LOS ANGELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOST 98TH WORLD TRADE WEEK KICKOFF IN LONG BEACH, HOME TO LARGEST PORTS IN THE WESTERN U.S.

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES (April 10, 2024) — The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 98th World Trade Week Southern California Kickoff Conference, themed “The Future of Global Trade, Starts Now” at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach on May 1, 2024.

Since 1926, this event has served as a month-long celebration of global trade across the United States and is the largest, most extensive program of its kind. World Trade Week actively promotes international trade, which is a key driver of economic growth and diplomacy.

The annual Kickoff Conference convenes prominent business leaders, policy makers and diplomats to discuss the crucial role of international trade in supporting both our regional and global economy. The event will feature a keynote address from California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, as well as remarks from Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson.

“World Trade Week is an opportunity to highlight the region as an international gateway for global trade and innovation,” said Maria S. Salinas, L.A. Area Chamber’s President & CEO. “As we prepare to host major global events like the World Cup and Olympic Games over the coming years, this year’s event is about continuing the dialogue that ensures our policy makers and businesses are working collaboratively to build resiliency to support the supply chain to keep our region competitive.” 

The L.A. Area Chamber is excited to announce the Port of Long Beach as this year’s presenting sponsor. As one of the busiest ports in the country and home to One World Trade Center, the City of Long Beach serves as a major gateway for goods arriving from all over the world, making it the ideal location for this year’s conference. The L.A. Area Chamber would also like to thank Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer for the Port of Long Beach, Chair of this year’s World Trade Week Committee, for his dedication, support and passion for this event.

“Together, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach handle nearly 20 million container units each year, carrying cargo valued at more than $500 billion,” Dr. Hacegaba explained. “Those containers reach all 435 Congressional Districts in the U.S., generating one out of every nine jobs in the L.A. region and more than five million jobs across the nation. That is why I like to say that the movement of goods is literally ‘the economy in motion,’ and it’s a big reason why we’re excited to celebrate global trade in Long Beach.”

The event will also honor Corinne Murat, Director of Government Affairs at Mattel, Inc., with the Stanley T. Olafson Award. This is the L.A. Area Chamber’s most prestigious award, and recognizes an outstanding member of the global trade community who throughout their career has contributed to and promoted international trade.

 

The L.A. Area Chamber will also recognize Marine Exchange of Southern California with the Bob Kleist Leadership Award for their visionary leadership in the advancement of world trade in Southern California.

During the World Trade Week Kickoff Conference, the L.A. Area Chamber will celebrate the next generation of international trade leaders by awarding $15,000 in scholarships to eight high school and university students who are committed to pursuing a career in global trade.

• College/University: Lacey Beattie, Justine Bolden, James Carden, and Ben Hwang
• High School: Samiha Ansari, Kendall Batch, Pharen Labadie, and Avigael Hirsch

 

For more information, visit https://lachamber.com/world-trade-week/world-trade-week/. 

 

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ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of a broad spectrum of organizations across the private, non-profit, academic, and public sectors, including the business community, job creators, and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. As the oldest and largest business association in the region, the Chamber has a long-standing history of convening business leaders, communities, and policy makers to promote a vibrant economy. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.