Senate Fiscal Committee Passes Job Killer Mandate

volume 37, number 26 ● august 26, 2011 ®

Cost-Saving Workers’ Senate Fiscal Committee Comp Bills Await Passes Job Killer Mandate Senate Action

The Senate cleaning-related or light building Two California Appropriations maintenance, window cleaning or food Chamber of Committee on cafeteria services, to retain employees Commerce- August 22 passed a of the former contractor for a minimum supported bills California of 60 days and thereafter offer continued that will help Chamber of employment unless the employees’ lower workers’ Commerce-opposed performance during that period was compensation costs bill that unfairly unsatisfactory. Support await action in the forces employers to hire Senate. a predecessor’s employees and ensures Forces Unionized Workforce l AB 378 (Solorio; D-Anaheim) continued union representation, while CalChamber is opposed to this bill lowers pharmaceutical costs. undermining the at-will employment because it is designed to ensure that an l AB 335 (Solorio; D-Anaheim) presumption in California, despite any incumbent union, elected as the bargain- lowers frictional costs in the workers’ change in employers. ing representative for the prior contractor, compensation system. AB 350 (Solorio; D-Anaheim), a will remain the bargaining representative “job killer” bill, inappropriately alters for the subsequent employer. Under the Pharmaceutical Costs the employment relationship by requiring “successor employer” doctrine, a subse- AB 378 lowers workers’ compensation any successor contractor for “property quent employer that: costs by removing incentives for services,” defined as licensed security, See Senate: Page 7 physicians to refer patients to pharmacies in which the physician or physician’s family has a financial interest, and establishes a temporary fee schedule to reimburse for compound drugs until the workers’ compensation administrative director can establish a formal one. Compound medication in the workers’ compensation system has been used primarily to assist injured workers who could not manage medication in its standard formulation. In the last several years, however, there has been a sharp increase in usage and costs of compound drugs. Payments for compound drugs, medical foods, and co-packs grew from 2.3% to 12% of total See Cost-Saving: Page 6

Inside

Photo by Megan Wood Photo by Megan Congress May Consider CalChamber Policy Advocate Jennifer Barrera testifies against ‘job killer’ AB 350 (Solorio; Free Trade Pacts: Page 5 D-Anaheim) before the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the bill on August 22. At left is Matthew Hargrove of the California Business Properties Association. august 26, 2011 ● Page 2 california chamber of commerce

Labor Law Corner State Law Does Not Require Employers to Give Reason for Termination

Indeed, the “Notice to Employee as to If the position is filled relatively quickly, Change in Relationship” that is required the ex-employee might find out and by the Employment Development claim the layoff was a subterfuge and the Department does not have a mandatory termination was discriminatory in nature. section for an employer to note why it is terminating an employee. Disciplinary Warnings If you do give a reason, however, it is If an employer follows the progressive imperative that it is the truth and the real disciplinary path, most employees will reason. If your termination is challenged know why they are being let go. If they Dana Leisinger (i.e., a wrongful termination lawsuit), HR Adviser receive oral warnings, followed by you don’t want to be “back pedaling” and written warnings, and possibly even a changing your story. suspension, there will be ample evidence We are terminating a problem employee Termination Approaches supporting the decision to terminate in today. Do we have to give him/her a the event the decision is challenged. reason? There are different schools of thought A stated policy of progressive The simple answer: No. California as to how to handle a termination. Many discipline tends to erode into the at-will law does not require that you give an employers prefer to simply tell the relationship, since the courts have held employee a reason why he/she is being employee, “This isn’t working out,” and that a promise of progressive discipline terminated; it is part of the “at-will” not enter into an elaborate discussion guarantees the employee ample warnings policy in California. with the individual. before termination. However, the practice Other employers prefer to explain of progressive discipline supports the to the person the reason behind the employer. termination. There is no right or wrong If a termination of employment California Chamber Officers way to handle this situation—it may is a difficult decision to make, it is depend on the person being terminated. always wise to consult an employment S. Shariq Yosufzai Some individuals want to argue the law attorney to guide you through the Chair decision, and that is probably when it’s process. Timothy S. Dubois best to stay simple and explain it isn’t a First Vice Chair topic for a discussion, but it is a decision The Labor Law Helpline is a service that has been made. Other individuals to California Chamber of Commerce Frederick E. Hitchcock preferred and executive members. For expert Second Vice Chair may benefit from a simple discussion of why they are being let go and accept it as explanations of labor laws and Cal/OSHA Anne Buettner closure. regulations, not legal counsel for specific Third Vice Chair situations, call (800) 348-2262, or submit It’s also best not to call a termination your question at www.hrcalifornia.com. Larree M. Renda a “layoff” when it’s truly a termination. Immediate Past Chair Allan Zaremberg President and Chief Executive Officer Seminars/Trade Shows Alert (ISSN 0882-0929) is published weekly CalChamber Calendar during legislative session with exceptions by More information at California Chamber of Commerce, 1215 K Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA 95814- www.calchamber.com/events. Water Committee: 3918. Subscription price is $50 paid through Business Resources September 8, Rancho Palos Verdes membership dues. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Diego Water Tour. Water Education Board of Directors: Sacramento, CA. Foundation. September 8–9, San Diego. September 8–9, Rancho Palos Verdes POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alert, (916) 444-6240. International Trade Breakfast: 1215 K Street, Suite 1400, Sacramento, CA Northern California Tour. Water September 9, Rancho Palos Verdes 95814-3918. Publisher: Allan Zaremberg. Executive Editor: Ann Amioka. Associate Editor: Education Foundation. October 12–14, CalChamber Fundraising Committee: Sara Espinosa. Art Director: Marcy Wacker. Sacramento. (916) 444-6240. September 9, Rancho Palos Verdes Capitol Correspondent: Christine Haddon. Licensing Executives Society Annual Taking Your Chamber’s PAC to the Next Photographer: Megan Wood. Meeting. Licensing Executives Society Level: October 14, Orange Permission granted to reprint articles if (USA and Canada). October 16–19, credit is given to the California Chamber of San Diego. (703) 836-3106. Commerce Alert, and reprint is mailed to Alert They won’t know unless you at address above. San Joaquin River Restoration Tour. Water Education Foundation. tell them. Write your legislator. E-mail: [email protected]. Home page: www.calchamber.com. November 2–3, Fresno. (916) 444-6240. See CalChamber-Sponsored: Page 7 calchambervotes.com california chamber of commerce august 26, 2011 ● Page 3

Boeing Vice President Recaps Challenges for Aerospace Industry in California

Nan Bouchard, vice president of program management at The Boeing Company, testified before the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace on August 16 about issues affecting the industry in California. Bouchard, also a member of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was part of an aerospace industry panel that included representatives from Northrop Grumman, Aerojet and Lockheed Martin. Below are excerpts from Bouchard’s remarks to the committee. Boeing in California If we were to make a movie about the history of Boeing in California, the title could be, “Innovation.” The portfolio of history-making products designed and built here touches on every aspect of aerospace and aviation, spanning the first commercial telecommunications satellite, the Wood Photo by Megan venerable DC-10 commercial airplane and Nan Bouchard, vice president, program management and regional executive, Boeing Defense, Space the amazing Space Shuttle orbiter, which & Security, and a member of the CalChamber Board of Directors, testifies before the Assembly Select recently completed its final mission. Listed Committee on Aerospace on August 16. among the credits would be the names of our heritage companies, such as Hughes, McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell, built Space and Intelligence Systems, the com- delivered to date to our U.S. Air Force by creative pioneers who thrived and grew pany’s center for all intelligence, military customer, and our current focus is on in- in the hospitable climate. and commercial space systems. This busi- creasing international sales to keep the Today, Boeing continues to occupy a ness operates the world’s largest satellite production line going beyond 2014. diversified footprint spanning commercial design and manufacturing factory in El Other significant business areas in the aviation, military aircraft, network sys- Segundo, as well as Spectrolab, the Los Angeles region include our Boeing tems, satellite manufacturing, and new world’s largest manufacturer of solar cells Commercial Aviation Services team, also markets such as cybersecurity. The com- and a San Fernando Valley fixture for located in Long Beach, which provides pany’s direct and indirect economic foot- more than 50 years. engineering and related services to heri- print in California is substantial. Our Network and Tactical Systems tage commercial aircraft built at the for- Employees work at more than 50 loca- business unit is headquartered in mer Douglas plant that are still in service tions throughout the state, with the largest Huntington Beach and draws on the pow- as well as new designs like the 787. concentration in the Los Angeles area. er of integrated networks and tactical sys- In the high desert of Edwards Air Force Three sites—El Segundo, Huntington tems to connect and protect U.S. and al- Base, we have Boeing employees support- Beach and Long Beach—have more than lied soldiers, sailors and airmen. ing flight test operations for new designs 5,000 employees each. One of our most visible California- that are both manned and unmanned. In 2009, the most recent year for grown products is the C-17 Globemaster Near-Term Challenges which data is available, the annual state III, the last aircraft still being built in payroll was nearly $2.4 billion. California California and about to mark its 20th year So while we feel that the spirit of inno- also is home to more Boeing suppliers of operations. The C-17 is the world’s vation is alive and flourishing at Boeing, than any other state. In 2010, there were premier heavy airlift transport and has our ability to thrive in California is more 5,755 suppliers here, and the company proven itself as a versatile strategic and challenged ... Since 2000, the Boeing spent more than $6 billion on goods and theater airlifter in every recent worldwide workforce in California has shrunk from services with them. operation, from Operation Iraqi Freedom 36,700 to around 22,000 today. The core business areas for Boeing in to humanitarian relief missions. The C-17 Some of this is attributable to the California are primarily on the defense production facility is located in Long merging and integration of the heritage side. Headquartered in Seal Beach is our Beach. More than 200 C-17s have been See Boeing: Next Page august 26, 2011 ● Page 4 california chamber of commerce

Boeing Vice President Recaps Challenges for Aerospace Industry

From Previous Page bodiment of that innovation is our work- institutions to enhance undergraduate companies. But the headcount decline force. Boeing employs more than curricula, support continuing education of also is symptomatic of a more serious 159,000 people across the United States Boeing employees, recruit for internships problem, and that is the cost of doing and in 70 countries. More than 123,000 and employment, and collaborate on business in California. A recent example of our employees hold college degrees— research that benefits the long-term needs for Boeing was the move of our B-1B including nearly 32,000 advanced de- of our businesses. For 2011, the company program from Long Beach to Oklahoma. grees—in virtually every business and has invested more than $1 million in The B-1 bomber was designed and built technical field from approximately 2,700 partnership with California higher in California, so it was not an easy deci- colleges and universities worldwide. education institutions. We have an sion. But as Boeing reviewed its antici- Engineers make up a little more than 30 extensive Internship Program enterprise- pated operating costs for the next several percent of our workforce…. wide, with over 1,200 interns working at years, it became clear that major actions Boeing continues its strong efforts to Boeing this summer, of which more than were needed to remain affordable for our prepare the future workforce for tomor- 90 are in SoCal…. customer. The same cost barriers can row’s jobs and careers by advocating for come into play when the company looks improvements in education at all levels, Changes Ahead at new programs and services and where particularly in the science, technology, Looking to the future, everyone is fa- to place them. engineering and math (STEM) disci- miliar with the painful process this coun- The challenges of doing business in plines. We’ve forged strategic partner- try is undergoing to address its debt is- California are not unique to Boeing and ships with educational and other institu- sues and regain its economic footing. have been well catalogued. It is for these tions, and contribute volunteer and finan- At this time, it is too early to reasons that we applaud the recent rollout cial investment in education initiatives, determine what the specific implications of the economic development plan by the including internships and private-public of the recently passed debt ceiling administration of Governor Brown and partnerships. I’ll share some examples of legislation will be for Boeing and the Lieutenant Governor Newsom. This plan what we’re doing in California: products and services we provide for our proposes solutions to many of the issues l Boeing has a long-standing partner- nation’s security…. businesses face in California, such as a ship with the Long Beach Unified School Certainly there is no question that the cumbersome and complex regulatory en- District, one of the largest urban districts aerospace industry is undergoing a trans- vironment that is greatly in need of in the country. Together we are working formation and the needs of our customers streamlining. to increase the number of math-certified are changing and evolving. Boeing is For example, the state imposes addi- teachers, enhance algebra readiness at the changing too. There is no such thing as tional and unique rules regarding the elementary grade level, identify a STEM tradition or the status quo in aerospace— workplace that necessitate specialized curriculum leader who will help link core we must always be thinking creatively to training classes for Boeing employees academics to real-world experiences and maintain our competitive edge and design located here. Support for future workforce needs, and bring engi- products that will delight and satisfy our manufacturers—the linchpin of the U.S. neers to the classroom to serve as STEM customer. Only last week, we announced economy—is another area that the lieu- mentors and guides. a strategic alliance with another company, tenant governor’s economic development l Public-private partnerships are an- not to team up to build a new airplane or plan addresses. California is one of only a other area in which Boeing is trying to rocket, but to develop “smart grid” tech- few states that taxes manufacturers on make a difference. Boeing is partnered nologies to improve energy access and job-creating investments in plants and with the Los Angeles and Orange coun- security for the Department of Defense. equipment. ties school systems to promote arts edu- For Boeing in California, while it is In kicking off the economic develop- cation in the classroom. You may express true that our footprint is smaller, it is still ment plan, the lieutenant governor, speak- surprise at an engineering company like significant, and we are passionate about ing on behalf of the administration, said Boeing being so interested in promoting the products and services that we provide. that this is the beginning of a statewide the arts, but the fact is that the arts are We remain committed to being a good conversation. I would offer that today we about creativity and imagination, just like neighbor and reaching out to the commu- are continuing that conversation and fur- engineering. We are teamed with the Los nities where we live and work, to con- thering our support for making the plan a Angeles County Arts Commission on tinue to strive to make California as great reality. The recommendation to create a Arts for All, which seeks to implement a state as it can be. And in what could be Cabinet-level position overseeing eco- K-12 arts education for every public considered a sequel to Part I of Boeing’s nomic development is a critical first step school student in the county. We’re part- innovation story in California, the state and should be implemented as quickly as nered with the Orange County still represents a fertile market for new possible—it cannot happen soon enough. Department of Education on Arts and innovative companies. In 2010 alone, Advantage, a program to bring together three of the companies that Boeing ac- Future Workforce school administrators, teachers, parents quired were either headquartered or had I’ve talked about our programs and and business leaders to establish or ex- offices in California, and all represented operations, and how innovation is at the pand current arts education programs. new market areas that the company is core of what Boeing does and is. The em- l We also work with college pursuing. california chamber of commerce august 26, 2011 ● Page 5

U.S. Trade Representative Says Congress May Consider Free Trade Pacts Next Month

Job creation via congressional approval of the pending free trade agreements (FTAs) was the hot topic at an agricultural roundtable led by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk recently at Blue Diamond Growers headquarters in Sacramento. The audience included Susanne Stirling, vice president of international affairs for the California Chamber of Commerce, and Blue Diamond President and CEO Mark Jansen, a member of the CalChamber Board of Directors. According to Ambassador Kirk, Congress is expected to consider approving the FTAs with South Korea, Colombia and Panama when it reconvenes in September, actions that would greatly increase U.S. exporters’ ability to compete in the global marketplace. Flanked by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Photo Courtesy Blue Diamond Growers Karen Ross, USTR Chief Agricultural Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. trade representative, discusses pending trade agreements with agricultural roundtable participants. Seated from left: Karen Ross, secretary, California Department of Food and Negotiator Issi Siddiqui and Jansen, Agriculture; Blue Diamond President and CEO Mark Jansen; and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Issi Ambassador Kirk commended Siddiqui, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. California’s agricultural organizations for making the state the largest exporter of agricultural goods in the nation. “We need to do everything we Diamond is a cooperative owned by more “Every billion dollars in agriculture can right now and double down to than half of California’s almond growers. exports supports almost 8,500 jobs, help deliver one message—exports, Seventy percent of the almond crop is on the farm and on production lines,” particularly farm exports, help keep exported to 95 countries. Ambassador Kirk said. America strong and help us create jobs,” A record 1.95 billion-pound crop was said Ambassador Kirk. “We need to get estimated to be produced in California as Disconnect beyond the anxiety and anger Americans growers began delivering the new crop in Although the benefits of free trade have when you mention free trade issues. mid-August. California grows more than are clear to organizations such as “The most compelling argument to 80 percent of the world’s almond supply. Blue Diamond Growers, a longtime make to our friends and neighbors is Worldwide consumption of almonds CalChamber member, there is a that 95 percent of our customers are has grown every year since 2005 at an disconnect between the importance somewhere else now and we don’t want average annual growth rate of 10%. of free trade and the general public, to create a world in which American Within five years of the removal of the according to Ambassador Kirk. growers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, 21% shelled duty, 45% inshell duty and “A conversation with agricultural farmers and ranchers are cut off from the 5% duty on processed almonds, sales representatives who strongly support all those consumers … This is great for to South Korea could increase 40% to trade agreements in Sacramento is much California and we have to make sure that $100 million. different than in cities such as Detroit America knows that this is also good for At the level of 70% duty on almonds or Pittsburgh, where people have come America.” in Colombia, within five years of the to believe that the reason that factories duty’s removal, sales to Colombia could are shutting down is due to trade,” he Market Access be $2.5 million. explained. With almonds being California’s Although the duty in Panama is 2% Ambassador Kirk urged participants largest food export, valued at $2 billion, on shelled and inshell almonds and 15% at the round table to educate their friends and the sixth largest food export in the on processed almonds, the same level of and neighbors on the positive impact that United States, Blue Diamond almond sales predicted for Colombia could also trade agreements and exports bring to growers will gain needed market access be achieved. local communities. when the FTAs pass Congress. Blue See Free: Page 7 august 26, 2011 ● Page 6 california chamber of commerce

Legislative Outlook

An update on the status of key legislation affecting businesses. Visit www.calchambervotes.com for more information, sample letters and updates on other legislation. Staff contacts listed below can be reached at (916) 444-6670. Address correspondence to legislators at the State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. Be sure to include your company name and location on all correspondence.

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. CalChamber voiced concern that Governor Vetoes has vetoed a California Chamber of SB 582 was a heavy-handed, one-size- Costly Employer Commerce-opposed bill that would have fits-all approach that failed to consider increased costs for employers and opened the size of the company, its location in Mandate them to potential liability by mandating regards to public transit accessibility, them to offer commuter benefit programs employer liability issues, and education to employees. and awareness on behalf of the employer SB 582 (Yee; D-San Francisco) about what is allowed under federal law. would have authorized metropolitan CalChamber believes there are other planning organizations (MPOs) to ways to reach the same goal without mandate employers in their jurisdiction placing burdensome requirements on to offer one of three options to employees businesses. for commuting purposes: Governor Brown agreed with l a pre-tax option where employees CalChamber’s concerns in his veto can exclude from their taxable wages message, stating, “While I support Oppose commuting costs incurred for public the goal of reducing vehicle trips, this transit, as allowed under federal law; bill would impose a new mandate on l the employer would directly pay for small businesses at a time of economic public transit costs; or uncertainty.” l the employer would offer a vanpool Staff Contact: Thomas Vu service.

Cost-Saving Workers’ Comp Bills Await Senate Action

From Page 1 to the workers’ comp system, which in Safety and Workers’ Compensation to medication expenses between 2006 and turn leads to higher costs for insurers and develop regulations regarding notices to 2009, according to a 2010 report issued higher premiums for employers. injured workers. by the California Workers’ Compensation The CalChamber believes AB 378 is The bill requires the administrative Institute (CWCI). a good start at establishing guidelines to director and commission to develop and The CWCI report also found that the dispensing of compound drugs and make accessible a booklet written in plain from 2006–2009 these three types under what circumstances they would be language about the workers’ comp claims of “medications” also accounted for covered, and how much. process. a disproportionate amount of total Specifically, AB 378 removes the AB 335 also streamlines and simplifies medication payments. Compound drugs, financial incentives for physicians to other notices to employees. co-packs and medical foods accounted prescribe compound drugs by adding The CalChamber believes AB 335 for 3.9% of total prescriptions, but 10.1% pharmacy goods to a list of medical will create better outcomes for injured of total payments for medications. goods and services for which it is workers by providing them with more Because compound medications are unlawful for a physician to refer patients digestible information at key points in specialty products designed specifically if the doctor has a financial stake in the the claims process. This information flow for individual patients, they are not pharmacy. This ensures that the physician should lead to a reduction in frictional covered by the Medi-Cal fee schedule, solely has the patient’s well being in legal expenses that result from confusion even though most or nearly all of the mind when prescribing compound drugs. and poor communication. active components of the compound are on the fee schedule. This creates Benefit Notices Action Needed an opportunity for some pharmacists AB 335 brings an estimated savings of The CalChamber is encouraging and physicians to prescribe and charge $42 million to the workers’ compensation members to contact their senators and ask fees beyond what would be allowed for system by requiring the workers’ them to support AB 378 and AB 335. pharmaceutical treatments within the compensation administrative director to Staff Contact: Thomas Vu fee schedule. Cost pressures are added work with the Commission on Health and california chamber of commerce august 26, 2011 ● Page 7

Senate Fiscal Committee Passes Job Killer Mandate

From Page 1 Rather, it provides stability only for those prior contractor are hired, the subsequent l hires the majority of its predecessor’s limited employees of the prior contractor. employer is restricted from terminating employees; and Existing employees of the subsequent them for 60 days, unless there is “cause.” l is generally in the same business, contractor or other property service In California, it is presumed that the must recognize the incumbent union and employees who would have received a employment relationship is at-will, bargain with it in good faith. job with the subsequent contractor, will unless the employer and employee Since AB 350 mandates that subse- face instability as a result of AB 350. have agreed otherwise. AB 350 alters quent employers hire the predecessor’s Accordingly, AB 350 creates winners and that presumption, and provides these employees, it would allow the incumbent losers amongst employees in the property employees with a significantly higher union to demand recognition of its status services industry, something in which the protection from termination. After 60 as the bargaining representative. government should not engage. days, an employer must offer continued CalChamber believes the decision of employment to these individuals, unless whether to have a union in the workplace Eliminates Background Checks the employer can identify objective should be left to the employers and em- Given that AB 350 essentially incidents of unsatisfactory performance. ployees, after following the proper proce- mandates a subsequent contractor to hire Accordingly, these employees of the dures outlined by the National Labor the prior contractor’s employees, AB 350 prior contractor are basically guaranteed Relations Act. Neither party should be also precludes the subsequent contractor/ continued employment as well as priority forced into such a relationship. employer from conducting any pre-hiring over any other employees in the industry. Unemployment Rate Unaffected background checks or interviews to determine if the employees of the prior Key Vote AB 350 also will not reduce the current contractor/employer are individuals who AB 350 passed Senate Appropriations unemployment rate in California. Because meet the unique and specific criteria of on August 22, 5-3. AB 350 mandates that a subsequent con- the subsequent employer. As such, AB Ayes: Alquist (D-Santa Clara), Kehoe tractor of property services must hire all 350 basically eliminates any distinction (D-San Diego), Lieu (D-Torrance), the prior contractor’s employees, the sub- from one contractor to the next regarding Price (D-Los Angeles), Steinberg sequent contractor will be forced to either: the type of workforce that contractor can (D-Sacramento). l displace its existing workforce to deliver, thereby minimizing competition Noes: Emmerson (R-Hemet), take on the new employees; or amongst contractors. In addition, by Runner (R-Antelope Valley), Walters l eliminate positions it would have limiting a subsequent employer’s ability (R-Laguna Nigel). opened to new applicants in the industry, to properly conduct background checks No Vote Recorded: Pavley (D-Agoura as those positions will be filled by the of potential employees, AB 350 is setting Hills). prior contractor’s employees. up these subsequent employers for The bill will be considered next by the Accordingly, AB 350 does not create potential negligent hiring litigation. entire Senate. any additional jobs. Staff Contact: Jennifer Barrera AB 350 also does not provide general Alters At-Will Presumption stability for employees in this industry. Under AB 350, once employees of the

CalChamber-Sponsored Seminars/Trade Shows Free Trade Pacts

From Page 8 Cargo Loss: Natural Disasters and Piracy From Page 5 International Trade Theft. Women in International Trade. 9/11 Commemoration. World Trade September 21, Long Beach. (800) Jobs Connection Center. September 8, San Diego. (619) 514-6407. Up to 30,000 jobs are generated by 215-9966. International Trade Finance Workshop. trade related to almond exports. The Research and Development Tax Credit Center for International Trade estimated $2 billion in income generated Webinar. Center for International Development. September 23, by California almond exports is returned Trade Development, El Camino Sacramento. (916) 563-3200. to local almond growers. This income College. September 13, Web. (310) Introduction to Global Exporting. helps to stimulate jobs and the economy 973-3175. California Manufacturing Technology in local California communities. International Investment Forum. Consulting. October 5, Torrance. (310) Before the roundtable, Ambassadors Sevastopol Institute of Banking of the 263-3060. Kirk and Siddiqui and Secretary Ross Ukrainian Academy of Banking of the Labor Law toured Blue Diamond’s Sacramento plant, National Bank of Ukraine. September Determining Independent Contractor the world’s largest almond processing 16–17. Status. CalChamber. September 8, facility. Trade Mission to South Africa. U.S. Webinar; September 19, On Demand. Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling Chamber of Commerce. September (800) 331-8877. 19–23, South Africa. (202) 482-5496. Periodicals Postage PAID Sacramento, CA CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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