L.A. Business This Week: Chamber Leads in Advocacy with the City of Los Angeles

Email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.

L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK

September 15, 2023

Chamber Leads in Advocacy with the City of Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce led nearly 100 delegates to L.A. City Hall this week for its ACCESS L.A. advocacy event to meet with policymakers. The Chamber's delegation attended meetings with Council President Paul Krekorian, as well as Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Eunisses Hernandez, John Lee, Tim McOsker, Imelda Padilla, Monica Rodriguez, Nithya Raman, Heather Hutt, and Katy Yaroslavsky or their staff. Delegates highlighted important issues for the business community, especially the challenges that small businesses face when working with the city. With 2024 being an important election year, the business community must engage in local politics to ensure policies support job creation and economic growth.

Chamber Recognized for 135 Years of Service to L.A.

The Chamber received special recognition at Los Angeles City Hall this week from the Los Angeles City Council, in celebration of our 135th anniversary. Council President Krekorian shared how the Chamber has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of Los Angeles and the critical infrastructure projects, such as the civic center and ports, and contributing to the successful bids for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984. Today, the Chamber is a five-star accredited organization and we are proud champions for business. We're honored to be recognized by the Los Angeles City Council for our legacy in the L.A. region and for the work we continue to do to build a better future.

L.A. Trailblazers Discusses Gender Equity & Equal Pay

Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, spoke at L.A. Trailblazers: Closing the Economic Gender Gap event this week hosted by PNC Bank. The discussion focused on paths to close the gender pay gap by increasing the number of women in the workplace, getting women into decision-making roles, and increasing the number of female-owned businesses. The Chamber also shared our dedication to supporting the immediate and long-term needs of women entrepreneurs through our programming and advocacy. Panelists included Julie Uhrman, Co-Founder & President of Angel City FC, Sarah Harden, CEO of Hello Sunshine, Haley Rosen, CEO of Just Women's Sports, and Tagu Kato, VP and Head of Design at Meta.

Legislature Adjourns 2023 Session

The California Legislature adjourned its 2023 session yesterday after considering more than 2,600 bills, marking the highest number in the past decade. Governor Gavin Newsom now has a 30-day window to either sign or veto bills passed this year. We are deeply concerned and disappointed with the passage of some seriously concerning legislation. The Chamber is strongly advocating that the Governor veto some of these bills. Please look out for some action alerts to engage and join our advocacy efforts.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

Franchise Bill

Over the weekend, labor and business groups reached a compromise to remove a referendum from next year's ballot which aimed to overturn Assembly Bill 257, known as the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act. The deal, detailed in the amended Assembly Bill 1228, includes an increase in the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour in April, along with the establishment of a new council comprised of worker and company representatives to assess potential wage increases in the future. However, the bill no longer includes the provision of joint liability, which is a provision that raised significant concerns for businesses. The Chamber will continue to advocate on the negative impacts this measure will have on businesses.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

U.S. Trade Representative Supports Hispanic Heritage Month

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai released a statement this week acknowledging the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This celebration recognizes the pivotal roles Latinos have played in shaping the nation, advocating for equity, and prioritizing inclusive prosperity through government initiatives and trade policies. The Chamber is a proud supporter of Hispanic Heritage Month, and we believe in the Ambassador's mission to use trade to benefit all citizens of our country. Read the full statement here.

UAW Strikes Against Big Three Automakers

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union went on strike today against the Big Three automakers, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler owner Stellantis for the first time in history. The strike will halt the production of several vehicles in Missouri, Michigan and Ohio. Both the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle auto parts imports and exports. A long-term UAW strike could disrupt auto parts supply chains by hampering production and increasing costs, affecting the broader economy as well as the San Pedro-based ports.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

OneLA Procurement Workshop

The Chamber is hosting Get in the Game: Prepare to Meet the Buyer, a workshop happening on Oct.3. Attendance at this virtual training session is required to qualify for one-on-one B2B matchmaking appointments at the OneLA Procurement Fair happening on Oct. 18. Register here.

LA vs. Hate: Latine Mural Unveiling

LA vs. Hate will unveil its Latine community mural on Sept. 30 at the Valley Mall in El Monte. The dedication ceremony will feature speakers, performances, family-friendly activities, food and more. LA vs. Hate is L.A. County's community-centered organization designed to support all residents and communities. Learn more and register here.

Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Heat is the deadliest weather hazard. Prepare for extreme heat in Southern California by following Heat Ready CA's Heat Tips: stay cool, stay hydrated and look after each other. These extreme heat tips are even more important for those working outside. Take regular breaks in the shade, and wear appropriate protective gear to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. Learn more here and view resources in English and Spanish.

CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

Portal Schools Announces Portal Learning

Portal Schools has announced its transition into Portal Learning to provide career-enhancing learning opportunities. Portal Learning is a non-profit organization focused on bridging the gap between education and employment. They offer career-connected learning as a service to schools and employers. Through sustained partnerships with local industries, Portal Learning provides real-world learning opportunities for students while offering short and long-term talent and social impact benefits to industry partners. Learn more here.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, we pay homage to generations of Hispanic Americans who have greatly influenced and enriched our nation. This month we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the impact of this community both within the Chamber family and beyond.

New Member

Member Anniversaries

COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

Speed Networking Breakfast

Tuesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us for an exciting speed networking breakfast to make valuable connections before your business day begins. You will meet and connect with professionals from various industries to build mutually beneficial relationships in a fast-paced, fun environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and take your business to the next level!

RSVP

Occupational Therapy in the Health Care Community

Wednesday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Health Care Council for a special session with Samia H. Rafeedie, Director of the Occupational Therapy Professional Program at USC. She will discuss the impacts of occupational therapy in the health care community. There will also be updates on key policy issues the Chamber is monitoring in the current legislature.

RSVP

Innovation and Technology Council

Thursday, September 21, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Register for our next Innovation and Technology Council with AJ Chan, Founder of Popcorn Robot and Coding Instructor at UCLA. Chan will present how learning about technology can advance your career, no matter your background.

RSVP

VIEW FULL CALENDAR