APEC Convenes Global Leaders in San Francisco
The Chamber's President and CEO was in attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this week. The 2023 APEC Summit convened world and business leaders in San Francisco. APEC is a regional economic forum that represents 21 interdependent economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Themed "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All," the week-long event featured key gatherings, notably the APEC CEO Summit. The forum brought together CEOs, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and political figures for discussions on global opportunities and challenges. One highlight was U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s Gala Dinner speech, which noted the important role of the private sector in partnering with government to build stronger, resilient economies.
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Rep. Porter Speaks with Chamber on Efforts to Avert Government Shutdown
Rep. Katie Porter joined the Chamber for a virtual Accenture Pancakes & Politics this week. The Orange County Democrat detailed Congress' efforts to avert a government shutdown and her plans to advance policies to help the Los Angeles region maintain its competitiveness and economic resilience. Rep. Porter highlighted key priorities for the remainder of her term, including securing additional federal funding for housing and child care, infrastructure investments, and improving the region’s competitiveness.
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L.A. Provides Business Support After I-10 Closure
The City of L.A. is supporting small businesses impacted by the Interstate 10 closure. Impacted businesses can receive remote or in-person assistance from one of the city's 10 Los Angeles BusinessSource Centers (BSCs). Small businesses can receive free 1:1 consultations, business and employment support, and assistance in applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans. Learn more about the programs available here.
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Mayor, Metro Encourage Public Transportation to Avoid I-10
Due to the closure of the I-10 until next Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass recommends that impacted commuters explore public transportation alternatives. In response to the city emergency, the L.A. Department of Transportation (LADOT) is offering free rides on all Commuter Express and DASH buses. LA Metro has also enhanced transportation options, which include adding buses to Lines 66 (Olympic) and 251 (Soto). LADOT is collaborating with LA Metro to expedite the Metro E line, which traverses the I-10 freeway closure area. Additionally, Metrolink has added more trains from San Bernardino and Covina to Union Station to support commuters. Learn more about both public transportation options from LA Metro.
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Climate Action Plan 2045
The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission held a hearing on the 2045 Climate Action Plan this week. The Chamber submitted a letter and public comment outlining concerns about the potential impacts on housing, jobs, and infrastructure and requested an independent, comprehensive economic impact analysis to assess how these policies could impact L.A. County. The commission unanimously voted to adopt the plan and will schedule a hearing for a future Board of Supervisors meeting.
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ASU Hosts Education & Workforce Development Council
The Chamber hosted a special in-person Education & Workforce Development Council session this week at the Arizona State University California Center in downtown L.A. The discussion focused on harnessing corporate partnerships to advance educational opportunities. The session featured insightful case studies that provided a platform for other institutions to learn from and incorporate into their work.
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Chamber Hosts U.S.-Vietnam Business Seminar
The Chamber hosted the U.S.-Vietnam Business Seminar this week with the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the U.S. Commerce Department. Attendees learned about California’s and Vietnam's economic climate, as well as investment opportunities in the Vietnamese provinces of Long An and Thai Nguyen. During the seminar, the Chamber also signed a memorandum of understanding with the VCCI to help increase trade between the Los Angeles region and Vietnam.
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Chamber Meets with Singaporean Business Delegation
The Chamber and Nicole Simonian, Board member and Partner at Crowell & Moring, met with a business delegation from Singapore this week. The delegation presentation focused on doing business in the L.A. region, with a focus on international property and compliance. The Chamber presented on the importance of comprehending the subtle cultural nuances needed to foster respect and trust among international business relationships.
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Stacy's Snacks Offers $25,000 Grant Opportunity
Despite owning nearly 50% of all U.S. businesses, women entrepreneurs receive only 2% of venture capital funding. Stacy's Snacks is empowering female entrepreneurs in the food and beverage consumer packaged goods space by providing them with $25,000 in grant funding. Learn more and apply by Dec. 1 here.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants
The Verizon Digital Ready Program helps small business owners grow their businesses. Small businesses can earn a $10,000 grant through the program if they apply by Dec. 20. Learn more here.
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LA vs. Hate: Report Hate in Your Community
Building strong communities means looking out for each other. If you witness or experience an act of hate, you can call 211 or go to LAvsHate.org for support. All reports are confidential. Learn more about LA vs. Hate, and its programs here.
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Vaccinate All 58
California is encouraging all residents to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. As both viruses circulate this fall and winter, flu and COVID-19 shots can protect you and your family. View more information in English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
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SAG-AFTRA Ends Strike
After more than 100 days on strike, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) reached an agreement on a new contract. The deal, which still must be ratified by union members, boosts pay, increases residual payments for shows streamed online and bolsters benefit contributions. It also establishes new rules for the use of artificial intelligence. Read the Chamber's statement here.
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TELACU Honored by Latino Leaders
Congratulations to The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) on being named a Community Partner for the 70th Latino Leaders Luncheon Series, which is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to bringing leaders together to grow relationships and build unity. Michael Lizárraga, President & CEO of TELACU and Chamber Board member, was on hand to provide remarks.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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APEC 2023: Impact & What’s Important to Know for Your Business
Tuesday, November 28, 9:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Global Initiatives Council will host Emily Desai, Deputy Director for International Affairs and Trade at GO-Biz, to discuss the outcomes and results of this year's APEC Leaders' Summit. The discussion will focus on the impact the summit may have on California businesses and what's important to know for your business.
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Hear from Chair of New Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft
Wednesday, November 29, 9:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Government and Fiscal Affairs Council and the Small Business Council for a special joint session on retail theft and policy matters. Hear directly from Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, Chair of the newly-formed Select Committee on Retail Theft, and learn about the latest efforts to decrease retail theft and provide public safety resources for business owners in the Los Angeles region.
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Women in Leadership
Thursday, December 7, 3:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join the L.A. Area Chamber for our final Women in Leadership session of the year. This inspiring event features an incredible speaker lineup and opportunities for networking and relationship-building.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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