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State of L.A. Business Convenes Sports, Entertainment and Tourism Industry
The Chamber hosted the State of L.A. Business, which convened industry experts in sports, entertainment and tourism at California State University, Dominguez Hills. We were pleased to have Frank Mottek, Host of Mottek on Money, Chamber Board Chair A.G. Spanos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dr. Thomas Parham, California State University, Dominguez Hills as featured speakers for the event. Kevin Keane, Directed Action, led "Path to the Games," an informative panel discussion with Stephen Cheung, LAEDC, Dana Debel, Delta Air Lines, and Shannon Hoppes, City of Los Angeles. Hrishika Vuppala, McKinsey & Company, led the "The Sports Revolution" panel with Kevin Buchmiller, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Leo Faria, Riot Games, and Adam Schortman, The Guard. Our closing session included industry experts David Siegel, Los Angeles Sports Council, Martha Saucedo, AEG, Adam Burke, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and Dr. Jennifer Brodmann, South Bay Economics Institute, who delivered engaging industry analysis. |
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LA28 Shares Olympic Blueprint at State of L.A. Business
With only five years until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Chamber was fortunate to hear from Michelle Schwartz, Chief External Affairs Office for LA28, at the State of L.A. Business for a keynote address. The 2028 Games will be the first-ever no-build games, where all the stadiums and venues are already available. With so many people planning to travel to Los Angeles for the games, Michelle discussed how this is a unique opportunity to catalyze long-term investments in transportation, energy and infrastructure and a legacy beyond 2028. |
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Small Businesses Threatened by Proposed Living Wage Ordinance
Greg Plummer, small business owner and concessionaire at LAX, shares insight on this ordinance in an op-ed, which you can read here. The Alliance for Economic Fairness has added new members to its coalition to protect jobs, small businesses and critical tax revenue for Los Angeles. The coalition is urging an equitable solution to the City of Los Angeles' proposed $30 Wage Ordinance, and support continues to grow, with more community organizations speaking out. An economic analysis from Oxford Economics projects that this ordinance may lead to 14,870 fewer jobs and a potential decline in visitor spending by $1.1 billion annually. |
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L.A. City Workers Strike
Thousands of Los Angeles city workers staged a one-day strike on Tuesday, protesting unfair labor practices and inadequate staffing. Mechanics, gardeners, and more gathered at City Hall and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), demanding better treatment and pay. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 initiated the strike, highlighting worker frustration due to increased workloads and stagnant wages. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass stated the importance of city staff and said the city has been bargaining in good faith. Read the Mayor's statement here. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
Former Mayor Villaraigosa Joins Chamber Environmental Council
This week, the Chamber's Energy, Water & Environmental Sustainability Council welcomed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as a guest speaker. The council, chaired by Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Director of Community Relations & Government Affairs at Valero Energy Corporation, hosted a discussion with Villaraigosa. The conversation focused on Governor Gavin Newsom's recent infrastructure package and its potential implications for the region. Villaraigosa's role as an Infrastructure Advisor was crucial in facilitating the passage of this legislation, which will help the state of California reach its ambitious climate goals. |
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Chamber Testifies Regarding Burdensome Hotel Motion
The Chamber testified before the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to express concerns about the newly proposed hotel worker protections motion. This new proposal would require portable panic button devices for all county hotel workers who perform their job by themselves and would also restrict housekeepers' work. The Chamber expressed concerns about the costs. The Chamber will continue to monitor this matter. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Apparel Industry Shifts Towards Sustainability
The Chamber joined apparel, trade and banking experts to discuss the evolution towards ecological and ethical practices in the fashion and apparel industry, as global brands focus on sustainability. The Chamber's Vice President of Global Trade and Foreign Investment, Kenneth Wengrod, highlighted a growing emphasis on corporate responsibility and building transparent and sustainable supply chains. Read the full article here. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
Save Our Water
California is experiencing climate shifts which bring more extreme weather. While simple actions can help make a big difference, we must come together to change the way we use and think about water. Lead the way in responsible water use by visiting here. |
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Amber Grant for Female Entrepreneurs
Applications are now open for the Amber Grant. The grant is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in their business ventures, and offers vital financial support to women-owned businesses in varied stages of development. It's named to honor the memory of Amber Wigdahl, a determined 19-year-old who aspired to be an entrepreneur. The deadline to apply is August 31. Find more information here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
City Council Approves L.A. River Bike Path Plan
The L.A. City Council approved a $60 million contract with Metro to design and construct the Los Angeles River Valley Bike Path Project last week. The project will include the development of roughly 15 miles of new bike paths and greenways along the L.A. River in the San Fernando Valley, filling in gaps within Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6. The improvements planned for the project include pedestrian walking paths, decorative fencing and gates, roadway crossings, pet waste stations, drinking fountains, lighting, operational and wayfinding signage, site furnishing, educational elements, stormwater runoff, and green landscaping and irrigation. Learn more about the project here. |
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IP Workshop: From Barbie Land to the Real World
Join an intellectual property workshop led by Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director, for entrepreneurs, innovators, small to medium-sized enterprises, and those eager to explore the transformation of ideas into innovation. Featured speakers will outline strategies for business expansion through intellectual property, delving into the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate approaches. Register here. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Cordoba Corporation Named Top 50 National Firm
Congratulations to Chamber Board member George L. Pla, Founder & CEO of Cordoba Corporation, for being recognized as a top firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR). Cordoba ranked 30th on the national Top 50 Program Management Firm List and 44th on the national Top 50 Construction Management Firm List. Cordoba also ranked 40th on this year’s ENR’s combined national Top 100 PM/CM-For-Fee Firm List. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Using Nontraditional Education to Develop In-demand Skills
Wednesday, August 16, 4:30 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Women’s Policy Council for a special panel conversation with Jenny Johnson, Vice President of Government Relations for Calbright College. Learn how nontraditional education programs can help women develop in-demand skills and empower their careers.
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L.A. Leading The Way In Tech
Thursday, August 17, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Explore how Los Angeles is leading the way in technological breakthroughs and how the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem plays a pivotal role in positioning Los Angeles on the global stage.
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Pancakes & Politics: Congresswoman Katie Porter
Monday, August 21, 8:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
The Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series features leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region. Each convening provides Chamber members and partners with access to these speakers to hear their insight and also to share our stakeholders' perspectives.
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| VIEW FULL CALENDAR |
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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