Chamber Joins Transportation Leaders for Mobility 21 Summit
Mobility 21, a regional transportation advocacy coalition, hosted its 2024 Southern California Transportation Summit, "Authors of Innovation," at the Disneyland Hotel. Featured speakers Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, and Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles. Chamber Board member Paul Granillo, President and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and Chair of Mobility 21, welcomed over 1,000 business and civic leaders. Chamber President and CEO Maria S. Salinas moderated a panel on “mega” projects, focusing on planning, managing funding, and sustaining support.
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L.A. City Council Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee to Review Report on Wage Ordinance
The Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) released a study on the Living Wage Ordinance for L.A. tourism workers. However, the report lacks robust research models, overlooks critical impacts like city tax revenue, and draws unsupported conclusions based on inaccurate data. It also fails to consider the effects on small and minority-owned businesses. The Chamber urges the City Council to conduct a more comprehensive analysis with input from the business community to address these concerns. The Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee will review the report on September 23. Read our letter here.
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Mayor Bass Meets With Chamber’s, The CEO Council
Members of the Chamber's, The CEO Council met with Mayor Karen Bass to learn about her vision for Los Angeles as she nears her second year in office, focusing on continued efforts to combat homelessness. Mayor Bass emphasized steps taken to streamline processes for faster project development. She also shared key takeaways from the Paris Olympics and provided insights on the work ahead for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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L.A. City Council Postpones Discussion on Convention Center Expansion
The L.A. City Council Trade, Travel, and Tourism Committee was scheduled to discuss the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Project on September 17 but postponed the discussion due to time constraints. The L.A. Tourism and Convention Board estimates the modernized center will bring in 3.6 million visitors and generate $1.3 billion in visitor spending annually. According to Oxford Economics, the project will add $69 million annually to the General Fund, crucial for city services. The expansion is expected to create more jobs and boost the local economy. The Chamber will keep members updated on the project's progress.
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Assemblymember Tina McKinnor Speaks with Chamber
On Thursday, the Chamber hosted the latest session of the Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (District 61). Assemblymember McKinnor provided insights on regional competitiveness, tourism, small business resources, and housing affordability. As Chair of the L.A. County Legislative Delegation, Assemblymember McKinnor highlighted the value of regional partnerships in boosting L.A.'s economic standing. She also discussed how the business community can work with legislators to foster positive change.
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Mayor Bass Releases Community Engagement Report on LAPD Chief of Police Search
The Los Angeles City Mayor’s Office released a report summarizing feedback from law enforcement, community groups, and business leaders on the selection of the next LAPD Chief of Police. Key priorities include improving officer morale, reforming the disciplinary system, and addressing recruitment challenges. The Chamber commends Mayor Karen Bass for her transparency and commitment to public engagement throughout the process. The Chamber will continue to promote collaboration between the new Chief and L.A. businesses to foster a safer, more inclusive city. Read our full statement here. Read the report released by the Mayor's Office here.
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Port of Long Beach Sets 113-Year Record for Cargo Volume in August
The Port of Long Beach experienced record-breaking cargo volume in August 2024, handling 913,873 TEUs (the industry’s standard for measuring cargo containers)—a 33.9% increase compared to August 2023 and surpassing its previous single-month record from May 2021. Port CEO Mario Cordero attributed the surge to peak season activity, ongoing labor negotiations on the East and Gulf coasts, and global disruptions. The port is operating at 74% capacity, with improved efficiency and shorter truck turn times. Rail cargo movement has increased by 25%, and major infrastructure projects are underway to further enhance capacity. The Port of Long Beach has moved over 6 million TEUs so far in 2024, a 21.9% rise year-over-year.
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"Get in the Game" with Chamber's Economic Mobility Initiative
Get ready to "Get in the Game" and seize numerous opportunities in Los Angeles as we approach the 2028 Olympics. Enroll in the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) today—a no-cost training program designed to support small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits throughout L.A. County. Through the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program, EMI delivers tailored assistance, offering guidance on contracts, certifications, and more. Position your business for success and resilience by tapping into this comprehensive resource hub. Discover more here.
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Building Bridges: Advancing Supplier Diversity in Health Care
Join a community committed to broadening perspectives, forging new partnerships, and constructing connections across industries. Don't miss your chance to engage, learn, and expand at the 2024 Supplier Diversity Conference. This year's theme, "Building Bridges: Advancing Supplier Diversity in Health Care," will be showcased on September 26. Experience a day filled with speakers, panel discussions, and connecting with high-level leaders in the hospital industry. Register here.
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L.A. County Sidewalk Vending Program
The L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is seeking bids from manufacturers, engineers, or authorized resellers to supply over 180 food carts, including specialized models that meet California Retail Food Code standards. This initiative supports the County’s new Sidewalk Vending Ordinance, launched on August 4. Compliant setups are required for all vendors in Unincorporated Areas of L.A. County. Selected vendors will receive the carts at no cost, improving their economic opportunities while ensuring public health and safety. Submit bids by October 15. Learn more here.
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2024 Education Summit
A Paradigm Shift: Meeting the Workforce Needs of the Future
Join us for a convening of regional business, education, and policy leaders to collaborate and innovate on how we develop the workforce of the future. Register here today.
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Marqueece Harris-Dawson Sworn in as New L.A. City Council President
Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson (District 8) has officially been sworn in as the new President of the Los Angeles City Council, succeeding Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who will complete his final term this year. In his new role, Harris-Dawson will chair council meetings, assign council committees, and oversee parliamentary duties, including ruling motions in or out of order. The Chamber was proud to join the celebratory event at City Hall, welcoming his leadership.
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Celebrating Hispanic Hertiage Month
The Chamber is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the contributions of Hispanics who have enriched our communities and nation. This week, we feature Victor Dominguez, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and Chamber Board member. Dominguez has worked with the YMCA for over 2 decades and in his role he leads 27 branches, 3 camp sites and various other programs throughout Los Angeles.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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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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ACCESS L.A.
Wednesday, October 9, 11:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Engage with city and county policymakers at ACCESS L.A. and advocate for key policies impacting the business community.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, October 17, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the next Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Ted Ross, Chief Information Officer for the City of Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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