Chamber Weekly | News & Events

April 20, 2023

Out & About with Donna

Donna Joins Fastsigns as Armed Forces and Hometown

Heroes Banners Are Hung

I had the opportunity to join Stan Gray, owner of Fastsigns and two of his employees at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning as they began their second day of hanging banners on poles lining Torrance Blvd. If you live in Torrance or work in Torrance, you know these banners are significant as they announce the upcoming Armed Forces Parade and pay tribute to Torrance’s Hometown Heroes.

The City of Torrance is one of the few cities in the nation designated by the U.S. Department of Defense to host an Armed Forces Day celebration with the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade as a highlight. This rich tradition began in 1960; Mayor Al Isen, with the help of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, organized the first parade as a tribute to friends and fellow American who had served in the Armed Forces. Read More...

News

CalChamber Job Killer List

California Chamber of Commerce has released its 2023 job killer list, which includes bills dealing with labor and employment issues, taxation, housing costs, environmental, and climate and energy policies.

“California’s robust private sector economy creates and maintains more than 17 million jobs, paying $1.6 trillion in annual wages and salaries,” said CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera. “Yet, cost pressures, workforce challenges, litigation threats, and California’s pernicious housing shortage are an ever-present threat to our continued success. Costly policies — like the ones on CalChamber’s job killer list — stifle job creation, reduce investment in our economy, and drive outward migration. Read More...

Thank You Chamber Members for Welcoming Students

This past Tuesday, over 70 students from Shery High School in Torrance were provided the opportunity to visit and tour four businesses to gain insight into the world of work. Hosted by the Torrance Chamber, 'Business for a Day' provided students with hands-on experience in manufacturing, the tourism industry and a family and employee owned building supplies and hardware business. Read More...

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

For over a decade, 10KSB has helped over 1,200 Southern California entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs in the communities. This highly interactive, FREE 12-week program will provide participants with practical business education, advisory services, and a powerful network of like-minded business owners. Participants will also learn how to find the right customers for their products and/or services, hire the right employees, assess their finances, and so much more.

Application deadline for FALL 2023 program is May 15th, 2023. Now accepting applications for three 2024 programs (2 in Long Beach and 1 in Los Angeles).

More information

Chamber Provides Update by Key Legislators

The Torrance Chamber recently hosted Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, State Senator Steven Bradford and State Senator Ben Allen for the annual ‘State of the State’ event. Each member spoke of their accomplishments of last year and touched on bills introduced this year.

Muratsuchi, who is Chair of the Education committee, touched on the challenges in education from a current teacher shortage to the learning loss that the pandemic created for students. He also spoke on homelessness, public safety and the Skyline Mobil Home Park located in Torrance. Read More...

Earn Bill Credits for Conserving Energy During the Summer

You are invited to enroll in the Power Saver Rewards (PSR) program at any time at visiting powersaver.sce.com. The PSR program runs each summer starting May 1st through October 31st. During these months, events may be scheduled between 4 PM and 9 PM on days when the demand for electricity if high. When an event is scheduled, you will be notified via email one day in advance of a scheduled event or you can sign up for text notifications.

For additional information on the PSR program, visit powersaver.sce.com/faq.

C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance Project Update from Metro

Thank you for providing us with your comments as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Comment Period for the C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance Project. We received over 1,200 comments from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. All comments received or postmarked by Tuesday, March 27, 2023, have been submitted to L.A. Metro staff and will be included as the official comments for the Draft EIR. The public comment period ended on March 27, 2023, and L.A. Metro is currently reviewing all comments received.

What happens next? Read More...

We Want You to be a Part of the 5K for Freedom Run/Walk

Join us for the 5th Annual Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K for Freedom on Saturday, May 20th starting at 8:00 AM. All finishing participants will receive a 5K for Freedom commemorative t-shirt. There will be computerized bib timing, age division awards, free food and beverages, and exhibitor booths. The 1st place overall male and female will be invited to ride in the Torrance Armed Forces Day parade following the 5K.

Chamber Votes to Support Transparency Act

The Torrance Chamber Government Affairs Policy (GAP) members voted to support AB838, the California Water Affordability and Infrastructure Transparency Act of 2023, at their April meeting. AB 838 would give Californians greater insight into their bills by requiring California water providers to submit infrastructure investment and customer bill data to the State Water Resources Control Board annually.

West High Seeks Community Readers

West High School is gearing up for their annual WHS Summer Reading Book Chats! They are looking for community members to join in sharing interests and love of reading with students. Read More...

The Chamber's Young Professionals Group (YPG) met this week to network and connect with businesses in the South Bay. Thank you to Ana Straser and Dan Vozenilek for

co-charing this amazing group!