Chamber Joins Mayor for Olympic and Paralympic Flag Installation
President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined Mayor Karen Bass, Council President Paul Krekorian, members of the Los Angeles City Council, civic leaders, LA28, and Olympic athletes for the historic Olympic and Paralympic Flag installation at L.A. City Hall. The event marked the return of the Olympic flag for the third time, and the arrival of the first Paralympic flag as Los Angeles prepares for its first Paralympic Games. With the theme "Games For All," the mayor pledged citywide benefits and engagement during preparations and a lasting legacy.
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Chamber Board Looks Ahead Towards 2028
At the recent meeting of the Chamber Board, First Vice Chair George Pla and President & CEO Maria Salinas described the role of the Chamber in helping the region prepare for the next four years. In collaboration with Deloitte, an IOC and LA28 partner, the Chamber took valuable lessons from the Paris Olympics and outlined the impactful and distinct role of the L.A. Area Chamber. The discussion centered on maximizing LA28's impact on the local economy and community, and fostering collaboration to achieve long-term success for the region.
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Chamber and Alliance for Economic Fairness Respond to Study
For over a year, the Chamber has led the Alliance for Economic Fairness, seeking a comprehensive and in-depth study on the impact of wage increases in the tourism sector proposed by the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst released the study. Most glaring is the omission of the impact of wage increases to city tax revenue. The study also ignored the voice of small and minority-owned businesses, many of which who have testified about their concerns. The Chamber will continue to advocate for responsible objective analysis. Read our letter here.
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Chevron CEO Mike Wirth Speaks to Los Angeles Business Community
The Chamber joined the Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall and Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, to host Chevron CEO Mike Wirth. Chamber President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas, introduced Mr. Wirth, highlighting his executive leadership and expertise in global economic trends in the energy sector. The insightful conversation was moderated by former SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and focused on how the region is advancing the global energy transition. View event photos here.
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Chamber Ramps Up Advocacy on Proposed Port Indirect Source Rule
The Chamber is advocating on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) proposed Port Indirect Source Rule, which seeks to reduce air pollution from local commercial ports. Last year, the Chamber and coalition partners successfully delayed the rule’s adoption, initially planned for December 2023. SCAQMD now aims to release a draft by year-end. The Chamber supports a collaborative infrastructure program that advances zero-emission technology while creating green, clean jobs.
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Chamber Endorses TVC Studio 2050 Plan at City Planning Commission Hearing
On Thursday, the Chamber supported the Television City (TVC) Studio 2050 Plan at the City Planning Commission hearing. The plan seeks to modernize and expand media production on the 25-acre Television City site while continuing studio operations. It is expected to create jobs and improve walkability, public safety, and support for small businesses in the Beverly/Fairfax neighborhood. Read the full plan here.
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L.A. Harbor Commission Approves $52 Million Rail Expansion at Fenix Marine Terminal
The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved a $52 million on-dock rail project at the Port of L.A.'s Pier 300 terminal, operated by Fenix Marine Services. The project, set to begin next year, will expand rail capacity, improve cargo efficiency, and reduce emissions. Supported by $37 million in federal and state grants, the initiative includes additional loading tracks, paving, and stormwater improvements. It aligns with the Port’s sustainability and competitiveness goals, further enhancing its ability to handle long-haul freight in an eco-friendly manner.
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Get in the Game with Chamber’s Economic Mobility Initiative
Prepare to contract with the many opportunities coming to Los Angeles leading up to 2028. Join the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) today, a free technical training program to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits in L.A. County succeed and thrive. EMI offers customized support through the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program, providing training on contracts, certifications, and more. This initiative serves as a one-stop resource hub for strengthening business resilience. Learn more here.
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L.A. County's Delete the Divide Initiative
L.A. County's 'Delete the Divide' initiative is offering 25 additional FREE spots for small business owners to access valuable digital services. Enhance your online presence and drive growth with services including business assessment, website creation or enhancement, logo design with a branding style guide, social media setup or optimization, a one-month content calendar, and digital advertising. Limited slots are available for small businesses within L.A. County. Apply now and don't miss out on this opportunity.
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California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program
Attention small business owners! SoCalGas, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E non-residential customers are eligible for instant rebates on energy-efficient equipment. To qualify, the equipment must be installed at a non-residential site receiving natural gas and/or electricity from these utilities. Maximize your savings and energy efficiency—sign up now for these rebates.
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2024 Education Summit
A Paradigm Shift: Meeting the Workforce Needs of the Future
Join the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2024 Education Summit on October 22. Engage with leaders in education, business, and policy as they explore strategies for developing the workforce of tomorrow. Be prepared for a day of impactful discussions and innovative ideas. Register here.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Yesenia Monsour
Yesenia Monsour, is Senior Director of Regional Government & Community Relations for Southern California at Kaiser Permanente. Yesenia is a civic and community leader, bringing her expertise to a number of community and business organizations. We are excited to celebrate her.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, September 19, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the next Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Assemblymember for California District 61, Tina McKinnor.
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Education and Workforce Development Council
Thursday, September 19, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Policy Council to learn about statewide bills to bolster education and career-to-workforce readiness.
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Travel, Tourism & Sports Council
Wednesday, September 25, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Travel, Tourism & Sports 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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