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Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf Announces $20 Million Grant of the Open For Business Fund at L.A. Area Chamber
L.A. Area Chamber President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas welcomed Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf to the Chamber to announce the $20 Million Grant for the next round of the “Open for Business” Fund. Civic and community leaders joined the press briefing including Congressmembers Karen Bass and Jimmy Gomez, LISC LA Executive Director, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Wells Fargo Head of Small Business Banking Derek Ellington, small business owner of Hot & Cool Café, Tony Jolly, and entrepreneur and actor Anthony Anderson.
Wells Fargo identified a few cities to focus on with small business funding, and Los Angeles was chosen for additional acquisition assistance, growth capital, micro loans, cash grants, and other forms of assistance to encourage the growth of the small businesses which make L.A.’s neighborhoods unique and resilient. The announcement highlighted the importance of small businesses to the livelihoods, equitable prosperity, and culture of the L.A. region. Read Wells Fargo’s press release here.
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Chamber Meets with Top Prosecutor to Discuss Public Safety Issues
This week the Chamber convened a special briefing with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to discuss public safety concerns for the business community. He discussed his policies and took questions from members across a variety of topics from rail theft to retail crime. He expressed his readiness to work with the Chamber to ensure that business concerns are being addressed. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with him and his office.
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State Extends Paid COVID-19 Sick Leave and Restores Business Incentives
Governor Newsom signed the extension of the Paid COVID-19 Sick Leave. The extension takes effect February 19 and ends September 30. He also signed legislation (SB 113) restoring net operating loss deductions and business incentive tax credits for research and development. The Chamber has long championed restoring these business incentives. Read the Chamber's Policy Updates here.
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Chamber Continues Advocacy Meetings with Members of Congress
The Chamber continues to actively hold meetings with Members of Congress and their staff to advocate for critical funds from the infrastructure bill for the Los Angeles region. This week Chamber staff and Board members met virtually with Congressman Mike Garcia (R-25th), stressing the importance of federal investments for our ports and infrastructure as well as urging the Members to oppose tax hikes which could negatively impact small businesses in any future legislation. These meetings are ongoing as infrastructure funding is expected to become available.
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California to Consider Easing of Mask Mandates
State officials announced Monday that they are working with education, public health, and community leaders to update masking requirements at schools to ensure the safety of kids, teachers, and staff. Three states unveiled plans to end statewide school mask mandates as soon as the end of this month. Read more here.
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Celebrating Angela Gibson-Shaw
The Chamber is proud to highlight the achievements of President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC), Angela Gibson. Angela is an effective leader and has a vast array of experience with small business outreach, community engagement and public relations. She is committed to the empowerment of small minority and women-owned businesses, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Angela is a long-time partner of the L.A. Area Chamber helping to support the work of OneLA, Inclusive Procurement. She is a champion for the small businesses in Los Angeles. Learn more about our partners at the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce here.
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Celebrating Black History Month
Feb. 16
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What's Ahead in 2022
Feb. 16
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Doing Business With the Federal Government
Feb. 17
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What Does it Take to be Mayor?
Feb. 17
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Member News
Enlit Africa 2022 Webinar
Thursday, February 17 at 8:00 AM (PST), the US Commercial Service in California and South Africa and Power Africa will host a webinar in preparation for the Enlit Africa 2022 exhibition in June. For more information, contact Rod Hirsch, CS Oakland at [email protected].
Chamber News
The Chamber Attends Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Conference This year's Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) Conference was attended by L.A. Area Chamber President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas, and Vice President of Member Relations, Pat Clark. The annual conference convened Chamber leaders from 21 Western States and Canada for networking in a packed agenda with top keynote speakers, workshops, and educational sessions from the best and brightest Chamber organizations across the West.
The L.A. Area Chamber congratulates Jeremy Harris, President and CEO of Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, for being elected Board Chair of WACE, and we were fortunate to also meet with Suzanne Clark, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss aligning on specific initiatives.
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Join Our Transportation & Goods Movement Council Session on Governor Newsom's Infrastructure Plan
Please join us for a discussion on Governor Newsom’s proposed budget and forthcoming investments from the historic infrastructure bill. Learn how they may impact the transportation, goods movement and infrastructure needs of our region. Our featured speaker will be Elissa Konove, Acting Secretary, California State Transportation Agency. Also joining will be Trelynd Bradley, Senior Business Development Specialist, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and Kevin Klowden, Executive Director, Center for Regional Economics and California Center, Milken Institute. Register here.
New Members
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