Chamber Joins SBA Administrator in Los Angeles
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited Los Angeles this week to assess wildfire damage, meet with regional staff and civic leaders to discuss recovery efforts. Ms. Loeffler was joined by Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. Also as part of her visit, the Administrator hosted a disaster response roundtable with Major General Jason E. Kelly of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bob Fenton, FEMA Regional Administrator. The Chamber was pleased to join the conversation, as a follow up from its recent delegation visit to Washington, D.C. to advocate for increased disaster support for the region.
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First Partner Siebel Newsom Hosts Equal Pay Day Roundtable
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom led a Women in Trades Roundtable on Equal Pay Day, focusing on ways to support and advance women in the trades. Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox highlighted key initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for women in several fields. The event, hosted by Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of L.A. Trade-Technical College, featured insights from Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas and Women’s Policy Council Chair Charlene Dimas-Peinado, who shared the organizations' advocacy efforts to help expand opportunities for women across all industries.
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L.A. Dodgers Kick Off Home Opener as Defending Champs
The defending MLB World Series champions and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce member, the L.A. Dodgers, kicked off their season and home opener this week. L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, and excited fans, were in attendance to celebrate the start of the season.
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Deadline Extended for FEMA and SBA Disaster Assistance
The application deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA Disaster Loans has been extended to Tuesday, April 15. Homeowners and renters in Los Angeles County affected by the recent wildfires may be eligible for financial aid and recovery support to assist with rebuilding efforts. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to apply before the deadline to access available resources.
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California Fast Track Housing Package Aims to Streamline Permitting
California’s Fast Track Housing package was introduced this week in a bipartisan, bicameral effort in the state legislature. The package includes more than 20 permitting reform bills aimed at addressing key challenges across the housing approval process, from application and CEQA to entitlement, post-entitlement, and enforcement. The Chamber is reviewing the legislation and supports efforts to streamline housing production.
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City Council Pursues Bond Measure for Fire Department Facilities
This week, the L.A. City Council considered a June 2026 ballot measure proposing the issuance of bonds to fund fire station maintenance and construction. Following the discussion, the City Council unanimously directed the City Administrative Officer to run estimates on facility needs and then report back within 60 days. The Chamber will follow this issue closely.
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Port of Long Beach Posts Ninth Consecutive Month of Cargo Growth
Trade through the Port of Long Beach kept climbing in February, marking nine consecutive months of growth as retailers moved goods ahead of potential tariffs. Cargo volume hit 765,385 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 13.4% from last year, with imports rising 11.8% and exports up 2.9%. Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero reaffirmed the organizations' focus on customer service and infrastructure improvements, while Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal highlighted the Port’s reputation for moving cargo quickly, reliably, and sustainably. Read more here.
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Doing Business With Department of General Services Webinar
Join us April 9 at 10:00 a.m. for "Doing Business With the Department of General Services," the webinar will feature the DGS Business Outreach Liaison. Get insights on state contracting, Cal eProcure, contract opportunities, and learn how to connect with key DGS contacts. A must-attend for small businesses looking to grow! Register now.
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OneLA Procurement Accelerator Program: Certification & Contract Training
Applications are now open for Cohort III of the OneLA Procurement Accelerator. This program helps small businesses achieve certification and gain the skills needed to secure government and corporate contracts. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business through procurement. Learn more and apply here.
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DoorDash Restaurant Relief Fund
The DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund is offering grants to restaurants impacted by natural disasters. Eligible restaurants can receive financial assistance to help cover critical expenses and support recovery efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the help your business needs. Apply here.
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Pancakes & Politics with Matthew Szabo, City Administrative Officer
Join us on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. for the Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series, featuring Matthew Szabo, City Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles. Don't miss this important conversation. Register here.
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Celebrating Women's History Month: Charlene Dimas-Peinado, Wellnest
Charlene Dimas-Peinado is President & CEO of Wellnest, a century-old institution founded in 1924. With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health and nonprofit leadership, she has led the organization with distinction as it marks 100 years of service to Los Angeles. She serves on multiple boards, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS Sacramento
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Join ACCESS Sacramento for a unique opportunity to engage with key policymakers and advocate for a globally competitive region. Be part of our delegation as we champion policies that strengthen businesses, drive job creation, and foster economic prosperity across the region.
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World Trade Week
Thursday, May 1, 8:00 a.m.
Join us for the 99th World Trade Week: A New Horizon - Reimagining Trade with Innovation. World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public about the vital role and benefits of global trade in local, state, and national economies.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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