Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft Meets
The State Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft held its first public hearings last week. The new select committee discussed the rise in retail crime, especially in the state's large population centers. Testimony was provided by several organizations. Chair Rick Chavez Zbur recently met with Chamber members and solicited feedback for the policy discussions. The Chamber will continue to monitor the policy development. We look forward to working with Chair Zbur to further efforts to curb retail theft.
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LA28 Leadership Transition
Kathy Carter, CEO of LA28, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games organizers, is stepping down as leader of the organization and will serve as senior advisor. As LA28 preparations enter a new phase, the organization is moving from a commercial and planning phase to an operational and delivery phase. The Chamber commends Carter on setting the foundation for the 2028 games and for being a key driving force behind the first phase of planning. The Chamber will continue to work with the organization and serve on its committee to support small businesses.
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Kroger, Albertsons to Merge
Kroger and Albertsons, two of the largest grocery chains in the country, have agreed to a merger worth $24.6 billion. The deal is expected to help the companies stay competitive in a changing grocery market landscape post-pandemic. The Kroger Co. currently owns grocery chains such as Ralphs and Food 4 Less. If approved by the Federal Trade Commission, the merger would be Kroger's largest acquisition to date, and would sell 413 stores, including some in California, to C&S Wholesale Grocers as part of the transaction.
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Permanent Al Fresco Dining Program Approved
Los Angeles City Council approved a permanent al fresco outdoor dining program to allow restaurants to provide outdoor dining on private property. The program, as approved, includes changes for small businesses, such as a requirement for one ADA parking space for restaurants above a certain size and an outdoor alcohol permit for relevant businesses. Al fresco dining grew out of the pandemic and was successful in keeping more than 80% of businesses open during the pandemic, according to a UCLA study. The Chamber is pleased to see the City Council pass this ordinance, which will help a number of restaurants.
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County Supervisors Pass Climate Budget Plan
The County Board of Supervisors approved a motion this week to establish an L.A. County climate budget to achieve carbon-neutral county operations. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's motion requires a report on greenhouse gas emissions from county operations including energy, buildings, transportation, water, and waste to measure progress toward achieving decarbonization. The motion also requires reporting on items funded in each year’s budget intended to advance climate change mitigation and adaptation goals, recommendations on a minimum climate mitigation investment target for each budget year, barriers to investment, and cost estimates for resources needed to implement the strategy.
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Chamber Discusses Traffic Reduction and Congestion with LA Metro
The Chamber's Transportation and Goods Movement Council hosted Mark Vallianatos, Executive Officer of the LA Metro Office of Strategic Innovation, to discuss the Metro Traffic Reduction Study and Congestion Pricing Project. The presentation led to a robust discussion regarding revenue collection and distribution, equity and impact, economic opportunities, and the importance of updated data for informed decision-making as the study and project process advances in 2024.
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Chamber Meets Representatives From El Salvador
The Chamber met Adriana Mira, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Alejandro José Letona Alvarado, Consul General of Los Angeles. The meeting focused on technology and innovation to enhance cooperation, strengthen ties, and facilitate growth to assist in the growth of El Salvador's economy. The significant Salvadoran population in the Los Angeles region makes cooperation with El Salvador essential for the growth of both economies.
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Canadian Delegation Visits with Chamber
The Chamber met with diplomatic officers from the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles this week. The meeting focused on advancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment between the Los Angeles region and Canada, particularly in the cultural and educational exchange, technology, and innovation sectors. As Canada is California's second-largest trade partner, these discussions are essential for fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
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Support the Chamber Foundation: Empower Small Businesses to Thrive
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community and need our support more than ever. Donate to the Chamber Foundation and help provide technical assistance and training for small businesses to grow and thrive. Donate today.
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Combat Hate, Support Those Affected
Speak out against hate! Report incidents by calling 2-1-1. Together, we can track and combat hate, support those affected, and build respectful, resilient communities. Your report is always confidential and can be made anonymously. Visit LA vs. Hate.
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Vaccinate All 58
Make this holiday season special by getting vaccinated, getting your booster if eligible, and encouraging your loved ones to get vaccinated. Together, we can make California a healthier, happier place for the holidays and beyond. Find more information here.
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Cal OSBA to Provide Business Leader Training
The California Office of Small Business Advocate (Cal OSBA) will provide small business leadership training focused on advancing equity and inclusion for small and diverse businesses. The free event will take place on January 23, 2024, and equip attendees with skills to develop a comprehensive strategic plan, highlight the significance of community involvement in business decisions, and foster an understanding of government engagement opportunities. Learn more and sign up here.
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Happy Holidays from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
The L.A. Area Chamber wishes you a very happy holiday. Please note that our offices will be closed from December 25 through January 1.
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Visit Health Urgent Care Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Visit Health Urgent Care in Van Nuys on their grand opening. Visit Health is a national mobile medical services firm specializing in on-site diagnostics, immunizations, and other health care needs for companies, local governments, and schools. Learn more about Visit Health Urgent Care here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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2024 Inaugural: Bringing the World Within Reach
February 15, 2024
Skirball Cultural Center
The L.A. Area Chamber's 2024 Inaugural will celebrate business leaders who have immensely impacted our community. We will also welcome incoming Board Chair, Janet Lamkin of United Airlines. Become a sponsor today.
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ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12 - 14, 2024
Join the Los Angeles delegation for ACCESS D.C. — the region's largest business advocacy trip to our nation’s capital. The program connects business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers and administration officials on issues of importance to the greater Los Angeles region. Sponsor today.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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