Chamber Celebrates Fleet Week
The L.A. Area Chamber welcomed nearly 200 guests for its annual Fleet Week Celebration, sponsored by Board members the Port of Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, and Yusen Terminals. The event honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel, while celebrating the strong ties between our military community and the Los Angeles regional economy. Guests heard from a lineup of speakers, including Amy Papageorges, Executive Director of the American Red Cross – Long Beach South Bay Chapter; Terry Tamminen, President & CEO of AltaSea; Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles; and Jonathan Williams, President & CEO of the Battleship USS IOWA Museum/National Museum of the Surface Navy and L.A. Fleet Week.
|
FIFA World Cup Host Committee Convenes
The Chamber joined leaders from all 88 cities across L.A. County at the FIFA World Cup 26™ Los Angeles Host Committee convening to advance regional efforts ahead of the 39-day tournament. With SoFi Stadium hosting eight matches—including the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opener—the Chamber is proud to support initiatives that drive economic growth and strengthen community engagement. Thank you to Board members Renata Simril, Adam Burke, and Stephanie Wiggins for sharing insights, and Kathryn Schloessman, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), for her leadership in elevating L.A. as a global sports destination.
|
Chamber Engages in Trade Policy Roundtable on Tariff Impacts
This week, Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas represented the L.A. Area Chamber at a trade policy roundtable that brought together leaders from across the logistics and trade sectors. Chamber Board member and the Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka shared firsthand insights on the real-world impacts of tariffs, global supply chain disruptions, rising costs for businesses, and the long-term uncertainty facing the regional economy. The conversation underscored the urgent need for coordinated advocacy and strategic planning to address these challenges. The Chamber continues to closely monitor trade developments and actively engages with stakeholders to assess the broader implications for California’s trade infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
|
Get in the Game - Procurement Fair
Join us for the Get in the Game Procurement Fair on June 5 at Cal State L.A.! This one-day event connects small and diverse businesses with public agencies and corporate buyers, including L.A. County, FEMA, Jacobs, and California DGS. Attendees will gain access to matchmaking sessions, networking opportunities, and key insights into upcoming contracting prospects. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, this is your chance to Get in the Game. Register today.
|
L.A. City Council Approves Proposed New Budget
On Thursday, the Los Angeles City Council approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, reducing the number of planned layoffs from 1,600 to 600 city workers. The L.A. Area Chamber testified in support of the revised budget, emphasizing the importance of preserving city jobs that fulfill critical functions for businesses, such as processing development permits and maintaining essential infrastructure like pothole repair. The budget now heads to Mayor Karen Bass, who has until June 15 to sign it into law or issue a veto for further city council deliberation.
|
Mayor Bass Issues Executive Directive to Support Film and TV Industry
Mayor Karen Bass has issued Executive Directive 11, “Reel Change: Supporting Local Film and Television Production,” aimed at streamlining city processes to better support the film and TV industry. The directive calls on city departments to make iconic locations more accessible and affordable for filming, reduce staffing requirements on sets to lower costs and coordination time, and improve interdepartmental communication with productions. The L.A. Area Chamber supports the directive and the Mayor’s renewed call for the state legislature to pass the Governor’s proposal to expand California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, a key tool for keeping production and jobs in California.
|
Port of Long Beach Has Strongest April on Record
The Port of Long Beach recorded its strongest April ever, handling over 860,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—a 9.4% increase compared to last year—despite ongoing global trade uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. This milestone highlights the port’s vital role as a gateway for international commerce and its resilience in managing challenges like tariff fluctuations and logistical bottlenecks. Continued investments in infrastructure and technology enable the port to support Southern California businesses by streamlining trade flows and strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness in a complex global market.
|
Small Business Recovery Fund
Recovery is possible. The L.A. Area Chamber Foundation’s Disaster Recovery Fund offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for small businesses and nonprofits affected by the January 2025 wildfires. Recipients will also gain access to training, advising, and informative webinars. Learn more and apply here.
|
L.A. County: 2025 L.A. Region Small Business Forum Event
Mark your calendars for the 2025 L.A. Region Small Business Forum, your gateway to growth and resilience! Join L.A. County DEO on May 28 at the Pasadena Convention Center or June 4 for a day filled with expert-led panels, on-site legal and financial support, and a resource expo featuring over 50 organizations ready to assist your business. Learn about government contracting opportunities, access to capital, digital upskilling, and recovery resources tailored to your needs. Register here.
|
Fair Chance Free Training Session
Join the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity for a free virtual training on Wednesday, May 28, tailored for justice-impacted job seekers. This session will cover employer responsibilities when hiring justice-impacted individuals, compliance with local hiring laws, and strategies for creating more inclusive hiring practices. Participants will also learn how to access valuable local resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a more equitable and inclusive workforce. Register here.
|
Get in the Game Supplier Resource Hub
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a major milestone in our Get in the Game LA initiative with the recent launch of the Get in the Game LA Supplier Resource Hub—a digital platform designed to empower small and diverse businesses across the region. This centralized resource hub provides small businesses with easy access to local advisors, training programs, technical assistance, and procurement insights, helping them navigate opportunities and grow within the L.A. economy.
|
Happy Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, the Chamber would like to take a moment to honor the heroes who gave their lives protecting our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Wishing you and yours a meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
Member Orientation
Thursday, May 29, 4:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Connect with fellow new members and engage in insightful conversations with Board members and Chamber staff to kick-start your membership journey. Whether you're new or an existing member, join us for this informative orientation and discover how to unlock the full potential of your L.A. Area Chamber membership.
|
Get in the Game: Procurement Fair
Thursday, June 5, 9:00 a.m.
Register today for the upcoming Get in the Game: OneLA Procurement Fair at Cal State L.A. on June 5! Explore partnership opportunities with leading companies and public agencies. Together, we’re not just rebuilding—we’re strengthening Los Angeles for a resilient future and upcoming global events.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
