DACA Decision: California Employer Update
The California Chamber of Commerce issued a statement today that due to the recent DACA decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, business owners should, for now, not be concerned about employing Dreamers with DACA status. More than 200,000 of these young immigrants live and work in California, according to CalChamber.
U.S. News & World Report: California Has Worst Quality Of Life
The annual ranking of states by U.S. News & World Report places California last for its quality of life and 32nd overall when all categories are rated. The categories of the “Best States” report and California’s ranking among the 50 states is as follows: health care, 11th; education, 26th; economy, 4th; opportunity, 46th; infrastructure, 38th; crime and corrections, 28th; fiscal stability, 43rd; and quality of life, 50th. The latter was based on two elements: natural environment and social environment. Iowa is first in the overall rankings, followed by Minnesota, Utah, North Dakota and New Hampshire. To view the full report and state-by-state rankings, click here.
Construction Industry Optimism Highest Since 2000
A Wells Fargo survey of construction industry executives from across the country indicates that their optimism level for nonresidential construction is at its highest point of the century. The survey, in its 42nd year, was released today and is based on the results from 312 execs from 44 states. It was conducted from October 31 to November 27, 2017.
Toyota Grand Prix Announces Grand Marshall
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach today announced Hall of Fame Driver Scott Pruett as the Grand Marshall of the 44th annual race on Sunday, April 15. At 22 years old, Pruett won the 1982 Bridgestone Pro/Kart Challenge in Long Beach. Throughout his career, he racked up 60 wins, including five in Long Beach.
Customs And Border Protection Port Director Provides Update On Local Ports
LaFonda Sutton-Burke, port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) operations at the San Pedro Bay ports, gave the keynote address at the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual State of Trade and Transportation luncheon today. Sutton-Burke provided an overview of the agency’s efforts to counteract counterfeit goods and prevent terrorism. Annually, CBP processes 4.6 million shipping containers coming through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, she noted. The agency processes 1.2 million passengers traveling through cruise terminals at the ports. Last year, there were over 700 trade-related seizures with a value of $98 million, she said. CBP seized over $1.3 million in fake goods, most of which were personal care items, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics. “Counterfeiters do not care about your well-being or your children’s well-being. They just want to smuggle goods and make a profit,” she said, noting that many counterfeit items are low quality and can cause injuries. Hover your cursor over the photograph below to see additional images. All photos by the Business Journal’s Brandon Richardson.