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L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK
March 31, 2023

Senator Alex Padilla Welcomes Delegation

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's ACCESS D.C. delegation was welcomed by Senator Alex Padilla. The California Senator emphasized the importance of the delegation’s voice in the national dialogue. The Senator also sat down with Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas for a fireside chat to discuss his work in the Senate and considerations for the Los Angeles region. They also discussed federal support for infrastructure to strengthen the region's global position, the stress on the financial institutions, and continuing support for small businesses. View photos from the event here.

Fireside Chat With Rep. Pete Aguilar

Pete Aguilar, California Congressmember and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, sat down with the Chamber’s Maria S. Salinas to discuss the importance of working across the aisle to uplift Southern California. Representative Aguilar highlighted the caucus' initiatives to gain bipartisan support for immigration policy and small-business assistance.

Infrastructure and Jobs Act Funding

Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator, joined L.A. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro, at ACCESS D.C. to discuss funding for the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. The group spoke about the generational infrastructure plan and the potential impact of the Olympics to reconnecting Angelenos.

Renewable Energy Future

Alejandro Moreno, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, sat down with Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of the LAEDC. Moreno discussed the potential for hydrogen-powered cities, renewable energy opportunities for the L.A. region, phasing out traditional energy supplies, and upcoming innovative technologies which could make Los Angeles a global leader in renewable energy.
POLICY & ADVOCACY

Governor Newsom Signs Oil Profits Regulation into Law

Governor Gavin Newsom signed special session bills Senate Bills X1-2 into law on March 28. The bill, authored by Senator Nancy Skinner and co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, authorizes the California Energy Commission (CEC) to create a new, independent division that can investigate and oversee the petroleum market, with the power to impose "price gouging penalties." The bill passed with a 58-19 supermajority vote in the Assembly and 30-8 in the Senate. The new law will go into effect on June 26.
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Chamber Leadership Advocates for Members at U.S. State Department

The Chamber's Martin Breidsprecher, Chief Operating Officer, and Kenneth Wengrod, Vice President of Global Trade and Foreign Investment, met with key staff from the U.S. Department of State, Office of Bilateral Trade Affairs, including, Robert Manogue, Director, David Henry, Deputy Director, and David MacDonald, Trade Policy Advisor for China and Taiwan, Bureau China Coordinator. The meeting aimed to strengthen the Chamber's working relationship with the U.S. State Department.

U.S. Trade Representative’s Office Meets with Chamber

Kenneth Wengrod met with Sophia Sokolowski, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Roberto Soberanis, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement. Soberanis will attend our 2023 World Trade Week Kickoff event on May 2.

Chamber Team Advocates for Small Business in D.C.

Chamber delegation and staff met with Christina Sevilla, Deputy Assistant of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for Small and Medium Business. Kenneth Wengrod attended as an appointed member of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee, covering small, minority and women-led businesses.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

County Economic Opportunity Grant Application Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for Phase 1 Economic Opportunity Grants for microbusinesses in Los Angeles County has been extended to May 5. Small businesses who have been operating since December 31, 2019, or earlier, earn $50,000 or less in revenue, and have five or fewer employees may be eligible for a $2,500 grant. Review the eligibility requirements and learn how to apply here.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

The next round of $10,000 Verizon Small Business Digital Ready grants are open, apply today. Register here to apply for grant funding and complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events by May 12. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. PST on May 12. All applicants will be notified of their grant status by the week of May 18. Learn more here.
CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

L.A. Times In-House Counsel Leadership Awards

The In-House Counsel Leadership Awards will be held at The Beverly Hilton on May 4. A panel discussion will be followed by the awards presentation and dinner, which will honor worthy nominees in a number of categories. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today. Register here.

Cedars-Sinai Receives Largest Gift in Its History

Cedars-Sinai received a gift of more than $140 million — the largest donation in the hospital's 121-year history — from the estate of longtime supporters Susanne and Ervin Bard. The gift will support clinical and research innovation in the new Susanne and Ervin Bard Pavilion, which houses internationally renowned institutes, centers, and research facilities, including the Smidt Heart Institute and the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center.
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Sunny Reelhorn Parr

We're celebrating Women's History Month to highlight the impactful contributions of women in our communities. We recognize Sunny Reelhorn Parr, Director of Corporate Affairs for Ralphs/Food 4 Less/The Kroger Co.

New Member

Member Anniversaries

COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

Transportation Chair Shares Vision

Monday, April 3, 11:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT

Join the Transportation and Goods Movement Council for their upcoming meeting. Heather Hutt, L.A. City Councilmember and Transportation Committee Chair, will discuss plans to advance transportation in Los Angeles. Hutt has been a public servant for more than 30 years and represents the communities of the 10th district.
RSVP

ACCESS Sacramento 2023

April 18 - 19, 2023
Join us in Sacramento to hear from state policymakers about issues impacting our region and economy. The L.A. Area Chamber aims to promote policies to strengthen industry, drive job creation, and promote regional economic prosperity for all. ACCESS Sacramento provides a platform for the Chamber and its members to advocate for state-level policy issues. Through a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions, members can connect with elected officials, share their stories and business knowledge, and shape policy.
RSVP

World Trade Week Southern California 2023

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
World Trade Week 2023 will celebrate the hurdles the supply chain has overcome during these past few years and amplify the goals of building a future-ready supply chain in an evolving world. If your company is active in global markets, don't miss this opportunity to sponsor and gain visibility in the Southern California trade industry.
RSVP
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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