$150 million in California tax credits available
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is hosting a workshop on the new California Competes Tax Credit at the Chamber on Jan. 21. Small, medium and large businesses are encouraged to attend the workshop and receive instruction on how to apply for this new tax credit program available from the State. Read more.

Chamber announces 2015 World Trade Week leadership
The Chamber announced this week that Caroline V. Brown, director of Global Trade & Supply Chain Solutions for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will chair this year’s World Trade Week efforts, which include more than 30 events, briefings and activities to help raise awareness about the economic opportunities in global trade. Anthony Pirozzi, director of Systems Integration Test and Launch for The Boeing Company, will serve as vice-chair. For nearly 90 years, World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public on the importance of global trade and its contribution to our local, state and national economy. Under the guidance of its founding sponsors – the L.A . Area Chamber, Los Angeles World Airports, the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach – the original week-long observance has now grown to more than 30 events held each year throughout the month of May in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura. Read more. Contact Jasmin Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.

Speakers confirmed for How to Run for Public Office, Feb. 11
Have you ever wanted to work on a political campaign or run for public office? Whether it's for your local school board or the State Assembly, join the Chamber Wednesday, Feb. 11, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., for our How to Run for Public Office event, where you'll learn strategies from experts who can teach you how to get there! Confirmed speakers include; Wendy Greuel, former City of L.A. Controller and Council Member; Mary Jane Stevenson, executive director, City Year of Los Angeles; Harvey Englander, managing partner, Englander Knabe & Allen; Shayna Englin, managing director, Mercury Public Affairs; Hon. Richard Katz, founder, Richard Katz Consulting; Leilani Sinclair, principal, Niko Consulting; Celina Santiago, development director, Sacred Heart High School and Michael Trujillo, political consultant. Sponsored by Englander Knabe & Allen. Click here to RSVP and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Contact Hadia Kabir, 213.580.7524.

VIETRADE representatives visit the Chamber
The Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) officials, joined by 30 company executives involved in the food industry, visited the Chamber this week. VIETRADE is a government organization responsible for promoting trade and investment in global markets. Vietrade operates similarly as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Vietnam, ranked as Los Angeles’ 6th most important trading partners topping $10 billion in bilateral trade in 2014. Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.

Manufacturer's Bank Grand Re-Opening On Wednesday ,the Chamber joined Manufacturers Bank for their grand re-opening at 515 S. Figueroa St. Chamber President and CEO, Gary Toebben, presented Manufacturer's Bank Chairman and CEO, Mitsugu Serizawa, and President and COO, Naresh Sheth, with a certificate on behalf of the Chamber. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilman Jose Huizar. The celebration ended with a ceremonial cake and ribbon cutting in the company's new 4th floor offices. Contact Brenda Valiente, 213.580.7559. Click here to submit your member news.