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Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the L.A. Area Chamber, we design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive.

The activities of a chamber of commerce can vary. Sometimes visitors contact us about a program, service or question that is covered by another L.A. organization. Below is a list of the most common questions we receive, along with contact information for other L.A. resources.

1. WHAT IS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community, region, state or nation. Business owners in towns, cities and other territories voluntarily form these local societies/networks to advocate on behalf of the community at large, economic prosperity and business interests. 

Goals of a chamber:

Improve the business climate and quality of life in a community, typically through advocacy, networking and business development programs.

2. WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE L.A. AREA CHAMBER?

Companies join a chamber of commerce to increase their organization’s visibility, access to business and community leaders and to invest in the future of their community.

The L.A. Area Chamber, established in 1888, is the largest and oldest chamber of commerce in L.A. County, and we helped build much L.A.'s key infrastructure, from water system, freeways, port, to the transit system, and more.

3. HOW DOES OUR CHAMBER RELATE TO OTHER CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE?

There are more than 7,500 chambers of commerce in the United States. Each of these organizations is incorporated and operated separately, rather than as a chapter or franchise of some larger network of organizations. While the L.A. Area Chamber may partner with local chambers throughout the area on various issues, and may maintain membership in the state and U.S. Chamber, the L.A. Area Chamber is not tied to or a subsidiary of any of those organizations. Any connection the L.A. Area Chamber has to other chambers is one of voluntary affiliation or membership, and does not extend to control or governance.

4. WHERE CAN I FIND ECONOMIC DATA AND INDUSTRY DEMOGRAPHICS FOR LOS ANGELES OR INFORMATION ABOUT MOVING MY BUSINESS TO L.A. COUNTY?

Contact our partner organization, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, 213.622.4300, 888.452.3321 or laedc.org.

5. I'M THINKING ABOUT VISITING L.A. WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON TOURISM, CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND UPCOMING CONVENTIONS?

Contact our partner organization, The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800.366.6116 or discoverla.com or the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, 213.202.5500 or culturela.org.

6. I PLAN TO START A BUSINESS IN LOS ANGELES. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

For more information, contact:

Small Business Administration, 818.552.3201 or sba.gov

The Minority Business Development Agency Business Center Los Angeles, 213.978.0671, or mbcla.lacity.org

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), 213.674.2696 or click here.

SCORE, a partner of the Small Business Administration, 213.580.7500, or score.org (for business counseling and feedback on your business plan

To register a business name, contact:

L.A. County Department of Registrar/Recorder and the L.A. County Clerk, 562.462.2177 or lavote.net

For a business license in the City of Los Angeles, contact:

Office of Finance Division, 213.473.5901

For a business license in an unincorporated part of L.A. County, contact:

L.A. County Business License Office, 213.974.2011

7. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A LOCAL BUSINESS?

Contact the Better Business Bureau, 310.945.3166 or bbb.org or the Los Angeles County Office of Consumer Affairs, 213.974.1452 or dca.ca.gov.

8. WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A BIRTH, DEATH OR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?

Contact the Los Angeles County Registrar, 562.466.1323 or lavote.net.

9. HOW CAN I CONTACT CITY HALL AND OTHER LOCAL, ELECTED OFFICIALS?

There are 88 cities in L.A. County, each with their own municipal governments. Most often, we receive inquiries about L.A. City Hall, which is located at 200 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213.485.2121 or lacity.org.

10. HOW CAN I ADVERTISE WITH THE L.A. AREA CHAMBER?

Advertising opportunities in our newsletters, digital directory and on our web site are available exclusively for Chamber members. For more information, contact Shannon Smith, 213.580.7532.

11. HOW CAN I PROMOTE AN EVENT TO CHAMBER MEMBERS AND THE L.A. COMMUNITY?

Submit your event for posting to our free online Community Calendar at lachamber.com/events. For more information contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595.

12. I JUST MOVED TO LOS ANGELES. WHO DO I CALL TO TURN ON MY UTILITIES?

For the City of Los Angeles, dial 311 or go to lacity.org

For the County of Los Angeles, dial 211 or go to lacounty.gov

 FAQ for download