Chamber Hosts APEC Debriefing
The Chamber's Global Initiatives Council hosted a debriefing on the impact of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held in San Francisco. Emily Desai, Deputy Director for International Affairs and Trade at GO-Biz, provided an overview of the diplomatic meetings and discussed bilateral trade between California and APEC countries. Desai highlighted eight businesses in California who were featured at APEC because they are helping to achieve California's APEC goals, which include promoting economic development, trade, tourism, and more.
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Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur Discusses Retail Theft
With the Assembly’s newly formed Select Committee on Retail Theft, the Chamber's Government & Fiscal Affairs Council and Small Business Council hosted a joint session with Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, Chair of the new committee. The discussion focused on curbing retail theft levels and the statewide priorities for the new committee. Assemblymember Chavez Zbur also met with several stakeholders. The L.A. Area Chamber looks forward to working with the Assemblymember and will continue to actively engage with local, state, and federal policy leaders to help address retail theft.
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Speaker Rivas Releases New Committee Chair Appointments
New Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas named new committee chair assignments last week. All chair appointments are effective immediately — except for the Appropriations Committee Chair, which Assemblymember Buffy Wicks will assume in late January. The new appointments have resulted in a record number of women serving as chairs of Assembly committees. Several elected officials from the Los Angeles region have been appointed to important committees. These include the Rules Committee, Utilities and Energy Committee, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, and more. For the full breakdown of new committee appointments see here.
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Chamber Supports Mayor Bass and City of L.A.'s Response to I-10 Fire
Due to the disruption caused by the Interstate 10 fire and shut down, the Chamber is partnering with the Together for L.A. coalition to help quickly mobilize resources to support impacted businesses. The City of Los Angeles is providing resources through the Local Business Assistance Resource Centers. These resources help businesses with direct damage claims, recovery grants, direct local assistance, Small Business Administration Economic Injury Forms, and more. Learn more here.
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White House Convenes Supply Chain Resilience Council
Recognizing increased supply chain challenges, President Joe Biden launched the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience this week to oversee 30 new actions to bolster resilience. In the Los Angeles region, supply chain issues impact energy, transportation, agriculture, technology, retail goods, manufacturing, defense, and more. The administration also hosted an informational overview to outline the initiatives, which will impact the L.A. region.
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City Council Passes Hotel Ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council passed the L.A. Responsible Hotel Ordinance this week, which aims to replace lost permanent housing with hotel developments. The Chamber expressed concerns to the City Council about the ordinance's requirement for hotels, including short-term rentals, to obtain a police permit. The Chamber stated this would create an unnecessarily burdensome process for small business hotel operators who have no control over bad actors. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson introduced an amendment requiring the city to produce a report on alternative approaches to the police permit requirement.
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IMF Shares How Latin American Countries Can Boost Growth
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently published an article on how Latin America can leverage trade to boost economic growth. The authors discussed how the region's economies weren't fully harnessing the potential of international trade and provided solutions, such as closing infrastructure gaps, further reducing trade barriers, and putting in place policies that make Latin America an attractive investment destination. The article illustrates the potential for increased global competitiveness of the Western Hemisphere in international trade, which would benefit regional businesses. Read the blog here.
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U.S. Commerce Department Releases Diversity Principles Fact Sheet
The U.S. Commerce Department released its Diversity Principles Fact Sheet which features six principles to promote equity and economic development. These principles function as an organizational framework for best practices and offer clear actions for institutions to take to drive equity, innovation, and economic growth. Read the full fact sheet here.
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Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
Verizon Digital Ready is offering a free learning program to help you grow your skills and your business. Additionally, your business may be eligible for a $10,000 grant through the program. The application window closes on Dec. 20. Learn more here.
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LA vs. Hate
Together, we will create a hate-free Los Angeles County. If you or someone you know is experiencing acts of hate, please report it by dialing 2-1-1. Victims and witnesses are encouraged to report any hate incident or hate crime and can receive free follow-up services and supportive resources. Learn more about LA vs. Hate, and its programs here.
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Vaccinate All 58
California is working to achieve community immunity to foster a safer, healthier future for everyone. Don't wait, vaccinate and protect our communities. View more information in English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
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ACCE Meeting Focuses on Small Business Ecosystems
Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Metro/Major Cities Council meeting in Kansas City, Missouri this week. The convening brought together dozens of chamber CEOs to discuss building future-focused entrepreneurial ecosystems, workforce development initiatives, accessing capital for diverse small business owners, and harnessing emerging leaders. The discussion focused on trends and best practices. The L.A. Area Chamber shared its OneLA Inclusive Procurement initiative and its recently launched “Get in the Game” initiative for small businesses.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Women in Leadership
Thursday, December 7, 3:30 p.m.
The L.A. Area Chamber invites you to its premier Women in Leadership session. This event will feature an incredible speaker lineup to discuss trends and insights on women in the workforce.
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LA Metro Traffic Reduction Discussion
Tuesday, December 12, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Chamber's Transportation and Goods Movement Council to hear from Mark Vallianatos, Executive Officer for the Office of Strategic Innovation at LA Metro, on the Metro Traffic Reduction Study and Congestion Pricing project.
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Economic Briefing
Wednesday, December 13, 3:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join our informative Economic Briefing on “California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach.” This hallmark report from the L.A. Area Chamber was commissioned in partnership with the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Hear from leading economists as they share their analysis of California’s business landscape.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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