Los Angeles Regional Export Council Becomes an Official Council of the Chamber

The Chamber is proud to announce that the Los Angeles Regional Export Council (LARExC) is officially incorporated into the Chamber and is structured as an additional business Council under its umbrella!

LARExC was originally established in 2011, with the lead Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (co-lead), UCLA Anderson Center for Global Management/CIBER (co-lead), and the support of Los Angeles World Airports, the Port of Los Angeles, USC Marshall School of Business/CIBER and the the Brookings Institution of Washington DC, to promote exports for the region’s companies.

Also, other organizations engaged through involvement on the initial steering committee were the Center for International Trade Development (CITD), Deutsche Bank, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, President’s Export Council – SME Subcommittee, U.S. Commercial Services – Los Angeles, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the World Trade Center Association-Los Angeles/Long Beach.

Chamber Hosts Briefing on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023

On January 31st, the Chamber’s Global Trade & Foreign Investment team hosted a briefing featuring Matt Murray, U.S. Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Murray provided an overview of APEC 2022 outcomes and APEC 2023 priorities for the U.S. Under the APEC 2023 theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” the United States remains committed to furthering APEC’s work across a wide range of policy domains, including trade and investment facilitation, the digital economy, health, gender equity and equality, clean energy and climate, anti-corruption, and food security.

World Trade Week Southern California Scholarship Applications Has Launched!

The Chamber is offering annual scholarships through the World Trade Week Southern California Education Committee to encourage young people to continue in post-secondary study in international trade and business. The award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500. Learn more here!

Exploring Opportunities in the Global Streaming & Entertainment Industry

Join the Chamber's Diplomatic & Commercial Officers Group on February 23 as we focus on international co-production and filming, distribution, financing for international productions, IP and content. Our high-level panel speakers will share domestic and international experiences and views from leading companies such as A&E Studios, Paramount, and StoryWarrior Media Capital. Register here.

Global Trade Industry Award Opportunities!

The Chamber and the World Trade Week Committee are currently accepting nominations for a series of prestigious international trade industry awards — the Export Achievement Award, Innovation in Trade Award, and Foreign Direct Investment Award — which will be presented live at the World Trade Week Southern California Kickoff Conference on May 2, 2023. Awardees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the international business community. Submit your nominations here!

LAEDC Economic Forecast 2023

LAEDC’s annual Economic Forecast on February 23 is a highly anticipated and publicly visible event that offers a valuable look ahead at projections for the national, state, and local economy, all with global implications. A keynote speaker will provide a macro view of the national economy and discuss how communities have transitioned the economy through and out of the pandemic. Learn more here.

8th Annual State of the Port of Los Angeles

On January 19, the Port of Los Angeles and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association partnered to host the 2023 State of the Port event at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka provided an overview of cargo numbers, key initiatives, and priorities for the future. View the presentation here.

State of the Port of Long Beach — Year of Imagination

On January 26, Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero delivered the annual State of the Port. The address focused on the successes and milestones of 2022 and looked ahead toward cargo trends, infrastructure projects and how Long Beach is working to become the world’s first zero-emissions port. View the presentation here.

Stephen Cheung Becomes CEO and President for LAEDC

Chief Operating Officer Stephen Cheung will assume his new role as chief executive and president of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp (LAEDC), taking over for veteran leader and business advocate Bill Allen. Allen departs the LAEDC following 17 years of service, a tenure that saw Allen leading local economic recovery following the Great Recession of 2008-09 and the COVID-19 fallout. Learn more here.

U.S. Chamber’s Annual State of American Business Address

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark outlined her “Agenda for American Strength” at the U.S. Chamber's State of American Business Address. Key components of the agenda include establishing policies for long-term business success, a commitment to infrastructure, better utilizing U.S.-based energy resources, and enhancing America’s role on the global stage. Full coverage of the event can be seen here.