Chamber Weekly | News & Events

March 13, 2023

Out & About with Donna

Donna Visits Pho Hue Oi

Today’s Out and About column is one I look forward to sharing with you. It is a story about a dream, inspiration, and family. As I arrived at Pho Hue Oi, serving Vietnamese cuisine, I was greeted by Dao Tran, the son-in-law of the owner and founder, Vinh Le. I became totally immersed in Vinh’s warmth, her sincerity, and her story when introduced to her.

Vinh grew up in Hue, an Imperial city in central Vietnam. She fondly recalls cooking alongside her grandmother at an early age creating authentic dishes. After moving to California, Vinh became a manicurist in Mission Viejo saving money to open a restaurant which was her lifelong passion. Read More...

News

GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for

California Competes Tax Credit

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). There are at least $99.7 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, March 20, at 11:59 PM (PST) and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov.

Healthcare Leaders to Address the Business Community

The chamber will host the 'Intersection of Business & Healthcare' event on March 22 at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel. Panelists include Keith Hobbs, President, Torrance Memorial Medical Center; Santiago Munoz, Chief Strategy Officer, UCLA Health; Karen Sielbeck, Chief Operating Officer, Kaiser Permanente, South Bay; and Sajid Sindha, Executive Director Strategy & Business Development, Providence Little Company of Mary.

Panelists will include thoughts on how businesses can support health/wellness programs for their employees; the impact of the pandemic on healthcare and learnings for future pandemics; mental health trends and an innovative idea or technology innovation they are excited about.

Click here to RSVP

Congratulations to the Cohen Veterans Network on the opening of their clinic providing customized outpatient care for veterans, service members and their families. The clinic is located at 20800 Madrona Ave., Suite C-100 in Torrance.

Chamber to Host 'Business for a Day' Program

for Sherry High School Students

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host 'Business for a Day' for Shery High School students on April 18th. Students will have the opportunity to visit businesses and meet leadership to see how businesses are founded and how they grow and operate on a day-to-day basis.

"A program inspired by Dick Rossberg, 'Business for a Day' will provide students the opportunity to learn new skills, provide contextual learning, inspire future career paths and help students build connections and communication," said Donna Duperron, President & CEO.

Three Recipients Recognized at Black History Celebration

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 22^nd Annual Black History Celebration. Chamber members came together to recognize the contributions of African Americans who have made a difference on the world stage as well as those that have changed lives in our local community. Honorees included Steve Lewis who received the Professional Spirit Award, Tamieka Smith who received the Business Entrepreneur Award, and Grandma’s House Catering who received the Dedicated Small Business Award.

Thank you to the sponsors who supported the event. Presenting Sponsor: Kinecta Federal Credit Union. Distinguished Sponsors: American Honda Motor Company, Inc. and Torrance Refining Company. Supporting Sponsors: Dignity Health Sports Park and Pelican Products.

Torrance Police Chief Jeremiah Hart welcomes Jenna Murata, West High School Principal and Paris Rudison (far left), President of the West High Black Culture Club and Zara Simon (far right) Secretary and Treasurer of the West High Black Culture Club to the Annual Black History Celebration hosted by the Torrance Chamber. Zara read a poem she wrote titled "My Skin."