World Trade Week, ballot guide, and business opportunities.
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Celebrating 100 Years of World Trade Week
The Chamber hosted the Centennial World Trade Week, marking 100 years of championing global trade in the Los Angeles region. Founded by the Chamber alongside the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and Los Angeles World Airports, the event brought together economic leaders and Chamber members to celebrate the partnerships that helped establish Los Angeles as a major international trade hub. The opening panel featured POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka, POLB CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba, LAWA CEO John Ackerman, and Deputy Mayor for International Affairs Dilpreet Sidhu, who discussed their shared vision for deepening coordination and maintaining the region’s global competitiveness.
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Chamber Honors Julie Anne Hennessy and ILWU at World Trade Week
At the Centennial World Trade Week, the Chamber recognized outstanding contributions to global trade. Julie Anne Hennessy, Director, Los Angeles, West (Retired), U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, received the Stanley T. Olafson Award, the Chamber's highest honor, for her leadership and impact on international commerce. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union was presented with the Bob Kleist Leadership Award, accepted by Mario Medina, President of ILWU Local 13, in recognition of the union’s essential role in sustaining regional trade and driving long-term economic growth.
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Reminder: California Primary Election Is Next Tuesday
The California Primary Election is next Tuesday. The Chamber encourages all members to make their voices heard by participating in this important election. The L.A. Jobs PAC has published its 2026 endorsement guide to support informed voting. If mailing a ballot on Election Day, request a USPS hand‑stamped postmark to ensure it is counted. Voters can also access helpful resources through the Secretary of State’s Promote the Vote California website. View the Chamber’s ballot guide here.
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Chamber Celebrates 10 Years of Fleet Week at the Port of Los Angeles
The Chamber marked the 10th anniversary of Fleet Week at the Port of Los Angeles with a special member experience in San Pedro. The event included a private tour of the USS Essex and a reception hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, where Executive Director Gene Seroka provided featured remarks. Military guests and Chamber leadership joined the celebration honoring 250 years of naval history. Thank you to sponsors Port of Los Angeles, American Red Cross, and Yusen Terminals, LLC. View photos here. View photos here.
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House Advances Amended ROAD to Housing Act
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a vote of 396–13. The bill includes provisions addressing private equity investment in single‑family homes, expanding grants to modernize housing, and streamlining infill development. The legislation also removes prior language requiring certain rental homes to be sold within seven years. Senate leaders are continuing discussions on potential amendments ahead of consideration in the U.S. Senate.
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Chamber Joins LAUSD Coalition on Federal Education Funding Concerns
The Chamber joined LAUSD’s coalition letter to Congress regarding FY 2027 federal education funding, raising concerns about proposed cuts to programs such as TRIO, GEAR UP, and teacher development grants. While recognizing increased IDEA funding, the letter opposes further consolidation of subgrants due to potential impacts on flexibility and services for students with disabilities. Partners may sign on here through May 29, 2026.
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Unlock New Procurement Opportunities: BID for the Americas Procurement Fair
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group invites you to its upcoming virtual Procurement Fair. This event connects companies with high-impact projects in Latin America and the Caribbean across energy, transport, and water sectors. Through training, B2G networking, and B2B matchmaking, it is a gateway for suppliers and subcontractors. Learn more here.
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AI Small Business Training Workshop
Unlock the power of AI for your company. Join the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for a hands-on "ChatGPT for Small Business" workshop on June 4, 2026. Learn to streamline operations and build reusable solutions with expert guidance. Plus, attendees receive a full year of ChatGPT Plus! Click here for full details and to secure your spot.
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Small Business Mobility Fund
The Small Business Mobility Fund is part of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity’s Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI), designed to reduce barriers to business success by expanding access to education, training, technical assistance, and capital to small businesses across all five Supervisorial Districts. The fund offers three grant types with approximately $500,000 available to 100 businesses. Application Deadline: June 1, 2026. Register here.
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Get in the Game: Small Business Opportunity Portal
Stay informed on the latest small business procurement opportunities designed to help you grow and compete. Receive timely updates, resources, and access to contracts that match your business needs. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities. Sign up today to stay connected and ready for what’s next.
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LA Times Studios Presents the LA Executive Forum & Leadership Awards
LA Times Studios, part of the Los Angeles Times Media Group, presents the LA Executive Forum & Leadership Awards, bringing together the region’s most influential executives and entrepreneurs for an evening of insight, strategic connection, and recognition. As one of Los Angeles’ premier business gatherings, the event is designed for leaders focused on shaping the future of business, leadership, and innovation. Tickets are selling fast, secure yours today!
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Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
We're celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by proudly highlighting the impactful contributions of our AAPI community. This week, we recognize Jaelyn Kwan, Partner at McKinsey & Company and a Chamber Board Member, whose work in digital transformation is helping organizations harness technology and data to drive growth and innovation.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Summer Social
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 p.m.
Audio Graph Brewery
We built something just for you. A summer social designed for the people who keep LA running. Meet some of the best connections you'll make all summer, sparked by a panel conversation, and hang out afterward with food trucks out back and cold beer (available for purchase). Quick rounds, real conversations. Come as you are. Leave with your people.
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@LAChamberMaria
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@LAChamberMaria
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@LAChamberMaria
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