Building Upon the Chamber’s Legacy

by Maria S. Salinas

For 135 years, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s work has been rooted in a deep commitment for a thriving Los Angeles region, where economic prosperity can be achieved by all. This week, the Los Angeles City Council recognized the Chamber for its service to Los Angeles over this period of time.

As we plan for the future, we must lead with an imperative to create a resilient economy for generations to come. Our focus on creating new jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential for a future as a world-class Los Angeles.

In his recognition of the Chamber, Council President Krekorian noted how the Chamber has supported many of the infrastructure projects that created the civic center, the ports and airports, among many other projects in and around Los Angeles. Today, the Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber of commerce which serves the greater Los Angeles region including the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside. We are proud champions for small businesses — 68% of our members are small businesses and we are strong advocates for economic strategies which support a bold future for the region.

Our recently released report, California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach, highlights the importance of developing an economic strategy that capitalizes on regional expertise, promotes partnerships with higher education, drives innovation, and builds an entrepreneurial infrastructure. This report sheds light on why our region should be optimistic about our future.

The Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to realize its vision — A Thriving Region For All. We understand we are at a pivotal moment to ensure this economy works for everyone.