Chamber Hosts LAPD Chief McDonnell
The Chamber recently hosted the latest Pancakes & Politics session, presented by Accenture, featuring Jim McDonnell, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Chief McDonnell shared valuable insights on public safety challenges, community engagement, and the evolving role of law enforcement in Los Angeles. He further acknowledged the important role of the business community. The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with Chief McDonnell.
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Chamber Joins Together for LA Meeting to Discuss Wildfire Small Business Support
The L.A. Area Chamber joined a recent Together for LA meeting focused on wildfire recovery efforts. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas emphasized the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses, including the launch of the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund. She was joined by Lynn Von Koch-Liebert of Lendistry, who highlighted their partnership with the Chamber and the financial assistance available through grants and low-interest loans.
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L.A. Commits to a ‘Games for All’ in Lead-Up to 2028 Paralympics
Los Angeles has taken a historic step toward a more inclusive 2028 Games, as Mayor Karen Bass signed the official Host City Accessibility Commitment, solidifying the City’s pledge to center access and inclusion in its first-ever Paralympic Games. Joined by Councilmember Imelda Padilla, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, the International Paralympic Committee, Paralympic athletes, and community leaders, the city also announced a comprehensive Games Accessibility Plan and introduced its first Chief Accessibility Officer. As the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act approaches, this milestone underscores L.A.’s dedication to ensuring the Olympic and Paralympic Games reflect the values of equity, access, and dignity for all.
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Chamber Joins Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles for 49th Installation Ceremony
The Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (KACCLA) recently hosted its 49th Installation of Officers, celebrating nearly five decades of leadership in the Korean American business community. The event brought together civic and business leaders to honor KACCLA’s ongoing contributions to regional economic growth and cross-cultural partnerships. L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas attended the celebration and delivered congratulatory remarks, recognizing KACCLA’s impact and legacy. The Chamber congratulates the incoming leadership team and looks forward to continued collaboration.
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Chamber Provides Public Comment on Port ISR
Today, the Chamber provided public comment at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Governing Board meeting regarding Proposed Rule 2304, also known as the Port ISR. The Chamber urged AQMD to pause rulemaking and engage in negotiations with the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as both Ports, to develop a cooperative agreement to be presented to the Harbor Commissions and the AQMD Board by October. The Chamber has consistently opposed the proposed rule over the past two years. The Board voted (7-5) to move forward with the cooperative agreement with a negotiation deadline of September 18, 2025.
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Innovation & Technology Policy Council
This week, the Innovation and Technology Policy Council (ITC) hosted Miguel Sangalang, Executive Director of the Bureau of Street Lighting for the City of Los Angeles. Sangalang addressed the growing issue of vandalism and theft targeting telecom equipment and precious metals. He detailed the substantial impact these crimes have on the department’s ability to repair streetlights promptly and noted that these challenges are expected to continue.
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White House Unveils Additional Tariffs; Chamber to Host August 12 Briefing
The Trump Administration issued a new tariff order on July 31, ahead of the President’s August 1 deadline. The order sets new “reciprocal” rates of up to 41% on imports from 69 countries—including 35% for Canada, 39% for Switzerland, and 25% for India—with most taking effect August 7. Mexico received a 90-day extension, holding its 25% rate. To help businesses understand and respond to the evolving trade landscape, the Chamber’s Global Initiative Council will host “Navigating and Mitigating the Impact of Higher U.S. Tariffs” on August 12, featuring Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles, and Barbara Weg, CSCP, Supply Chain Consultant, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC). Save the date.
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Frank Colonna Elected President of Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners
Frank Colonna has been elected President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, the five-member governing body that oversees the Port of Long Beach. Steven Neal will serve as Vice President, and Sharon L. Weissman as Secretary. Colonna’s one-year term begins August 6. A former Long Beach City Councilmember, Colonna expressed his gratitude for the appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to shaping trade policy, advancing infrastructure projects, and supporting the Port’s zero-emissions goals. Learn more here.
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Empowering Small Business: Chamber Foundation and CalOSBA Partner on SSBCI Initiative
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), is expanding economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs across California through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The Foundation’s SCALE Program—Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs —provides personalized coaching to help business owners secure the right financing and navigate the loan process with confidence. The program prioritizes support for women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses, as well as those in low-income, rural, and disaster-impacted communities statewide. For more information, visit here.
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Chambers Champion Expanded Use of 529 Plans to Strengthen Workforce Development
Chambers across the country, including the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, have advocated for expanded access to 529 College Savings Plans. Once restricted to college expenses, these plans can now be used for career training, certification programs, and workforce development. Starting in 2026, families will also be able to apply up to $20,000 annually toward K–12 tuition, doubling the current limit. These expansions provide chambers with new tools to support businesses, employees, and community talent pipelines. Learn more here.
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LA vs Hate Presents: The Healing Field Mural Unveiling & Community Celebration
The LA vs Hate “Signs of Solidarity” campaign seeks to combat rising hate crimes by promoting inclusion through public art and community engagement. Through murals, posters, and yard signs, Angelenos show a united stance against hate. On August 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to a mural unveiling and community celebration featuring guest speakers, interactive art workshops, and live performances. Register to join the event here.
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The Chamber Honors the Life and Legacy of Wallis Annenberg
The Chamber mourns the passing of Wallis Annenberg, a visionary philanthropist who passed away Monday at the age of 86. Her lasting impact on the arts, education, science, and animal welfare throughout Southern California is immeasurable. As President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation for 16 years, she oversaw $1.5 billion in philanthropic giving, significantly broadening the foundation’s support for critical areas such as environmental conservation and healthcare. Her legacy lives on through institutions that bear her name, including the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and the forthcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. Her extraordinary commitment to improving the Los Angeles community will be deeply missed.
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Chamber Attends VIP Chargers Training Camp Experience
The Chamber Board had a front-row seat to the excitement of the upcoming NFL season during a special VIP experience at the Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp. Held at The Bolt, the team’s world-class facility in El Segundo, the event offered an exclusive look at practice and insights into the team’s 2025 season. Special thanks to our host, A.G. Spanos, President of Business Operations for the Chargers. It was a memorable kickoff and a valuable opportunity to connect sports and business leadership across Los Angeles.
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Your Guide to the Chamber’s 2025 Members and Milestones
The 2025 Digital Membership Directory is an interactive resource that reaches over 430,000 people across email, web, and social media. It highlights our members, celebrates Chamber milestones, and reinforces our shared vision: A Thriving Region for All. Explore the Chamber’s 2025 Membership Directory here.
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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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