September 28, 2023

Jorge Rivera, General Manager, (center) takes a short break with team members

Donna Visits IHOP

I am a morning person, waking up no later than 5:30 each morning. I have always enjoyed going out to breakfast with family, friends, or colleagues as mornings are quiet and peaceful. When the opportunity to do an Out and About on IHOP was presented, I looked forward to it.

IHOP is an American multinational pancake house restaurant chain that specializes in American breakfast foods. It was founded on July 7, 1958, and is headquartered in Glendale, CA with 99% of the current restaurants owned by independent franchisees. Read more... 

Torrance chamber supports C Line Extension

The Torrance chamber's Government Affairs Policy committee (GAP) voted unanimously to send letters of support for the C Line (Green) extension to Metro, Torrance Mayor George Chen and Torrance City Council members. Larry Halvorsen, Vice Chair of Government Affairs has led numerous meetings where key leaders from Metro have made presentations about the light rail proposal to the South Bay. C Line Letter to Mayor Chen

Every segment of American society - individuals, families, communities, and businesses - benefit from public transportation. It is a lifeline for millions of Americans connecting them to people, places, and possibilities. It also builds thriving communities, creates jobs, eases traffic congestion, and promotes a cleaner environment. Investment in public transportation spurs both the local and the national economy.

Two very important meetings will occur in October. Business leaders are encouraged to attend the meetings. If you are unable to attend the meetings, you are invited to submit letters to Metro, Mayor Chen and Torrance City Council members. Additional information will be posted on the chamber's website in the coming weeks.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 6:30pm – Torrance City Council Meeting to Discuss C-Line Extension to Torrance

Location: Torrance Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

Virtual option: None. Must attend in-person to comment on items

Agenda: TBA. Speakers have 1 minute.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 @ 10am - LA Metro Board of Directors Meeting to Select a Locally Preferred Alternative for C-Line Extension Project

In-person Location: One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 3rd Floor, Metro Board Room

Watch online: https://boardagendas.metro.nett

Listen by phone and comment: Dial 888-251-2949 and enter Access Code: 8231160# (English) or 4544724# (Español). Press #2 (pound-two) to unmute yourself when prompted to speak. Speakers have 1 minute.

Agenda: TBA

CalChamber Urges Veto on Job Killer Bill That Disproportionally Affects Small Business

A California Chamber of Commerce job killer bill that will impose significant costs on all California businesses by increasing the number of paid sick days employers are required to provide has been sent to the Governor. Read more...

Providing UI Benefits to Striking Workers Makes Debt Crisis Worse, Pushes Taxes Higher

California employers would be forced to subsidize striking workers, and probably see their taxes increased, under a bill passed by the Legislature and awaiting action by Governor Newsom. The legislation, SB 799 by Senator Anthony Portantino, would make striking employees eligible for unemployment compensation after a strike has continued for more than two weeks. Read more...

CalChamber Asks Governor to Veto Bill That Undermines Arbitration

The California Chamber of Commerce is urging the Governor to veto SB 365, a job killer bill that severely restricts the use of arbitration agreements. Read more....

Member Memo: Looming Government Shutdown

There is an increasing likelihood that the federal government will shutdown at the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2023.

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The U.S. Chamber created a memo for members with more detail about the possible length of a shutdown and the implications for the business community and the economy so that you and your members can prepare accordingly. Read more...

Support Your Local Chamber

Every third Wednesday of October the U.S. Chamber of Commerce celebrates National Support Your Local Chamber day. State and local chambers provide more then just a community, we provide workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities. We provide a space for businesses to come together and discuss common issues of concern and promote pro-business policies on all levels. The Chamber of Commerce is the voice for small business around the nation. On October 18th show your support. Here are ways you can support. Read More...

Belma Demirovic Chinchoy, Director of the Leadership Torrance class of 2024 and co-director Karen Pryor were introduced this morning at the Board of Directors meeting by Sherry Kramer, Chairwoman of the Board, Continental Development Corporation. Leadership Torrance will kick off in January of 2024. Applications are currently online at www.torrancechamber.com

Torrance Bakery Named One of America’s Top Small Businesses

Kirk Rossberg founder and owner of Torrance Bakery

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that Torrance Bakery is one of America's top 70 small businesses, selected amid an extraordinary year that saw a record-breaking 15,000+ applicants for its annual “America’s Top Small Business" Awards. 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected America’s top 70 small businesses from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. They were evaluated on their business growth, ability to overcome challenges, smart strategies for success, and community engagement. Seven of the top small businesses will go on to be named finalists.

The top 70 small businesses receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and will be prominently featured on the CO— website, a platform that provides practical information and tips to 20,000 business owners daily and over 6 million individuals annually, spanning the United States and the globe. The winner of the coveted title of "America's Top Small Business" will receive a $25,000 cash prize.

Jayson Mercado, store manager, Michael Kors Del Amo Fashion Center welcomes several store managers to a Meet and Greet this past Sunday morning.  

Duperron welcomed at Del Amo Fashion Center 

Donna Duperron, President & CEO, was welcomed this past Sunday by several Del Amo Fashion Center store managers. Invited by Jayson Mercado, Michael Kors store manager, Duperron took part in a conversation that included topics regarding smash and grab robberies, recruitment and hiring, and community involvement.

Duperron also spoke to the store managers about the benefits of chamber membership, advocacy outreach and networking opportunities.

State of the City 2023 Photo Gallery

State of The city is a yearly event put on by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce that happened on September 15, 2023. Mayor George Chen addressed the community sharing highlights from the past year. Mayor Chen talked about city-wide accomplishments and the goals for Torrance's future. View Photo Gallery Here...

2023 Coastal Cleanup Photo Gallery

The 2023 Coastal Cleanup hosted by The City of Torrance and Heal the Bay had around 600 volunteers who picked up roughly 205 pounds of trash at Torrance Beach Saturday September 23, 2023. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce was there to help out. View Photo Gallery Here...

Tuesday, October 10th | 11:45 AM - Business at Noon

Wednesday, October 11th | 8:30 AM - Chamber 101

Thursday, October 12th | 12:00 PM - Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP)

Thursday, October 19th | 4:30 PM - Business Expo and Showcase

Bay Cities Construction | Blue Burro Cantina | TPC Solutions Group

Frank Scotto Consulting | Torrance Airport Association

1 - 10 Years

Preferred Networking Solutions, Inc.

Key Disposal and Recycling, LLC.

Wiseman Real Estate Team

Caring Transition South Bay/PV

ICAN California Abilities Network

Ricky Pennington State Farm Agency

Temple Emet of the South Bay

Employment Development Dept.

Dick Monod de Froidrville

Street Faire Antiques

Diverge IT

Fast Signs of Torrance

11 - 20 Years

6 Branches of Malaga Bank

Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.

Paul's Photo

Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.

Every Body's Pilates & Fitness

Athena Paquette Mortgage Advisor

21 - 30 Years

PDM,LLC

Mc Donald's

Fantastic IT Solutions

Robinson Helicopter Company

31 - 40 Years

Torrance Bakery / Sandwich Shop