New arrivals in Sacramento face an old problem

By Brian Rees Leave a Comment
The Sacramento Scene. The latest legislation that affects your business.

Despite the election of a new Democratic Governor and nearly 30 incoming freshmen legislators, as the new 2011 legislative session begins, the main source of concern, conversation, and unfortunately continuity, remains the state’s ongoing budget crisis. With the projected deficit estimated at nearly $26.4 billion, Governor Jerry Brown released his first budget proposal since winning election last fall. He has called for $12.5 billion in spending cuts, including reductions in welfare, social services, health care for the poor and a combined $1 billion cut to the University of California and California State University systems. Governor Brown also wants the Legislature to call a special election in June to give voters an opportunity to continue hikes in the income, sales and vehicle taxes (set to expire this year) for an additional five years. His proposal relies on the $12 billion in new revenue that the tax extensions will bring. The only area of state spending being protected by the new administration is K-12 education. In an effort to persuade voters to back his tax extension, Governor Brown also has said he will seek to fundamentally restructure state government, shifting a host of responsibilities from the state to counties and cities, a process he has acknowledged will be complicated and controversial. That includes eliminating redevelopment agencies and ending tax breaks available to businesses that operate in depressed areas designated as enterprise zones. A growing number of cities and counties are lining up in fierce opposition to this portion of the Governor’s proposal, stating that it will stop vital economic growth and cost thousands of jobs. The Governor’s office has said that if voters approve his proposal, revenue generated from the sales tax and vehicle license fees currently set to expire in July would go to local governments to help pay for the changes. Despite the passage of Proposition 25 last November – which lowered the threshold for budget passage to a simple majority – the governor’s proposal to extend taxes will require support from Republicans in the state Legislature who have vowed to oppose all taxes. While Governor Brown campaigned on a promise not to raise taxes without voter approval, this is seen as a politically risky move after Californians rejected an extension of the taxes just two years ago as part of a package of ballot measures supported by former Governor Schwarzenegger. Already … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Issue 48,2011, News, Publication Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back In Charge

By Mark Paul Arabo Leave a Comment
Jerry Brown is back in charge as California's newly elected Governor

On January 4th, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown was sworn in for an unprecedented third term as California's governor, taking the reins of a state battered by the national economic downturn and a seemingly endless budget crisis. Twenty seven years after he ended his first round as governor, Jerry Brown handed Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman a sizeable defeat despite her spending more than $140 million in her quest for the governor’s office. Governor Brown is the son of the late former Governor Pat Brown. He first became governor in his own right in 1975, when the Golden State economy was vibrant and the envy of the nation. Stating that he has “not come here to embrace delay and denial," the Governor has called upon Democrats and Republicans in the oft-gridlocked state legislature to work together in making the tough choices needed to get California back on a strong economic footing. Much has changed in Sacramento between the tenures of Governor Brown, who held the governor's post before term limits were instituted, as he works toward that goal. In the decades since he left office, state officials and legislators lost flexibility on budget matters in large part due to the property-tax cap instituted by Proposition 13, the strict school funding mandates resulting from the passage of Proposition 98, and a host of other voter-approved ballot measures.  Those fiscal constraints, coupled with a dramatic increase in spending on permanent programs, have created an unsustainable dynamic that the new Governor has pledged to permanently unwind. Confronting a state with high unemployment and a record deficit, Governor Brown used his inaugural speech to pledge fiscal austerity, job creation and a broad effort to rebuild public trust in state government. In the speech, the Governor referred to Californians’ intrepid spirit as he outlined the monumental task ahead: closing the multi-billion dollar budget deficit and getting the California economy moving again. “From the native peoples who survived the total transformation of their way of life, to the most recent arrival, stories of courage abound. And it’s not over,” As he acknowledged the magnitude of the state’s problems, he stated that California was up to the challenge, and that innovators in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and in small businesses throughout California “give hope to an even more abundant future up ahead,” On behalf of the members and Board of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: California News, Issue 48,2011, News, Publication Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

NMA’s 15th Annual Statewide Banquet!

By Bianca Zeto
IMG_1126

On the evening of January 13, 2011, the Neighborhood Market Association hosted the 15th Annual Statewide Banquet in the exquisite Elizabeth Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in Downtown San Diego. The black tie event served over 800 attendees. Dignitaries, public officials, and community leaders accompanied this event to celebrate another successful year for the Neighborhood Market Association. The theme of the night’s event was a “Salute to Our Heroes; A Tribute to those who protect our Freedom and Country.” The program was dedicated to “the real stars of our society. Not the kind we see at the movies, or on the athletic fields, but the kind that many of us rarely encounter. We’re talking about the men and women in our military.” The evening was a continuous reminder of the importance of recognizing the men and women who fight for our country. It was a way of offering respect to those who are a part of this selfless and righteous profession and admiration of their remarkable testimonials of courage, professionalism, and sheer determination to carry out their duties. The Neighborhood Market Association paid a special tribute to many community leaders, law enforcement officials, public officials, organizations, retailers, suppliers, and especially the many military branches who were invited. The NMA Banquet is held at the beginning of each year in order to recognize and award its members and public officials for their outstanding work and commitment. The efforts of the community and industry are both applauded and praised. These individuals are favored by all in the public eye for their generous efforts and continued support of the association. The NMA is proud of its members for its continued efforts to serve the communities where businesses are located and in doing their part in keeping the neighborhoods safe. The welcoming remarks were made by Assemblyman and former Marine, Nathan Fletcher, who then introduced the Navy Medical Center Color Guard and the American Indian Warriors Color Guard who presented the colors Followed by two sailors and two soldiers who lead the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Throughout the evening, awards were presented by many other community leaders, such as Bonnie Dumanis, Mr. Tony Young, Todd Gloria, Tim Gorsuch, Steve Ernst, Brian Jones, Dave Ramirez, Shayne Gibbs, and Mike Moorhead. The banquet ended with the introduction of the new NMA Board of Directors who, with President and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Issue 48,2011, Publication Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chairman’s Report

By Ramzi Murad Leave a Comment
NMA Chairman's Letter by Ramzi Murad

Strong community ties – driving growth for the NMA and it’s member businesses “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”– Mahatma Gandhi The Neighborhood Market Association was created to represent the independent businesses and to look after their interest in these tough times. The NMA has been gradually becoming more recognized and trusted by many people. Today we are a well known association which represents over 21,000 employees, and grown to 2,000 businesses in three different states; California, Nevada and Arizona. Our businesses interact with our communities and they are fully committed to the economical needs of our neighborhoods. The NMA is constantly working to be a vital participant in most of our community activities. Our retailers and suppliers are aware and sensitive to our customers’ needs, and will do what ever it takes to build a good and healthy relationship. We have a great working relationship with law enforcement and the Alcoholic Beverage Control, which has benefited our neighborhoods and has improved the safety of our businesses. I’d like to commend every one for their hard work and great efforts. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise with our suppliers to increase sales and become more efficient. Our goal is to succeed in our businesses , and to make sure that we will stay in business . The world depends on us, we must continue to excel and to work wisely. Let us all be one unit and one family to better mankind and to avoid failures. We must keep an open mind and be more active in our communities in order to build up the trust that is required to insure the success of our businesses. Finally I am very optimistic about our future, and I feel that we will continue to grow and thrive and become more recognizable within our communities. God bless you all. Ramzi Murad … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2010 Winter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Editors Note

By Mark Paul Arabo 2 Comments
NMA Editors Note by Mark Arabo

15 years old. My, how we’ve grown. As we embark on our 15th year of service, the Neighborhood Market Association is the strongest it has ever been. Who would have thought that in 15 short years, the NMA would become the Largest Independent Grocers Association in California, Nevada, and Arizona? Who would have thought, that we would represent 2,000 members, employ over 21,000 employees, and be responsible for over $3.6 Billion dollars to the State of California? Who would have thought, the Neighborhood Market Association would become the unified voice of small business? Who would have thought, the NMA would go beyond advocacy and begin negotiating vendor programs by pooling our retailer members’ buying power to get them the best absolute price? Who would have thought, the NMA would expand its geographic footprint into Nevada to protect the small business community? With the grace of God and with the help of our wonderful board of directors and staff, with the support of our retailers and suppliers, and with the unwavering support of the community; the Neighborhood Market Association has blossomed into a powerful organization that represents the spirit of the small business community. With our perseverance, our strength, our accolades; we know in our hearts, we are nothing, if we lose our spirit of giving back and serving the community. Serving the community is at the core of the Neighborhood Market Association. Service takes many forms, but regardless of the form, everything makes a difference. Start your calling of service, tutor an underprivileged youth, mentor an at-risk child, coach a local sports team, join the PTA, and help your fellow churches, seminary and diocese. Earlier this year, the Neighborhood Market Association celebrated our Annual Black Tie Statewide Awards banquet. This magnificent event attracted over 700 attendees to honor individuals, organizations, public officials, and community leaders who serve the community on an everyday basis. Congratulations to all the award winners that were recognized. They are perfect examples of how individuals could serve the community. Congratulations to the Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control, Stephen M Hardy, Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, Chief of Police of the San Diego, William Lansdowne, Assistant Executive Chief Police Department, David Ramirez, the Alvarez family, Ramzi Murad, MillerCoors, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the San Diego Police … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2010 Winter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,