On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Legislative Summit: Policy in Action: From State to Federal, at the picturesque Wilson Creek Winery. From sunrise to closing remarks, more than 165 legislators, dignitaries, community leaders, and business owners gathered to confront the defining policy challenges shaping California’s economic climate. This premier advocacy event provided a vital forum for the business community to remain informed, engaged, and proactive in the face of complex legislative landscapes.

A Forum for Insight and Action

The Summit featured a distinguished panel of speakers, each offering strategic insight into the state, federal, and regulatory issues influencing workforce, healthcare, taxation, and small business viability:

• Rana Ghadban, Vice President of Small Business Advocacy, California Chamber of Commerce, shared how the California Chamber is working to stop cost-driving legislation and support compliance resources for companies statewide.
• Adam Dorsey, Group Vice President for Financial Policy, California Hospital Association, addressed the fiscal pressures facing California’s healthcare system, including looming Medi-Cal cuts and structural deficits within the state budget.
• Jennings Imel, Vice President, Western Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, provided a sweeping federal outlook, including the government shutdown, tax reform progress, supply chain pressures, and immigration and permitting reform efforts.

KEY THEMES AND TAKEAWAYS

Federal Policy & Economic Headwinds

Jennings Imel briefed attendees on the ongoing federal government shutdown and its potential impact on federal employees, military operations, and economic stability. He highlighted efforts to stabilize tax policy through the proposed “One Big Bill Act,” aimed at delivering long-term certainty for businesses. Additional discussion focused on volatile tariffs and the importance of business voices in trade policy, especially for import-reliant industries.

Healthcare Funding and State Budget Realities

Adam Dorsey outlined the unprecedented challenges facing California hospitals due to federal cuts and declining Medi-Cal reimbursement. Despite historically high market performance, California faces significant structural deficits, necessitating potential reductions in healthcare coverage and services. Attendees gained early awareness of upcoming state budget timelines and the implications for employers and healthcare providers.

Small Business Advocacy & Legislative Wins

Rana Ghadban shed light on the scope of legislative review performed by the California Chamber each year, more than 2,000 bills, and the importance of blocking harmful proposals to protect affordability. Successes in defeating labor mandates, costly compliance bills, and emerging AI regulations were recognized as major wins for employers. She underscored a powerful message: legislators respond most to real stories from real businesses.

Community Dialogue: From Concern to Influence

A robust Q&A session, moderated by Adam Ruiz of Rincon Strategies, opened the conversation on housing affordability, seismic mandates on hospitals, rising insurance costs, and the urgent need for pro-business leadership at every level of government. Panelists reinforced the value of personal advocacy, relationship-building, and chamber engagement as tools to move issues from a business owner’s “sphere of concern” to their “sphere of influence.”

Moving Forward Together

The Summit concluded with a call to action: creativity, resilience, and unified advocacy will be essential for navigating uncertainty in 2026 and beyond. As policy challenges mount from healthcare and taxation to workforce and infrastructure, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its role as a convener of leaders and a champion for the business community.

Stay informed locally through the Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC). Visit the website to see legislative issues, positions on bills, meeting schedule, and join the mailing list. 

Thank you to the 2025 Legislative Summit Sponsors

• Speaker Sponsor: Pechanga Resort Casino 
• Premier Community Partner: The City of Temecula
• Community Sponsors: 
  • Abbott 
  • Kaiser Permanente 
  • Rancho California Water District 
  • Southern California Edison 
  • Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR)
• Corporate Sponsors:  
  • Eastern Municipal Water District  
  • Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta 
  • Rady Children’s Medical Center 
  • Riverside County Office of Economic Development  
  • Southwest Healthcare System Rancho Springs/Inland Valley  
  • Southwest Healthcare System Temecula Valley Hospital  
  • Stonehouse Group 
• Executive Sponsor: Mt. San Jacinto College 
• Venue Sponsor: Wilson Creek Winery