Chamber CEO Calls for Bold Action at State of L.A. Business
At the 2025 State of L.A. Business, Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas called on the business community to lead with urgency, unity, and innovation amid rising global and local challenges. She highlighted the Chamber’s proactive efforts—opposing the Tourism Wage Ordinance through a Referendum, and the petition to repeal the Gross Receipts Tax, support for wildfire-impacted small businesses through the Small Business Disaster Relief Fund in partnership with Lendistry, and equipping businesses with resources and information to seize opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games through the Chamber’s Get in the Game initiative. Read her full remarks here.
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Lew Horne and Stephanie Wiggins Set the Tone for L.A.’s Future at State of L.A. Business
The 2025 State of L.A. Business opened with a powerful keynote from Lew Horne, President of Advisory Services for CBRE’s Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire region, who challenged the region’s business and civic leaders to think boldly and act decisively in shaping the future of Los Angeles. Lew emphasized the need for long-term investment, inclusive growth, and visionary leadership to ensure the region remains globally competitive in the decade ahead. Later in the program, Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro, joined Julia Barker of Mott MacDonald (State of L.A. Business presenting sponsor) for a fireside chat on the future of mobility. Stephanie shared Metro’s commitment to building a more equitable and rider-focused transit system — a critical priority as Los Angeles prepares to host major global sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
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Chamber Shares Olympic Insights with Brisbane
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas met with Heidi Cooper, President & CEO of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, to exchange insights and lessons as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The discussion centered on the role of the Chamber in ensuring business readiness and the L.A. Area Chamber’s Get In the Game initiative—a strategic effort to engage small businesses in the lead-up to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. The meeting offered a valuable exchange on how global events can catalyze investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. It also reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to international collaboration.
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Chamber Engages with LA28 to Advance Small Business Opportunities
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas recently joined LA28 for a meeting hosted by CEO Reynold Hoover, centered on small business initiatives and procurement opportunities. During the discussion, Hoover highlighted that the LA Games will be the largest in Olympic history. With the Venue Plan approved by the Los Angeles City Council in March, planning efforts are gaining momentum. An estimated 15 million visitors are expected, a total of 206 countries will participate, and 35 international sports federations will be represented in Los Angeles. And, for the first time, there will be more women competing than men. The Chamber will host an update for small businesses to learn more in the Fall.
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Chamber Joins National Coalition to Advocate for Federal Research Funding
The Chamber has joined the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition, a national alliance of more than 70 local, regional, and state chambers of commerce and business organizations. Together, the coalition is urging Congress to maintain robust funding for federal research and development (R&D) programs across all agencies in the FY 2026 budget. Representing employers and job creators in 33 states, the coalition advocates for federal research funding as a vital driver of local employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Continued investment in basic and applied research — as well as advanced technology development — is essential to strengthening American competitiveness and supporting businesses, workers, consumers, and supply chains nationwide.
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Trade Under Pressure: Navigating the Business Impact of Rising U.S. Tariffs
Join the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for a timely discussion on the business impacts of rising U.S. tariffs — from increased costs to supply chain disruptions — and how companies can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global trade environment. Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles, will serve as the featured speaker. Gain expert insights on how the Ports are responding, how businesses are adapting, and the strategies that can help mitigate financial and operational risks. Register here.
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Fueling Inclusive Growth: Chamber Foundation Partners with CalOSBA to Launch SSBCI Support for Underserved Entrepreneurs
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), is driving inclusive economic growth statewide through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Through its SCALE Program — Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs — the Chamber Foundation offers personalized business advising to help entrepreneurs access capital and navigate the lending process with confidence. The program prioritizes support for women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses, as well as entrepreneurs in low-income, rural, and disaster-impacted communities. Learn more here.
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Get in the Game Workshop: Avoid Common Labor Violations with California’s Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner — August 13
Join us on August 13 at 10:00 a.m. for a special Get in the Game workshop with Von A. Boyenger, Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner for California. Learn about the most common labor violations by employers and how to stay compliant. Register here.
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RETAP Workshop: Learn the Fundamentals of Freight Forwarding — August 28
Freight forwarders play a vital role in export success in today’s complex global market. Join us on August 28 at 8:00 a.m. for a free Freight Forwarding Fundamentals workshop to build essential skills and connect with industry experts. Co-sponsored by LACBFFA, the Port of LA, and the L.A. Area Chamber, with support from Go-Biz. Register here.
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Small Business Resource Fair in Carson — August 20 at CSUDH
The City of Carson and California State University, Dominguez Hills will host a Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will feature a resource fair for local small businesses, a showcase of graduates from the City of Carson Small Business Growth Academy, and networking opportunities with local business leaders. Speakers will cover timely topics, including AI, technology, financing, and revenue growth. Learn more and register here.
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Recap: The Chamber’s Summer Membership Mixer at Dance DTLA
The Chamber’s Summer Membership Mixer, held during the Music Center’s Dance DTLA Disco night, was a great success. The event brought the Chamber community together for a memorable evening under the stars at one of L.A.’s premier summer events. Thank you to The Music Center for co-hosting the event.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Land Use, Construction & Housing Policy Council
Wednesday, August 13, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Land Use, Construction & Housing (LUCH) Policy Council to hear from featured speaker Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (AD14) on housing legislation and permitting reform.
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Education & Workforce Development Policy Council
Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Policy Council to learn about statewide bills to bolster education and career-to-workforce readiness.
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Health Care Policy Council
Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Health Care (HCC) Policy Council for a special session on legislative updates impacting the business community.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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