June 20, 2024

Out and About

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board Members

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce installed nine new board members to a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024. Pictured are newly installed board members, Nate Mabry, Providence Little Company of Mary; Luis Trujillo, Roadium Open Air Market; Krystal Kibbe, Kaiser Permanente South Bay; Gesuina Lafayette, Torrance Refining Company and Liz Schick, Virco Manufacturing Corporation.

New board members not pictured include: Mike Cirona, Scott Robinson Auto Group; Belma Demirovic Chinchoy, Immigration General Counsel; Jac Folkert, UCLA Health;

Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services.

News

Governor Newsom & Legislative Leaders Announce Agreement on PAGA Reform

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom, in partnership with legislative leadership and business and labor groups, announced an agreement on needed reforms to the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) that avoids a contentious ballot measure campaign. Read More...

Get Ready: New Workplace Violence Prevention Standards Begin July 1

Beginning July 1, 2024, nearly all California employers must comply with the state’s general industry workplace violence prevention standards — and CalChamber’s free Workplace Violence Prevention for California Employers white paper covers what employers should know about these new requirements. Read More...

Wanted: CalChamber Members to Support Small Business Interests

Small businesses are the heartbeat of the California economy, driving innovation and creating millions of jobs. Recognizing the vital role these businesses play, the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has established the Small Business Policy Council (SBPC) to champion the interests of this important sector of our state’s economy. Read More...

California Lawmakers Approve State Budget

The Assembly and Senate passed the budget bills, AB/SB 107, with votes of 61-14 and 29-8 respectively. Both houses also approved two trailer bills; one on Prop 98 to suspend the education threshold and one on taxation measures, including the suspension of Net Operating Loss (NOL) deductions. Once these bills reach the Governor's desk, he has 12 days to sign the budget into law. However, budget negotiations between the legislature and the Governor will continue this week.

The chamber convened restaurant and catering owners this week to meet with Cody Bridges, Assembly member Al Muratsuchi's office, to discuss issues of importance. Discussion items included PAGA, labor costs, insurance, food costs and SB478 and SB1524.

Pictured with Bridges are Laurie Brandt, Red Car Brewery and Restaurant; Meg Walker, Made by Meg Catering; Kirk Rossberg, Torrance Bakery and Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.

New Initiative Simplifies Contracting, Boosts Procurement Opportunities for Small Businesses

The California Chamber of Commerce, in a collaborative effort with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and the Northern California Small Business Development Center, is launching an initiative that aims to bridge the gap in business procurement by offering comprehensive support to help small businesses acquire procurement contracts in both the public and private sectors. Read More...

City of Torrance to Host 'Select Torrance' Business Forum

The City of Torrance, in partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the Select Torrance event on June 21, 2024. This premier business resource forum will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center. This event provides a unique opportunity for local and international businesses to discover the many benefits of operating in Torrance. Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts in fields such as real estate, city planning, business banking, and labor laws, offering a comprehensive understanding of Torrance's dynamic business environment. Read More...

Jessica Merritt, Director of Communications for LAX Development Projects at Los Angeles World Airports

Chamber Members Applaud LAX Development Projects

At the Government Affairs Policy (GAP) meeting on Wednesday, June 12th, Jessica Merritt, Director of Communications for LAX Development Projects at Los Angeles World Airports, delivered a comprehensive update on the airport’s modernization initiatives. Merritt detailed significant improvements to the departure and arrival processes, progress on the Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility, and ongoing upgrades to airfield and terminal infrastructures. These enhancements are set to bolster safety, capacity, and overall efficiency at LAX.

We extend our sincere thanks to our lunch sponsors: Express Employment, Grandma’s House Catering, Preferred Bank, and the Torrance Airport Association.

Why Have a Ribbon Cutting with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce?

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is more than just a symbolic gesture; it's a powerful tool for business promotion and community engagement. It’s an excellent way for new businesses to announce their arrival and attract potential customers. The presence of key figures like the Mayor, City Council members, and Chamber Ambassadors lends credibility and visibility, helping you establish a strong community presence from day one. Read More...

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