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Presented by HNTB: Chamber Hosts State of Infrastructure
The Chamber hosted the State of Infrastructure, which convened industry experts in transportation, energy, and broadband at L.A. Center Studios. The event featured insightful discussions about the future of our regional infrastructure. We were pleased to welcome Randall (Keith) Benjamin II, Federal Highway Administration’s Associate Administrator, Stephanie Wiggins, LA Metro CEO, and Wayne Feuerborn, HNTB, for an insightful discussion on transportation investment. Speakers included industry experts Hilary Norton, California Transportation Commission, Mark Esguerra, Southern California Edison, Terri Mestas, Los Angeles World Airports, and Dan Vozenilek, AT&T. |
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Former Mayor Villaraigosa Joins State of Infrastructure
Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke with Chamber Council Chairs Steve Finnegan, Chair for Transportation and Goods Movement, and Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Chair for Energy, Water & Environmental Sustainability. Highlights of the discussion included the potential for transformational change in infrastructure projects. The former mayor discussed how infrastructure investment is essential in creating jobs which allow our workforce to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. He also encouraged businesses to actively engage with the Chamber and to collaborate closely with the government to push forward effective infrastructure reforms. |
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LAHSA CEO Speaks with the Chambers Ad Hoc on Homelessness
Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, and Brandon Young, Chair Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness, welcomed Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum, new CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), to the Chamber. She shared her assessment in her first 100 days at LAHSA. Dr. Adams Kellum provided valuable insights into the causes of homelessness and outlined LAHSA’s strategic pillars for improving intervention and prevention efforts through collective action. |
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Mayor Bass Becomes Metro Board Chair
Mayor Karen Bass took the gavel this week as Chair of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board. As a part of her duties, she delivered the “State of the Agency” alongside Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and former Metro Board Chair Ara J. Najarian. The report reflected on the progress Metro has made in the last fiscal year, including increased ridership, expanded rail and bus service, and new programs related to safety, cleanliness, equity, and customer experience on the transit system. Mayor Bass seeks to expand Metro and make it more accessible as “a system of choice” as we prepare for the World Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
UPS and Teamsters Reach Tentative Deal
A strike was avoided as UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reached a tentative deal for a five-year contract on Tuesday. The deal includes raises for all UPS employees and the installation of air-conditioning units in new delivery vans. Union employees will begin voting on the deal next week, however, if the vote fails, the union could still strike. A strike would pose a significant threat to the U.S. economy as many small businesses rely on swift transport and package delivery services by UPS. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Vietnam's Investment Environment
The Chamber participated in a hybrid workshop on business opportunities in Vietnam's Investment Environment. The workshop was a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed during former Mayor Eric Garcetti’s trip to Vietnam. The workshop connected local businesses with Vietnamese businesses to provide exposure to new market opportunities. Attendees included Erin Bromaghim, L.A. Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Pham Van Hieu, Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Council, and Craig Meyer, President & Global Chair of JLL Industrial. |
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U.S. and Mexico to Remediate Denials of Rights at Goodyear Facility
The U.S. and Mexico announced a plan for remediation to address the denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights at the Goodyear facility in San Luis Potosí. The 11-point course of remediation is set to be completed by January 24 and will remedy violations of Mexican law at the facility. Additionally, the plan includes measures to prevent potential future violations at Goodyear SLP and other facilities. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
California Regional Initiative Provides Capital and Technical Assistance
The California Regional Initiative for Social Enterprises (CA RISE) program helps build capacity and provide capital to businesses which hire, train, and support California workers facing barriers to employment. The program will provide in-depth technical assistance to ensure sustainability and success. Program details can be found here. |
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California Competes Tax Credits and Grants
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and California Competes Grant Program (CCGP) application periods, amounts available, and committee meeting dates for fiscal year 2023-2024 have been posted. The first application period will start on July 24 with $164 million in tax credits and $120 million in grants available. The grant program will prioritize applicants whose grants will be used to secure federal CHIPS funding. Learn more here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Los Angeles Regional Energy Listening Session
This Los Angeles Regional Energy Listening Session will focus on regional opportunities, barriers, and resources needed to plan and build an energy system which serves all Californians while meeting the urgency of the climate crisis. Discussion topics will include equitable workforce development in the energy sector, hydrogen innovation and technology, and solar energy. The session will include a lightning-round panel discussion from experts and a breakout discussion to dive deeper into energy topics. Register for the August 1 session here. |
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Microgrants For Latino and AAPI Owned Restaurants
Are you a Latino, Latina or member of the AAPI community who owns a restaurant in Los Angeles County? If so, you may be eligible for a $2,500 microgrant from the Latino Restaurant Association. Interested applications must currently be in business, make less than $1 million in annual revenue, have been in business for more than three years, and be a SoCalGas customer. Applications close on August 13. Learn more here. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach
Wednesday, August 2, 10:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
The Chamber’s recent study, California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach, highlights the need to build entrepreneurial infrastructure and support to attract new firms and lower the barriers to entrepreneurship for homegrown talent. We know small businesses need focused support to connect with resources for growth. Join us to discover programs to help your business thrive.
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State of L.A. Business
Thursday, August 10, 8:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us for the State of L.A. Business where visionary leaders, academic experts, and the leading voices in policy will convene to discuss the world of sports, entertainment and tourism. Experts will share the innovation and challenges within these industry sectors while exploring the path toward the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games.
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Pancakes & Politics: Congresswoman Katie Porter
Monday, August 21, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY 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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