Chamber Celebrates 137 Years of Business Leadership
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 137th year with a memorable Inaugural at the Galen Center, honoring business leadership, resilience, and a thriving future for Los Angeles. President & CEO Maria S. Salinas opened the program with a message of hope, perseverance, and resilience in the wake of the wildfire devastation. She welcomed Mayor Karen Bass, and thanked Delta Air Lines, Presenting Sponsor. Gail Grimmett, Delta's Senior Vice President of Sustainability Performance and Strategic Partnerships, delivered inspiring remarks, reaffirming Delta’s commitment to Los Angeles.
|
Inaugural Marks the Passing of the Gavel to New Board Chair
The L.A. Area Chamber ushered in new Board leadership as Janet Lamkin, 2024 Board Chair, officially passed the gavel to George L. Pla, the Chamber’s 2025 Board Chair, at this week's Inaugural celebration. The Chamber extends its deepest gratitude to Janet for her outstanding leadership and dedication. As the founder and CEO of Cordoba Corporation, George’s visionary leadership has shaped industries and has earned his company a place in a Harvard Business School case study. Under his guidance, the Chamber looks forward to a year of growth, innovation, and collaboration as the organization leads the region through recovery and towards the series of major events Los Angeles will host in the coming years.
|
Lendistry Recognized with the Corporate Leadership Award
Lendistry was honored with this year’s Corporate Leadership Award at the 2025 Inaugural. CEO Everett Sands accepted the award on behalf of the organization, sharing Lendistry’s proud accomplishments. “We’ve deployed $1.5 billion to 114,000 businesses in L.A., with a focus on minority and women-owned businesses. We’re honored to be the #1 non-bank SBA lender,” Sands stated, highlighting Lendistry’s commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity within the community.
|
Terry Feit, Deloitte, Recognized with Distinguished Business Leader Award
Terry Feit, Office Managing Partner of Deloitte in Los Angeles, was honored with the Distinguished Business Leader Award, at this year's Inaugural, for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment. In her remarks, Feit delivered an inspiring ‘pep talk,’ rallying the region to seize the promising opportunities ahead. Her call for collaboration and collective effort highlighted the importance of a united business community to drive growth, innovation, and resilience in Los Angeles.
|
Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order for Wildfire Relief
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this week to support individuals and families affected by the wildfires. The order suspends regulations and extends deadlines to improve access to essential services, including child care, education, rental housing, health care, and tax relief. Read the full executive order here.
|
Chamber Supports Convention Center Expansion at Public Hearing
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council Economic Development and Jobs Committee reviewed a joint report from the City Administrative Officer and Chief Legislative Analyst, along with a report from the City Tourism Department, on the status of the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion. The L.A. Area Chamber provided public comment noting its support for moving the project forward. The project may be facing challenges in keeping to the May 2028 completion date due to the recent Los Angeles County wildfires. The Chamber will continue to monitor the progress.
|
Ports of Long Beach and L.A., and Innovation Norway Hosted Maritime Technology Summit
The Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, and Innovation Norway hosted a networking event where seven Norwegian Maritime Technology Providers highlighted Norway's cutting-edge maritime technology, from vessel efficiency solutions to cable and electric grid management. Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, delivered remarks.
|
Economic Mobility Initiative: Cohort II Graduation
Congratulations to the graduates of the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Cohort II, who completed the program on February 4. This initiative equips small business owners with the tools for sustainable growth. As Los Angeles prepares for several major events, the program helps businesses diversify their revenue, build resilient organizations, and create positive community impact. For more information on the initiative visit here.
|
Critical Disaster Assistance and Recovery Resources Update
Join the Together for L.A. weekly webinar to stay informed about the latest resources and support for economic recovery in L.A. County. This week’s session will cover important updates on funding opportunities, including SBA disaster assistance and other relief programs for fire-affected businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to access essential tools and guidance to help rebuild and strengthen your operations. For more information, visit here.
|
Business Perspective - Building a Legacy Together
As we reflect on 137 years of impact, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce continues to lead in driving job creation, innovation, and economic growth. In the wake of the recent wildfires, we embrace this year’s theme: Building a Legacy Together. This symbolizes our region's resilience and our commitment to a sustainable future for Los Angeles. Rebuilding requires collective action, and by uniting businesses, government, and community leaders, we can strengthen our foundation. The Chamber is proud to support recovery efforts and ensure a more resilient and thriving Los Angeles for generations to come. Join us as we build a stronger future together. Read more.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
ACCESS D.C.
March 11 - 13, 2025
Join the L.A. Area Chamber in Washington D.C. to promote policies that will drive job creation and cultivate a thriving regional economy. Take advantage of the early-bird registration rate until Friday, February 14.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
