at the Pasadena Convention Center on Wednesday seeking leads on jobs, loans or government contracting opportunities. He was also one of the many who caught the ear of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), sponsor of the event, which brought together more than three dozen chambers of commerce, business advisors and government agencies, including the Small Business Administration and Department of Commerce.

The size of the crowd, Schiff said, “is a sign of just how much need there is out there. Hopefully, we have a lot of good resources here.”

Briefly: Business Assistance and Career Fair today

Glendale News Press | 08-11-2010

In an effort to help job seekers and entrepreneurs, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) is sponsoring a Small Business Assistance and Career Opportunity Fair today at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Representatives from seven local chambers of commerce, the Small Business Administration, the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board and dozens of other government or economic development agencies will be at the event.

Morning seminars will include “Business Loans 101,” “How Businesses Can Survive and Thrive in Tough Economic Times” and “How to Get a Job with the Federal Government.”

Obama signs emergency bill to halt teacher layoffs

Pasadena Star News | 08-10-2010

More than $3 billion in federal aid is expected to head California’s way after House Democrats passed, and President Barack Obama signed, an emergency $26 billion bill Tuesday they say will save 320,000 jobs nationally.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, estimates the funds will save about 200 teaching jobs in his congressional district.

“For a lot of parents of school-aged kids, it’s a last minute reprieve for teachers being laid off,” he said.

Already, officials at the Glendale Unified School District announced this week they would recall pink slips sent to 66 teachers thanks to the federal help, Schiff said.

“Hopefully other school districts will be able to do what they did,” he said.

Schiff aims to help small businesses

Glendale News Press | 07-29-2010

With small business still the missing link in the slow-and-go economic recovery, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) is bringing together numerous government agencies and business groups for a daylong Small Business Assistance and Career Opportunity Fair on Aug. 11 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

“Far too many people throughout our community are still seeking access to business opportunities and employment, and I hope this business development and career fair will help them discover new resources to succeed,” Schiff said in a statement. “The career fair will provide an opportunity for people to network and find additional ways to gain employment or build their businesses, even in a challenging economy.”

Power academy may expand

Glendale News Press | 07-26-2010

GCC program that trains future utility workers is in line for $180,000 boost.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) secured a $180,000 provision that, if preserved through the legislative process, would let college officials expand the scope of its Verdugo Power Academy — a program through the Verdugo Workforce Investment Board, Glendale Water and Power and Glendale Community College that retrains unemployed adults for utility careers.

Schiff acknowledged the legislation has a few procedural hurdles, but said the funding could help create jobs.

“Job growth is critical to our country’s economic recovery, and this partnership will help prepare residents to obtain a good-paying job in a field with a high demand for trained technicians,” he said in a statement.

Bold new guidelines: Obama signs new financial reforms into law

Pasadena Star News | 07-21-2010

A sweeping set of financial regulations that are designed to protect consumers, rein in Wall Street and help ensure economic stability was signed into law Wednesday by President Barack Obama.

Fueled by the nation’s 2008 financial meltdown, the 2,300-page reform package gives the government new powers to break up companies that threaten the economy, creates a new agency to guard consumers and puts more light on the financial markets that escaped the oversight of regulators.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, said he’s pleased that the The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is now law.

“This legislation will rein in the shoddy business practices that brought our economy to the brink of ruin in 2009, and continues to take a toll on millions of Americans who lost their jobs or watched their savings, pensions and property value tank,” Schiff said in a statement. “Finally, these reforms will restore much- needed transparency and accountability to our financial system.”

Gold Line light rail extension gets more funding

Pasadena Star News | 07-06-2010

Just over a week after the groundbreaking for the Gold Line light rail extension from Pasadena to Azusa, the commuter line’s builder could get another $650,000 toward taking the tracks all the way to Montclair.

The money was included in a funding bill by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena. The appropriation passed out of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and now must pass out of the full committee before it could go to the floor for a vote, according to information from Schiff’s office released Tuesday.

The funding would pay for the preparation of environmental documents needed to begin construction on 12 miles of rail from Azusa to Montclair.

“The 29th Congressional District encompasses some of the fastest-growing communities in Los Angeles County, and we need to build the infrastructure to accommodate the growth in our region,” Schiff said in a statement. “Best of all, this project will create jobs and spur much-needed economic activity in our communities.”

Funds target youth jobs

Glendale News Press | 07-06-2010

New training program aims to get young people into energy industry.

Local youth looking to enter the workforce could get a jump-start in energy industry jobs thanks to a job training program funded with $100,000 secured by Rep. Adam Schiff, officials announced last week.

Stakeholders say the program was inspired by the success of the Verdugo Power Academy — a joint venture of the Glendale Water & Power, Glendale Community College and Verdugo Workforce Investment Board using federal stimulus funding.

“It’s a tough employment market for everyone,” said Schiff (D-Burbank). “It’s all the more difficult for young people just trying to start off a career, and yet there are good opportunities in the green energy area.”

Political Landscape: Bill tough on government

Glendale News Press | 06-17-2010

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff and the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition requiring a review of government programs every five years to assess their performance and improve operations.

“For Congress to make fiscally responsible budgetary decisions, we must have transparent data about the performance and efficiency of federal agencies,” Schiff (D-Burbank) said in a statement. “As a co-sponsor of the Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2010, I believe it will help Congress conduct more effective oversight, make better-informed authorization and appropriation decisions, identify and eliminate duplicative programs, and enhance the performance of federal programs.”

On The Town: Toasting chamber’s 100th birthday

Glendale News Press | 06-09-2010

Chamber President Rich Roche welcomed his audience and introduced incoming chamber President Rick Lemmo.

An opportunity drawing attracted generous shoppers, dinner attracted the hungry and dancing to the music of California attracted the light of foot.  VIPs taking advantage of all three included Rep. Adam Schiff, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and wife Darlene, and former Glendale Mayors Frank Quintero and wife Jani, Carl Raggio and Sheldon Baker; and City Manager Jim Starbird.