Policy Committees

VICA’s decision making process is based on our policy committees developing and recommending positions on a variety of legislative issues impacting business for consideration by the board of directors. Issues are assigned to the appropriate policy committee(s), and all ballot measures are also reviewed by the Government Affairs Committee. Your input is appreciated!

Sign up here for committee meeting dates, agendas and policy updates.

Visit the Valley Business Calendar for details on upcoming meetings. Please remember to RSVP to Armando@vica.com for all committee meetings

Ambassadors: Dedicated to developing VICA’s membership base, the Ambassador Committee is responsible for identifying and reaching out to businesses that would benefit from membership in VICA. In addition to assisting the staff in greeting and introducing guests and members at VICA events, the committee also explains the benefits of VICA membership to prospective members and encourages existing members to take full advantage of their investment in the organization’s work.

The chair for 2017 is Matt Swearman (Los Angeles Universal Preschool), and the co-chairs are Pam Berg (MP Printing) and David LoPresti (Goodwill Industries of Southern California). Meetings are held quarterly at the VICA Office (16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170, Van Nuys), and bagels are provided.

The dates for 2017 are Wednesdays, Jan. 25, April 26, July 26 and Oct. 25 from 8:30–10 a.m.                      

Aviation: Focused on Los Angeles area airports and their stakeholders, the Aviation Committee deals with issues related to the general and business aviation industries. Membership includes aircraft manufacturers, local businesses that serve the airports, and consultants specializing in the aviation industry. Meetings include regular updates from leadership at the Valley’s airports – Van Nuys (VNY), Hollywood Burbank (BUR) and Los Angeles International (LAX) – as well as discussion of FAA, Congressional and municipal policymaking.

The chair for 2017 is Stacy Howard (National Business Aviation Association) and the co-chairs are Steve Catalano (Kindel Gagan) and Paul Haney (Englander, Knabe & Allen).

Meetings are held quarterly at Aerolease Van Nuys East (7943 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys), and lunch is provided courtesy of the Aeroplex Aerolease Group. The dates for 2017 are Wednesdays, Feb. 8, May 10, Aug. 9 and Nov. 8 from noon - 1:30 p.m.

Education: Covering a broad range of issues affecting early education, K-12, higher education and workforce development programs, the Education Committee focuses on state budgeting for LAUSD, CSUs, LACCD and UCs, as well as regulation of private postsecondary education institutions. Federal regulation of K-12 curriculum and linked learning are also frequently discussed.

The chair for 2017 is Erika Endrijonas (Los Angeles Valley College) and the co-chair is Francesca Vega (California State University, Northridge).

Meetings are held quarterly at the VICA office (16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170, Van Nuys) in the Valley Presbyterian Hospital Conference Room, breakfast is provided courtesy of Woodbury University. The dates for 2017 are Thursdays, Feb. 2, May 4, Aug. 3 and Nov. 2 from 8:30–10 a.m.

Entertainment: With an emphasis on protecting and attracting film, television, commercial and music recording production in the Los Angeles area, the Entertainment Committee deals predominately with local and state issues that affect film and television production companies, prop houses, amusement parks and media providers. Meetings feature discussions with local and state officeholders and their senior staff, as well as ongoing advocacy on the industry’s core issues.

The chair for 2017 is Philip Sokoloski (FilmL.A., Inc) and the co-chair is Pam Elyea (History for Hire).

Meetings are held at the VICA office (16600 Sherman Way, Suite 170, Van Nuys) in the Valley Presbyterian Hospital Conference Room, and breakfast is provided by Pacific Federal Insurance Corp. The dates for 2017 are Thursdays, March 2, June 1, Sept. 7 and Dec. 7 from 8:30 - 10 a.m. 

Environment, Energy & Utilities: The EE&U Committee provides organizational guidance on environmental regulation, utility ratepayer protection, and public investment in clean and green technology. The committee focuses on protecting and advancing the interests of local and regional public and investor-owned utilities and the telecommunications industry.

The chair for 2017 is Noah Perch-Ahern (Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro) and the co-chair is Joe Ramallo (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power).

Meetings are held quarterly at the VICA office (16600 Sherman Way, Ste. 170, Van Nuys) in the Valley Presbyterian Hospital Conference Room, and lunch is provided courtesy of Metropolitan Water District. The dates for 2017 are Thursdays, February 9, May 11, Aug. 10 and Nov. 9 from noon – 1:30 p.m.                          

Government Affairs: The Government Affairs Committee is the catch-all committee for public policy matters with the potential to impact the overall business community. Meetings feature discussions on major local, state and federal legislation related to tax policy, worker relations, government efficiency, election regulation and legal reform, among others. Consideration of ballot initiatives also originates in this committee.

The chair for 2017 is Christine Aghassi (The Dolphin Group) and the co-chair is David Gershwin (David Gershwin Consulting).

Meetings are held monthly. Meetings are held monthly at Providence Tarzana Medical Center (18321 Clark St., Tarzana), and lunch is provided courtesy of the hospital. The dates for 2017 are Wednesdays, Jan. 17 (Tuesday), Feb. 15, Mar. 15, April 19, May 17, June 14, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m.   

International Trade: Focuses on domestic and international policy priorities that affect foreign economic development or diplomatic relations. 

The chair for 2017 is Jeff Daar (Daar & Newman LLP).

Meetings are held at least twice a year, or as needed at the VICA office (16600 Sherman Way, Van Nuys). The first 2017 meeting was on May 23, and the next meeting is on Tuesday November 14 from 8:30-10 a.m.

Healthcare: Covering issues facing the relationship between employers, the health insurance industry and hospitals, the Healthcare Committee deals with major state and federal legislation and interprets the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), medical litigation and workers’ compensation. Meetings typically feature decision leaders from government agencies and nonprofit organizations on the implementation of PPACA, as well as discussion of state and federal legislation that impacts employer insurance coverage.

The chair for 2017 is Michael Tou (Providence Health & Services) and the co-chairs are Jennifer Bayer (Hospital Association of Southern California) and Carol Kim (Health Net Inc.).

Meetings are held quarterly at the Valley Presbyterian Hospital (15107 Vanowen St., Van Nuys), and lunch is provided courtesy of the hospital. The dates for 2017 are Wednesday, Jan. 19, April 5, July 20, and Oct. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Labor & Employment: Deals with labor regulations and policies that affect employers at a city, state and federal level - including wage, hour, scheduling, worker's compensation and other issues. 

The chair for 2017 is Charlie Crumpley (San Fernando Valley Business Journal) and the co-chairs are Sue Bendavid (Lewitt, Hackman, Shapiro, Marshall & Harlan) and Todd Schwartz (Dickey's Barbecue Pit). 

Meetings are held quarterly at the VICA office (16600 Sherman Way, #170 Van Nuys), breakfast is provided. The dates for 2017 are Wednesday. March 8, June 7, September 6, December 6. 

Land Use: The Land Use Committee provides policy guidance on community planning and development-related legislation. With major reforms underway at the local and state level, meetings feature prominent officials from local and state planning agencies, as well as discussion of major zoning code changes, redevelopment agency successor programs and California Environmental Quality Act amendments. The committee also recommends commercial, industrial and residential projects of regional significance for VICA support.

The chair for 2017 is Brad Rosenheim (Rosenheim & Associates) and the co-chairs are Larry Gray (Spindler Engineering) and Edgar Khalatian (Mayer Brown).

Meetings are held every other month at The Garland (4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood), and breakfast is provided courtesy of the hotel. The dates for 2017 are Tuesdays, Feb. 14, April 4, June 13, Aug. 8, Oct. 10 and Dec. 12 from 8-10 a.m.  

Manufacturing: The Manufacturing Committee is focused on removing barriers for manufacturing and technology. 

The chair for 2017 is Jane Skeeter (UltraGlas, Inc.) and the co-chair is  Doug Morton (Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.).

Meetings are held quarterly at the VICA Office Valley Presbyterian Hospital Conference Room (16600 Sherman Way, Ste. 170, Van Nuys) and bagels are provided. The Committee will meet at least twice a year, or as needed - 8:30-10 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities  are available.                  

Transportation: Tasked with consideration of mass transit and roadway planning, the Transportation Committee discusses local, regional, state, and federal legislation and rulemaking affecting the L.A. Metro System, the 101, 405, and 5 freeways, and the municipal arterial street  systems of the Los Angeles region. Leadership from Metro frequently presents to the committee on the progress of Metro projects and the implications of legislation to the system construction financing.

The chair for 2017 is Francine Oschin (Oschin Partners) and the co-chairs are Coby King (High Point Strategies) and Jayson Mercurius (JLM Strategic Talent Partners).

Meetings are held every other month at The Garland (4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood), and breakfast/parking are provided courtesy of the hotel. The dates for 2017 are Tuesdays, Jan. 10, March 14, May 9, July 11, Sept. 12 and Nov. 17 from 8 - 10 a.m.