Newsom Visits China for APEC Preparations
Governor Gavin Newsom recently returned from a trip to China, paving the way for President Xi Jinping of China to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17. Newsom's visit to China is the first for an American governor in more than four years, and it focused on advancing California and China’s work on climate policy. Governor Newsom, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, met with President Xi. Burns later remarked, “This was a very positive and consequential day for the United States.” APEC represents 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific region and it is expected that leaders for the majority of member nations, including President Biden and President Xi, will attend this year’s summit, themed, “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."
|
California State Controller Malia Cohen Meets With Chamber
Malia Cohen, California State Controller, visited the Chamber to speak with members and guests at our Accenture Pancakes & Politics series. The conversation with the Controller focused on the importance of financial literacy education, providing more affordable housing solutions, and recognizing the efforts Mayor Karen Bass has made to address the homelessness crisis in the city. Cohen also discussed improving the system for timely payments to procurement contractors.
|
Ontario International Airport Hosts Delta Air Lines CEO for State of Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) hosted its seventh State of the Airport under local control this week and featured a fireside chat with Ed Bastian, President and CEO of Delta Air Lines. Bastian congratulated ONT for its focus on making the airport a welcoming environment for air travel. ONT has been named the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. for five straight years, and they are projected to serve more than 6 million passengers this year. Read ONT's news release about the event here.
|
City Council Removes Homeless Initiative from March Ballot
Los Angeles City Council announced they will remove a March 2024 ballot measure known as the L.A. Homeless Housing Initiative from the slate. The measure would have required hotels to participate in a city program to put homeless residents in vacant hotel rooms. Instead, the City Council will introduce an ordinance containing many of the ballot’s elements as well as other requirements to promote more affordable housing in the city.
|
Chamber Advocates for Comprehensive Study on Rent Motions
This week, the Chamber submitted testimony and advocacy letters for two City Council motions on a rent freeze extension and a rent stabilization annual adjustment study. The Chamber urged City Council to ensure any potential study is comprehensive and includes a cumulative economic analysis of operating costs and circumstances. The Chamber expressed concerns regarding a motion for an ordinance in the Housing and Homelessness Committee which disallowed rent increases for units covered under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance until July 31, 2024. The committee approved the motion on Wednesday.
|
President Biden Issues AI Safety Executive Order
The Biden Administration issued an Executive Order this week to establish new standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) safety and security. The order, titled "Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence," establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more. Read the administration's news release here.
|
Chamber Hosts a Discussion on Smart Cities
The Chamber's Diplomatic and Commercial Officer Group (DCOG) hosted a seminar this week on the “Road to a Smarter Los Angeles for LA2028." The event featured Ted Ross, CIO of the City of Los Angeles and General Manager of the Information Technology Agency. Ross discussed what makes Los Angeles a smart city and the importance of both ethics and innovation in technology. He also spoke about advances in technology that Los Angeles has made, including being the first big 5G city in the U.S., and being the first city to integrate with Google Waze.
|
Chamber to Host Vietnam-U.S. Business Seminar
Join the L.A. Area Chamber, the U.S. Commercial Service and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Chamber for the Vietnam-U.S. Business Forum. Meet with 50 prominent CEOs from Vietnam and learn about trade and investment opportunities. The event will include an economic overview of California and business opportunities in L.A., information on how the U.S. Commercial Service in Los Angeles supports local businesses going international, business matching, and more. Register here.
|
Grant Opportunity: National Association for the Self-Employed
Apply for a business development grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed worth up to $4,000. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs. Applications received in November and December will be reviewed in January of the following year. Find more information from the organization here.
|
LA vs. Hate Community Mural Unveiling
LA vs. Hate is hosting its final mural unveiling of their Summer of Solidarity program on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Willowbrook Senior Center in Los Angeles. This mural was created in partnership with Willowbrook Inclusion Network, Brotherhood Crusade and L.A. Commons. The event will showcase replicas of the other community murals for the Jewish, LGBTQ, Latin and Indigenous communities of Los Angeles County. Register for the event here.
|
Vaccinate All 58
Vaccinate all 58 is working to vaccinate every worker and employer against COVID-19 to protect communities and pave the way for a brighter future. You can make a difference, one shot at a time. View more information in English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
|
Mayor Bass Launches Small Business Cabinet
Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, joined Mayor Karen Bass' new Small Business Cabinet last week. As part of Executive Directive 4, Mayor Bass launched a task force of business leaders from across the city to support ongoing efforts to improve small business procurement processes and modernize policies and practices for how small businesses can work with the government. The Chamber is proud to support the Mayor's policy development and advance small business priorities within the City of L.A. Read more about the Mayor's small business initiatives here.
|
Port of Long Beach Announces PHOTO Program Winners
The Port of Long Beach announced the winners of their annual PHOTO Program this week. The photos of the winners and all submissions will be exhibited until Nov. 30 in the lobby of the Port Administration. The PHOTO program is a partnership with the arts community to enhance creativity and support local artistic talent. Additional information about the PHOTO Program can be found on the Port's website.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
Education Summit
Wednesday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Don't miss the Chamber's Education Summit. Hear from industry experts on the paradigm shift happening to create a stronger partnership between business and education. The event will feature thought leaders from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles Community College District, UC Merced, Otis College of Art and Design, Bank of America and more.
|
Generative AI: A New Frontier for Small Businesses
Tuesday, November 14, 4:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Discover the potential of generative AI for small businesses in our upcoming roundtable with the Managing Director for Accenture’s Center for Advanced AI, Louise Barrere and Chamber Foundation advisor, Patty Ross. Generative AI can be a powerful tool to help small businesses improve efficiency, customer experience, and product development. After the workshop, stay for the networking mixer. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
|
Pancakes & Politics: Congresswoman Katie Porter
Wednesday, November 15, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Chamber for a virtual Accenture Pancakes & Politics featuring leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region. Our next session will feature Congresswoman Katie Porter.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
