We know influencing legislative decisions is a tough task. Albert Einstein once remarked, “politics is far more complicated than physics.” Here in California, where a recession still looms large, state legislators recently introduced more than two-dozen legislative items that could impose costly workplace mandates, establish regulatory burdens and eliminate lifelines to help keep employers afloat.

There are more than 3.3 million small businesses in California, and 95 percent of all businesses in San Diego are small businesses. The importance of the local business voice speaking on policy issues is a powerful tool that cannot be ignored by decision makers.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new interactive legislative action webpage is one-stop shop that allows businesses to directly engage elected officials about important local, state and federal legislation.

Business owners work tireless hours meeting the demands of customers, clients and investors. It can prove difficult for a business to advocate for the long-term public policy solutions while struggling to keep the lights on and the doors open.

The Chamber Action webpage plays a critical time-saving role for business owners. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s policy experts manage legislative priority lists, conduct the research and track the progress of issues that impact the business community. Chamber Action webpage visitors can read short briefings about each item and utilize tools to communicate directly with legislators.

While we could debate the pros and cons for each of these legislative proposals until rain falls again in San Diego, the reality is that the demanding business climate in California is forcing businesses to find greener pastures outside the Golden State.

For example, in 2011, 254 businesses moved out of California to other states – nearly five per week. This is a 24 percent increase over 2010. Notables included Dunn-Edwards Paints, eBay Inc. (which will add 1,000 high-paying jobs in Austin, Texas, after receiving government incentives to locate there), the new owner of Claim Jumper and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Hyundai Capital America. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Our state needs to focus on recruiting 254 new businesses every year into California, not drive them out.

NST’s role on the public policy committee continues our long history of activity with the chamber and ensures our clients have a well-informed opinion about new laws, policies and regulations that impact the interests of the business community. The ultimate goal for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economic climate of the San Diego region. NST will continue to play a role in this effort.

My four-month tenure on the chamber’s public policy committee has provided an eye-opening glimpse into their robust operations to influence legislation for the betterment of San Diego businesses.

While we may not be able to ever completely understand the “physics of politics”, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide a great platform for discourse.

We at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker believe it’s important to give back – it not only helps those in need and sets an example for other organizations, but it also encourages us a team.  Last Thursday, several NST’ers spent the morning downtown waving signs and collecting money in big red shoes in support of the third-annual Red Shoe Day.  Our team represented a few of the more than 1,200 volunteers who took to the streets to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego (an NST client) and the great work they do to provide a “home away from home” for families with critically ill or injured children in local hospitals.

It was inspiring to watch the creativity of some of the volunteers, some donning wigs, costumes and hula hoops to get attention, and it was even more special to see firsthand the generosity of those choosing to give back on their daily commute.  All in all, Red Shoe Day raised an estimated $150,000 for the charity, so thanks to all who donated!

What’s a creative way you or your professional team have helped make your community a better place to live, work and play?

When did the standard response to “How are you?” become “busy”?

In a world of overachievers and overbooked calendars, everyone seems to be busier than usual these days. Those of us in the PR world often assert that we like being busy, and we do, but when does busy turn from being productive in to constrictive?

Tim Kreider recently explored this shift in a New York Times’ commentary column, and expressed his thoughts on the value of not being busy.

“Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets. The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration — it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.”

Creating a work/life balance is one of our core values at NST, and is an important part of maintaining the passion and creativity that drives us in our jobs. Whether it’s a vacation or a Sunday afternoon on the porch, dedicating time to clear your mind and see the big picture should be a vital appointment on everyone’s calendars.